Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To appropriately assist the movement of a display medium such as an avatar in a virtual space.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a drawing portion that draws a display image for a terminal including at least one display medium positioned in a virtual space; an acquisition portion that acquires input from a user; and a position change portion that changes a position of the display medium associated with one user in the virtual space based on a first input from the one user acquired by the acquisition portion. The drawing portion draws guidance information indicating a positional relationship between the first display medium and a second display medium associated with another user, and supplementary guidance information that supplements the guidance information, in association with the first display medium. The supplementary guidance information includes distance information related to a distance between the first display medium and the second display medium, and distance change information. The change modes of the information are reflected in the display mode of a predetermined mark for drawing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the virtual space, multiple types of spaces such as rooms and ice kingdoms are set up, and specific spaces are A technique is known in which a door for entering a space where an avatar is located is placed in the space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-109835 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the virtual space is designed to be a realistic and expansive space, it will be easier to reach the desired space. In such cases, the distance each avatar must travel to reach the destination tends to be relatively long. To make it easier to move your avatar to the desired position, It would be useful to be able to provide assistance.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for moving a display medium such as an avatar in a virtual space. The purpose is to provide appropriate assistance to the movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space is depicted. a drawing unit for drawing a picture, an acquisition unit for acquiring an input from a user, and a drawing unit for drawing a picture, Based on a first input from a user, it is associated with the one user in the virtual space a position changing unit that changes the position of the first display medium, and the drawing unit is the first display medium guiding information representing the positional relationship between the medium and a second display medium associated with another user, and the supplementary guiding information supplementing the guiding information is drawn in association with the first display medium, and the supplementary guiding information includes distance information and distance change information related to the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium, and their changing modes are drawn reflecting the display mode of a predetermined mark. An information processing system is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, according to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to appropriately assist the movement of a display medium such as an avatar in a virtual space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Overview of Virtual Reality Generation System) Referring to FIG. 1, the overview of a virtual reality generation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the virtual reality generation system 1 according to this embodiment. The virtual reality generation system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more. The server device 10 is, for example, a server managed by an operator who provides one or more virtual realities. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a device used by a user such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a head-mounted display, or a game device. The terminal devices 20 can typically be connected to the server device 10 via a network 3 in different manners for each user. The server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 are connected via a network 3. The terminal device 20 can execute a virtual reality application according to this embodiment. The virtual reality application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be provided in the terminal device 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are shown in FIG. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more. That's all.

[0011] The server device 10 is, for example, a server managed by an operator who provides one or more virtual realities. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a device used by a user such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a head-mounted display, or a game device. Personal Computer), a head-mounted display, or a game device, etc. The terminal device 20 is a device used by the user. Typically, multiple terminal devices 20 can be connected to the server device 10 via the network 3 in different manners for each user.

[0012] The terminal device 20 can execute a virtual reality application according to this embodiment. The virtual reality application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be provided in the terminal device 20. It may be pre-stored in a storage medium such as a memory card that can be read by the storage device or the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicably connected via the network 3. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to virtual reality.

[0013] Note that the network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wired network, or any combination thereof.

[0014] Here, an overview of the virtual reality according to the present embodiment will be described. The virtual reality according to the present embodiment is, for example, virtual reality for any reality such as education, travel, role-playing, simulation, games, concerts, and other entertainment. During the execution of the virtual reality, virtual reality media such as avatars are used. For example, the virtual reality according to the present embodiment is realized by a three-dimensional virtual space, various virtual reality media appearing in the virtual space, and various contents provided in the virtual space.

[0015] The virtual reality media is electronic data used in virtual reality, and includes, for example, cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-virtual-reality currency), tokens (e.g., Non-Fungible Token (NFT)), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. It also includes level information, status information, virtual reality parameter information (such as physical strength and attack power), or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs It may be virtual reality-related information such as (etc.). Further, the virtual reality medium can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, or gifted, etc. within the virtual reality by the user However, the virtual reality medium is electronic data that can be, but the usage modes of the virtual reality medium are not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification It may be realized by a plurality of server computers cooperating with each other. For example, the server device 10 may be realized by cooperating with a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, etc It may also include a Web server. In this case, a part of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by the browser processing the HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) attached thereto

[0016] (Configuration of Server Device) The configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is composed of a server computer It may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of server computers. For example, the server device 10 may be realized by cooperation of a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, etc It may be realized by cooperation of a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, etc It may be realized by cooperation of a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, etc It may also include a Web server. In this case, a part of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by the browser processing the HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) attached thereto A part of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by the browser processing the HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) attached thereto It may be realized by the browser processing the HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) attached thereto It may also include a Web server. In this case, a part of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by the browser processing the HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) attached thereto

[0017] The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13 and includes

[0018] The server communication unit 11 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and performing transmission and reception of information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module, etc. The server communication unit 11 can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3 It can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3 It can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3

[0019] The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs necessary for various processes related to virtual reality. For example, the server storage unit 12 stores a virtual reality application .

[0020] In addition, the server storage unit 12 stores data for rendering a virtual space, such as images of indoor spaces such as buildings, and outdoor spaces. Note that multiple types of data for rendering a virtual space may be prepared for each virtual space and used appropriately.

[0021] Furthermore, the server storage unit 12 stores various images (texture images) for casting shadows (texture mapping) on various objects arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space.

[0022] For example, the server storage unit 12 stores rendering information of a user avatar M1 as a virtual reality medium associated with each user. Note that the user is a user of the virtual reality generation system 1. In addition to general users, the user may include a staff user who operates an avatar in relation to the operator of the virtual reality generation system 1, a guest user who provides contents in the virtual space, and the like. In the virtual space, the user avatar M1 is rendered based on the rendering information of the user avatar M1.

[0023] In addition, the server storage unit 12 stores rendering information related to various objects different from the user avatar M1, such as buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs (Non Player Characters). Various objects in the virtual space are rendered based on such rendering information.

[0024] ​​​​​​​​​​​Hereinafter, an object corresponding to any virtual reality medium different from the user avatar M1 (for example, a building, a wall, a tree, or an NPC, etc.), which is an object drawn in the virtual space, is also referred to as the second object M3. In this embodiment, the second object M3 may include an object fixed in the virtual space, an object movable in the virtual space, etc. Also, the second object M3 may include an object always arranged in the virtual space, an object arranged only when a predetermined arrangement condition is satisfied, etc.

[0025] The server control unit 13 may include a dedicated microprocessor or a CPU (Central Processing Unit ) that realizes a specific function by loading a specific program, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. For example, the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to execute a virtual reality application according to a user operation on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20. Also, the server control unit 13 executes various processes related to virtual reality. Details of the specific processes of the server control unit 13 will be described later.

[0026] (Configuration of the Terminal Device) The configuration of the terminal device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

[0027] The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmitting and receiving information. The terminal communication unit 21 is, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolu tion ​​​​​​(Trademark) or a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module that supports mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc. may be included. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3. The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-described information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10. The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured as, for example, a touch panel and functions as an interface for detecting various user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display. It may include modules corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc., a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3. The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-described information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10.

[0028] The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured as, for example, a touch panel and functions as an interface for detecting various user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display. It may include modules corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc., a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3. The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-described information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10. The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured as, for example, a touch panel and functions as an interface for detecting various user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display. It may include modules corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc., a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3. The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-described information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10. The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured as, for example, a touch panel and functions as an interface for detecting various user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display. It may include modules corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc., a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3. The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-described information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10.

[0029] The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured as, for example, a touch panel and functions as an interface for detecting various user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display. It may include modules corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc., a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3. The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for virtual reality processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-described information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10. The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured as, for example, a touch panel and functions as an interface for detecting various user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display. It may include modules corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), the fifth-generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc., a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3.

[0030] The input unit 24 includes, for example, a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 23, and an input interface including a face. The input unit 24 can receive user input to the terminal device 20. Also, the input unit 24 may include physical keys, and may further include any input interface such as a pointing device such as a mouse. Further, the input unit 24 may be able to receive non-contact user input such as voice input and gesture input. Note that, for gesture input, sensors (such as an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, etc.) for detecting the movement of the user's body may be used. The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20. The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used for various processes related to virtual reality from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22. For example, a browser (Internet browser) for connecting to a Web server may be stored in the terminal storage unit 22. The terminal control unit 25 starts a virtual reality application according to a user operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute various processes related to virtual reality. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display an image of a virtual space. On the screen, for example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for detecting user operations is displayed.

[0031]

[0032]

[0033] It may be. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation on the screen via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect a tap operation, a long tap operation, a flick operation, a swipe operation, etc. of the user. The tap operation is an operation in which the user touches the display unit 23 with a finger and then releases the finger. The terminal control unit 25 sends the operation information to the server device 10.

[0034] (Example of virtual space) The server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to display an image of a virtual space on the display unit 23 and updates the image of the virtual space according to the progress of the virtual reality and the user's operation. In this embodiment the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to draw the objects arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space in the representation seen from the virtual camera arranged in the virtual space.

[0035] Note that the drawing process described below is realized by the server control unit 13, but in other embodiments part or all of the drawing process described below may be realized by the server control unit 13. Note that in the following description, at least a part of the image of the virtual space displayed on the terminal device 20 is web displayed on the terminal device 20 based on the data generated by the server device 10, and at least a part of the image is native displayed by the native application installed in the terminal device 20.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a virtual space that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the virtual space may include a plurality of space parts. Each of the plurality of space parts ​​​, a space where the user avatar M1 can enter, and unique contents may be provided in each of them. Each of the plurality of spaces may be generated in a manner that forms spaces continuous with each other within the virtual space, similar to various spaces in the real world. Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of spaces may be discontinuous with each other. Discontinuous means a relationship connected in a manner contrary to the physical laws in the real world, for example, a relationship between space parts that can move in a teleportation manner such as a warp. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the virtual space includes a plurality of content-providing space parts 70 and a free space part 71. In the free space part 71, the user avatar M1 can basically move freely. Note that also in the free space part 71, contents (for example, various contents described later such as those provided in the space part 70) may be provided as appropriate. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The type and number of contents (contents provided in virtual reality) provided in the space part 70 are arbitrary. In the present embodiment, as an example, the contents provided in the space part 70 include digital contents such as various videos. The video may be a real-time video. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the virtual space includes a plurality of content-providing space parts 70 and a free space part 71. In the free space part 71, the user avatar M1 can basically move freely. Note that also in the free space part 71, contents (for example, various contents described later such as those provided in the space part 70) may be provided as appropriate. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 7C. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70.

[0039] The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70. The space part 70 may be a space part separated from the free space part 71 by at least a part by a wall body (example of the second object M3) or a movement prohibition part (example of the second object M3). For example, the space part 70 may have an entrance / exit (for example, a hole or a second object M3 such as a door) through which the user avatar M1 can enter and exit with respect to the free space part 71. In the space part 70, contents may be provided to the user avatar M1 located in the space part 70.

[0040] The type and number of contents (contents provided in virtual reality) provided in the space part 70 are arbitrary. In the present embodiment, as an example, the contents provided in the space part 70 include digital contents such as various videos. The video may be a real-time video. The type and number of contents (contents provided in virtual reality) provided in the space part 70 are arbitrary. In the present embodiment, as an example, the contents provided in the space part 70 include digital contents such as various videos. The video may be a real-time video. The type and number of contents (contents provided in virtual reality) provided in the space part 70 are arbitrary. In the present embodiment, as an example, the contents provided in the space part 70 include digital contents such as various videos. The video may be a real-time video. The image may be a non-real-time image. Also, the image may be an image based on a real image or an image based on CG (Computer Graphics). The image may be an image for information provision. In this case, the image is for the information provision service of a specific genre (information provision service related to travel, accommodation, food, fashion, health, beauty, etc.), or a broadcast service by a specific user (e.g., Youtube (registered trademark)), etc.

[0041] Note that the content provided in the space unit 70 may be various items available in the virtual space (examples of the second object M3). In this case, the space unit 70 that provides various items may be in the form of a sales place. Alternatively, the content provided in the space unit 70 may be the acquisition right of an item available in reality, a token, etc. Note that a part of the plurality of space units 70 may be a space unit that does not provide content.

[0042] Each of the space units 70 may be operated by a different entity, similar to a real store. In this case, the operator of each space unit 70 may use the corresponding space unit 70 by paying a store fee, etc. to the operator of the virtual reality generation system 1.

[0043] Note that the virtual space may be expandable as the number of space units 70 increases. Alternatively, a plurality of virtual spaces may be set for each attribute of the content provided in the space unit 70. In this case, the virtual spaces may be discontinuous from each other as "space units", or may be in a continuous form.

[0044] (Rendering function in virtual space)​​​​​​​​​​ The server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to display a display image for the terminal (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "terminal image") on the display unit 23, and updates the terminal image. In a modified example, the terminal image may be drawn by the terminal device 20 (see FIG. 24 etc.).

[0045] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the terminal image, and is a diagram showing an example of the terminal image. In FIG. 3, a part of the virtual space is drawn together with the user avatar M1 (user name "User A"). The terminal image may be drawn as an image from the virtual camera 60 arranged in the virtual space. In this case, the virtual camera 60 may be set for each user avatar M1. Also, the virtual camera 60 may include a camera in a form installed at a fixed point in addition to the camera for each user avatar M1.

[0046] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the camera parameters of the virtual camera 60. FIG. 4 shows the field plane 40 positioned in the global coordinate system. The global coordinate system is a coordinate system fixedly associated with the virtual space. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the field plane 40 refers to the field plane 40 in a state where the field image is projected (the field plane 40 of the field object). The field plane 40 represents the field of the virtual space. Note that for each of two or more discontinuous space portions, field planes 40 that are discontinuous from each other in the global coordinate system may be set. In the present embodiment, the camera parameters include two position parameters (X, Y), a distance parameter A2, an orientation parameter θ, and an angle of attack parameter ψ. All of these parameters

[0047] Once the meter value is determined, the virtual camera 60 is uniquely positioned relative to the global coordinate system. When the angle of attack parameter ψ reaches approximately 90 degrees, a bird's-eye view display becomes possible.

[0048] The position parameter X is the x coordinate of the intersection point on the xy plane of the line of sight V, and the position parameter Y is the y coordinate of the intersection point on the xy plane of the line of sight V, and the distance parameter A2 is the is the distance from the intersection point on the xy plane of V to the virtual camera 60 (the distance along the line of sight V). The orientation parameter θ is the angle between the projection vector V' of the line of sight V on the xy plane and the x-axis. The angle of attack parameter ψ is the angle between the line of sight V and the xy plane. In the embodiment, the angle of attack parameter ψ is utilized, but the angle of attack parameter ψ may be omitted. That is, the angle-of-attack parameter ψ may have a constant value (fixed value).

[0049] Some or all of the values of these various camera parameters are The values of the parameters related to the and / or may be changed in response to input from a user. For example, Each value of the position parameter (X, Y) may correspond to the position of the user avatar M1. These camera parameters are just an example, and in actual processing, different parameters may be used equivalently. For example, the camera parameters may be height relative to the xy plane and orthogonal and rotation parameters about three axes (i.e., yaw, roll, and pitch) The camera parameters may also include other parameters such as focal length, etc.

[0050] (Details of the avatar navigation function) In this embodiment, the virtual space can also function as a place for communication between users via the user avatar M1. In this case, for example, a plurality of users can receive content provided in a specific space part 70 at a predetermined time by making a prior appointment. In this case, the plurality of users can communicate with each other through the provision of content. Alternatively, a plurality of users can gather in a specific space part 70 at a predetermined time by making a prior appointment and enjoy conversations (such as chats). )

[0051] By the way, different from the real situation, virtual reality allows the virtual space to be designed relatively freely. For example, it is possible to design the virtual space as a space that mimics the real world and has an extension. In this case, a relatively large number of space parts can be arranged in the virtual space. For example, a large-scale virtual space like a mall can be constructed, and the ability to attract users to the virtual space (the number and frequency of user avatars M1 visiting the virtual space) can be enhanced.

[0052] However, if the virtual space is designed as a space that mimics the real world and has an extension, the moving distance of each avatar to reach the desired space part tends to be relatively long. In such a case, it is useful to be able to assist the user avatar M1 so that it can easily reach the desired space part.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, the virtual reality generation system 1 has an avatar movement guidance function that assists or guides the user avatar M1 to easily reach the desired space part or the desired position within the space part, as will be described in detail below.

[0054] Hereinafter, the server device 10 related to the avatar movement guidance function is an information processing system. realizes an example. However, as will be described later, each element of a specific one terminal device 20 (refer to the terminal communication unit 21 to the terminal control unit 25 in FIG. 1) may realize an example of the information processing system, or a plurality of terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of the information processing system. Further, the server device 1 0 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of the information processing system.

