Computer system

Abstract

To provide a technology for solving a mismatch in non-functionality settings between an owned object already possessed by a user and a provided object to be granted or supplied to the user (for example, an incompatibility in coordination when the non-functionality setting is an appearance setting).SOLUTION: When it is determined to provide a given provided object 6 for use in a virtual space to a user 4, control is performed to change applicable non-functionality setting data 624, which is among settings of an owned object 7 of the user 4 and is unrelated to functions exhibited in the virtual space, based on the provided object 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system that provides a user with a given offering object for use in a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] A computer system that provides a user experience in a virtual space, or a so-called virtual experience, provides the user with various objects according to various situations.

[0003] For example, virtual experiences include games and virtual reality experiences using avatars (such as the Metaverse). Objects include, for example, the characters themselves used in the virtual space, items, clothing and accessories for the characters, tools, furniture, etc.

[0004] Since handling of objects is an important factor that affects the appeal of virtual experiences, various innovations have been devised. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that changes the appearance of an avatar's costume to suit the type of game the user is playing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Various characteristics are set for each type of object that a user can own. There are various settings related to the functions that the object performs in the virtual space, but there are also non-functional settings that are not related to these functions, such as appearance characteristics such as design. A user uses owned objects that are coordinated based on appearance characteristics from among the objects they own (owned objects). For example, if the owned objects are clothing or equipment for an avatar, the user can enjoy selecting and using owned objects with similar color schemes or shapes for each part of the body that will be worn. The user can also enjoy deliberately mismatching the color schemes or shapes of the upper and lower body. In other words, the user enjoys coordinating owned objects.

[0007] When a user selects and acquires a new provided object (for example, when purchasing from a virtual store set in a virtual space), the user considers the color scheme and shape of the objects the user already owns and considers which design of object to acquire. Therefore, after acquiring a new provided object, the user can immediately use the new provided object and enjoy the coordination they had been considering.

[0008] However, when the provided objects are given or provided to the user by lottery or the like, the user cannot choose the color scheme or shape of the provided objects, and therefore the user is not necessarily able to immediately coordinate and enjoy the provided objects.

[0009] These issues are not limited to objects that are equipped by avatars or player characters, but also apply to furniture, fixtures, vehicles, and characters (for example, NPCs that the user uses in the virtual space, the user's companion NPCs, etc.) that are placed in places that correspond to the user's base or residence in the virtual space. Also, while we have explained the appearance of the design as a visual feature, similar issues exist for sounds that are generated, etc.

[0010] The problem was the mismatch in non-functional settings such as design and sound between the owned object that the user already owns and the provided object that is given or provided to the user.In addition, instead of non-functional settings, the mismatch in functional settings can also be considered as a problem.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology for resolving mismatches in non-functional settings between owned objects that a user already owns and provided objects that are assigned or provided to the user (for example, mismatches in coordination if the non-functional settings are appearance settings). A second problem to be solved is to resolve mismatches in functionality settings instead of non-functional settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems includes: provision determination means (e.g., the control board 1150 in FIG. 1, the provision determination unit 204 in FIG. 10, steps S20 to S22 in FIG. 19) for determining whether to provide a given provision object to a user for use in a virtual space; The computer system includes a non-functional setting change control means (e.g., control board 1150 in FIG. 1, non-functional setting change control unit 210 in FIG. 10, applied non-functional setting data 624 in FIG. 17, step S46 in FIG. 20) that controls changing non-functional settings, which are not related to functions performed in the virtual space, among the settings of owned objects owned by the user, based on the provided object.

[0013] "Non-functional settings" include, for example, the external shape and color scheme, and the sounds that are emitted when the object is used (for example, the lines read by the voice actor who voiced the character, sound effects that accompany actions, etc.). According to the first aspect of the present invention, the computer system can change the non-functionality settings of the owned objects already owned by the user based on the provided object when a new provided object is determined, thereby resolving mismatches in non-functionality settings between the owned objects already owned by the user and the provided objects that are assigned or provided to the user.

[0014] A second invention is a computer system in which, in the above-mentioned computer system, the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the appearance settings of the owned object as the non-functional setting (e.g., applied appearance setting data 625 in Figure 17, step S46 in Figure 20).

[0015] According to the second invention, the computer system is capable of changing the appearance setting of the owned object as a non-functional setting.

[0016] A third invention is a computer system in which the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the settings of the appearance of the owned object based on the appearance of the provided object (for example, provided object default form theme type condition 551, provided object default color pattern type condition 552 in Figure 12, steps S44 to S46 in Figure 20).

[0017] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the computer system is capable of changing the appearance setting of the owned object based on the appearance of the providing object.

[0018] A fourth invention is a computer system in which the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the setting of the appearance color of the owned object based on the appearance color of the provided object (for example, provided object default color pattern type condition 552 in Figure 12, steps S44 to S46 in Figure 20).

[0019] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the computer system is capable of changing the setting of the appearance color of the owned object based on the appearance color of the providing object.

[0020] A fifth invention is a computer system in which the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the setting of the form of the owned object based on the form of the provided object (for example, provided object default form theme type condition 551 in Figure 12, steps S44 to S46 in Figure 20).

[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can change the setting of the form of the owned object based on the form of the provided object.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the computer system, wherein the provided object is provided with predetermined index information (e.g., index information 525 in FIG. 11) that affects the change content of the non-functional setting by the non-functional setting change control means; The non-functional setting change control means is a computer system that controls the change of the non-functional setting based on the index information (for example, index information condition 553 in FIG. 12, steps S44 to S46 in FIG. 20).

[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can change the non-functional setting based on the index information of the provided object.

[0024] A seventh invention is the computer system described above, wherein a possession item owned by the user is assigned with given index information that influences the change content of the non-functional setting by the non-functional setting change control means; The non-functional setting change control means is a computer system that controls the change of the non-functional setting based on the index information (for example, index information condition 553 in FIG. 12, steps S44 to S46 in FIG. 20).

[0025] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer system can change the non-functional setting based on the index information of the owned item.

[0026] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the computer system, wherein the owned object has a plurality of portions (e.g., the configurable portions 10 in FIG. 5) in which the non-functional settings can be changed; The non-functional setting change control means is a computer system that selects the part for which the non-functional setting is to be changed based on the index information, and changes the non-functional setting related to the selected part (for example, the part ID to be changed in the color scheme change content data 562 in Figure 13, the part ID to be changed 566 in Figure 15, step S44 in Figure 20).

[0027] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select a region for which non-functionality settings are to be changed based on the index information, and change the non-functionality settings related to the selected region.

[0028] A ninth invention is a computer system as described above, further comprising a control object selection means (for example, the control object selection unit 212 in FIG. 10, the number of allowable changes 714 in FIG. 7, the control object owned object list 713 in FIG. 18, the relationship condition 554 in FIG. 12, and step S32 in FIG. 19) that selects, from the owned objects, a control object owned by the non-functional setting change control means based on the index information, and the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the non-functional setting of the control object owned by the control object.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select, based on index information, a control target possessing object to be the target of change control of non-functionality settings.

[0030] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the computer system described above, wherein the control target selection means selects the control target owned object based on a usage status of the owned object (for example, step S30 in FIG. 19).

[0031] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select an owned object to be controlled based on the usage status of the owned object.

[0032] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the computer system further comprising: a control object selection means for selecting, from among the owned objects, a control object owned object to be subject to change control by the non-functional setting change control means based on a usage status of the owned object; The non-functional setting change control means is a computer system that controls changes to the non-functional setting of the control target owning object.

[0033] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select a control target owned object from among owned objects based on the usage status.

[0034] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the computer system described above, wherein the control target selection means selects the control target possession object based on the usage status at the time when the provided object is provided to the user.

[0035] "The point in time when the object is provided to the user" does not only refer to the moment when the object is provided, but also refers to a certain time span that includes the point in time when it is decided in the computational process to provide the provided object to the user. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select the owned object to be controlled based on the usage status at the time when the provided object is provided to the user.

[0036] A thirteenth invention is a computer system in which the usage status includes information on whether or not the setting is for use in the virtual space (for example, an in-use flag in the usage status information 630 in Figure 17).

[0037] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system is able to change the non-functionality settings of the selected control target object based on information on whether or not it is set to be used in the virtual space.

[0038] A fourteenth invention is a computer system in which the owned objects include at least owned characters owned by the user, and the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the non-functional setting of the owned characters.

[0039] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system is capable of changing the non-functional setting of the owned character.

[0040] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the computer system described above, further comprising a setting change permission / denial setting means for setting permission / denial of setting change by the non-functional setting change control means based on an operation by the user (for example, the change permission / denial setting screen W2 in FIG. 8, the setting change permission / denial setting section 220 in FIG. 10, the change permission / denial setting information 632 in FIG. 17, and steps S10 to S12 in FIG. 19), The non-functional setting change control means is a computer system that controls changing the non-functional setting when permission is set by the setting change permission setting means (for example, step S26 in FIG. 19).

[0041] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system is capable of changing the non-functionality settings of an owned object for which the user is permitted to change the non-functionality settings.

[0042] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer system further comprising a cancellation control means (e.g., the cancellation control unit 222 in FIG. 10, steps S70 to S78 in FIG. 20) that controls the cancellation of the change of the non-functional setting by the non-functional setting change control means based on the operation of the user.

[0043] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can cancel the change of the non-functional setting.

[0044] A seventeenth invention is a computer system in which, in the above-mentioned computer system, the non-functional setting change control means determines the setting change content of the non-functional setting using a predetermined machine learning model trained based on training data that uses the provided object as input and the setting change content of the non-functional setting as output (for example, machine learning model data 590 in Figure 21).

[0045] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can determine the setting changes for non-functional settings using a machine learning model.

[0046] An eighteenth invention is the computer system described above, further comprising: provision determination means for determining to provide a user with a given provision object for use in a virtual space; and functionality setting change control means for controlling a change of functionality settings, which are settings related to functions to be exerted in the virtual space, of settings of owned objects owned by the user, based on the provided object, wherein given index information that affects changes to the functionality settings made by the functionality setting change control means is defined for the provided object, and the functionality setting change control means controls the change of the functionality settings based on the index information of the provided object (for example, functionality setting change content data 575 in FIG. 16 , applied functionality setting data 623 in FIG. 17 , and step S50 in FIG. 20 ).

[0047] According to the eighteenth aspect, the computer system can change the functionality setting based on the index information of the provision object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual experience system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a provision object. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining selection of a control target owned object. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of coordinate determination criterion data. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a setting changeable portion. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining index information and appearance candidates; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the allowable change number. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a change permission / denial setting screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a cancellation screen. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional unit realized by the server system and an example of programs and data stored in the server system. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of provision object candidate initial setting data. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of appearance candidate data. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of appearance change content data. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of appearance change content data. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of appearance change content data. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of functionality setting change definition data. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of user information. [Figure 18]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of virtual experience control data. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing executed in relation to provision of a provision object. [Figure 20] Flowchart continued from Figure 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual experience system according to this embodiment. The virtual experience system 1000 is a computer system that allows a user using a user terminal 1500 to operate a player character or avatar placed in a virtual three-dimensional space to have a given virtual experience such as a game or virtual reality.

[0050] The virtual experience system 1000 is a computer system including a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500 connected to each other via a network 9 so as to enable data communication. The user terminal 1500 is a man-machine interface (MMIF) in the virtual experience system 1000. In the example of FIG. 1, only one user terminal 1500 is depicted, but in actual operation, multiple user terminals 1500 are often connected to the server system 1100.

[0051] The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. That is, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and the like.

[0052] Server system 1100 is a computer system that performs various processes such as providing a predetermined user registration procedure, managing registered user information, generating and managing various data for providing a virtual experience, etc. If the virtual experience is a game, server system 1100 corresponds to a game server.

[0053] The server system 1100 has a main unit equipped with a control board 1150. The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that some or all of the functions equipped on the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0054] Although the server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be configured to be realized by multiple devices. For example, the server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers that share functions and are connected to each other via an internal bus so that data can be communicated. The server system 1100 may also include a database and online storage.

[0055] The user terminal 1500 is a computer system that the user uses to have a virtual experience, and serves as a man-machine interface in the virtual experience system 1000 .

[0056] The user terminal 1500 is a computer system connectable to the network 9, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a wearable computer, a portable game device, a home game device, or a tablet computer.

[0057] The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input device, an image display device, and a control board 1550. Examples of the operation input device include a touch panel 1506, a keyboard, a game controller, a mouse, etc. Examples of the image display device include the touch panel 1506, a head-mounted display, a glasses-type display, etc.

[0058] The control board 1550 is equipped with a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM and a ROM, a communication module 1553 connected to the network 9, etc. These elements equipped on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read and write data and send and receive signals. Part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, an FPGA, or an SoC.

[0059] Control board 1550 stores in IC memory 1552 programs and various data for realizing the functions of user terminal 1500. User terminal 1500 executes a predetermined application program to realize the functions as a man-machine interface for virtual experience system 1000. If the virtual experience is a game, control board 1550 will realize the functions as a game client.

[0060] The user terminal 1500 is configured to download the programs and various data necessary for the user to have a virtual experience from the server system 1100, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card obtained separately.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the provided objects that are given or provided to the user during the virtual experience. In the virtual experience, various types of candidate objects that can become the provided object 6 are prepared in advance, and the provision requirements are set for each candidate object in advance. A candidate object that satisfies the provision requirements is called a provision requirement fulfilling object 6j. The provision requirement fulfilling object 6j is then given / provided as a new provided object 6 to the user 4 (avatar 5) who fulfills the provision requirements.

[0062] The "provision requirements" referred to here are conditions that must be met in order for an object to be provided.

[0063] For example, if the virtual experience is a game, the provision requirements may be satisfied when the player character defeats an enemy boss character, clears a game stage, an item is dropped, or the player participates in an event. The provision requirements may also be defined by shopping in the game world, receiving an item from an NPC or another player in the game world, or a lottery using a virtual lottery device. In the example of FIG. 2, the provision requirements are depicted as the use of the virtual lottery device 3.

[0064] For example, if the virtual experience is a virtual reality experience such as the Metaverse, the provision requirements may be defined by shopping, transfer from an NPC (Non-Player Character) or other avatar, lottery using a virtual lottery device, prizes being awarded through events, etc.

[0065] Of course, the provision requirements may include conditions regarding other elements, such as the user's personal information, the user's usage history of the virtual experience, gameplay results, the time of day or season in the real world or the virtual world, and the like.

[0066] The "provided objects" and "candidate objects that could become provided objects" referred to here may refer to characters used in the game, items such as the character's equipment, and background objects placed in the character's base if the virtual experience is a game. If the virtual experience is a virtual reality experience such as the Metaverse, they may refer to clothing, accessories, tools, vehicles, room furniture, etc. used by the user's avatar (these may also be called items). Of course, provided objects can be set appropriately depending on the type of virtual experience to be provided.