[0055] FIG. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram of the server device 10 related to the avatar movement guidance function. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the data in the user database 140. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the data in the avatar data base 142. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the data in the content information storage unit 144. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the data in the ticket information storage unit 145. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the data in the group state storage unit 146. Note that in FIGS. 6 to 10 , "***" represents a state in which some information is stored, "-" represents a state in which no information is stored, and "···" represents a similar repetition.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 10 includes a user database 140, an avatar database 142, a content information storage unit 144, a ticket information storage unit 145, a group state storage unit 146, a group setting unit 150, a user avatar processing unit 152, a terminal screen image generation unit 158, a content processing unit 159, an interaction processing unit 160, a first movement authority processing unit 162, a second movement authority processing unit 164, a determination processing unit 166, and a parameter update unit 17 0. Note that some or all of the functions of the server device 10 described below may be realized by the terminal device 20 as appropriate (refer to FIG. 25). Further, the user database 140 or The classification of the group state memory unit 146 and the classification from the group setting unit 150 to the parameter update unit 1 70 are for convenience of explanation, and even if some functional units realize the functions of other functional units it is okay. For example, the functions of the group setting unit 150, the user avatar processing unit 152, the terminal image generation unit 1 58, the content processing unit 159, and the dialogue processing unit 160 may be realized by the terminal device 20 Further, for example, some or all of the data in the user database 140 may be integrated into the data in the avatar database 142, or may be stored in another database instead.

[0057] Note that the group state memory unit 146 can be realized by the server memory unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 from the user database 140, and the parameter update unit 170 from the group setting unit 150 can be realized by the server control unit 13 shown in FIG 1. Also, a part (the functional unit that communicates with the terminal device 20) of the parameter update unit 170 from the group setting unit 150 can be realized by the server communication unit 11 together with the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 1. Among the parameter update units 170 from the group setting unit 150 can be realized by the server communication unit 11 together with the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1.

[0058] User information is stored in the user database 140. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the user information includes user information 600 related to the user.

[0059] The user information 600 has a user ID associated with a user name, user authentication information, a user avatar I D, position / orientation information, friend information, etc. The user name is a name registered by the user himself and is arbitrary. The user authentication information is information for indicating that the user is a legitimate user, and for example, a password, an email address, a birthday, a password phrase, a biometric information, etc. is information for indicating that the user is a legitimate user, and for example, a password, an email address, a birthday, a password phrase, a biometric It may include information and the like. The friend information may include information for identifying a user in a friend relationship (for example, a user ID).

[0060] The user avatar ID is an ID for identifying a user avatar. In the present embodiment, the user avatar ID is associated one by one with each user ID. Therefore, in the following description, the expression "associated with the user (or user ID)" or the like is synonymous with the expression "associated with the user avatar ID" or the like. However, in other embodiments, a plurality of user avatar IDs may be associated with one user ID.

[0061] The position / orientation information includes the position information and orientation information of the user avatar M1. The orientation information may be information representing the orientation of the face of the user avatar M1. Note that the position / orientation information and the like are information that can change dynamically according to an operation input from the user. In addition to the position / orientation information, information representing the movement of the hands and feet of the user avatar M1, facial expressions (for example, mouth movement), the orientation of the face and head or the line-of-sight direction (for example, the orientation of the eyeballs), and information representing an object indicating the orientation and coordinates in the space such as a laser pointer may be included.

[0062] Avatar database 142 stores avatar information regarding user avatar M1.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the avatar information 700 has a face part ID, a hairstyle part ID, a clothing part ID, etc. associated with each user avatar ID. The part information regarding the appearance such as the face part ID, the hairstyle part ID, and the clothing part ID is a parameter characterizing the user avatar M1. It is a tag and may be selected by each corresponding user. For example, regarding the user avatar M1 Regarding appearance-related information such as face part ID, hairstyle part ID, and clothing part ID, multiple types are prepared Regarding the face part ID, part IDs are prepared for various types such as the shape of the face, eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Regarding the information related to the face part ID, it may be managed by combining the IDs of each part constituting the face. In this case, based on each ID related to the appearance associated with each avatar ID, not only the server device 10 but also on the terminal device 20 side, each user avatar M1 can be drawn.

[0064] In the content information storage unit 144, various content information regarding the content that can be provided in the virtual space is stored. For example, for each content, its content providing position (e.g., the ID of the space part), content, etc. are stored.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the content information 800 associates each content ID with the content providing position (denoted as "providing position" in FIG. 8) and the content (denoted as "content" in FIG. 8). etc.

[0066] The content providing position is a position in the virtual space and includes the position where the user can receive the provision of the content via the content processing unit 159. That is, the content providing position includes the position where the user can receive the provision of the content. The content providing position may be defined by the coordinate value of a single point, but typically, it may be defined by the coordinate values of a set of regions or space parts that form a single entity. Moreover, the content providing position may be a position on a plane. Even if it is a position in space (i.e., a position represented by a three-dimensional coordinate system including the height direction), it is acceptable. Note that the unit of content associated with one content providing position is one piece of content (one unit of content). Therefore, for example, even if two types of videos can be viewed at a certain content providing position, the entire two types of videos are one piece of content,

[0067] The content may include information such as the content name, summary, creator, etc.

[0068] The content information storage unit 144 may further store information representing conditions (hereinafter also referred to as "content providing conditions") that should be satisfied in order to receive the provision of each content at each content providing position. The content providing conditions may be set for each content ID. The content providing conditions may be set based on the providing time, the necessity of a ticket, age, etc.

[0069] The ticket information storage unit 145 stores ticket information (an example of authority information) related to tickets. A ticket is a virtual reality medium representing the moving authority for the user avatar M1 to move to a content providing position (for example, one or more positions within the space part) in the virtual space (and thus the authority to receive the provision of content at the content providing position). Note that the ticket management screen displayed by operating the ticket management button 303 described later with reference to FIG. 3, or the ticket state 1880 within the group information display area 3000 described later with reference to FIG. 18 may be generated based on the data in the ticket information storage unit 145.

[0070] ​​​​​​​​​​​​In the example shown in FIG. 9, the ticket information 900 associates a ticket ID with a content providing position, an owner ID, purchase information, authentication information for transfer, transfer information, a valid flag, etc. is associated.

[0071] The ticket ID is a unique ID assigned to each ticket.

[0072] The content providing position represents a position within a virtual space where it is possible to be located based on the movement authority related to the ticket. The content providing position includes positions where content can be received. The content providing position may be defined by a single coordinate value, but typically may be defined by a plurality of coordinate values forming a lump of regions or a spatial part. Also, the content providing position may be a position on a plane or a position in space (i.e., a position represented by a three-dimensional coordinate system including the height direction) may be. The content providing position is typically set for each content according to the content providing position and attributes.

[0073] Note that the ticket information 900 shown in FIG. 9 is suitable when a plurality of types of content providing positions, such as the plurality of spatial parts 70 shown in FIG. 2, are associated. When there is only one type of content providing position, the content providing position in the ticket information 900 may be omitted .

[0074] The owner ID corresponds to the user ID of the user who currently holds the ticket. Since the ticket is transferable as described above, the owner ID may change subsequently.

[0075] The purchase information represents a purchaser ID, a purchase date and time, a purchase method, etc. Note that the purchaser ID is the purchaser ​​It is the user ID associated with the user who performed the input.

[0076] The authentication information for transfer is the authentication information required for transfer, and the information is different for each ticket ID. information.

[0077] The transfer information may indicate the presence or absence of one or more transfers, and may further indicate the transfer date and time, etc. Note that In FIG. 9, "-" indicates that no transfer has been made.

[0078] The valid flag is flag information indicating the validity of the ticket. In this embodiment, as an example when the valid flag is "1", it represents the state where the ticket is valid, and when the valid flag is "0", it represents the state where the ticket is invalid. The state where the ticket is valid corresponds to the state where the user avatar M1 associated with the ticket can move to the content providing position associated with the ticket (and accordingly, can receive the provision of specific content at the content providing position). (and the state where the user avatar M1 associated with the ticket can move to the content providing position associated with the ticket (and accordingly, can receive the provision of specific content at the content providing position). (and the state where the user avatar M1 associated with the ticket can move to the content providing position associated with the ticket (and accordingly, can receive the provision of specific content at the content providing position).

[0079] The validity of the ticket may be set for each attribute of the ticket. For example, for a ticket of a certain attribute, the corresponding user avatar M1 (for example, the user avatar M1 associated with the purchaser ID) may be invalidated when it reaches the content providing position (or at a point immediately after that, at the time when it reaches the content providing position). Also, for tickets of other attributes, the corresponding user avatar M1 may be invalidated at the point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed since it reached the content providing position. Also, for tickets of other attributes, the corresponding user avatar M1 may be invalidated when it leaves the content providing position after reaching the content providing position. M1 may be invalidated when it leaves the content providing position after reaching the content providing position. M1 may be invalidated when it leaves the content providing position after reaching the content providing position. M1 may be invalidated when it leaves the content providing position after reaching the content providing position. It may be transformed. Alternatively, a mechanism that allows re-entry with the same ticket may be further implemented. This is acceptable. In this case, the validity of the ticket may be maintained until a predetermined time has elapsed since the corresponding user avatar M1 reaches the content providing position. Alternatively, the validity of the ticket may be invalidated when movement (entry) to the content providing position is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0080] The group state storage unit 146 stores group state information regarding the state of groups active in the virtual space. The groups are set by a group setting unit 150 described later. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the group state information 1000 has a corresponding group name and user ID (user ID related to the user belonging to the corresponding group) associated with each group ID. Note that a plurality of user IDs may be associated with one group ID. Note that a group may sometimes be called a party.

[0081] The group setting unit 150 sets a group composed of one or more users who communicate in the virtual space. For example, when each user enters the virtual space via the user avatar M1, the user enters a group name. In this case, the group setting unit 150 may set a group ID for each group name and set users who have entered the same virtual space name as the same group. In this case, the virtual space may be generated for each group so that each user within the group can share one virtual space. Thereby, for example, a plurality of users who want to communicate in the virtual space can communicate in a common virtual space without communicating with other users (users in different groups) by entering a common virtual space name notified in advance. ​ Moreover, since the virtual space can be managed for each group, a single virtual space can be shared by a large number of users. Compared with the case where information of other users is transmitted to the terminal device 20 associated with a single user, the amount of information of other users to be transmitted can be reduced, so that the communication load of the entire virtual reality generation system 1 can be reduced. In the modified example, a single virtual space may be simultaneously available to users belonging to a plurality of groups. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, each user avatar M1 belongs to the same group.

[0082] In addition, when a single user enters the virtual space via the user avatar M1, the group setting unit 150 may cooperate with the terminal image generation unit 158 to display the group information currently set in the terminal device 2 0 associated with the single user. In this case, the group information may include the group name and information representing its members (such as user names). In addition, the display of the group name may function as a selection button. In this case, a user who has found the display of a desired group name can easily join the desired group by operating the corresponding selection button. Note that joining a group may require permission from a user who is a member of the group.

[0083] In another embodiment, the group setting unit 150 may allocate each user to one of a plurality of groups without being based on an input from the user. In this case, the allocation may be realized so that the number of users belonging to a single group is equalized. Thereby, the balance of the processing load for each group can be equalized. At this time, the group setting unit 15 0 may allocate users whose entry times are close to the same group, or the attributes of the users ​​​​​Allocation according to information (such as age, gender, preferences, etc.) may be realized.

[0084] The user avatar processing unit 152 executes various processes related to each user avatar M1. The user avatar processing unit 152 includes, for each user avatar M1, an operation input acquisition unit 1521 (an example of the acquisition unit) and a user motion processing unit 1522.

[0085] The operation input acquisition unit 1521 acquires operation input information generated according to various operations by the user. Note that the operation input information by the user is generated through the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20 described above.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the operation input information may include an operation input (an example of the first input) for changing the position of the user avatar M1 in the virtual space, an operation input for changing the value of other parameters (parameters other than movement) such as the orientation of the user avatar M1, an operation input generated through the user interface drawn by the user interface drawing unit 1582, and voice or text input used by the dialogue processing unit 160. The operation input generated through the user interface includes a warp input (an example of the second input) generated through a warp button 1800 described later.

[0087] Note that the operation input for changing the position of the user avatar M1 in the virtual space is an operation input for moving the user avatar M1, and is hereinafter also referred to as a "movement operation input". Also, hereinafter, an operation input for changing the value of other parameters (parameters other than movement) such as the orientation of the user avatar M1 is also referred to as an "avatar-related input". Note that the movement operation input and the avatar-related input The continuous input may be generated by operating specific keys (e.g., "WASD" keys), or may be generated through a user interface including arrow buttons or the like, or may be generated by movements such as voice or gestures.

[0088] In this embodiment, the user operation processing unit 1522 includes a basic operation processing unit 15221 (an example of a position change unit), a first warp processing unit 15222, and a second warp processing unit 15223.

[0089] Based on the operation input information (movement operation input or avatar-related input) acquired by the operation input acquisition unit 1521, the basic operation processing unit 15221 determines the position and orientation of each user avatar M 1 in the virtual space. The position / orientation information of each user avatar M 1 determined (generated) by the basic operation processing unit 15221 may be stored (updated) in association with the corresponding user ID, for example (see FIG. 6). Further, the basic operation processing unit 15221 may determine various movements of the user avatar M1 such as the hands and face based on the operation input information. In this case, such movement information may also be stored (updated) together with the position / orientation information of the user avatar M1.

[0090] When one user avatar M1 moves into the warp area (an example of a predetermined area) in the virtual space, the first warp processing unit 15222 moves the one user avatar M1 to a first predetermined position that is at least a predetermined distance D1 away from the warp area or to a first predetermined position within a space part different from the space part to which the warp area belongs. And performs a process of moving the one user avatar M1 (hereinafter referred to as "first warp process"). Note that the first warp process for one user avatar M1 is performed on the one user avatar ​​​​​​This involves changing at least the position information among the position / orientation information of the butter M1.

[0091] In this case, the predetermined distance D1 is a relatively large distance. For example, the processing of the first warp process The user avatar M1 can move only by the movement operation input per unit time corresponding to the time. It may be significantly larger than the maximum distance. The distance determined by the predetermined distance D1 (the distance from the warp area to the first predetermined position) may be a straight-line distance or a distance along the movement path of the user avatar M1.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first predetermined position is set as another warp area. That is, in this embodiment, the user avatar M1 can move in a mode of directly going back and forth between two warp areas. Note that the time required for directly going back and forth between the two warp areas is significantly shorter than the time when the user avatar M1 is moved based on the movement operation input for the distance between the two warp areas. As a result, the user can realize efficient movement by using the warp area. In a modification, the first predetermined position may not be a warp area but only allow one-way warping. Note that a plurality of warp areas may be set, and only some of the warp areas may allow only one-way warping.

[0093] FIG. 11A shows an example of an image for a terminal including a warp area 1100 in the virtual space shown in FIG. 2. The warp area 1100 may have a fixed position or may have its position changed as appropriate. Also, the warp area 1100 may appear when a predetermined appearance condition is satisfied. The destination from the warp area 1100 is set for each warp area 1100. It may be. Note that the destination from the warp area 1100 does not necessarily have to be a space part different from the space part to which the current position belongs (for example, a discontinuous space part), and may be set within the space part to which the current position belongs.

[0094] In the present embodiment, as described above, in a mode where direct movement back and forth between two warp areas is possible , a warp area corresponding to one warp area 1100 is set in the destination space part or the like . In this case, bidirectional movement via the warp area is possible. For example, in FIG. 2, a pair of warp areas 1100-1 and 1100-2 are schematically shown. In this case, when moving into one of the warp areas 1100-1 and 1100-2, instantaneous movement (hereinafter referred to as "teleportation") to the other warp area can be realized. Teleportation between two points ( for example, teleportation between a pair of warp areas 1100-1 and 1100-2) is a movement mode that cannot be realized in reality, and for example, refers to a movement mode in which the user avatar M1 can move between two points in a time significantly shorter than the minimum time required when moving the user avatar M1 by a movement operation input. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 2, the two warp areas 1100 are set within the free space part 71 , but a part or all of the plurality of warp areas may be set within the space part 70. Also

[0095] , there are two or more destinations where teleportation is possible from one warp area, and they may be selectable by the user or may be randomly selected.

[0096] When the second warp processing unit 15223 is located within a specific area in the virtual space by one user avatar M1 , the user associated with the one user avatar M1 (that is, the current one) In response to a warp input from a user who operates the user avatar M1, a process of moving the user avatar M1 to a second predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as "second warp process") is performed . In this case, the second predetermined position may be set within the space part to which the specific area belongs, or may be set within a space part different from the space part to which the specific area belongs. The second predetermined position may be fixed or variable. Note that the second warp process for one user avatar M1 involves changing at least the position information among the position / orientation information of the one user avatar M1 .

[0097] In the present embodiment, the second predetermined position is set for each user avatar M1. The second predetermined position set for one user avatar M1 may be set according to the position of another user avatar M1 having a predetermined relationship with the one user avatar M1 . The predetermined relationship is arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, as an example, it includes a relationship belonging to the same group set by the group setting unit 150. In other embodiments, from the same viewpoint, the predetermined relationship may include a friend relationship. Hereinafter, another user avatar M1 having a predetermined relationship with one user avatar M1 is also referred to as a "friend avatar".

[0098] In this case, the second predetermined position set for one user avatar M1 may be set, for example, within a predetermined distance D2 from the position of the friend avatar. In this case, the predetermined distance D2 is a relatively small distance. For example, in the user terminal image related to one user avatar M1, it may be a distance such that the friend avatar is drawn immediately after the second warp process . In this case, one user avatar M1 teleports to beside the friend avatar ​​​​​​​​​ This becomes possible. In this case, the original position of one user avatar M1 may be a position within the space where the friend avatar is located, or may be a position within a different space from the space where the friend avatar is located. Note that the second predetermined position, which is the destination of one user avatar M1, is arbitrary as long as it is within a predetermined distance D2 from the position of the friend avatar. For example, it may have a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the position of the friend avatar, such as within a predetermined distance D2 from the position of the friend avatar and at a position behind or to the side of the friend avatar.

[0099] According to such a second warp process, even when it is difficult for the user to move their user avatar M1 to the vicinity of the friend avatar by a movement operation input, the user can move the user avatar M1 to the vicinity of the friend avatar simply by operating the warp button 1800 described later. Therefore, convenience is improved. Such convenience becomes particularly prominent when the virtual space is large and a large number of spaces are arranged within the virtual space. In addition, according to the second warp process, since the drawing process for drawing a relatively long movement process of the user avatar M1 by a movement operation input can be omitted, an effect of reducing the processing load can also be obtained. Also, in the terminal device 20, the processing load related to drawing and the accompanying power consumption (decrease in the charging state of the power supply) can be reduced.

[0100] The second warp process can reduce the load on the user's movement operation input (and the accompanying load on the drawing process) in this way. On the other hand, when the user avatar M1 moves within the virtual space, it reduces the opportunity for new discoveries (for example, the appearance of a new space or changes in the second object M3 such as decorations). ​ In the free space section 71, various information that is necessary or useful (for example, content related to tutorials, advertisements, etc. in the free space section 71, the second object M3, the newly established space section 70, etc.) There is an aspect that reduces the opportunity to provide. )

[0101] Therefore, even if the second warp process is made executable when a predetermined warp condition is satisfied It is okay. The predetermined warp condition is arbitrary. For example, the predetermined warp condition may be adapted to be satisfied when the load of the movement operation input by the user becomes relatively high. For example , the predetermined warp condition may be satisfied when the distance to the friend avatar is equal to or more than a predetermined distance D3, or , the predetermined warp condition may be satisfied when the friend avatar is located in a space section different from the user avatar M1 (the user avatar M1 that can be the target of the second warp process). Note that the distance of the user avatar M1 to the friend avatar May be calculated based on the position information among the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1.

[0102] The terminal image generation unit 158 draws each virtual reality medium (for example, the user avatar M1) that can move in the virtual space. Specifically, the terminal image generation unit 158 is based on the avatar information 700 ( See FIG. 7) and the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1, etc., and generates a terminal image to be displayed on the terminal device 20 related to each user.

[0103] For example, for each user avatar M1, the terminal image generation unit 158 generates an image (terminal image) to be displayed on the terminal device 20 related to the user associated with the one user avatar M1 based on the position / orientation information of the one user avatar M1. Specifically, the terminal image generation ​​​​​​​The generating unit 158 generates a position / orientation information of one user avatar M1 based on the position / orientation information of the user avatar M1. The image of the virtual space seen from the virtual camera 60 at the position and direction corresponding to the information (part of the virtual space) In this case, the position of each user avatar M1 is Since the position / orientation information is different from each other, the terminal image is Taking this into consideration, the following will discuss the user avatar M1 The image for the terminal generated based on the position / orientation information is called the image for the terminal for one user. In the following, unless otherwise specified, it refers to a single user (and the The function of the terminal image generating unit 158 when generating a terminal image related to the user avatar M1) However, the process is essentially the same when generating a terminal image for another user. .

[0104] The terminal image generation unit 158 can generate images in multiple modes, such as a first-person perspective mode and a third-person perspective mode. For example, in the first-person perspective mode, the terminal image generation unit 158 may The position and orientation of the virtual camera 60 ( In this case, the field of view of the virtual camera 60 is adjusted to the one user. In this case, the field of view of the virtual camera 60 is substantially the same as the field of view of the user avatar M1. The user avatar M1 is not displayed in the field.

[0105] On the other hand, in the third-person perspective mode, the terminal image generation unit 158 generates the position of one user avatar M1. The virtual camera 60 is positioned at a position slightly away from the terminal device. 58 calculates the values of the other camera parameters of the virtual camera 60 according to the position of one user avatar M1. It may be appropriately determined according to the orientation of the placement / orientation information, the situation in the virtual space, etc. At this time, the user The position of the virtual camera 60 may be set at a position slightly behind or to the side of the user avatar M1 so as to generate a terminal image in which the avatar M1 is reflected.

[0106] Also, in other modes, the values of various camera parameters of the virtual camera 60 may be arbitrarily adjustable by the corresponding user. When generating such a terminal image, the terminal image generation unit 158 may execute various processes (for example, a process of bending a field object) in order to produce a sense of depth or the like. When generating a terminal image in which the user avatar M1 is reflected, in order to reduce the load of the drawing process, the user avatar M1 may be drawn in a relatively simple mode (for example, in the form of a two-dimensional sprite).

[0107] When another user avatar M1 is located within the field of view from the virtual camera 60, the terminal image generation unit 158 generates a terminal image including the other user avatar M1. However, in this case, in order to reduce the load of the drawing process, the other user avatar M1 may be drawn in a relatively simple mode (for example, in the form of a two-dimensional sprite).

[0108] The terminal image generation unit 158 may draw by associating a user name (for example, in FIG. 3, "User A") with each user avatar M1. As a result, each user can identify the user avatar M1 related to the desired user based on the user name. Note that the user name may be made invisible based on the user's settings.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the terminal image generation unit 158 includes a base image drawing unit 1581 and a user in​​​​​​ The tough face drawing unit 1582, the guidance information drawing unit 1583, and the auxiliary information drawing unit 1584, include the warp operation drawing unit 1585 and the space part transition drawing unit 1586.

[0110] The base image drawing unit 1581 draws the basic part of the image for the terminal as described above. That is, the base image drawing unit 1581 draws the basic part before the drawings by the user interface drawing unit 1582, the guidance information drawing unit 1583, and the auxiliary information drawing unit 1584 are superimposed. For example, based on the drawing information of the virtual space, the values of the camera parameters of each virtual camera 60, the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1, the arrangement information of the second object M3, etc., the base image drawing unit 1581 draws the virtual space itself (excluding the second object M3, etc.) within the field of view from the virtual camera 60 and various objects (user avatars M1, the second object M3, etc.) within the virtual space. Note that the drawing information of the virtual space may be prepared in advance, but may also be updated or the like afterwards or dynamically. Each position within the virtual space may be defined in a global coordinate system (see FIG. 4). Note that the method of drawing the virtual space is arbitrary, but may be realized, for example, by mapping a field object or a background object onto an appropriate plane or curved surface. The user interface drawing unit 1582 draws a user interface that allows various operations by the user. The items that can be operated through the user interface are arbitrary. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the user interface 300 includes a chair button 301, a like button 302, a ticket management button 303, a friend management button 304, and an exit button 30

[0111] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​5. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the terminal image includes a different user interface, It includes a conversation interface 309 .

[0112] The chair button 301 is operated when the user avatar M1 is seated in the virtual space. For example, when a user wants to have a long conversation with the user avatar M1, the user can select a chair. In this case, when the user avatar M1 sits down, the The sound (for example, a specific music that is constantly playing) will disappear, and voice chat (voice dialogue) ) may be possible.

[0113] The like button 302 allows a user to give a good rating to another user avatar M1 via the user avatar M1. It is manipulated when giving values, gifts, etc.

[0114] The ticket management button 303 is a ticket management button that allows viewing of various ticket statuses, which will be described later. This is operated when outputting the screen (not shown). The ticket management screen displays the transfer entry screen (described later). An additional user interface is available for inputting, requesting, and entering credentials for transfer. It may be set.

[0115] The friend management button 304 is used to manage the user's friend relationship with another user avatar M1. This is operated when outputting a friend management screen (not shown).

[0116] The exit button 305 is operated when the user avatar M1 is to exit the virtual space.

[0117] In this embodiment, the user interface rendering unit 1582 also uses the warp button 180 0 (an example of the first operation unit) (see FIG. 3A). The warp button 1800 is It is operated when teleporting by the second warp processing of the second warp processing unit 15223. That is, the warp button 1800 is operated to generate a warp input.

[0118] The warp button 1800 may be drawn at any position on the terminal image, but preferably , and are drawn in association with the corresponding friend avatar. For example, The warp button 1800 to teleport nearby corresponds to the friend avatar in question. This allows the user to select the friend avatar even if there are multiple friend avatars. , Warp button 1800 to instantly teleport to the desired friend avatar Can be identified.

[0119] FIG. 3A shows a group information display area 3, which is a part (Q1 part) of the terminal image shown in FIG. 000 is displayed. The group information display area 3000 is displayed, for example, by a user operation (e.g. For example, a full screen display may be possible by tapping. The group displayed in 000 corresponds to the group set by the group setting unit 150. The group information display area 3000 displays the avatars of each user M1 in the same group. Included are avatar icons 350, 351, and 352. 51, 352 are assigned corresponding user names (e.g., "User A", "User B", etc.) In this case, the warp button 1800 is associated with the corresponding friend avatar. (In this case, for the person "User A", there are "User B" and "User C") The butter icons 351 and 352 are drawn in association with each other.

[0120] When a predetermined warping condition is satisfied, the user interface drawing unit 1582 draws the warping button 1800 in a display mode that can be operated, and when the predetermined warping condition is not satisfied, the warping button 1800 may be drawn in a display mode that cannot be operated. For example, the warping button 18 00 may be drawn with a significantly lower luminance (or a color different from normal) in the non-operable display mode than in the operable display mode (see the warping button 1800-1 in FIG. 18 described later). In this case, the user can easily determine whether the warping button 1800 is in an active state. When the user operates the warping button 1800 drawn in the operable display mode, a warping input is normally generated and acquired by the operation input acquisition unit 1521. Also, when the user operates the warping button 1800 drawn in the non-operable display mode, no warping input occurs.

[0121] As described above, the predetermined warping condition may be adapted to be satisfied, for example, when the load of the movement operation input by the user becomes relatively high. In this case, the predetermined warping condition may be determined for each friend avatar when there are a plurality of friend avatars.

[0122] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined warping condition is satisfied when the user avatar M1 is located in a specific area in the virtual space, there is a friend avatar in the virtual space, and no invalidation instruction from the invalidation processing unit 1662 described later is generated. The specific area may be set for each friend avatar so as to be significantly farther from the second predetermined position for each friend avatar, but in this embodiment, the specific area is an arbitrary position in the virtual space. ​​​In this case, as long as the user avatar M1 is located within the virtual space, it will be located in the specific area (that is, the current position of the user avatar M1 is always included in the specific area). Thereby it is possible to satisfy a predetermined warping condition regardless of the position of the user avatar M1, and the processing load for determining the predetermined warping condition can be reduced. Also, from the user's perspective it becomes possible to perform teleportation by the second warping process at the current position, and it is more convenient than the specification where teleportation cannot be performed unless the user avatar M1 is moved to a position different from the current position.

[0123] The guidance information display unit 1583 draws guidance information for realizing the avatar movement guidance function. The guidance information is information for assisting and guiding the input of the movement operation of the user corresponding to the user avatar M1 so that the user avatar M1 can easily reach a desired space part or a desired position within the space part.

[0124] In the present embodiment, the guidance information is information for assisting or guiding the smooth movement of the user avatar M1 beside another user avatar M1. Specifically, the guidance information represents the positional relationship between the user avatar M1 and another user avatar M1. In this case, the guidance information display unit 1583 draws the guidance information in association with each of the user avatars M1.

[0125] Hereinafter, regarding the guidance information, the user avatar M1 on the side guided to beside another user avatar M1 is also referred to as the "guided target user avatar M5" (an example of the first display medium), and another user avatar M1 is also referred to as the "preceding user avatar M6" (an example of the second display medium). ​​​​​​​​​

[0126] In this embodiment, the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 have a predetermined relationship. The predetermined relationship may be the same as the predetermined relationship related to the friend avatar described above. In this case, the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 belong to the same group and are friend avatars to each other. Note that the distinction between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is for explanatory purposes. For example, when the preceding user avatar M6 goes to pick up the guided user avatar M5, it can be the "guided object" that is guided to the vicinity of the guided user avatar M5 based on the guidance information. The guidance information preferably includes a line or a curve. The line or curve is drawn in the virtual space in association with the guided user avatar M5. For example, the line or curve may be drawn on the field surface 40 (the part corresponding to the ground) of the virtual space, or may be drawn in the space in the virtual space. When there are multiple guided user avatars M5, the guidance information may be generated and drawn for each guided user avatar M5. However, when multiple guided user avatars M5 exist substantially at the same position, part or all of the guidance information related to the multiple guided user avatars M5 may be integrated. The line or curve related to the guidance information may be drawn starting from the guided user avatar M5. For example, one end of the line or curve related to the guidance information is associated with the guided user avatar M5.

[0127]

[0128]

[0129]

[0130] ​​​​​​​​​​​​One end is associated with the guide target user avatar M5, and the other end is associated with the preceding user avatar M6. As a result, the user related to the guide target user avatar M5 can move the guide target user avatar M5 easily to the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6 by performing a movement operation input so that the movement of the guide target user avatar M5 is realized in a manner of following a line or a curve.

[0131] However, when the preceding user avatar M6 is not drawn on the terminal image for the user related to the guide target user avatar M5, the line or curve related to the guidance information may extend such that one end is associated with the guide target user avatar M5 and the other end reaches a position suggesting the position of the preceding user avatar M6. In this case, the other end may be set at the edge of the terminal image for the user related to the guide target user avatar M5. In this case, when the guide target user avatar M5 moves, a mode in which the other end of the line or curve related to the guidance information extends to the edge of the terminal image updated accordingly may be realized.

[0132] Also, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be drawn along the recommended route. In this case the recommended route may be a route (that is, a route along which the user avatar M1 can move without trouble) that does not pass through an object related to an obstacle such as a water jet object. In this case, guidance information along a recommended route with less trouble can be generated. As a result, efficient movement is realized, so that the processing load related to the movement of the user avatar M1 can be reduced.

[0133] Also, the recommended route may be set to pass through a content providing place that provides content such as an advertisement that the user wants to show. As a result, the user avatar along the recommended route ​​​​​​​​While assisting the movement of the avatar M1, various necessary or useful information (e.g., the content in the free space part 71 and the second object M3) can be transmitted to the user via the user avatar M1. In addition, from such a perspective, the recommended route may be calculated as a route (e.g., the shortest route) that can pass through an object related to any obstacle, such as a water jet object. In this case, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 pays attention to the situation in the virtual space and ends up thinking and operating by himself / herself. As a result, the possibility of transmitting various necessary or useful information to the user can be increased. The guidance information may include supplementary guidance information associated with the above-mentioned line or curve. The supplementary guidance information may be, as the positional relationship between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, distance information between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, and distance change information indicating the changing mode of the distance.

[0134] The distance information may be in the form of, for example, a numerical value, but may be in other forms such as a meter. The distance change information may be expressed by the length, color, thickness, etc. of a line or curve. For example, when the distance increases, the length of the line or curve is extended, and when the distance decreases, the length of the line or curve may be shortened. Alternatively, when the distance increases, the color may be set to a specific color (e.g., red),

[0135] and when the distance decreases, the color may be set to another specific color (e.g., blue). Also, the distance change information may be drawn in association with the line or curve, separately from the line or curve. For example, the distance change information may be, as character information, directly text such as "increase" or "decrease" along the line or curve. In addition, the distance change information may be drawn in association with the line or curve, separately from the line or curve. For example, the distance change information may be, as character information, directly text such as "increase" or "decrease" along the line or curve. It may also be drawn in association with a curve. In this case, the distance change information may be drawn (updated) only when the amount of change in the distance exceeds a predetermined amount. This can reduce the inconvenience (e.g., an increase in processing load, annoyance of display due to frequent switching between increases and decreases, etc.) when the distance change information is updated relatively frequently. It may be drawn (updated) only when the amount of change in the distance exceeds a predetermined amount. This can reduce the inconvenience (e.g., an increase in processing load, annoyance of display due to frequent switching between increases and decreases, etc.) when the distance change information is updated relatively frequently. It may be drawn (updated) only when the amount of change in the distance exceeds a predetermined amount. This can reduce the inconvenience (e.g., an increase in processing load, annoyance of display due to frequent switching between increases and decreases, etc.) when the distance change information is updated relatively frequently. It may be drawn (updated) only when the amount of change in the distance exceeds a predetermined amount. This can reduce the inconvenience (e.g., an increase in processing load, annoyance of display due to frequent switching between increases and decreases, etc.) when the distance change information is updated relatively frequently.