[0067] Candidate objects that can become the provided object 6 are set with "functional settings" and "non-functional settings" depending on what the object is and what it is like in the virtual space. "Functional settings" are settings related to the abilities that the object exhibits in the virtual space. "Non-functional settings" are settings other than the abilities that the object exhibits in the virtual space.

[0068] For example, in the example of Figure 2, the provision requirement fulfillment object 6j is a short-sleeved T-shirt in the virtual space. In this case, the "functional settings" include the functions provided (e.g., improving the abilities of the avatar 5 when worn, emitting light at night, etc.), the product lifespan, the number of times it can be used, etc. In this case, the "non-functional settings" include elements related to appearance (e.g., shape, color scheme, size). Also, sounds emitted when the object is used (e.g., voice, sound effects associated with actions, etc.) are also non-functional settings. Of course, depending on what the provided object 6 is in the virtual space, the functionality setting may not be set.

[0069] The provision requirement fulfillment object 6j is defined in association with default non-functional setting data 530 of the object. The default non-functional setting data 530 includes default appearance setting data 531. The default appearance setting data 531 includes a default form theme type 532 and a default color scheme pattern type 533.

[0070] The provided objects 6 provided in the past are registered as owned objects 7 (7a, 7b, . . . ) for the user 4. Therefore, the owned objects 7 also have functionality settings and non-functional settings.

[0071] The non-functionality settings of the owned objects 7 (7a, 7b, ...) are stored and managed as applied non-functionality setting data 624. The applied non-functionality setting data 624 includes applied appearance setting data 625. The applied appearance setting data 625 includes an applied form theme type 626 and an applied color scheme type 627.

[0072] The "form theme" is a theme, classification, or category of shape characteristics, and its type may be set as appropriate. For example, medieval, modern, futuristic, fantasy, military, simple design, frilly, punk, etc. may be set.

[0073] The default form theme type 532 indicates which of a plurality of form themes prepared in advance as themes representing the overall form design of the provision object 6 has been adopted.

[0074] In the initial state when a new providing object 6 becomes an owned object 7, the applied form theme type 626 is a copy of the default form theme type 532 of the providing object 6, but it can be changed when a new providing object 6 is provided. The applied form theme type 626 indicates the form theme applied to the owned object 7.

[0075] A "color scheme" is a theme, classification, or category of color features, and can be rephrased as a color palette. The types of color schemes can be set as appropriate. For example, achromatic monotone, chromatic monotone, cool colors, warm colors, pastels, high tones, low tones, etc. can be set.

[0076] The default coloring pattern type 533 indicates which of a plurality of coloring patterns prepared in advance is used as a theme representing the overall coloring design of the provided object 6.

[0077] In the initial state when a new providing object 6 becomes a owned object 7, the applied coloring pattern type 627 is a copy of the default coloring pattern type 533 of the providing object 6, but can be changed when a new providing object 6 is provided. The applied coloring pattern type 627 indicates the coloring pattern applied to the owned object 7.

[0078] The user 4 enjoys coordinating the objects he / she uses based on non-functional settings, especially appearance, from among the owned objects 7. Accordingly, the usage status of each owned object 7 is recorded and updated.

[0079] When providing a new provided object 6, the server system 1100 changes the non-functional settings of at least the "frequently used" owned objects 7 among the owned objects 7 already owned by the user 4 so that they can be easily coordinated with the provided object 6.

[0080] A "frequently used" owned object 7 is one or both of an owned object 7 that is used relatively frequently or frequently, and an owned object 7 that is in use at the time it is decided that the provided object 6 will be provided to the user 4.

[0081] In the example of FIG. 2, the owned object 7a, which is a cap-type hat, the owned object 7b, which is a hat-type hat, and the owned object 7d, which is knee-length cargo pants, correspond to the "frequently used" owned objects 7.

[0082] 2, the server system 1100 selects the owned object 7 that is inappropriately coordinated with the providing object 6 from among the owned object 7a, the owned object 7b, and the owned object 7d as the controlled owned object 8. Then, the non-functional settings of the owned object 7a and the owned object 7d are changed.

[0083] Specifically, the default appearance of the owned object 7a has a white crown and visor, with an appliqué of the letter "N" attached to the front of the crown. The server system 1100 changes the color of the crown and visor to red, and changes the crown appliqué to a rabbit shape, thereby changing the appearance (7a').

[0084] The owned object 7b with a default appearance has the crown, brim, and hat band all in reddish colors, which is suitable for coordinating with the provided object 6. The server system 1100 does not change the appearance of the owned object 7b.

[0085] The default appearance of the owned object 7d is navy blue with no decorations on the bottom or opening. The server system 1100 changes this appearance by adding a red base and a bunny ear-shaped cuff at the bottom (7d').

[0086] By changing the appearance of the owned object 7a and the owned object 7d, the user 4 is provided with a provision requirement fulfillment object 6j as a new provision object 6. The user 4 can then enjoy immediately coordinating it with the owned object 7a, the owned object 7b, the owned object 7d, etc. In other words, the mismatch in non-functional settings between the owned object 7 already owned by the user 4 and the provision object 6 that is granted or provided to the user is resolved.

[0087] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the selection of the control target possessing object 8, which is the target for changing the non-functionality setting. For the owned object 7a, the server system 1100 refers to the default appearance setting data 531 of the provision requirement fulfilling object 6j and the applied appearance setting data 625 of the owned object 7a, and determines whether the combination of the two is appropriate or inappropriate as a coordinated look based on preset coordination criteria.

[0088] For the owned object 7d, the server system 1100 refers to the default appearance setting data 531 of the provision requirement fulfilling object 6j and the applied appearance setting data 625 of the owned object 7d, and determines whether the combination of the two is appropriate or inappropriate for coordination.

[0089] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of coordination determination criteria data 580, which defines the coordination determination criteria. The coordination determination criteria data 580 defines the conditions that must be met to determine whether an outfit is suitable for coordination, and multiple sets of coordination determination criteria data 580 are prepared. One piece of coordination determination criteria data 580 is described by a coordination pattern ID 581, a style-theme combination 583, and a color scheme pattern combination 585.

[0090] The form theme combination 583 describes a one-to-one or one-to-many combination of the form theme type of the provision requirement fulfilling object 6j and the form theme type of the possession object 7 to be determined.

[0091] The color pattern combination 585 describes a one-to-one or one-to-many combination of the color pattern type of the provision requirement fulfilling object 6j and the color pattern type of the possessing object 7 to be determined.

[0092] Returning to FIG. 3, an example of the judgment result for the owned object 7a is "inappropriate," and the owned object 7a is selected as the controlled owned object 8, and the setting is changed. An example of the judgment result for the owned object 7b is "appropriate," and the owned object 7d is not selected as the controlled owned object 8. Therefore, the non-functional setting is maintained.

[0093] Next, how to change the non-functional settings will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a candidate object that can become the provided object 6 has a plurality of setting changeable parts 10 (10a, 10b, . . . ) and a setting change element 12 set for each setting changeable part 10.