[0136] FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of an example of distance information, and FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of an example of distance change information. Both are diagrams showing a part of the image for the terminal. FIGS. 11B and 11C show examples of distance information or distance change information drawn in association with the guide target user avatar M5. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown.

[0137] Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows an example of distance change information representing the sense of distance with a mark like a "V" mark. In this case, in a part G1100 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1150A when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively large is shown, and in a part G1101 of the image for the terminal, distance information 1151B when the distance between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 is relatively small is shown. This may be the case. As a result, intuitive and easy-to-understand guidance information can be realized.

[0138] Also, in FIG. 11C, an example of distance change information representing the relative position with a mark such as a "V" mark is shown. In this case, in a part G1102 of the terminal image, distance change information 1152A when the distance between the guided user avatar -M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 increases is shown, and in a part G1103 of the terminal image, distance change information 1153B when the distance between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 decreases is shown. That is, the distance change information 1152A represents that the preceding user avatar M6 has moved away, and the distance change information 1153B represents that the preceding user avatar M6 has approached. In this way, the distance change information may be transmitted to the user related to the guided user avatar M 5 according to the direction of the mark such as a "V" mark. Note that, similar to the above-described distance information 1150A and 1151B, the overall extending direction of the mark related to the distance change information 1152A and 1153B may represent the direction in which the guided user avatar M 5 exists. That is, the distance change information 1 152A and 1153B may function as a line or a curve related to the guidance information. Also, the marks related to the distance change information 1152A and 1153B may have their brightness or color changed in order in a manner representing a flow

[0139]

[0140] In the present embodiment, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 includes a distance calculation unit 15831 and a distance change determination unit (an example of the second determination unit) 15832 in order to generate supplementary guidance information.

[0140] The distance calculation unit 15831 calculates the distance between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6 Calculate the distance between them (the distance in the global coordinate system (see Fig. 4)). Distance calculation unit 15831 Based on the group state information 1000, the distance between each user avatar M1 in the group may be calculated at each predetermined period. In this case, the above-described distance information can be generated based on the calculation result by the distance calculation unit 1583 1. The distance to be calculated may be a straight-line distance or the distance along the movement path of the user avatar M1. Note that the calculation result by the distance calculation unit 158 31 may be used for other purposes (for example, the determination of the above-described predetermined warp conditions, etc.).

[0141] The distance change determination unit 15832 determines whether the distance between the guided user avatar M5 and the leading user avatar M6 is shrinking based on the change pattern of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit 15831. For example, the distance change determination unit 15832 determines whether the distance between the guided user avatar M5 and the leading user avatar M6 is shrinking at each predetermined processing period. Note that the distance to be determined may be only the distance between the guided user avatar M5 and the leading user avatar M6 for each set for which the guidance information is output. In this case, the above-described distance change information can be generated based on the determination result by the distance change determination unit 15832. Also, in this case, by limiting the distance to be determined, the processing load can be reduced

[0142] Note that in the modification example, the supplementary guidance information may include time information (for example , the minimum time required to reach the leading user avatar M6, etc.) instead of or in addition to the distance information.

[0143] Here, referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, some examples of the guidance information will be described.​​​​​​

[0144] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the guidance information, and is a plan view of the virtual space similar to FIG. 2. In the virtual space, the positions of the preceding user avatar M6 and the guide target user avatar M5 are In the example shown in FIG. 12, the preceding user avatar M6 is in the space 7. The user avatar M5 is located in the space 70-12. For example, the guide target user avatar M5 shown in FIG. The position of the virtual space may correspond to the initial position or its vicinity when entering the virtual space. The lines or curves related to the information are generated along a guide route 1200 shown in FIG. good.

[0145] FIG. 13 shows the terminal for the user related to the guide target user avatar M5 under the situation shown in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a guide image. The guidance information is drawn in association with the user avatar M5. In this case, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 Based on the positional relationship between the guide target user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, The recommended route for moving closer to each other is the guided route (in the example shown in Figure 12, the guided route is At this time, the guide information drawing unit 1583 calculates the fountain object 1200. A guide route that does not pass through obstacles such as obstacles (i.e., The guidance information drawing unit 1 may calculate a guidance route along which the user avatar M1 can move. 583 draws an arrow line 1300 as shown in FIG. 13 based on the calculated guide route. As a result, the user associated with the guide target user avatar M5 can move along the arrow line 1300. It is easy to understand that you just need to move in this way.

[0146] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of guidance information, and is a plan view of a virtual space similar to FIG. 2, showing a different situation from FIG. 12. Also in FIG. 14, in the virtual space shown in FIG. 2, another example of the positional relationship between the preceding user avatar M6 and the guided user avatar M5 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the preceding user avatar M6 is located within the space portion 70-14, and the guided user avatar M5 is located in a free space portion 71 different from the space portion 70-14. In this case, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be the guidance route 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, and may be generated along the guidance route 1400 via the warp area 1100 as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an end image for the user related to the guided user avatar M5 in the situation shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, an arrow line 1500 is drawn in association with the guided user avatar M5 as guidance information. In this case, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 calculates a guidance route (the guidance route 1400 in the example shown in FIG. 14), which is a recommended route for moving closer to each other, based on the positional relationship between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, and draws an arrow line 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 based on the calculated guidance route. In this case, if the guided user avatar M5 can move to the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6 in a shorter time by moving through the warp area 1100, the guidance route may include the warp area 1100. In such a case, typically, when the warp area 1100 is set between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of guidance information, and is a plan view of a virtual space similar to FIG. 2, showing a different situation from FIG. 12. Also in FIG. 14, in the virtual space shown in FIG. 2, another example of the positional relationship between the preceding user avatar M6 and the guided user avatar M5 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the preceding user avatar M6 is located within the space portion 70-14, and the guided user avatar M5 is located in a free space portion 71 different from the space portion 70-14. In this case, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be the guidance route 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, and may be generated along the guidance route 1400 via the warp area 1100 as shown in FIG. 14. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the preceding user avatar M6 is located within the space portion 70-14, and the guided user avatar M5 is located in a free space portion 71 different from the space portion 70-14. In this case, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be the guidance route 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, and may be generated along the guidance route 1400 via the warp area 1100 as shown in FIG. 14. In this case, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be the guidance route 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, and may be generated along the guidance route 1400 via the warp area 1100 as shown in FIG. 14. In this case, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be the guidance route 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, and may be generated along the guidance route 1400 via the warp area 1100 as shown in FIG. 14. In this case, the line or curve related to the guidance information may be the guidance route 1400 schematically shown in FIG. 14, and may be generated along the guidance route 1400 via the warp area 1100 as shown in FIG. 14.

[0147] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an end image for the user related to the guided user avatar M5 in the situation shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, an arrow line 1500 is drawn in association with the guided user avatar M5 as guidance information. In this case, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 calculates a guidance route (the guidance route 1400 in the example shown in FIG. 14), which is a recommended route for moving closer to each other, based on the positional relationship between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, and draws an arrow line 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 based on the calculated guidance route. In this case, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 calculates a guidance route (the guidance route 1400 in the example shown in FIG. 14), which is a recommended route for moving closer to each other, based on the positional relationship between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, and draws an arrow line 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 based on the calculated guidance route. In this case, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 calculates a guidance route (the guidance route 1400 in the example shown in FIG. 14), which is a recommended route for moving closer to each other, based on the positional relationship between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6, and draws an arrow line 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 based on the calculated guidance route. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the guidance route is the guidance route 1400, and based on the calculated guidance route, an arrow line 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 is drawn. In this case, if the guided user avatar M5 can move to the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6 in a shorter time by moving through the warp area 1100, the guidance route may include the warp area 1100. In this case, if the guided user avatar M5 can move to the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6 in a shorter time by moving through the warp area 1100, the guidance route may include the warp area 1100. In this case, if the guided user avatar M5 can move to the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6 in a shorter time by moving through the warp area 1100, the guidance route may include the warp area 1100. In such a case, typically, when the warp area 1100 is set between the guided user avatar M5 and the preceding user avatar M6. It is. In this way, when the warp area 1100 is included in the guidance route, the guidance information drawing section 1583 may draw a line or a curve with the warp area 1100 as the end point. In this case , the arrow line 1500 can suggest that it should head towards the warp area 1100. Thereby , the user related to the guided user avatar M5 can easily understand that they should move along the arrow line 1500 through the warp area 1 100.

[0148] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of guidance information according to another example, and shows an example of an image for a terminal for a user related to the guided user avatar M5 in the situation shown in FIG. 12. The guidance information may include supplementary guidance information in addition to the above-described line or curve, as described above. The supplementary guidance information may be information that cannot be represented by a line or a curve, information that is more detailed than a line or a curve, or the like. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the supplementary guidance information 1600 is in the form of character information and is drawn in association with the arrow line 1300. In this case, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 can easily understand that the previous user avatar M6 with the user name "User B" is 100 m ahead by looking at the supplementary guidance information 1600. Such supplementary guidance information is suitable in a situation where there are a plurality of previous user avatars M6 as described later with reference to FIG. 17. - M6. 7. is suitable.

[0149] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of guidance information according to another example, and shows an example of an image for a terminal for a user related to the guided user avatar M5 in a situation where two previous user avatars M6 are located in the virtual space (a situation where the previous user avatar M6 shown in FIG. 12 and the previous user avatar M6 shown in FIG. 14 exist simultaneously). is shown. - M5.

[0150] In a situation where a plurality of preceding user avatars M6 are located in the virtual space, the guidance information drawing unit 1 583 may draw guidance information for each of the plurality of preceding user avatars M6. That is, the guidance information drawing unit 1583 may draw guidance information in association with each of the plurality of preceding user avatars M6. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the arrow line 1300 related to the preceding user avatar M6 shown in FIG. 12 and the arrow line 150 0 related to the preceding user avatar M6 shown in FIG. 14 are drawn simultaneously. In this case, the supplementary guidance information 1600 related to the preceding user avatar M6 with the user name "User B" shown in FIG. 12 and the supplementary guidance information 1700 related to the preceding user avatar M6 with the user name "User C" shown in FIG. 14 may also be shown. Note that, as described above, even in a situation where a plurality of preceding user avatars M6 are located in the virtual space, when some or all of the plurality of preceding user avatars M6 are substantially at the same position, the lines or curves related to the guidance information related to one or more preceding user avatars M6 that are substantially at the same position may be integrated. As described above, according to the present embodiment, by drawing the guidance information as described above, it is possible to appropriately assist the movement of the guided user avatar M5 in the virtual space (that is, the input of the movement operation by the user related to the guided user avatar M5).

[0151] Note that, in the present embodiment, the guidance information may be output when a predetermined output condition is satisfied. In this case, the predetermined output condition may be determined for each friend avatar that can become the preceding user avatar M6, similar to the predetermined warp condition described above. The predetermined output condition is

[0152]

[0153] ​​​​​​​​​ It may be the same as the above-described predetermined warp condition. In this case, the friend avatar drawn in association with the warp button 1800 also has the guidance information drawn as the preceding user avatar M6 at the same time.

[0154] When the warp input is invalidated by the invalidation processing unit 1662 described later, the auxiliary information drawing unit 1584 draws auxiliary information for canceling the invalidation. As described later, the movement of the user avatar M1 to the content providing position may be restricted according to the possession state of the ticket related to the user avatar M1. Specifically, when a user does not possess a valid ticket related to a content providing position, the warp input by the user (the warp input for teleporting to the space part related to the content providing position) is invalidated by the invalidation processing unit 1662. In such a case, the auxiliary information drawing unit 1584 provides auxiliary information that enables warp input.

[0155] The auxiliary information provided by the auxiliary information drawing unit 1584 may include at least one of information on a ticket acquisition method, information on a position in the virtual space where a ticket can be acquired, information on a link or access method to a specific screen where a ticket can be acquired, privilege information when a ticket is acquired, and information on content that can be viewed when a ticket is acquired.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the auxiliary information drawing unit 1584 draws auxiliary information in association with the warp button 1800 drawn in a non-operable mode. As described above, the warp button 1800 is drawn in a non-operable mode when a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied. The auxiliary information is ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Since it contains information for establishing certain warp conditions, I want to operate the warp button 1800. By accessing the auxiliary information, the user can understand the procedures and details of various operations for establishing the predetermined warp conditions.

[0157] For example, FIG. 18 shows the group information display area 3000 on the terminal screen for the user related to the user name "User A". In this example, the warp button 1800-2 is drawn in an operable manner for the user name "User C", while the warp button 1800-1 is drawn in an inoperable manner for the user name "User B". In this case, the user with the user name "User B" is located in the space area that requires Ticket A, but the user (the person himself) related to the user name "User A" does not possess Ticket A, and the predetermined warp conditions are not satisfied. In this case, the user related to the user name "User A" can understand that it is necessary to obtain Ticket A when wanting to teleport his own user avatar M1 (the guided user avatar M5) to the side of the user avatar M1 (the preceding user avatar M6) of the user with the user name "User B" based on the fact that the warp button 1800-1 is inoperable and the auxiliary information 1840-1 and 1840-2.

[0158] Note that in the example shown in FIG. 18, the ticket state 1880 within the group is drawn in the group information display area 3000. The ticket state 1880 within the group may include information regarding the tickets possessed by each user avatar M1 (friend avatar) within the same group. In this case, the user avatar M1 related to the user name "User B" does not have Ticket A. owns 5. Therefore, when the user related to the username "User A" wants to teleport their own user avatar M1 (guided target user avatar M5) to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 (preceding user avatar M6) of the username "User B", for example, by operating a link or button (not shown) related to auxiliary information 1840-1, it is also possible to request ticket A from the user with the username "User B". When the user related to the username "User A" wants to teleport their own user avatar M1 (guided target user avatar M5) to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 (preceding user avatar M6) of the username "User B", for example, by operating a link or button (not shown) related to auxiliary information 1840-1, it is also possible to request ticket A from the user with the username "User B". 1, it is also possible to request ticket A from the user with the username "User B". For example, by operating a link or button (not shown) related to auxiliary information 1840- 1, it is also possible to request ticket A from the user with the username "User B". 1, it is also possible to request ticket A from the user with the username "User B".

[0159] FIG. 19 shows an image G110 for a terminal including a ticket sales area in a virtual space. The user related to the username "User A" can teleport to the ticket sales area, for example, by operating a link or button (not shown) related to auxiliary information 1840-2 (see FIG. 18). The user related to the username "User A" can teleport to the ticket sales area, for example, by operating a link or button (not shown) related to auxiliary information 1840-2 (see FIG. 18). In the example shown in FIG. 19, after teleporting to the ticket sales area, an image G110 for the terminal of the user related to the username "User A" is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 19, after teleporting to the ticket sales area, an image G110 for the terminal of the user related to the username "User A" is shown. Note that the ticket sales area may be arranged near the space part where the content related to ticket A sold at the ticket sales area is provided. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the user related to the username " User A" can move the corresponding user avatar M1 to the ticket purchase position SP1 and purchase ticket A, for example, through the user avatar M1 (username "c User A" can move the corresponding user avatar M1 to the ticket purchase position SP1 and purchase ticket A, for example, through the user avatar M1 (username "c ha") of the staff working at the ticket sales area. Then, after purchasing ticket A, the user related to the username "User A" can move the corresponding user avatar M1 to the entrance position SP2 and enter the space part that provides the content related to the purchased ticket A. can move the corresponding user avatar M1 to the entrance position SP2 and enter the space part that provides the content related to the purchased ticket A. The warp operation drawing unit 1585 is for the first warp by the first warp processing unit 15222 described above.

[0160] The warp operation drawing unit 1585 is for the first warp by the first warp processing unit 15222 described above. When the second warp processing is performed by the second warp processing unit 15223, the You may use effects that suggest teleportation (for example, animation). The output can be, for example, a high-speed vehicle (such as a high-speed train or helicopter) or a specific color across the screen. This may be realized by a change in the image quality, a flash effect, etc. It may be realized in a manner different from the effect of the warp processing. The presentation may vary depending on the length of the moving distance.

[0161] In addition, the instantaneous movement related to the warp process follows the trajectory of the preceding user avatar M6. By automatically moving the user avatar M1 (the user avatar M5 to be guided) at high speed, In this case, the image for the terminal during the warp processing may be displayed on the second object M 2 and the like may be partially omitted. While reducing the processing load related to the process, The user avatar M5 can then see the scenery in the space. Even if the target user avatar M5 teleports to the side of the preceding user avatar M6, It is possible to enjoy conversations on topics such as the second object M2 that was encountered along the way, and to promote communication. It can be promoted.

[0162] The space transition drawing unit 1586 draws a space transition of a user avatar M1 based on a movement operation input. When moving from one space to another, a performance may be performed that suggests the transition of the space. The transition of the space is indicated by, for example, temporarily expanding the space after the movement. It may be expressed.

[0163] The content processing unit 159 provides content to the user for each content providing location. The content processing unit 159 outputs content on the terminal device 20 via a browser, for example. Alternatively, the content processing unit 159 may output a virtual reality image implemented in the terminal device 20. The content may be output on the terminal device 20 via a real application.