[0094] Since the candidate object exemplified in FIG. 5 is a cap-type hat, the top button, crown, front logo, and visor may be set as the configurable parts 10. Of course, the multiple stitching that makes up the crown may be set as separate configurable parts 10, and the back of the visor may also be set as a configurable part 10. Configurable elements 12 include shape and color. Other configurable elements may also include patterns and patterns. The number and types of configurable parts 10 and the number and types of configurable elements 12 may be set appropriately depending on what the object is in the virtual space.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining index information and appearance candidates that are set in advance for candidate objects that can be the provided object 6. In FIG. For each candidate object that can be the provided object 6, index information 525 and one or more appearance candidates 20 (20a, 20b, . . . ) are set in advance.

[0096] The index information 525 is information that influences the changes to the non-functional settings, and may be, for example, the rarity or attribute (for example, fire attribute, water attribute, wind attribute, . . . , team) of the object.

[0097] The appearance candidate 20 is a different version of the non-functional setting while maintaining the functionality setting of the object as it is, and is prepared in advance for each object. For each appearance candidate 20, a candidate form theme type 544, a candidate coloring pattern type 546, the number of setting change elements 548, adoption requirements 550, and appearance change content data 560 are set in advance.

[0098] The candidate form theme type 544 indicates which of a plurality of form themes prepared in advance has been adopted as a theme representing the overall form design of the appearance candidate 20 in question.

[0099] Candidate coloration pattern type 546 indicates which of a plurality of coloration patterns prepared in advance has been adopted as a theme representing the overall coloration design of the appearance candidate 20 in question.

[0100] The number of setting change elements 548 indicates how many of the setting change elements 12 have been changed from the default when changing the appearance and design of the appearance candidate 20 in question.

[0101] The adoption requirements 550 define the conditions that must be met in order for the appearance candidate 20 to be adopted. The adoption requirements 550 are written as a combination of one or more sub-conditions, such as AND or OR. For example, the adoption requirements 550 may be such that all of the following conditions (1) to (4) are met:

[0102] Condition (1) is a default form theme condition for the default form theme type of the provided object 6. The condition is written as a list of form theme types, and if the default form theme type of the provided object 6 is included in the list, the condition is satisfied.

[0103] The condition (2) is a default coloring pattern condition for the type of default coloring pattern of the provided object 6. The condition is written as a list of coloring pattern types, and if the type of default coloring pattern of the provided object 6 is included in the list, the condition is satisfied.

[0104] The condition (3) is an index condition, which indicates a condition that must be satisfied for the index information 525 of one or both of the providing object 6 and the possessing object 7. For example, when the index information 525 indicates rarity, it is described as a condition regarding the high / low rarity relationship between the index information 525 of the providing object 6 and the index information 525 of the possessing object 7. Alternatively, it is described as a condition regarding the high / low rarity of the providing object 6. Furthermore, when the index information 525 indicates attributes, it is described as a condition regarding the similarity / difference relationship or compatibility relationship of the attributes.

[0105] Condition (4) is a condition related to the number of setting change elements 548. The condition is that the number of setting change elements 548 must be equal to or less than a given allowable number of changes that is set each time a non-functional setting is changed.

[0106] Any one or more of (1) to (4) may be omitted, or may be set as essentially unspecified or unlimited.

[0107] Furthermore, depending on the setting of the adoption requirements 550 and the combination of the provided object 6 and the owned object 7, there may be cases where the owned object 7 does not have any adoption requirements 550 that are satisfied. In this case, the non-functional setting of the owned object 7 is not changed. Therefore, it can be said that the controlled owned object 8 is essentially selected based on the adoption requirements 550, more specifically, based on the descriptions (1) to (4).

[0108] Furthermore, which setting-changeable parts 10 are changed varies depending on the appearance candidate 20. Therefore, selecting an appearance candidate 20 that satisfies the employment requirements 550 can be said to be essentially selecting the part to be changed from among a plurality of setting-changeable parts 10 that have been set in advance.

[0109] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the allowable change number. As described above, index information 525 is set for each candidate object that can become the providing object 6. Therefore, the providing requirement fulfilling object 6j has index information 525 (525j), and the owned object 7, which is the controlled owned object 8, has index information 525 (525s).

[0110] The server system 1100 calculates the index points Pj based on the index information 525 (525j) of the provision requirement fulfilling object 6j, and calculates the index points Ps based on the index information 525 (525s) of the control target possession object 8.

[0111] The index points Pj and Ps are the sum of the added values ​​for each type of index information 525. The initial values ​​of the index points Pj and Ps are both "0". When rarity is used as the index information 525, the higher the rarity, the higher the added value is set. An added value according to the rarity is added to the index points Pj and Ps.

[0112] When an attribute is set as the index information 525, the attribute compatibility (e.g., good / neutral / bad / ...) is determined according to a predetermined rule from the combination of the attribute of the provision requirement fulfilling object 6j and the attribute of the controlled object possessing object 8, and the determined additional value is added to the index point Pj. The additional value is set to a higher value as the attribute compatibility becomes better.

[0113] The server system 1100 then determines the allowable change number 714 based on the magnitude relationship between the index points Pj and Ps. When the relationship is "index point Pj > index point Ps", the allowable change number 714 is set to "Pj - Ps". When the relationship is "index point Pj = index point Ps", the allowable change number 714 is set to "1". When the relationship is "index point Pj < index point Ps", the allowable change number 714 is set to "0". Note that the allowable change number 714 may be set to "0" since the relationship is "index point Pj≦index point Ps".

[0114] 6, the server system 1100 searches for an appearance candidate 20 that satisfies the adoption requirements 550 for each control target owned object 8 based on the number of allowable changes 714 determined for that object. Then, returning to FIG. 3, the application non-functionality setting data 624 of the control target owned object 8 is changed in accordance with the appearance change content data 560 of the appearance candidate 20 that satisfies the adoption requirements 550.

[0115] However, the change of non-functional settings of the owned objects 7 is limited to the owned objects 7 for which the user 4 has previously permitted the setting change. In addition, the user 4 can optionally restore the non-functional settings to the default.

[0116] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the non-functional setting change permission setting screen W2. Change permission setting information is assigned to and managed for the owned object 7. When a provided object 6 becomes an owned object 7, the change permission setting is initialized to "Allow," but the user can arbitrarily change the change permission setting on the change permission setting screen W2.

[0117] The change permission setting screen W2 includes an owned object list display section 31, an all permission setting operation icon 32, and an all permission / denial setting permission operation icon 33. In the owned object list display section 31, a setting change operation icon 36 that also serves as a permission / denial setting display 35 is displayed in association with an object image 34 for each owned object 7.

[0118] The permission / denial setting display 35 indicates whether the change of the non-functionality setting of the owned object 7 of the corresponding object image 34 is permitted or denied. When the user 4 wants to switch between permission and denial, he / she touches the setting change operation icon 36 corresponding to the object image 34 of the desired owned object 7 to switch the setting.

[0119] By the way, by operating the all permission setting operation icon 32, the change permission setting of all owned objects 7 can be set to "permitted." By operating the all permission setting operation icon 33, the change permission setting of all owned objects 7 can be set to "denied."

[0120] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the cancellation screen W4. The cancel screen W4 presents the owned objects 7 whose non-functionality settings have been changed to the user 4, and accepts an operation to restore the changes to the non-functionality settings. For example, the cancel screen W4 displays a changed object image 40 for each owned object 7 whose non-functionality settings are set to something other than the default, a restore all operation icon 41, and an execute operation icon 45.

[0121] The changed object image 40 also serves as a cancellation target selection operation icon 43 for selecting an object for which the change in non-functional settings is to be cancelled, i.e., for which the non-functional settings are to be restored to the default. The user 4 touches the cancellation target selection operation icon 43 of the owned object 7 for which the non-functional settings are to be restored to the default, to select it. A cancellation target mark 42 indicating that the selected owned object 7 is to be cancelled is displayed attached to it. By operating the execution operation icon 45, the change in the non-functional settings of the owned object 7 to be cancelled is changed and restored to the default.

[0122] Incidentally, by operating the cancel all operation icon 44, the non-functionality settings of all the owned objects 7 whose non-functionality settings are set to other than the default can be restored to the default with a single operation.

[0123] Next, the programs, data, and functional configuration will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of functional units realized by the server system 1100 and examples of programs and data stored in the server system 1100. As shown in FIG.

[0124] The server system 1100 stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, virtual space initial setting data 508, and provided object candidate initial setting data 510. It also stores coordination determination criteria data 580, user information 600, virtual experience control data 700, and current date and time 900. The server system 1100 also stores other programs and data (e.g., timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

[0125] The server system 1100 realizes the function of the processing unit 200 by reading and executing the server program 501 by the CPU 1151 .

[0126] The processing unit 200 has functional units including a virtual experience control unit 202, a provision determination unit 204, a non-functional setting change control unit 210, a setting change permission / denial setting unit 220, a cancellation control unit 222, and a timer unit 280s.

[0127] The virtual experience control unit 202 performs basic control to provide the user with a virtual experience such as a game or virtual reality. For example, in the case of a game, the game space is configured by arranging objects such as background objects, player characters, and NPCs. Then, the player characters are controlled in accordance with game operations to control the progress of the game. Also, in the case of virtual reality, the virtual reality space is configured by arranging objects such as background objects, user-specific avatars, and unmanned avatars (avatars that have no user to operate and that automatically converse or act; equivalent to NPCs). Then, the avatars are controlled in accordance with user operations to control the progress of the virtual reality.

[0128] The provision determining unit 204 determines to provide a given provision object 6 to the user 4 for use in the virtual space (see FIG. 2).

[0129] The non-functional setting change control unit 210 controls to change, based on the provided object 6, non-functional setting of the owned object 7 owned by the user 4, which is not related to the function to be performed in the virtual space.

[0130] Specifically, the non-functional setting change control unit 210 changes the settings of the appearance (color and shape) of the owned object 7 based on the appearance of the provided object 6, the index information 525j of the provided object 6, and the index information 525s of the owned object 7 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). At this time, the setting changeable part 10 for which the non-functional setting is to be changed is selected and changed based on the index information 525j of the provided object 6 and the index information 525s of the owned object 7.

[0131] The non-functional setting change control unit 210 also includes a control target selection unit 212 . The control target selection unit 212 selects the control target possessing object 8. For example, this corresponds to selecting a control target owned object 8 to be subject to change control based on the usage status of each owned object 7 (selection of owned object 7a in FIG. 2). Also corresponds to selecting a control target owned object 8 based on index information 525j of a provided object 6 and index information 525s of a owned object 7 by selecting an appearance candidate 20 that satisfies adoption requirements 550.

[0132] The setting change permission / prohibition setting unit 220 sets whether or not the setting change by the non-functional setting change control unit 210 is permitted based on a user operation (see FIG. 8).

[0133] The cancellation control unit 222 performs control to cancel the change of the non-functional setting made by the non-functional setting change control unit 210 based on a user operation (see FIG. 9).

[0134] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to measure various times such as the current date and time 900 and time limits.

[0135] The delivery client program 503 is the original client program provided to the user terminal 1500 and executed.

[0136] The virtual space initial setting data 508 is various initial setting data for constructing a virtual world such as a game world or virtual reality.

[0137] The providing object candidate initial setting data 510 is prepared for each type of candidate object that can become the providing object 6, and stores various initial setting data related to the object.

[0138] 11, one piece of provided object candidate initial setting data 510 includes, for example, an object type 512, basic information 520, and setting changeable part definition data 538. It also includes appearance candidate data 540 and functionality setting change definition data 570. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

[0139] The basic information 520 is information fixed to the object, and includes, for example, a provision requirement 521, an object category 523, index information 525, default functionality setting data 527, and default non-functionality setting data 530.

[0140] The default functionality setting data 527 stores data about the default functions that the object performs in the virtual space. For example, if the object is a weapon item used in the game, this data includes settings such as attack power and attributes given to attacks.

[0141] Default non-functional setting data 530 stores data on non-functional settings that are not related to the functions that the object performs in the virtual space. Default non-functional setting data 530 includes, for example, default appearance setting data 531. In addition, in a configuration in which sound is included as a non-functional function, default non-functional setting data 530 appropriately includes default sound setting data.

[0142] The default appearance setting data 531 includes, for example, a default form theme type 532 and a default color scheme type 533. In addition, the default appearance setting data 531 includes object model data 534, texture data 535, skin data 536 (such as local data added to the texture data to further express individuality), and the like.

[0143] The setting changeable part definition data 538 is prepared for each setting changeable part 10 (see FIG. 5). One setting changeable part definition data 538 stores a part ID and part range definition data in association with each other.

[0144] Appearance candidate data 540 is prepared for each appearance candidate 20 (see FIG. 6). 12, one piece of appearance candidate data 540 includes an appearance candidate ID 542, a candidate form theme type 544, a candidate coloring pattern type 546, and a number of setting change element changes 548. It also includes adoption requirements 550 and one or more appearance change content data 560.

[0145] Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate in appearance candidate data 540. For example, in a configuration that includes audio settings as non-functional settings, audio change content data that defines how the audio is changed from the default audio (e.g., audio file name, number of pitch changes, etc.) may be included.

[0146] Candidate form theme type 544 and candidate coloring pattern type 546 respectively indicate the form theme and coloring pattern applied to the appearance candidate.

[0147] The number of setting change elements 548 is the number of setting change elements 12 (see FIG. 5) that have been changed from the default appearance setting. Note that the number of setting change elements 548 may be replaced with the number of setting changeable parts 10 that have been changed from the default appearance setting.

[0148] Adoption requirements 550 indicate the conditions that must be met in order for the appearance candidate to be adopted. The adoption requirement 550 is written by combining one or more sub-conditions with AND or OR. The sub-conditions of the adoption requirement 550 include, for example, a provided object default form theme type condition 551 and a provided object default coloring pattern type condition 552. Also included are an index information condition 553, a relationship condition 554 between the number of setting change elements and the number of allowable changes, a user information condition 555, a provision date and time condition 557, and the like.

[0149] Note that other sub-conditions may be used as the sub-conditions of the hiring requirement 550. It is also possible to set one or more of the sub-conditions of the hiring requirement 550 as essentially not set or without restrictions.

[0150] The providing object default appearance theme type condition 551 is a condition that must be satisfied for the appearance theme type in the default appearance of the providing object 6, and is written as a list of appearance theme types.

[0151] The providing object default coloring pattern type condition 552 is a condition that must be satisfied for the coloring pattern type in the default appearance of the providing object 6, and is described as a list of coloring pattern types.

[0152] The indicator information condition 553 is a condition that must be satisfied for one or both of the indicator information 525j of the provision requirement fulfillment object 6j and the indicator information 525s of the object when determining whether the adoption requirement 550 is fulfilled (see FIG. 7). The indicator information condition 553 is described as a list of types of indicator information 525, a combination of types of indicator information 525, or the like.

[0153] The relationship condition 554 between the number of setting change element changes and the allowable number of changes is a condition that must be satisfied regarding the relationship between the number of setting change element changes 548 and the allowable number of changes 714 (see FIG. 7) of the appearance candidate 20. It is described by the magnitude relationship between the number of setting change element changes 548 and the allowable number of changes 714, the range of the allowable difference, etc.