[0164] The dialogue processor 160 communicates with users via the network 3 based on inputs from multiple users. The dialogue between users is carried out by the user avatar M 1, it may be realized in the form of a text and / or voice chat. For example, For inputting dialogue, the dialogue interface 309 of the terminal image shown in FIG. 3 is used. In this case, the user can operate the microphone icon 3091 to speak. It is possible to input text, and text can be input by inputting text into the text input area 3092. This allows users to communicate with each other. A certain number of images are stored in the interactive format, and images for each device (images for each device related to each user who is interacting) are stored. In this case, for example, the text may be output separately from the image related to the virtual space. Alternatively, the image may be output superimposed on an image relating to the virtual space.

[0165] The dialogue processor 160 performs a dialogue for each group so that dialogue can be realized only within the same group. In this case, each user may not want to be informed of the contents of their utterances by users outside the group. This allows you to enjoy the conversation without worrying about the conversation process. The unit 160 outputs a group information display when outputting a voice input from one user in the group. Of the microphone icons 360 that may be displayed within the area 3000 (see FIG. 3A), the one corresponding to the user may be emphasized (e.g., enlarged, blinking, colored, etc.). This allows other users to easily grasp whether the output voice is the voice of any user within the group due to their speech. Note that instead of or in addition to the microphone icon 360, avatar icons (avatars icons 350, 351, etc.) within the group information display area 3000 (see FIG. 3A)

[0166] The first movement authority processing unit 162 generates a ticket (movement authority) for receiving the content at the content providing position based on a purchase input from the user, and associates the ticket with the user avatar M1

[0167] associated with the user. The purchase input includes various inputs for purchasing the ticket. The purchase input typically involves the consumption of virtual reality media having a monetary or monetary value. The virtual reality media having a monetary value may include virtual reality media that can be obtained along with the

[0168] consumption of money. Note that the consumption of virtual reality media may be realized by, for example, dissolving the association between the user ID and the virtual reality media, reducing the amount or number of the virtual reality media associated with the user ID, etc.

[0169] In this embodiment, as an example, the first movement authority processing unit 162 includes a purchase input acquisition unit 1621 , a ticket ID generation unit 1622, an authentication information notification unit 1623, and a ticket drawing unit 162 4.

[0170] The purchase input acquisition unit 1621 acquires the above-described purchase input from the terminal device 20 via the network 3 from the user.

[0171] The purchase input can be input by the user associated with the user avatar M1 when the user avatar M1 is located near the entrance related to the content providing position . The entrance related to the content providing position in the virtual space does not necessarily need to be clearly defined, but at the position corresponding to the entrance in the virtual space, for example, characters such as "entrance" or "gate" may be associated by drawing . . .

[0172] In this case, the user who wants to purchase a ticket can cause his or her user avatar M1 to reach near the entrance and perform the purchase input through interaction with the user avatar M 1 (refer to the user avatar M1 with the user name "cha" in FIG. 19) of the staff arranged in association with the ticket purchase position SP1 . .

[0173] As described above, the ticket ID generation unit 1622 newly generates a ticket ID ( refer to FIG. 9) based on the purchase input and updates the data in the ticket information storage unit 145. For example, when the user who wants to purchase a ticket performs a purchase input with his or her user avatar M1 located near the entrance, the ticket ID generation unit 1622 immediately newly generates a ticket ID . In this case, the initial value of the valid flag associated with the ticket ID is set to "1" . may be. Also, when a user who has pre-purchased a ticket performs an activation input with their user avatar M1 positioned near the entrance, the ticket ID generation unit 1622 may change the value of the valid flag associated with the already generated ticket ID from "0" to "1".

[0174] The authentication information notification unit 1623 notifies the user who purchased the ticket based on the purchase input of the transfer authentication information (see FIG. 9) associated with the purchased ticket. As described above, in this embodiment, as an example, the transfer authentication information is a 4-digit code consisting of numbers and / or symbols. For example, the authentication information notification unit 1623 transmits the transfer authentication information to the terminal device 20 related to the user who purchased the ticket via the network 3. At this time, the transfer authentication information may be notified by mail, automatic voice by phone, etc. Alternatively, as described above, the transfer authentication information may be set by the user when performing the purchase input. In this case, the authentication information notification unit 1623 may be omitted.

[0175] The ticket drawing unit 1624 may draw a ticket (virtual reality medium) for each ticket ID based on the purchase input. For example, when the ticket display 1850 (see FIG. 3A) includes the icon display of the user avatar M1 related to the owner ID, the ticket drawing unit 1624 may draw the ticket in association. Alternatively, the ticket drawing unit 1624 may draw the ticket in association with the hand of the user avatar M1 related to the owner ID in the terminal image including the user avatar M1 related to the owner ID. Thereby, the user avatar M1 The state of possessing (owning) a ticket can be realized in virtual reality. Note that when multiple ticket IDs are associated with the same owner ID, the user avatar M1 related to the owner ID may be drawn in a mode of possessing multiple tickets. The second movement authority processing unit 164, based on a transfer input from the user, re-associates the ticket associated with the user ID related to a specific user by the first movement authority processing unit

[0176] 162 to a user ID related to a user different from the said user. That is, the second movement authority processing unit 164 changes the owner ID (see Fig. 9) associated with the ticket to a user ID related to another user who is the transferee. In this way, the second movement authority processing unit 164, based on the transfer input, re-associates the ticket associated with a specific user (purchaser ID) by the first movement authority processing unit 162 to a user different from the said user ( transferee user). As a result, the ticket changes from the state associated with the user avatar M1 related to the transferor user based on the said transfer input to the state associated with the user avatar M1 related to the transferee user. Specifically, the second movement authority processing unit 164 includes a transfer input acquisition unit 1640, a certification notification guidance unit 1641, and a ticket information rewriting unit 1644. The transfer input acquisition unit 1640 acquires the transfer input from the transferor user described above from the terminal device 20 via the network 3. The transfer input includes the ticket ID related to the ticket to be transferred. Note that the user who can perform the transfer input is the user who owns the ticket. From the state associated with the user avatar M1 related to the transferor user, it changes to the state associated with the user avatar M1 related to the transferee user.

[0177] Specifically, the second movement authority processing unit 164 includes a transfer input acquisition unit 1640, a certification notification guidance unit 1641, and a ticket information rewriting unit 1644.

[0178] The transfer input acquisition unit 1640 acquires the transfer input from the transferor user described above from the terminal device 20 via the network 3. The transfer input includes the ticket ID related to the ticket to be transferred. The user who can perform the transfer input is the user who owns the ticket. ID. Note that the user who can perform the transfer input is the user who owns the ticket. ​and has a user ID related to the owner ID in the ticket information 900 (see FIG. 9). The user is the one who has it. Also, the transfer input may include the user ID associated with the receiving user. It may be sufficient.

[0179] The transfer input may be inputtable by the user together with, for example, the purchase input. This is because, for example, when a parent and a child purchase a ticket, it is relatively common for the parent to purchase the ticket with the intention of transferring it to the child. Alternatively, a user (i.e., a user who has purchased a plurality of tickets) associated with a plurality of tickets may perform a transfer input in response to a request from another user.

[0180] In response to the above transfer input, the authentication notice case internal 1641 guides the transfer-side user to notify the receiving user of the authentication information for transfer. Note that this guidance may be realized at the time of purchase input or at other timings. Also, if each user is informed of this point in advance when using the virtual reality composition system 1, the authentication notice case internal 1641 may be omitted. When the transfer-side user receives such guidance, the transfer-side user will notify the receiving user of the authentication information for transfer via chat, email, SMS (Short Message Service), etc. Note that when the transfer-side user and the receiving user have a relationship where they use the same authentication information for transfer many times, such as a parent-child relationship, the notification of the authentication information for transfer itself may not be necessary. Also, when the transfer-side user and the receiving user are physically close to each other, the notification of the authentication information for transfer may be realized directly in person.

[0181] ​​​​​​​​​The ticket information rewriting unit 1644, based on the transfer input acquired by the transfer input acquisition unit 1640 and , the input of authentication information for transfer from the user on the receiving side, rewrites the owner ID of the ticket information 900. Specifically, when the authentication is successful based on the input of legitimate transfer authentication information from the user on the receiving side, the ticket information rewriting unit 1644 sets the user ID included in the transfer input as the owner ID associated with the ticket ID included in the transfer input. At this time, the user ID related to the user who made the transfer input is released from the state associated with the owner ID, and the fact of the transfer may be added as transfer information (see FIG. 9) of the ticket information rewriting unit 1644. Alternatively, instead of rewriting the owner ID of the ticket information 900 (for example, while maintaining the state where the user ID related to the user who made the transfer input is associated with the owner ID), the user ID related to the user on the receiving side may be registered as the user or user avatar M1 who can use the ticket. Here, as described above, the authentication information for transfer is notified in advance from the user on the transfer side to the user on the receiving side. The user on the transfer side can set the authentication information for transfer that is only known to the user on the receiving side, or notify the authentication information for transfer so that it is only known to the user on the receiving side. Therefore, there is virtually no possibility that the authentication information for transfer will be known to other unintended users. Therefore, by using such authentication information for transfer, the security of the authentication related to the ticket information rewriting unit 1644 can be enhanced. However, from the perspective of enabling simple transfers, the verification using the authentication information for transfer during transfer may be omitted.

[0182] Whether the authentication information for transfer is omitted may be selectable at the time of transfer input.

[0183] In this way, the ticket information rewriting unit 1644 rewrites the owner ID associated with one ticket ID. When the ticket is changed, an instruction to reflect the change may be given to the ticket drawing unit 1624. In this case, the ticket drawing unit 1624 associates the user avatar M1 with the new owner ID. For example, the user may draw a ticket by using the user interface displayed on his / her terminal device 20. In the image for the terminal, the transition to the ticket management screen and the group information display area 3000 The ticket display 1850 (see FIG. 3A and FIG. 18) that can be displayed in the - By checking that the ticket is associated with M1 and drawn, you can see that you have the ticket. It can recognize whether or not

[0184] The determination processing unit 166 determines the user avatar M based on the ticket information 900 (see FIG. 9). It is determined whether or not 1 can move to the content providing position.

[0185] Specifically, the determination processing unit 166 includes a ticket possession determination unit 1661 (an example of a first determination unit). and an invalidation processing unit 1662.

[0186] The ticket possession determination unit 1661 determines whether a certain user avatar M1 is a user of a content provider. When determining whether or not the user avatar M1 can move to the location, first, It is determined whether or not the user has a ticket that allows the user to travel to the content providing location. Hereinafter, this determination process will also be referred to as "ticket possession determination."

[0187] The possession of the ticket can be determined based on the ticket information 900 shown in FIG. When the user whose user ID is the owner ID (or the user avatar M1 of that user) is the one, it can be determined that the user holds a ticket with a ticket ID associated with the owner ID. Also, when a valid flag "1" is associated with the ticket ID of the ticket, it can be determined that the ticket is a ticket that can be moved to the content providing position.

[0188] The ticket possession determination may be executed at any timing. For example, it may be executed in a state where the warp button 1800 (see FIG. 3A) described above appears. Alternatively, the ticket possession determination may be executed for the user avatar M1 located in the entrance area related to the content providing position based on the position information of the user avatar M1 (see FIG. 6). The entrance area related to the content providing position (for example, the entrance position SP2 in FIG. 19) is an area where the user avatar M1 who wishes to move to the content providing position is located, and the fact that the user avatar M1 is located in the entrance area may be an indication of the user's intention to move the user avatar M1 to the content providing position. Alternatively, in addition to the user avatar M1 being located in the entrance area, an operation of presenting the ticket, etc., may be regarded as an indication of the user's intention to move the user avatar M1 to the content providing position. Here, in the present embodiment, as described above in relation to the second movement authority processing unit 164, the transfer of the ticket is enabled. Therefore, when making a ticket possession determination for the user avatar M1 related to a user who has not initially purchased a ticket related to the space part that is one content providing position, the ticket possession determination unit 1661 also performs the same process for the one user avatar M1. In addition to the user avatar M1 being located in the entrance area, an operation of presenting the ticket, etc., may be regarded as an indication of the user's intention to move the user avatar M1 to the content providing position.

[0189] Here, in the present embodiment, as described above in relation to the second movement authority processing unit 164, the transfer of the ticket is enabled. Therefore, when making a ticket possession determination for the user avatar M1 related to a user who has not initially purchased a ticket related to the space part that is one content providing position, the ticket possession determination unit 1661 also performs the same process for the one user avatar M1 related to the one content providing position. When making a ticket possession determination for a user avatar M1 related to a user who has not initially purchased a ticket related to the space part that is one content providing position, the ticket possession determination unit 1661 also performs the same process for the one There may be a case where it is determined that it is possible to move to the content providing position. Specifically, ticket possession The determination unit 1661 has acquired information on a plurality of tickets related to one content providing position associated with one user avatar M1, and when another one user avatar M1 satisfies a predetermined condition, it is determined that the other one user avatar M1 can move to the space part related to the one content providing position. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the user avatar M1 related to the user name "User B" has acquired information on 5 tickets A associated therewith. In this case, when the user related to the user name "User A" has legally received ticket A from the user related to the user name "User B" (an example of a predetermined condition), the user avatar M1 of the user related to the user name "User A" can move to the content providing position of ticket A. A" (an example of a predetermined condition), the user avatar M1 of the user related to the user name "User A" can move to the content providing position of ticket A.

[0190] When the invalidation processing unit 1662 determines, for a certain one user avatar M1, that it owns a ticket that can move to the content providing position by the ticket possession determination unit 1661, it permits the certain one user avatar M1 to move to the content providing position. On the other hand, when the invalidation processing unit 1662 determines, for a certain one user avatar M1, that it does not own a ticket that can move to the content providing position by the ticket possession determination unit 1661, it prohibits the certain one user avatar M1 from moving to the content providing position. In this case, in the present embodiment, the invalidation processing unit 1662 invalidates the warp button 1800 (warp input for moving to the content providing position) associated with the one user avatar M 1, so that the one user avatar M1 cannot move to the content providing position. ​​​​​​It is prohibited. For example, the invalidation processing unit 1662 outputs an invalidation instruction for the warp button 1800 to the user interface drawing unit 1582. In this case, the user interface drawing unit 1582 does not display the warp button 1800 associated with one user avatar M1 or displays it in an inactive state (see the warp button 1800-1 in FIG. 18) to achieve invalidation. Note that the inactive warp button 1800-1 is visible in itself, but no warp input occurs even if an attempt is made to operate it.

[0191] Alternatively, instead of the invalidation instruction for the warp button 1800, the invalidation processing unit 1662 may change the second predetermined position, which is the destination by the second warp processing related to the warp button 1800, from the position within the space where the content providing position is located to a position outside the space (for example, near the entrance).

[0192] The parameter update unit 170 updates each value of various parameters of the virtual camera 60 (see FIG. 4). Note that each value of various parameters of the virtual camera 60 may be different for each terminal image (for each user avatar M1) as described above. The parameter update unit 170 may update each value of various parameters of the virtual camera 60 related to one user avatar M1 according to the position / orientation information of the one user avatar M1. Also, the parameter update unit 170 may update each value of various parameters of the virtual camera 60 according to a change in a mode such as the first-person view mode of the terminal image generation unit 158 described above.

[0193] Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23 and the like, an operation example of the virtual reality generation system 1 will be described. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Do. In the subsequent processing flowcharts, the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between the input and output of each step is not impaired. If the relationship between the input and output of each step is not impaired, the processing order of each step may be changed.

[0194] Figure 20 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of operations related to the drawing of guidance information and the drawing of the warp button 1800 among various operations of the virtual reality generation system 1. The processing shown in Figure 20 shows the processing for a certain user, and is started when the virtual reality application in the terminal device 20 related to the certain user is started, and may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined period until the virtual reality application is turned off. Note that the processing shown in Figure 20 may be executed in parallel for each user. The processing shown in Figure 20 shows the processing for a certain user, and is started when the virtual reality application in the terminal device 20 related to the certain user is started, and may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined period until the virtual reality application is turned off. Note that the processing shown in Figure 20 may be executed in parallel for each user. is started when the virtual reality application in the terminal device 20 related to the certain user is started, and may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined period until the virtual reality application is turned off. Note that the processing shown in Figure 20 may be executed in parallel for each user. The processing shown in Figure 20 shows the processing for a certain user, and is started when the virtual reality application in the terminal device 20 related to the certain user is started, and may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined period until the virtual reality application is turned off. Note that the processing shown in Figure 20 may be executed in parallel for each user. The processing shown in Figure 20 shows the processing for a certain user, and is started when the virtual reality application in the terminal device 20 related to the certain user is started, and may be repeatedly executed at a predetermined period until the virtual reality application is turned off. Note that the processing shown in Figure 20 may be executed in parallel for each user.