[0154] The user information condition 555 is written by combining one or more sub-conditions, using AND or OR, that must be satisfied for information associated with the user 4 who owns the object of the appearance candidate 20. The sub-conditions of the user information condition 555 may include, for example, a character type condition 556a, a rank condition 556b, a purchase history condition 556c, and a virtual experience progress condition 556d.

[0155] Character type conditions 556a are conditions that must be met for the character types of avatar 5 and the player character, and are written as a list of character types.

[0156] The rank conditions 556b are conditions that must be met for the rank, level, and title that are automatically given based on the actions of the user 4 (or avatar 5) in the virtual world, and are described as a list of these conditions.

[0157] The purchase history condition 556c is a condition that must be satisfied by the shopping history in the virtual space of the user 4 who owns the object of the appearance candidate 20. For example, it is described as a combination of ranges and thresholds for the number of purchases, the number of purchased items, and the purchase frequency.

[0158] The virtual experience progress condition 556d is a condition regarding the progress of the virtual experience or the situation in the virtual space. For example, if the virtual experience is a game, the condition is described as a condition regarding the game progress, the time and season in the game world, match results, etc. For example, if the virtual experience is a virtual reality experience such as the metaverse, the condition is described as a condition regarding the time and season in the virtual reality, the location or area where the avatar 5 is located, an event in which the avatar 5 is participating in the virtual reality, etc.

[0159] The provision date and time condition 557 is a condition regarding the year, month, date, day of the week, time period, etc. when the provision object 6 is provided, and is described by the range and threshold of these.

[0160] Appearance change content data 560 is prepared for each appearance change content, and can have various data configurations depending on the content. For example, when changing the color scheme as a change to a non-functional setting, as in appearance change content data 560A shown in Fig. 13, the data includes a setting content ID 561 and one or more color scheme change content data 562. Each piece of color scheme change content data 562 stores a change target part ID indicating the setting changeable part 10 (see Fig. 5) to which the content is to be applied, a change source color, and a change destination color in association with each other.

[0161] 14, when the appearance change involves changing or adding a skin, the data includes a setting ID 561 and one or more skin change data 564. Each skin change data 564 stores a source skin type, a destination skin type, and a destination skin position in association with each other.

[0162] Examples of skins include patterns such as flower petals or autumn leaves, model number logos, marks or logos of virtual manufacturers that produced items, virtual team marks or team logos that exist in the virtual space, weathering that represents localized dirt or damage, tattoos, etc.

[0163] For example, when a form change is made as an appearance change, as in the appearance change content data 560C shown in FIG. 15, the data includes a setting content ID 561, a change target part ID 566 indicating one or more setting changeable parts 10 (see FIG. 5), and form change content data 567.

[0164] The form change content data 567 may be written, for example, as a list of destination position coordinates for each polygon vertex number, or as a deformation magnification for each part. Alternatively, when changing the form by attaching a specific sub-object (for example, an appliqué sub-object, an artificial flower sub-object, etc.), the form change content data 567 specifies the sub-object type, attached position coordinates, and attached posture.

[0165] Returning to FIG. 11, the functionality setting change definition data 570 stores various data that define how to change the functionality setting of the owned object 7 based on the providing object 6.

[0166] One or more types of functionality setting change definition data 570 are prepared. As shown in FIG. 16, one piece of functionality setting change definition data 570 includes application requirements 571 indicating the conditions that must be met for the definition data to be applied, and one or more pieces of functionality setting change content data 575.

[0167] The application requirement 571 is written by combining one or more sub-conditions 572 (572a, 572b, ...) with AND or OR. The sub-conditions 572 of the application requirement 571 include, for example, a provided object default form theme type condition 572a and a provided object default coloring pattern type condition 572b. They also include an index information condition 572c, a user information condition 572d, a date and time condition 572e, and the like. Note that other conditions may also be used as the sub-conditions 572. It is also possible to set one or more of the sub-conditions 572 to be essentially unset or without restrictions.

[0168] The providing object default form theme type condition 572a is written in the same manner as the providing object default form theme type condition 551 (see FIG. 12). The providing object default coloring pattern type condition 572b is written in the same manner as the providing object default coloring pattern type condition 552 (see FIG. 12). The index information condition 572c is written in the same manner as the index information condition 553 (see FIG. 12).

[0169] The user information condition 572d is written in the same manner as the user information condition 555 (see FIG. 12). The user information condition 572d is written by combining one or more sub-conditions 573 (573a, 573b, ...) with AND or OR. The sub-conditions 573 (573a, 573b, ...) of the user information condition 572d are written in the same way as the sub-conditions 556 (556a, 556b, ...; see FIG. 12) of the user information condition 555.

[0170] The date and time condition 572e is a condition regarding the year, month, date, day of the week, time period, etc. when the functionality setting is changed, and is described by the ranges and thresholds thereof.

[0171] Functionality setting change content data 575 is prepared for each change content. One piece of functionality setting change content data 575 stores the type of functionality setting parameter to be changed and the change content in association with each other. The functionality setting parameter type is, for example, a parameter value such as an ability type or a skill type. The return content is the value to be changed to, the change rate to be applied to the original value, etc.

[0172] Returning to FIG. 10, the user information 600 is prepared for each user who has completed the registration procedure to become a user, and stores various information associated with the user. 17, one piece of user information 600 stores various data associated with the user, such as registration information. One piece of user information 600 stores, for example, a user account 602, a user rank 604, purchase history data 606, and save data 610. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0173] User rank 604 is automatically set depending on the use of the virtual experience. For example, if the virtual experience is a game, it may be a player rank, player level, title, etc. If the virtual experience is virtual reality, a higher rank may be set for a user with a greater number of logins or cumulative login time.

[0174] The save data 610 includes, for example, avatar setting data 612, owned object information 620 for each owned object 7, and virtual experience progress information 640.

[0175] When some or all of the owned objects 7 are items, some or all of the owned object information 620 can also be said to be owned item information 629. The owned object information 620 includes, for example, an owned object ID 621, an object type 622, and applied functionality setting data 623. It also includes applied non-functionality setting data 624 (see FIG. 2), usage status information 630, and change permission setting information 632. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0176] The applied functionality setting data 623 stores the latest data on various functionality settings for the owned object 7. For example, it may be ability parameter values, types of skills held, and the like.

[0177] The usage status information 630 stores an in-use flag indicating whether the owned object 7 is in use or equipped, the number of times it has been used (for example, the duration of the logged-in state is counted once for each predetermined time), the frequency of use, etc. The server system 1100 performs processing to constantly keep the usage status information 630 up to date as virtual experiences are provided.

[0178] The change permission setting information 632 indicates the result of the permission setting operation on the change permission setting screen W2 (see FIG. 8) for the owned object 7. The initial value is permission.

[0179] The virtual experience progress information 640 includes various information indicating the progress of the virtual experience and the latest status of the virtual space. For example, if the virtual experience is a game, the information may include information such as the game progress, the time and season in the game world, and match results. For example, if the virtual experience is a virtual reality experience such as the Metaverse, the information may include information such as the time and season in the virtual reality, the location or area where the avatar 5 is located, and the event the avatar 5 is participating in in the virtual reality. The server system 1100 performs processing to constantly keep the virtual experience progress information 640 up to date as the virtual experience is provided.

[0180] Returning to FIG. 10, virtual experience control data 700 is prepared for each virtual experience and stores data for providing the virtual experience to the user. 18, one piece of virtual experience control data 700 includes virtual space data 702 that stores data on objects and the like placed in the virtual space, and non-functional setting change control data 710 that stores various data related to changing non-functional setting. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

[0181] The virtual space data 702 includes avatar control data 704 related to the control of the avatar 5, and currently used owned object control data 706 related to currently used owned object 7. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

[0182] The non-functional setting change control data 710 includes, for example, a provision requirement fulfillment object type 711 indicating the provision requirement fulfillment object 6j, a provision destination user account 712, a control target owned object list 713, and a change allowance number 714 (see FIG. 7), etc. Of course, other information may also be included as appropriate.

[0183] 19 and 20 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100 in relation to the provision of a provided object. It is assumed that the server system 1100 is executing a server program 501, and the user terminal 1500 is downloading and executing a delivery client program 503 (see FIG. 10) from the server system 1100. Both are in a communication connection state via the network 9. The user is having a virtual experience in a virtual world on the user terminal 1500.

[0184] 19, when a predetermined setting change permission setting request operation is input at the user terminal 1500 (YES in step S10), the server system 1100 executes a change permission setting process (step S12). This process displays a change permission setting screen W2 (see FIG. 8), and the change permission setting information 632 (see FIG. 17) of the owned object 7 is changed in accordance with the permission setting operation on this screen.

[0185] While executing control related to the virtual experience, the server system 1100 refers to the provision requirements 521 in the provision object candidate initial setting data 510 (see FIG. 11) and constantly monitors whether there is an object that satisfies the provision requirements indicated by the provision requirements 521. An object that satisfies the provision requirements 521 is a provision requirement satisfying object 6j (see FIG. 2).

[0186] If there is a provision requirement satisfying object 6j (YES in step S20), the server system 1100 decides to provide the provision object 6 to the user 4 and executes this (step S22). The user 4 who satisfies the provision requirement 521 in step S20 becomes the provision destination user.

[0187] Next, the server system 1100 performs a primary selection of owned objects 7 that have the same object category as the provided object 6 as candidates for the controlled owned object 8 (step S24). Then, a secondary selection is performed to narrow down the candidates for the controlled owned object 8 that have the change permission setting information 632 (see FIG. 17) set to "permitted" from the primarily selected candidates for the controlled owned object 8 (step S26).

[0188] Furthermore, the server system 1100 determines whether or not each of the second selected candidates for the control target possessing object 8 is suitably coordinated with the provision object 6 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Then, a tertiary selection is performed to narrow down the candidates for the control target owned object 8 to the owned object 7 whose coordination has been determined to be "inappropriate" (step S28).

[0189] Furthermore, for each of the thirdly selected candidates for the controlled object 8, the server system 1100 determines whether the object is a "frequently used" object by the user 4 based on the usage information 630 (see FIG. 17 ), and then executes a fourth selection to narrow down the corresponding candidates for the controlled object 8 (step S30). For example, if the user 4 is using it at that time, if there is a history of use in the recent past, or if both of these conditions are met, it is determined to be "frequently used" (see FIG. 2).

[0190] Next, the server system 1100 executes a fifth selection to narrow down the candidates for the control target possessing object 8 from the fifth selected candidates for the control target possessing object 8 to those objects that satisfy a given index relation condition (step S32).

[0191] The "index relationship condition" referred to here is a condition that must be satisfied between the index information 525 of the fifth selected control target possession object 8 and the index information 525 of the provision requirement fulfillment object 6j. For example, if the index information 525 is rarity, the index relationship condition is described as the magnitude relationship of the rarity that must be satisfied. If the index information 525 is attribute, the index relationship condition is described as a combination of attributes that must be satisfied.

[0192] It should be noted that the configuration is not limited to executing all of the first to fifth selections, and one or more of the first to fifth selections may be omitted.

[0193] Next, the server system 1100 displays a message to the user 4 requesting approval of the change to the non-functionality settings for each of the fifth selected candidates for the controlled object 8, accepts approval / disapproval, and finally determines the controlled object 8 (step S34).

[0194] Turning to FIG. 20, the server system 1100 then executes a loop A for the control target owning object 8 determined in step S34 (steps S40 to S54).

[0195] In loop A, the server system 1100 determines the allowable change number 714 (see FIG. 7) of the control target possessing object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing (step S42).

[0196] The server system 1100 refers to the appearance candidate data 540 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the control target owned object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing, and selects an appearance candidate 20 (see FIG. 6) that satisfies the adoption requirements 550 (step S44). This selection is equivalent to the selection of the setting changeable part 10 (see FIG. 5) whose non-functional setting is to be changed.

[0197] Next, the server system 1100 applies the selected appearance candidate 20 to the control target owning object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing (step S46). Specifically, the applied form theme type 626 (see FIG. 17) of the control object owned object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing is changed to the candidate form theme type 544 (see FIG. 12) of the selected appearance candidate 20. In addition, the applied coloring pattern type 627 (see FIG. 17) of the control object owned object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing is changed to the candidate coloring pattern type 546 (see FIG. 12) of the selected appearance candidate 20.

[0198] If the controlled owned object 8 being the subject of the loop processing is an owned object 7 currently in use and is displayed on the virtual experience display screen, its display form is immediately changed to the updated appearance. In other words, the applied form theme type 626 and applied color pattern type 627 are immediately reflected in the virtual experience control data 700.

[0199] Next, the server system 1100 changes the functionality setting of the control target possessing object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing (step S50). Specifically, the server system 1100 refers to the provided object candidate initial setting data 510 (see FIG. 11) of the object type of the control target possessing object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing. Then, the server system 1100 searches for definition data that satisfies the application requirements 571 (see FIG. 16) from the functionality setting change definition data 570. Next, the server system 1100 changes the applied functionality setting data 623 (see FIG. 17) of the control target possessing object 8 that is the subject of the loop processing in accordance with the functionality setting change content data 575.

[0200] Then, the server system 1100 notifies the change in functionality setting (step S52) and ends loop A (step S54).

[0201] By executing loop A for all confirmed controlled owned objects 8, at least one owned object 7 will be created that has a non-functional setting suitable for coordinating with the provided object 6. This allows the user 4 to immediately enjoy coordinating outfits using the newly acquired provided object 6.

[0202] While executing control related to the virtual experience, the server system 1100 monitors input of a predetermined cancel request operation. If a cancel request operation is input (YES in step S70), the server system 1100 searches for owned objects 7 whose non-functionality settings have been changed to other than the defaults as cancellation candidates (step S72).

[0203] Specifically, the search is made for owned objects 7 whose applied form theme type 626 (see FIG. 17) is different from the default form theme type 532 (see FIG. 11) of the provided object candidate with the same object type 622. Similarly, the search is made for owned objects 7 whose applied coloring pattern type 627 is different from the default coloring pattern type 533.

[0204] Then, the server system 1100 presents the cancellation candidates as options to the user 4 and accepts a selection operation of the owned object 7 to be cancelled (step S74).

[0205] Next, the applied non-functional setting data 624 (see FIG. 17) of the owned object 7 selected as the object to be canceled is restored to the default (step S76; see FIG. 9). Specifically, the corresponding data is copied and overwritten from the default non-functional setting data 530 (see FIG. 11) of the provided object candidate whose object type matches that of the object to be canceled. If the owned object 7 to be canceled is currently in use and displayed on the display screen of the virtual experience, its display form is immediately changed to the restored appearance.