[0195] In step S2000, the server device 10 determines whether or not the user avatar M1 related to a certain user has entered the virtual space. That is, it determines whether or not there has been an entry into the virtual space. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2002, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2004. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the user refers to the user related to the user avatar M1 determined to have entered the virtual space in step S2000, and the user avatar M1 refers to the user avatar M1 determined to have entered the virtual space in step S2000. the process proceeds to step S2004. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the user refers to the user related to the user avatar M1 determined to have entered the virtual space in step S2000, and the user avatar M1 refers to the user avatar M1 determined to have entered the virtual space in step S2000. refers to the user avatar M1 determined to have entered the virtual space in step S2000. refers to the user avatar M1 determined to have entered the virtual space in step S2000.

[0196] In step S2002, the server device 10 assigns a group ID to the user avatar M1. Note that the user may input a group name when entering the virtual space. In this case, the input of the group name may be selected from the list of currently operating group names. In this case, the input of the group name may be selected from the list of currently operating group names. This may be realized by selecting a group name. In this case, the server device 10 updates the group state information 1000 (see FIG. 10) in the group state storage unit 146 by associating the user avatar M1 with the group ID corresponding to the group name. Note that when a new group name is input, a new group ID may be set. In step S2004, the server device 10 determines whether the user avatar M1 has exited the virtual space. If the determination result is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S2006; otherwise (i.e., when the user is still active in the virtual space), the process proceeds to step S2008. In step S2006, the server device 10 updates the group state information 1000 (see FIG. 10) in the group state storage unit 146 by removing (deleting) the user avatar M1 from the group. Note that the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. In step S2008, the server device 10 determines whether there is another user avatar M1 (i.e., a friend avatar) in the same group based on the group state information 1000 in the group state storage unit 146. If the determination result is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S2009; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2017.

[0197] It may be achieved by selecting a group name. In this case, the server device 10 updates the group state information 1000 (see FIG. 10) in the group state storage unit 14 by associating the user avatar M1 with the group ID corresponding to the group name. When a new group name is input, a new group ID may be set. In step S2004, the server device 10 determines whether the user avatar M1 has exited the virtual space. If the determination result is “YES”, it proceeds to step S2006; otherwise (i.e., when still active in the virtual space), it proceeds to step S2008. In step S2006, the server device 10 updates the group state information 1000 (see FIG. 10) in the group state storage unit 14 by removing (deleting) the user avatar M1 from the group. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. In step S2008, the server device 10 determines whether there is another user avatar M1 (i.e., a friend avatar) in the same group based on the group state information 1000 in the group state storage unit 14. If the determination result is “YES”, it proceeds to step S2009; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2017.

[0198] In step S2006, the server device 10 updates the group state information 1000 (see FIG. 10) in the group state storage unit 14 by removing (deleting) the user avatar M1 from the group. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. In step S2006, the server device 10 updates the group state information 1000 (see FIG. 10) in the group state storage unit 14 by removing (deleting) the user avatar M1 from the group. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000. The exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group. For example, the exit of the user avatar M1 may be notified to the user associated with the other user avatar M1 in the group by updating the information in the group information display area 3000.

[0199] In step S2008, the server device 10 determines whether there is another user avatar M1 (i.e., a friend avatar) in the same group based on the group state information 1000 in the group state storage unit 14. If the determination result is “YES”, it proceeds to step S2009; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2017. In step S2008, the server device 10 determines whether there is another user avatar M1 (i.e., a friend avatar) in the same group based on the group state information 1000 in the group state storage unit 14. If the determination result is “YES”, it proceeds to step S2009; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2017. In step S2008, the server device 10 determines whether there is another user avatar M1 (i.e., a friend avatar) in the same group based on the group state information 1000 in the group state storage unit 14. If the determination result is “YES”, it proceeds to step S2009; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2017. In step S2008, the server device 10 determines whether there is another user avatar M1 (i.e., a friend avatar) in the same group based on the group state information 1000 in the group state storage unit 14. If the determination result is “YES”, it proceeds to step S2009; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2017.

[0200] In step S2009, the server device 10 executes guidance information output processing. An example of the guidance information output processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 21.

[0201] In step S2010, the server device 10 sorts the user IDs of one or more other user avatars M1 (friend avatars) in the group in a predetermined order, and sets the variable j to the initial value “1”.

[0202] In step S2011, the server device 10 performs warp condition determination processing on the j-th friend avatar. An example of the warp condition determination processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 22.

[0203] In step S2012, based on the result of the warp condition determination processing in step S2011, the server device 10 determines whether a predetermined warp condition for the user avatar M1 to instantaneously move to the vicinity of the j-th friend avatar is satisfied. If the determination result is “YES”

[0204] ”, the process proceeds to step S2013; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2014.

[0205] In step S2013, the server device 10 enables the warp button 1800 to be operable and draws it in association with the friend avatar for which the predetermined warp condition is satisfied.

[0206] In step S2014, the server device 10 makes the warp button 1800 inoperable and draws it in association with the friend avatar for which the predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and also draws the above-described auxiliary information. Thereby, the user can appropriately obtain tickets relying on the auxiliary information to satisfy the predetermined warp condition.​​​​​​​​​In step S2015, the server device 10 determines whether the variable j matches the number of friend avatars within the group. That is, it determines whether the success or failure of a predetermined warp condition has been determined for all friend avatars. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2017; otherwise, it returns to step S201 1 via step S2016.

[0207] In step S2016, the server device 10 increments the variable j by "1". In this way, when there are multiple friend avatars in the virtual space, the warp condition determination process may be executed for each friend avatar.

[0208] In step S2017, the server device 10 updates the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1 and the values of each camera parameter of each virtual camera 60 based on various operation inputs from each user within the group.

[0209] In step S2018, the server device 10 generates terminal images for each user within the group and transmits them to the terminal devices 20 of each user.

[0210] In step S2020, the server device 10 executes an interaction process based on voice input etc. from each user within the group. The interaction process may be as described above in relation to the interaction processing unit 160.

[0211] FIG. 21 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the guidance information output process (step S2009 in FIG. 20).

[0212] In step S2100, the server device 10 determines whether there are one or more other user avatars within the group ​​​​​​​Extract the friend avatar M1 (friend avatar) and the user ID ( or user avatar ID) in a predetermined order.

[0213] In step S2102, the server device 10 sets the variable k to an initial value "1".

[0214] In step S2104, the server device 10 processes the k-th friend avatar. Then, the distance between the user avatar M1 and the k-th friend avatar (in Figure 21, The distance d(i) of the current period is calculated by the following formula: "i" is an arbitrary integer that represents the number of periods. The distance d(i) is calculated by the global It may be a distance in the coordinate system.

[0215] In step S2105, the server device 10 sends a guide message to the k-th friend avatar. It is determined whether or not a predetermined output condition for the information is satisfied. The predetermined output condition is, as described above, Although it is arbitrary, for example, here, it is satisfied when the distance d(i) is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance D4. In this case, the predetermined distance D4 is significantly larger than the above-mentioned predetermined distance D2, If the determination result is "YES", step S21 If so, proceed to step S2110; otherwise, proceed to step S2112.

[0216] In step S2106, the server device 10 compares the distance d(i) in the current cycle with the distance d(i) in the previous cycle. Based on the distance d(i-1), the distance between the user avatar M1 and the k-th friend avatar is calculated. It is determined whether the distance in this cycle is shorter than that in the previous cycle. Instead of the distance d(i-1) of the previous cycle, the average value of the distances in a predetermined number of cycles before the previous cycle is used. It may be used. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2110.

[0217] In step S2108, the server device 10 draws guidance information representing the positional relationship between the user avatar M1 and the k-th friend avatar, which includes distance change information (guidance information indicating distance shortening) representing that the distance between the user avatar M1 and the k-th friend avatar is decreasing. The method of drawing the guidance information may be as described above.

[0218] In step S2110, the server device 10 draws guidance information representing the positional relationship between the user avatar M1 and the k-th friend avatar, which includes distance change information (guidance information indicating distance increase) representing that the distance between the user avatar M1 and the k-th friend avatar is increasing. The method of drawing the guidance information may be as described above.

[0219] In step S2112, the server device 10 determines whether the variable k matches the number of friend avatars in the group. That is, it determines whether guidance information has been drawn for all friend avatars. If the determination result is "YES", the process of FIG. 21 ends; otherwise, the process returns to step S2104 via step S2114.

[0220] In step S2114, the server device 10 increments the variable k by "1". In this way, when there are multiple friend avatars in the virtual space, the change pattern of the distance may be evaluated for each friend avatar.

[0221] ​​​​​According to the processes shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 in this way, guidance information and the warp button 1800 can be drawn for each friend avatar within the group, and the movement of the user avatar M1 in the virtual space can be effectively supported. For each, the guidance information and the warp button 1800 can be drawn, and the movement of the user avatar M1 in the virtual space can be effectively supported. 1 can be effectively supported.

[0222] FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the warp condition determination process (step S2011 in FIG. 20). It is a flowchart.

[0223] In step S2200, the server device 10 specifies the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located based on the position / orientation information of the j-th friend avatar. Based on the position / orientation information of the j-th friend avatar, the server device 10 specifies the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. Specify.

[0224] In step S2202, the server device 10 determines whether or not the user avatar M1 is located within a specific area based on the position / orientation information of the user avatar M1. In this embodiment, Based on the position / orientation information of the user avatar M1, the server device 10 determines whether or not the user avatar M1 is located within a specific area. In this embodiment, Since the specific area is an arbitrary position, step S2202 may be automatically satisfied. However, in the case of a modification example, the specific area may be an area excluding a part of the area within the virtual space (for example, an area within a predetermined distance D3 from the j-th friend avatar). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2204, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S221 8. is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2204, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S221 8.

[0225] In step S2204, the server device 10 determines whether a ticket is required to move to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located based on the data in the content information storage unit 144. If the determination result is "YES", the step Based on the data in the content information storage unit 144, the server device 10 determines whether a ticket is required to move to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. to move to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. If the determination result is "YES", the step proceeds to S2206, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2208.

[0226] In step S2206, the server device 10 determines whether the user avatar M1 holds a ticket for moving to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. This determination method may be as described above in relation to the ticket possession determination unit 1661. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2208; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2210. and whether it is holding a ticket for moving to the space (content providing position) where the door avatar is located. This determination method may be as described above in relation to the ticket possession determination unit 1661. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2208; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2210. and whether it is holding a ticket for moving to the space (content providing position) where the door avatar is located. This determination method may be as described above in relation to the ticket possession determination unit 1661. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2208; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2210.

[0227] In step S2208, the server device 10 forms a state (movement permission state) in which the user avatar M1 can move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "YES". In step S2208, the server device 10 forms a state (movement permission state) in which the user avatar M1 can move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "YES". In step S2208, the server device 10 forms a state (movement permission state) in which the user avatar M1 can move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "YES". In step S2208, the server device 10 forms a state (movement permission state) in which the user avatar M1 can move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "YES".

[0228] In step S2210, the server device 10 forms a state (movement prohibited state) in which the user avatar M1 cannot move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO". In step S2210, the server device 10 forms a state (movement prohibited state) in which the user avatar M1 cannot move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO". In step S2210, the server device 10 forms a state (movement prohibited state) in which the user avatar M1 cannot move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO". In step S2210, the server device 10 forms a state (movement prohibited state) in which the user avatar M1 cannot move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO".

[0229] In step S2212, the server device 10 determines, based on the data in the ticket information storage unit 145 (see FIG. 9), whether a plurality of tickets for the j-th friend avatar to move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located are associated. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2214; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2216. In step S2212, the server device 10 determines, based on the data in the ticket information storage unit 145 (see FIG. 9), whether a plurality of tickets for the j-th friend avatar to move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located are associated. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2214; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2216. In step S2212, the server device 10 determines, based on the data in the ticket information storage unit 145 (see FIG. 9), whether a plurality of tickets for the j-th friend avatar to move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located are associated. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2214; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2216. In step S2212, the server device 10 determines, based on the data in the ticket information storage unit 145 (see FIG. 9), whether a plurality of tickets for the j-th friend avatar to move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located are associated. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2214; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2216. In step S2212, the server device 10 determines, based on the data in the ticket information storage unit 145 (see FIG. 9), whether a plurality of tickets for the j-th friend avatar to move to the space (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located are associated. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2214; otherwise, it proceeds to step S2216.

[0230] In step S2214, the server device 10 prompts the user related to the user avatar M1 with auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-1 in FIG. 18) for requesting transfer of the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. As described above, the auxiliary information may be drawn in association with the warp button 1800 (refer to FIG. 18). The auxiliary information may include a button that is operated when sending a request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. Note that the output of such auxiliary information may be executed only when there is a high possibility that the destination of the user avatar M1 is near the j-th friend avatar. In step S2216, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-2 in FIG. 18) for notifying the user related to the user avatar M1 of the selling position of the ticket for moving to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. Note that such auxiliary information may include a link or a button that is accessed or operated when teleporting to the ticket selling position (ticket sales area). In step S2218, the server device 10 forms a state in which the user avatar M1 cannot move (movement prohibited state) to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO". Note that in the process shown in FIG. 22, in step S2214, the server device 10 prompts the user related to the user avatar M1 with a request to transfer the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. In step S2214, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-1 in FIG. 18) for prompting the user related to the user avatar M1 to request transfer of the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. The auxiliary information may be drawn in association with the warp button 1800 (refer to FIG. 18). The auxiliary information may include a button that is operated when sending a request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. Note that the output of such auxiliary information may be executed only when there is a high possibility that the destination of the user avatar M1 is near the j-th friend avatar. In step S2216, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-2 in FIG. 18) for notifying the user related to the user avatar M1 of the selling position of the ticket for moving to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. Note that such auxiliary information may include a link or a button that is accessed or operated when teleporting to the ticket selling position (ticket sales area). In step S2218, the server device 10 forms a state in which the user avatar M1 cannot move (movement prohibited state) to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO".

[0231] In step S2214, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-1 in FIG. 18) for prompting the user related to the user avatar M1 to request transfer of the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. The auxiliary information may be drawn in association with the warp button 1800 (refer to FIG. 18). The auxiliary information may include a button that is operated when sending a request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. Note that the output of such auxiliary information may be executed only when there is a high possibility that the destination of the user avatar M1 is near the j-th friend avatar. In step S2216, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-2 in FIG. 18) for notifying the user related to the user avatar M1 of the selling position of the ticket for moving to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. Note that such auxiliary information may include a link or a button that is accessed or operated when teleporting to the ticket selling position (ticket sales area). In step S2218, the server device 10 forms a state in which the user avatar M1 cannot move (movement prohibited state) to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO". Note that in the process shown in FIG. 22, in step S2214, the server device 10 prompts the user related to the user avatar M1 with a request to transfer the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. In step S2214, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-1 in FIG. 18) for prompting the user related to the user avatar M1 to request transfer of the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. The auxiliary information may be drawn in association with the warp button 1800 (refer to FIG. 18). The auxiliary information may include a button that is operated when sending a request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. Note that the output of such auxiliary information may be executed only when there is a high possibility that the destination of the user avatar M1 is near the j-th friend avatar.

[0232] In step S2214, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-1 in FIG. 18) for prompting the user related to the user avatar M1 to request transfer of the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. The auxiliary information may be drawn in association with the warp button 1800 (refer to FIG. 18). The auxiliary information may include a button that is operated when sending a request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. Note that the output of such auxiliary information may be executed only when there is a high possibility that the destination of the user avatar M1 is near the j-th friend avatar. In step S2216, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-2 in FIG. 18) for notifying the user related to the user avatar M1 of the selling position of the ticket for moving to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. Note that such auxiliary information may include a link or a button that is accessed or operated when teleporting to the ticket selling position (ticket sales area). In step S2218, the server device 10 forms a state in which the user avatar M1 cannot move (movement prohibited state) to the space part (content providing position) where the j-th friend avatar is located. In this case, a predetermined warp condition is not satisfied, and the determination result in step S2012 is "NO". Note that in the process shown in FIG. 22, in step S2214, the server device 10 prompts the user related to the user avatar M1 with a request to transfer the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar.

[0233] Note that in the process shown in FIG. 22, in step S2214, the server device 10 prompts the user related to the user avatar M1 with a request to transfer the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. In step S2214, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information (refer to the auxiliary information 1840-1 in FIG. 18) for prompting the user related to the user avatar M1 to request transfer of the ticket to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. The auxiliary information may be drawn in association with the warp button 1800 (refer to FIG. 18). The auxiliary information may include a button that is operated when sending a request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar. Note that the output of such auxiliary information may be executed only when there is a high possibility that the destination of the user avatar M1 is near the j-th friend avatar. Outputs auxiliary information that prompts a ferry request. In addition to this, the auxiliary information output in step S2216 may be output.

[0234] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of FIG. 22 and is a schematic flowchart when a request from the user related to the user avatar M1 to the user related to the j-th friend avatar is transmitted.

[0235] In FIG. 23, the terminal device 20A represents the terminal device 20 related to the user associated with the j-th friend avatar, and the terminal device 20B represents the terminal device 20 related to the user associated with the user avatar M1.

[0236] In this case, when the user associated with the j-th friend avatar purchases a plurality of tickets on the terminal device 20A (step S2300), the purchase information of the tickets is stored (updated) in the server device 10 (refer to the ticket information 900 in the ticket information storage unit 145 shown in FIG. 9) (step S2302).

[0237] Thereafter, the server device 10 outputs auxiliary information that prompts a ticket transfer request to the user related to the j-th friend avatar to the terminal device 20B (refer to step S2214 in FIG. 22) (step S2304). In response to this auxiliary information, a request is transmitted from the terminal device 20B to the terminal device 20A (step S2306). Note that this request may be transmitted from the terminal device 20B to the terminal device 20A via the server device 10.

[0238] The user associated with the j-th friend avatar receives the request from the terminal device 20B. ​​​​​​​​​​​​In response to the estop, a transfer input is transmitted to the server device 10 (step S2308), and at the same time the user related to the terminal device 20B is notified of the authentication information for transfer (step S2310 ). Note that, as described above, the transfer input may be transmitted in advance from the user associated with the j-th friend avatar (for example, at the stage of step S2300). Similarly, the authentication information for transfer may be notified in advance from the user associated with the j-th friend avatar to the user of the terminal device 20B. When the user of the terminal device 20B receives the notification of the authentication information for transfer from the user associated with the j-th friend avatar, the user transmits the authentication information for transfer to the server device 10 ( step S2311). Note that the server device 10 may cause the terminal device 20B to output an input screen for the authentication information for transfer when transmitting a request to the terminal device 20A.

[0239] When the server device 10 receives the authentication information for transfer from the terminal device 20B, it performs verification. If the verification is successful, one of the plurality of tickets associated with the user associated with the j-th friend avatar is associated with the user related to the terminal device 20B (step S2312). That is, the rewriting of the ticket information 900 may be as described above with reference to the ticket information rewriting unit 1644. Along with such rewriting, the server device 10 redraws the warp button 1800 related to the j-th friend avatar from a non-operable state to an operable state

[0240] (step S2314). As a result, the user of the terminal device 20B can operate the warp button related to the j-th friend avatar. That is, the rewriting of the ticket information 900 may be as described above with reference to the ticket information rewriting unit 1644. Along with such rewriting, the server device 10 redraws the warp button 1800 related to the j-th friend avatar from a non-operable state to an operable state (step S2314). As a result, the user of the terminal device 20B can operate the warp button related to the j-th friend avatar.

[0241] As a result, the user of the terminal device 20B can operate the warp button By operating 1800, the user avatar M1 can be teleported to the side of the j-th friend avatar (step S2316). (step S2316).

[0242] Incidentally, in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 23, the server device 10 comprehensively realizes various functions. However, some or all of the various functions of the server device 10 described above can also be realized by the terminal device 20 instead of the server device 10. Hereinafter, as an example, a configuration in which some of the various functions of the server device 10 are realized by the terminal device 20 will be described. Instead of the server device 10, it is also possible to realize some or all of the various functions of the server device 10 by the terminal device 20. Hereinafter, as an example, a configuration in which some of the various functions of the server device 10 are realized by the terminal device 20 will be described. Instead of the server device 10, it is also possible to realize some or all of the various functions of the server device 10 by the terminal device 20. Hereinafter, as an example, a configuration in which some of the various functions of the server device 10 are realized by the terminal device 20 will be described. Hereinafter, as an example, a configuration in which some of the various functions of the server device 10 are realized by the terminal device 20 will be described. will be described.

[0243] FIG. 24 is an example of a functional block diagram of the terminal device 20 related to the avatar movement guidance function. Hereinafter, one terminal device 20 will be described representatively, and unless otherwise specified, the user refers to the user related to the terminal device 20. FIG. 24 is an example of a functional block diagram of the terminal device 20 related to the avatar movement guidance function. Hereinafter, one terminal device 20 will be described representatively, and unless otherwise specified, the user refers to the user related to the terminal device 20. Unless otherwise specified, the user refers to the user related to the terminal device 20.

[0244] In the example shown in FIG. 24, the terminal device 20 includes a user database 240, an avatar database 242, a content information storage unit 244, a ticket information storage unit 245, a group state storage unit 246, an operation input generation unit 250, a server information acquisition unit 251, a user avatar processing unit 252 (an example of an acquisition unit and an example of a position change unit), a friend avatar processing unit 254, an operation input transmission unit 255, a terminal image generation unit 258, a content processing unit 259, a dialogue processing unit 260, and a parameter update unit 270. the terminal device 20 includes a user database 240, an avatar database 242, a content information storage unit 244, a ticket information storage unit 245, a group state storage unit 246, an operation input generation unit 250, a server information acquisition unit 251, a user avatar processing unit 252 (an example of an acquisition unit and an example of a position change unit), a friend avatar processing unit 254, an operation input transmission unit 255, a terminal image generation unit 258, a content processing unit 259, a dialogue processing unit 260, and a parameter update unit 270. a group state storage unit 246, an operation input generation unit 250, a server information acquisition unit 251, a user avatar processing unit 252 (an example of an acquisition unit and an example of a position change unit), a friend avatar processing unit 254, an operation input transmission unit 255, a terminal image generation unit 258, a content processing unit 259, a dialogue processing unit 260, and a parameter update unit 270. a user avatar processing unit 252 (an example of an acquisition unit and an example of a position change unit), a friend avatar processing unit 254, an operation input transmission unit 255, a terminal image generation unit 258, a content processing unit 259, a dialogue processing unit 260, and a parameter update unit 270. a friend avatar processing unit 254, an operation input transmission unit 255, a terminal image generation unit 258, a content processing unit 259, a dialogue processing unit 260, and a parameter update unit 270. an operation input transmission unit 255, a terminal image generation unit 258, a content processing unit 259, a dialogue processing unit 260, and a parameter update unit 270.

[0245] Note that the group state storage unit 246 can be realized by the terminal storage unit 22 shown in FIG. 1 from the user database 240, and the parameter update unit 270 can be realized by the components shown in FIG. 1 from the operation input generation unit 250. The group state storage unit 246 can be realized by the terminal storage unit 22 shown in FIG. 1 from the user database 240, and the parameter update unit 270 can be realized by the components shown in FIG. 1 from the operation input generation unit 250. It can be realized by the terminal control unit 25 shown. Also, parameters from the operation input generation unit 250 A part of the update unit 270 (the functional unit that communicates with the server device 10) is the terminal shown in FIG. 1 It can be realized by the terminal communication unit 21 together with the control unit 25.

[0246] Each data stored in each of the group state storage units 246 from the user database 240 may be substantially the same as each data stored in each of the group state storage units 146 from the user database 140 of the server device 10 described above. However, each data stored in the user database 240 may be only the data related to the user and their friend users (users related to the friend avatars within the same group, the same hereinafter) among the data stored in the user database 140 of the server device 10 described above. This also applies to the ticket information storage unit 245 and the group state storage unit 246. The operation input generation unit 250 generates the above-described operation input information based on various inputs from the user (various inputs via the input unit 24). Note that the various inputs from the user are as described above and may include a movement operation input, an input for interaction, a ticket request, authentication information for transfer, etc. and the like.

[0247] The server information acquisition unit 251 acquires various data stored in each of the group state storage units 246 from the user database 240 from the server device 10. The timing of data acquisition by the server information acquisition unit 251 is arbitrary, but may be at the time of updating the virtual reality application, etc. However, the acquisition of data stored in the group state storage unit 246 (further

[0248] The server information acquisition unit 251 acquires various data stored in each of the group state storage units 246 from the user database 240 from the server device 10. The timing of data acquisition by the server information acquisition unit 251 is arbitrary, but may be at the time of updating the virtual reality application, etc. However, the acquisition of data stored in the group state storage unit 246 (further update) shall be performed at a timing that does not cause a problem in the operation of the virtual reality application. ​The new timing may be when the users constituting the group change. In this way, The various data stored in each of the group state storage units 246 from the user database 240 may be updated as appropriate based on the data acquired by the server information acquisition unit 251. Yes.

[0249] The user avatar processing unit 252 has substantially the same functions as the user avatar processing unit 152 of the server device 10 described above. However, the user avatar M1 to be processed by the user avatar processing unit 252 may only be the user avatar M1 associated with the user related to the terminal device 20. Yes.

[0250] The friend avatar processing unit 254 has substantially the same functions as the user avatar processing unit 152 of the server device 10 described above. However, the user avatar M1 to be processed by the friend avatar processing unit 254 may only be the friend avatar for the user avatar M1 associated with the user related to the terminal device 20. Yes.

[0251] The user avatar processing unit 252 and the friend avatar processing unit 254 each perform various processes such as movement processing based on a movement operation input, first warp processing, and second warp processing, similar to the user avatar processing unit 152 of the server device 10 described above, with respect to the user avatar M1 to be processed. The user avatar processing unit 252 performs various processes based on the operation input information related to the user, and the friend avatar processing unit 254 may perform various processes based on the operation input information related to the friend user. As a result, the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1 is updated. Yes.

[0252] ​​​​​The operation input transmission unit 255 transmits the operation input information generated by the operation input generation unit 250 to the server device 10. Note that, instead of the operation input information, the operation input transmission unit 255 may transmit the position / orientation information of the user avatar M1 updated based on the operation input information by the user avatar processing unit 252 to the server device 10. Further, the operation input transmission unit 255 may transmit the operation input information to the server device 10 only when there are other user avatars M1 (friend avatars) within the virtual space where the user avatar M1 related to the user is active. The terminal image generation unit 258 generates a terminal image for the terminal device 20. The terminal image may be as described above. In this case, for example, the terminal image generation unit 258 may draw the images of the friend avatars based on the position / orientation information of the friend avatars acquired or generated by the friend avatar processing unit 254, the information (e.g., user avatar ID) that can identify the target friend avatar to be drawn, and the avatar information 700 (see FIG. 7) related to the target friend avatar. In this case, the terminal device 20 stores the part information for drawing each part of the avatar in the terminal storage unit 22 (avatar database 242), and may draw each friend avatar based on the part information and the position / orientation information of the friend avatars acquired from the server device 10, etc.

[0253] Specifically, the terminal image generation unit 258 includes a base image drawing unit 2581, a user interface drawing unit 2582, a guidance information drawing unit 2583, an auxiliary information drawing unit 2584, and a warp operation drawing unit 2585. From the base image drawing unit 2581 to the warp operation drawing unit 258

[0254] ​​​​​​​​​​​​Each of them may be the same as each of the warp operation drawing unit 1585 and the like from the base image drawing unit 1581 of the server device 10 described above. However, the terminal image to be drawn is only the terminal image for one terminal device 20. The content processing unit 259 provides content to the user for each content providing position. The content provided to the user may be obtained from the server device 10 when the content providing conditions are satisfied.

[0255] The content processing unit 259 provides content to the user for each content providing position. The content provided to the user may be obtained from the server device 10 when the content providing conditions are satisfied.

[0256] The dialogue processing unit 260 has substantially the same functions as the dialogue processing unit 160 of the server device 10 described above. The dialogue processing unit 260 executes dialogue processing related to dialogue between users within the same group based on each input for dialogue from the user and the user's friend users. Based on each input for dialogue from the user and the user's friend users, the dialogue processing unit 260 executes dialogue processing related to dialogue between users within the same group.

[0257] The parameter update unit 270 updates each value of various parameters (see FIG. 4) of the virtual camera 60 associated with the user avatar M1.

[0258] FIG. 25 is an operation example by the terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 24, and is a schematic flowchart showing an operation example related to the terminal image generation unit 258. In FIG. 25, the terminal device 20C represents the terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 24 related to the user, and the terminal device 20D represents the terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 24 related to the user associated with one friend avatar within the same group. Here, although the number of users related to the terminal device 20D is one, the same applies even if there are two or more users. That is, in this case, each of the terminal device 20C and the plurality of terminal devices 20D may form a pair, and the operation example shown in FIG. 22 may be realized. In FIG. 25, the terminal device 20C represents the terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 24 related to the user, and the terminal device 20D represents the terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 24 related to the user associated with one friend avatar within the same group. Here, although the number of users related to the terminal device 20D is one, the same applies even if there are two or more users. That is, in this case, each of the terminal device 20C and the plurality of terminal devices 20D may form a pair, and the operation example shown in FIG. 22 may be realized. That is, in this case, each of the terminal device 20C and the plurality of terminal devices 20D may form a pair, and the operation example shown in FIG. 22 may be realized.

[0259] ​​​​​​In each of the terminal devices 20C and 20D, operation input information is generated based on various inputs by the corresponding user (steps S2500, S2501), and the generated operation input information is transmitted to the server device 10 (steps S2502, S25 08). The server device 10 transfers the operation input information received from the terminal devices 20 of each user within the same group (here, the terminal devices 20C and 20D) (steps S 2504, S2510). At this time, the server device 10 may transfer the operation input information as it is, or may perform predetermined processing or the like and then transmit it. For example, the operation input information may be transmitted after being converted into the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1. In this way, the operation input information (operation input information related to the friend avatar) is received by each of the terminal devices 20C and 20D (steps S2512, S2 506).

[0260] In the terminal device 20C, based on the operation input information generated in step S2500 and the operation input information (operation input information related to the friend avatar) received in step S2512, the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1 is updated and a terminal image is drawn (step S2514). At this time, guidance information, auxiliary information, etc. as described above are also drawn. Similarly, in the terminal device 20D, based on the operation input information generated in step S2501 and the operation input information (operation input information related to the friend avatar) received in step S2506, the position / orientation information of each user avatar M1 is updated and a terminal image is drawn ( step S2516). At this time, guidance information, auxiliary information, etc. as described above are also drawn.

[0261] Such an operation is repeated in each of the terminal devices 20C and 20D until the corresponding user avatar M1 exits the virtual space (''YES'' in step S2518, ''YES'' in step S2520).

[0262] Although not shown in FIG. 25, the above-described dialogue processing (dialogue processing related to user avatars M1 within the same group) may also be realized by the voice input etc. generated in each of the terminal devices 20C and 20D being exchanged between the terminal devices 20C and 20D in the same manner as in the case of the above-described operation input information.

[0263] 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 these embodiments, and designs etc. within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

[0264] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the drawing of the guidance information may be realized by the appearance (drawing) of a leader avatar (not shown). In this case, the leader avatar can guide the guided user avatar M5 to the preceding user avatar M6 by moving to the preceding user avatar M6. That is, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 can easily move the guided user avatar M5 to beside the preceding user avatar M6 by performing a movement operation input so that the guided user avatar M5 follows behind the leader avatar. In this case, the leader avatar may have an appearance etc. suggesting the preceding user avatar M6. Also, the leader avatar may automatically guide the guided user avatar M5 to the preceding user avatar M6. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​A mode of moving up to the avatar M6 (a mode of pulling the hand of the guided user avatar M5) may be provided. Such a mode may be realized in the second warp process. In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process is realized by a warp input by a user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported, but is not limited thereto. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. In this case, the user interface for the specific warp input may be realized by a button different from the warp button 1800, for example, named a reverse warp button or a lost child button. In this case, for example, user-friendly movement support can be realized for users who enjoy virtual reality as parent and child. Also, even when the child user cannot operate the warp button, in the terminal device 20 related to the child user, the processing load related to drawing and the accompanying power consumption (decrease in the charging state of the power supply) can be reduced.

[0265] In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process is realized by a warp input by a user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported, but is not limited thereto. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. In this case, the user interface for the specific warp input may be realized by a button different from the warp button 1800, for example, named a reverse warp button or a lost child button. In this case, for example, user-friendly movement support can be realized for users who enjoy virtual reality as parent and child. Also, even when the child user cannot operate the warp button, in the terminal device 20 related to the child user, the processing load related to drawing and the accompanying power consumption (decrease in the charging state of the power supply) can be reduced. In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process is realized by a warp input by a user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported, but is not limited thereto. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. In this case, the user interface for the specific warp input may be realized by a button different from the warp button 1800, for example, named a reverse warp button or a lost child button. In this case, for example, user-friendly movement support can be realized for users who enjoy virtual reality as parent and child. Also, even when the child user cannot operate the warp button, in the terminal device 20 related to the child user, the processing load related to drawing and the accompanying power consumption (decrease in the charging state of the power supply) can be reduced. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user. That is, the second warp process may be realized by a warp input by a user other than the user associated with the user avatar M1 to be teleported. For example, in the case of a specific family relationship such as a parent-child relationship, based on a specific warp input by the parent user, the user avatar M1 associated with the child user is instantaneously moved to the vicinity of the user avatar M1 associated with the parent user.