[0206] Furthermore, the server system 1100 restores the applied functionality setting data 623 (see FIG. 17) of the owned object 7 selected as the cancellation target to the default (step S78). Note that this step may be omitted.

[0207] Then, the server system 1100 notifies the user 4 of the cancellation completion notification (step S80). At this time, an image of the owned object 7 to be canceled before cancellation and an image of the owned object 7 after cancellation may be displayed.

[0208] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to resolve mismatches in non-functionality settings between the owned object 7 already owned by the user 4 and the provided object 6 that is given or provided to the user 4 (for example, incompatibility in coordination if the non-functionality setting is an appearance setting). Then, the user 4 can immediately coordinate and enjoy the newly provided provided object 6.

[0209] Furthermore, by utilizing this embodiment, a common provision object 6 can be simultaneously provided to a plurality of users 4, thereby realizing group coordination. For example, users participating in a team battle event are provided with identical objects (items) set with team colors for team identification as provided objects 6. The non-functional settings of one or more of the objects 7 owned by each user 4 are changed to include the team color of the team to which they belong, as described above. Each user 4 can coordinate with the team color on the spot when participating in the event.

[0210] [Modification] Although examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above forms, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0211] (Variation 1) The non-functional setting change control unit 210 (see FIG. 10) may be realized using a predetermined machine learning model that is trained based on training data that takes the provided object as input and the setting change content of the non-functional setting as output.

[0212] 21, the server system 1100 stores machine learning model data 590 instead of the provision object candidate initial setting data 510 and the coordination determination criterion data 580. Then, the non-functional setting change control unit 210 realized using the machine learning model determines the control target owned object 8 and changes the applied non-functional setting data 624 thereof.

[0213] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the virtual experience system 1000 is implemented as a client-server system, but this is not limiting. For example, a game may be implemented in a system in which multiple user terminals 1500 are connected via P2P (peer-to-peer) connections. In this case, one of the user terminals 1500 that make up the P2P network functions as the server system 1100.

[0214] Alternatively, for example, the user terminal 1500 may be configured to function as a standalone virtual experience device. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, the IC memory 1552 of the user terminal 1500B configured in this manner stores a virtual experience control program 505, virtual space initial setting data 508, and provided object candidate initial setting data 510. It also stores coordination determination criteria data 580, user information 600, virtual experience control data 700, and current date and time 900. Then, by executing the virtual experience control program 505, the user terminal 1500 is caused to function as the processing unit 200.

[0215] The process executed by the user terminal 1500B in this configuration for providing a provided object is the same as that in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, and the execution subject should be replaced with the user terminal 1500B. Note that in this modified example, the non-functional setting change control unit 210 may also be realized using a machine learning model. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 6...Provided object 7...Owned Objects 8...Controlled owned objects 10...Changeable settings 12...Setting change elements 20...Appearance candidate 202...Virtual experience control unit 204…Provision decision department 210...Non-functional setting change control section 212...Control object selection unit 220...Setting change permission setting section 222...Cancel control unit 501...Server program 510...Provided object candidate initial setting data 521…Provision requirements 525…Indicator information 527...Default functionality setting data 530...Default non-functional configuration data 531...Default appearance setting data 532...Default theme type 533...Default color scheme type 538...Changeable part definition data 540...Appearance candidate data 550... Hiring requirements 551...Provided object default form theme type conditions 552...Provided object default color pattern type conditions 553…Indicator information conditions 560...Exterior change data 562...Color scheme change data 567...Form change details data 575... Functionality setting change data 580... Coordination criteria data 590...Machine learning model data 600...User information 620...Owned object information 623...Applicable functionality setting data 624...Applicable non-functional setting data 625...Applicable appearance setting data 626...Application type Theme type 627...Applicable color scheme types 630...Usage information 632...Change permission setting information 700...Virtual experience control data 710...Non-functional setting change control data 711...Object types that meet the requirements for provision 712...Recipient user account 713...Controlled object list 1000...Virtual Experience System 1100...Server system 1500...User terminal W2...Change permission setting screen W4…Cancel screen

Claims

1. provision determination means for determining whether to provide a given provision object to a user for use in a virtual space; a non-functional setting change control means for controlling the change of non-functional settings of the owned objects owned by the user, which are not related to the functions to be performed in the virtual space, based on the provided object; A computer system comprising:

2. the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the appearance setting of the owned object as the non-functional setting; 10. The computer system of claim 1.

3. the non-functional setting change control means controls changing the setting of the appearance of the owned object based on the appearance of the provided object; 3. The computer system of claim 2.

4. the non-functional setting change control means controls to change the setting of the appearance color of the owned object based on the appearance color of the provided object; 4. The computer system of claim 3.

5. the non-functional setting change control means controls to change the setting of the form of the owned object based on the form of the provided object; 4. The computer system of claim 3.

6. The provision object has predetermined index information that influences the change content of the non-functional setting made by the non-functional setting change control means, The non-functional setting change control means controls the change of the non-functional setting based on the index information.

10. The computer system of claim 1.

7. a predetermined index information that influences the change content of the non-functional setting by the non-functional setting change control means is defined for the owned item owned by the user; The non-functional setting change control means controls the change of the non-functional setting based on the index information.

10. The computer system of claim 1.

8. the owned object has a plurality of portions whose non-functional settings can be changed; the non-functional setting change control means selects a portion for which the non-functional setting is to be changed based on the index information, and changes the non-functional setting related to the selected portion.

8. A computer system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. a control object selection means for selecting, from among the owned objects, a control object owned by the non-functional setting change control means based on the index information; Further provided with The non-functional setting change control means controls to change the non-functional setting of the control target possessing object.

8. A computer system according to claim 6 or 7.

10. the control target selection means selects the control target owned object based on the usage status of the owned object; 10. The computer system of claim 9.

11. a control object selection means for selecting, from among the owned objects, a control object to be subject to change control by the non-functional setting change control means based on a usage status of the owned object; Further provided with The non-functional setting change control means controls to change the non-functional setting of the control target possessing object.

10. The computer system of claim 1.

12. the control target selection means selects the control target owned object based on the usage status at the time when the provided object is provided to the user.

12. The computer system of claim 11.

13. The usage status includes information on whether or not the device is set to be used in the virtual space.

12. The computer system of claim 11.

14. The owned objects include at least a owned character owned by the user, the non-functional setting change control means controls to change the non-functional setting of the owned character; 10. The computer system of claim 1.

15. a setting change permission / prohibition setting means for setting whether or not the setting change by the non-functional setting change control means is permitted based on an operation by the user; Further provided with the non-functional setting change control means controls the change of the non-functional setting when permission is set by the setting change permission setting means; 10. The computer system of claim 1.

16. a cancellation control means for performing control to cancel the change of the non-functional setting made by the non-functional setting change control means based on an operation by the user; The computer system of claim 1 further comprising:

17. The non-functional setting change control means determines the setting change content of the non-functional setting using a predetermined machine learning model trained based on training data in which the provided object is input and the setting change content of the non-functional setting is output.

10. The computer system of claim 1.

18. provision determination means for determining whether to provide a given provision object to a user for use in a virtual space; a functionality setting change control means for controlling the changing of functionality settings, which are settings related to functions to be performed in the virtual space, among settings of the owned objects owned by the user, based on the provided object; Equipped with The provided object has predetermined index information that influences the change content of the functionality setting made by the functionality setting change control means, the functionality setting change control means controls to change the functionality setting based on the index information of the provided object. Computer system.

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