[0266] In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process may be realized by the appearance of a warp area such as the warp area 1100 in the vicinity of the guided user avatar M5. In this case, the exit side of the warp area 1100 may be set in the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6. In this case, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 is guided to the nearby warp area. In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process may be realized by the appearance of a warp area such as the warp area 1100 in the vicinity of the guided user avatar M5. In this case, the exit side of the warp area 1100 may be set in the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6. In this case, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 is guided to the nearby warp area. In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process may be realized by the appearance of a warp area such as the warp area 1100 in the vicinity of the guided user avatar M5. In this case, the exit side of the warp area 1100 may be set in the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6. In this case, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 is guided to the nearby warp area. In the above-described embodiment, the second warp process may be realized by the appearance of a warp area such as the warp area 1100 in the vicinity of the guided user avatar M5. In this case, the exit side of the warp area 1100 may be set in the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6. In this case, the user related to the guided user avatar M5 is guided to the nearby warp area. By simply performing a relatively easy movement operation input for moving the user avatar M5, the guided user avatar M5 can be teleported to the vicinity of the preceding user avatar M6.

[0267] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the function of the guidance information drawing unit 1583 (the same applies to the guidance information drawing unit 2583) may be turnable on / off according to the selection by the user.

[0268] Also, in the above-described embodiment, regarding the second warp process for teleporting the user avatar M1 to the vicinity of one friend avatar located in the space part that requires a ticket, the second predetermined position may be changed according to the ticket possession status of the user avatar M1. For example, when the user avatar M1 has a ticket for moving into the space part, the second predetermined position may be set within the space part. On the other hand, when the user avatar M1 does not have a ticket for moving into the space part, the second predetermined position may be outside the space part (for example, the entrance). Such a configuration is suitable when there is a ticket sales area for selling tickets for moving into the space part outside the space part (for example, the entrance).

[0269] Regarding the above embodiments of the present invention, the following additional remarks are further disclosed.

[0270] [Additional Remark 1] A drawing unit that draws a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space, an acquisition unit that acquires an input from a user, based on a first input from a certain user acquired by the acquisition unit, a position change unit that changes the position of the display media associated with the certain user in the virtual space, ​​​​​​​​The drawing unit is configured to draw a first display medium associated with the one user and a second display medium associated with another user. and a second display medium to be displayed on the first display medium, and Drawing,information processing system.

[0271] [Appendix 2] An information processing system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the guidance information includes a line or a curve.

[0272] [Appendix 3] The drawing unit draws the line or curve starting from the first display medium. Information processing system.

[0273] [Appendix 4] The drawing unit is configured to draw a virtual image of the second display mediums associated with the other users. When the second display medium is located in the space, the guidance information is rendered for each of the second display media. Information processing system.

[0274] [Appendix 5] When the display medium is moved to a predetermined area in the virtual space, the display medium is moved from the predetermined area to the first area. The display medium is moved to a predetermined position in a time shorter than the time required for the movement based on the first input. a first warp processing unit; The drawing unit is configured to draw a virtual image based on a positional relationship between the first display medium and the second display medium in a virtual space. 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the line or curve is drawn with the predetermined region as an end point based on the Information processing system.

[0275] [Appendix 6] When the first display medium is located within a specific area in a virtual space, and moving the image forward from the specific region to a second predetermined position in response to a second input from the user associated with the second input. The second warp processing unit that moves the first display medium in a time shorter than the movement based on the first input The information processing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, further comprising.

[0276] [Appendix 7] The information processing system according to appendix 6, wherein the second predetermined position is set according to the position of the second display medium.

[0277] [Appendix 8] When the first display medium is located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit for inputting the second input in an operable manner, and when the first display medium is not located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit in a non-operable manner. The information processing system according to appendix 6 or 7.

[0278] [Appendix 9] When a plurality of the second display media associated with a plurality of the other users are located in a virtual space, the drawing unit separately draws the first operation unit in association with each of the second display media. In response to the second input to the first operation unit associated with one of the second display media, the second warp processing unit moves the first display medium to the second predetermined position corresponding to the position of the one second display medium. The information processing system according to appendix 8.

[0279] [Appendix 10] The information processing system according to any one of appendices 6 to 8, wherein the specific area includes an arbitrary current position of the first display medium.

[0280] [Appendix 11] A permission information storage unit that stores permission information regarding the movement permission required for the display medium to enter a specific space portion in the virtual space. ​​​​​​​​​​ Based on the authority information stored in the authority information storage unit, for each display medium, the first determination unit that determines whether it is possible to move the display medium to a specific space and, when it is determined by the first determination unit that it is impossible to move the first display medium to the specific space invalidates the second input for moving to the specific space. The information processing system according to any one of appendices 6 to 10, further comprising an invalidating processing unit.

[0281] [Appendix 12] The first determination unit has acquired information on a plurality of the movement authorities associated with one of the second display media, and when one of the first display media satisfies a predetermined condition, determines that it is possible to move the first display medium to the specific space. The information processing system according to appendix 11. and, when one of the first display media satisfies a predetermined condition, determines that it is possible to move the first display medium to the specific space. The information processing system according to appendix 11. The information processing system according to appendix 11, which determines that it is possible to move the first display medium to the specific space.

[0282] [Appendix 13] When the second input is invalidated by the invalidating processing unit, the drawing unit draws auxiliary information for canceling the invalidation by the invalidating processing unit. The information processing system according to appendix 11 or 12. The information processing system according to appendix 11 or 12, which draws auxiliary information for canceling the invalidation by the invalidating processing unit when the second input is invalidated by the invalidating processing unit.

[0283] [Appendix 14] The auxiliary information includes at least any one of information on a method for acquiring the movement authority, information on a position in an imaginary space where it is possible to acquire the movement authority, a link to a specific screen where it is possible to acquire the movement authority, information on an access method, privilege information when the movement authority is acquired, and information on content that can be viewed when the movement authority is acquired. The information processing system according to appendix 13. The auxiliary information includes at least any one of information on a method for acquiring the movement authority, information on a position in an imaginary space where it is possible to acquire the movement authority, a link to a specific screen where it is possible to acquire the movement authority, information on an access method, privilege information when the movement authority is acquired, and information on content that can be viewed when the movement authority is acquired. The information processing system according to appendix 13. The auxiliary information includes at least any one of information on a method for acquiring the movement authority, information on a position in an imaginary space where it is possible to acquire the movement authority, a link to a specific screen where it is possible to acquire the movement authority, information on an access method, privilege information when the movement authority is acquired, and information on content that can be viewed when the movement authority is acquired. The information processing system according to appendix 13. The information processing system according to appendix 13, which includes at least any one of the above.

[0284] [Appendix 15] The drawing unit calculates a distance between the first display medium and the second display medium, which is a distance based on the coordinate system of the virtual space and includes a distance calculation unit that calculates the distance, wherein the guidance information includes distance information representing the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit, according to Supplementary Note 1 ~14 of any one of the information processing systems described in item 1.

[0285] [Supplementary Note 16] Based on the change mode of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit, the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit is further provided with a second determination unit that determines whether the calculated distance is shrinking, wherein the guidance information includes information representing the determination result by the second determination unit, as described in Supplementary Note 15 information processing system.

[0286] [Supplementary Note 17] Draw a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in the virtual space, acquire an input from a user, Based on a first input from one user, the position of the display medium associated with the one user in the virtual space is changed, The process is executed by a computer, Drawing the display image includes drawing guidance information representing the positional relationship between the first display medium associated with the one user and the second display medium associated with another user, associated with the first display medium, an information processing program.

[0287] [Supplementary Note 18] A drawing step of drawing a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in the virtual space, and, an acquisition step of acquiring an input from a user, Based on a first input from one user obtained in the acquisition step, in the virtual space A position changing step of changing the position of the display medium associated with the one user; comprising The drawing step is to associate guidance information representing the positional relationship between a first display medium associated with the one user and a second display medium associated with another user with the first display medium and draw it. An information processing method executed by a computer.

[0288] Regarding the above embodiments of the present invention, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0289] [Supplementary Note 1] A drawing unit that draws a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space; An acquisition unit that acquires an input from a user; Based on a first input from a certain user acquired by the acquisition unit, a position changing unit that changes the position of the display medium associated with the certain user in the virtual space. comprising The drawing unit associates guidance information representing the positional relationship between a first display medium associated with the one user and a second display medium associated with another user with the first display medium and draws it, When the first display medium is located within a specific area in the virtual space, in response to a second input from the user associated with the first display medium, the first display medium is moved from the specific area to a second predetermined position in a shorter time than the movement based on the first input. An information processing system further comprising a second warp processing unit for moving the first display medium.

[0290] [Supplementary Note 2] The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the second predetermined position is set according to the position of the second display medium.

[0291] [Supplementary Note 3] ​​​​​When the drawing unit determines that the first display medium is located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit for inputting the second input in an operable manner. When the first display medium is not located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit in a non-operable manner. The information processing system according to Appendix 1 or 2 When the drawing unit determines that the first display medium is located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit for inputting the second input in an operable manner. When the first display medium is not located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit in a non-operable manner. The information processing system according to Appendix 1 or 2 When the drawing unit determines that the first display medium is located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit for inputting the second input in an operable manner. When the first display medium is not located within the specific area, the drawing unit draws the first operation unit in a non-operable manner. The information processing system according to Appendix 1 or 2 system

[0292] [Appendix 4] When a plurality of second display media associated with a plurality of the other users are located in a virtual space, the drawing unit separately draws the first operation unit in association with each of the second display media When a plurality of second display media associated with a plurality of the other users are located in a virtual space, the drawing unit separately draws the first operation unit in association with each of the second display media ; In response to the second input to the first operation unit associated with one of the second display media, the second warp processing unit moves the first display medium to the second predetermined position corresponding to the position of the one second display medium In response to the second input to the first operation unit associated with one of the second display media, the second warp processing unit moves the first display medium to the second predetermined position corresponding to the position of the one second display medium The information processing system according to Appendix 3

[0293] [Appendix 5] The specific area includes an arbitrary current position of the first display medium. The information processing system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3 The specific area includes an arbitrary current position of the first display medium. The information processing system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3

[0294] [Appendix 6] a permission information storage unit that stores permission information regarding a movement permission required for a display medium to enter a specific space part in a virtual space a permission information storage unit that stores permission information regarding a movement permission required for a display medium to enter a specific space part in a virtual space Based on the permission information stored in the permission information storage unit, for each display medium, a first determination unit that determines whether the display medium can move to the specific space part Based on the permission information stored in the permission information storage unit, for each display medium, a first determination unit that determines whether the display medium can move to the specific space part When the first determination unit determines that the first display medium cannot move to the specific space part a disabling processing unit that disables the second input for moving to the specific space part The information processing system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, further comprising

[0295] [Appendix 7] When the acquisition-completed information of a plurality of the movement authorities is associated with one of the second display media and one of the first display media satisfies a predetermined condition, the first determination unit determines that the movement of the first display media to the specific space part is possible, the information processing system according to Appendix 6

[0296] [Appendix 8] When the second input is invalidated by the invalidation processing unit, the drawing unit draws auxiliary information for canceling the invalidation by the invalidation processing unit, the information processing system according to Appendix 6 or 7

[0297] [Appendix 9] The auxiliary information includes at least any one of information on a method for acquiring the movement authority, information on a position in an imaginary space where acquisition of the movement authority is possible, a link to a specific screen where acquisition of the movement authority is possible, information on an access method, privilege information when the movement authority is acquired, and information on content that can be viewed when the movement authority is acquired, the information processing system according to Appendix 8

[0298] [Appendix 10] Drawing a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space, acquiring an input from a user, causing a computer to execute a process of changing a position of a display media associated with the one user in the virtual space based on a first input from the one user, Drawing the display image includes guiding information representing a positional relationship between a first display media associated with the one user and a second display media associated with another user, on the first display ​​​​​​​​​​​including rendering in association with a medium, when the first display medium is located within a specific area in the virtual space, the first display medium in response to a second input from a user associated with the first display medium, from the specific area to a second predetermined position moving the first display medium in a second warp that takes less time than the movement based on the first input, causing a computer to further execute a process related to this, an information processing program.

[0299] [Appendix 11] a rendering step of rendering a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space, and, an acquisition step of acquiring an input from a user, based on a first input from a certain user acquired by the acquisition step, in the virtual space a position change step of changing the position of the display medium associated with the certain user, comprising, the rendering step includes rendering guidance information representing the positional relationship between the first display medium associated with the certain user and the second display medium associated with another user, in association with the first display medium, and, when the first display medium is located within a specific area in the virtual space, in response to a second input from a user associated with the first display medium, from the specific area to a second predetermined position moving the first display medium in a second warp process that takes less time than the movement based on the first input, further comprising a second warp processing step, an information processing method executed by a computer.

Explanation of Signs

[0300] 1 Virtual Reality Generation System 3 Network 10 Server Device 20 Terminal Device 60 Virtual Camera ​70 Space section 71 Free space section 140 User database 142 Avatar database 144 Content information storage section 145 Ticket information storage section 146 Group status storage section 150 Group setting section 152 User avatar processing section 1521 Operation input acquisition section 1522 User action processing section 15221 Basic action processing section 15222 First warp processing section 15223 Second warp processing section 158 Terminal image generation section 1581 Base image drawing section 1582 User interface drawing section 1583 Guidance information drawing section 15831 Distance calculation section 15832 Distance change determination section 1584 Auxiliary information drawing section 1585 Warp action drawing section 1586 Space section transition drawing section 159 Content processing section 160 Dialogue processing section 162 First movement authority processing section 1621 Purchase input acquisition section 1622 Ticket ID generation section 1623 Authentication information notification section 1624 Ticket drawing section 164 Second movement authority processing section 1640 Transfer input acquisition section 1641 Authentication notification guidance section 1644 Ticket information rewriting section 166 Judgment processing section 1661 Ticket possession determination section 1662 Invalidation processing section 170 Parameter update section 240 User database 242 Avatar Database 244 Content Information Storage Unit 245 Ticket Information Storage Unit 246 Group Status Storage Unit 250 Operation Input Generation Unit 251 Server Information Acquisition Unit 252 User Avatar Processing Unit 254 Friend Avatar Processing Unit 255 Operation Input Sending Unit 258 Terminal Image Generation Unit 2581 Base Image Drawing Unit 2582 User Interface Drawing Unit 2583 Guidance Information Drawing Unit 2584 Auxiliary Information Drawing Unit 2585 Warp Operation Drawing Unit 259 Content Processing Unit 260 Dialogue Processing Unit 270 Parameter Update Unit 300 User Interface 309 Dialogue Interface 350 Avatar Icon 351 Avatar Icon 352 Avatar Icon 360 Microphone Icon 1800(1800 - 1, 1800 - 2) Warp Button

Claims

1. A drawing unit that draws a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space; An acquisition unit that acquires an input from a user; Based on a first input from a certain user acquired by the acquisition unit, in a virtual space A position change unit that changes the position of the first display medium associated with the certain user, comprising 、 The drawing unit associates, with the first display medium, guidance information representing a positional relationship between the first display medium and a second display medium associated with another user, and supplementary guidance information supplementing the guidance information And draw it associated with the first display medium, The supplementary guidance information includes distance information and distance change information related to the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium, and their change modes are reflected in the display mode of a predetermined mark and drawn An information processing system.

2. The guidance information is drawn by a line or a curve in association with the first display medium. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The distance information is drawn in such a manner that the number of the predetermined marks increases as the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium increases. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The distance change information is drawn in such a manner that the direction of the predetermined mark is different when the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium extends and when it shortens. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. As the supplementary guidance information, the predetermined mark as a whole has an extending direction that functions as a line or a curve related to the guidance information. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. As the supplementary guidance information, the predetermined mark as a whole changes in order in a manner where the luminance or color represents a flow. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The predetermined mark is drawn as a V-shaped mark. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. When the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium extends, the open part of the V-shaped mark faces the side of the first display medium, and when the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium shortens, the bent part faces the side of the first display medium. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The guidance information is drawn along a recommended route as a guidance route for the first display medium. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is drawn.

10. The recommended route is set as a route passing through a content providing place that provides content to be shown to the one user, The information processing system according to claim 9.

11. The recommended route is set as at least one route among a route that does not pass through an object related to an obstacle and a route that can pass through an object related to an obstacle, The information processing system according to claim 9.

12. Drawing processing for drawing a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space, 、 Acquisition processing for acquiring an input from a user, Based on a first input from a certain user acquired by the acquisition processing, position change processing for changing the position of a first display medium associated with the certain user in the virtual space, Causing a computer to execute, The drawing processing draws guidance information representing a positional relationship between the first display medium and a second display medium associated with another user and supplementary guidance information supplementing the guidance information, in association with the first display medium, The supplementary guidance information includes distance information and distance change information related to the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium, and their change modes are drawn reflected in the display mode of a predetermined mark, An information processing system.

13. A drawing step for drawing a display image for a terminal including one or more display media located in a virtual space, An acquisition step for acquiring an input from a user, Based on a first input from a certain user acquired by the acquisition step, a position change step for changing the position of a first display medium associated with the certain user in the virtual space, Comprising, The drawing step draws guidance information representing a positional relationship between the first display medium and a second display medium associated with another user and supplementary guidance information supplementing the guidance information, in association with the first display medium, The supplementary guidance information includes distance information and distance change information related to the distance between the first display medium and the second display medium, and their change modes are drawn reflected in the display mode of a predetermined mark, An information processing method executed by a computer. ​ ​ ​

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