Information providing system, method for providing information, and information providing program

Abstract

To provide an information providing technology capable of promoting activities and conversations within the same area or nearby areas.SOLUTION: An information providing system calculates, for each user, the degree of attachment to a real region on the basis of the activity history of a user, generates a virtual character corresponding to the user on the basis of the activity history of the user, sets a virtual region in which the virtual character can be active within a virtual space according to the degree of attachment to the real region, and stores, for each user, the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual region in which activity is possible. The system enables the virtual character to be operated within the virtual space in response to a user operation, provides information related to the real region to the user through operation of the virtual character by the user within the set activity region, generates display information including the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information of the virtual character operated by the user, and transmits the generated display information to a terminal device possessed by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Virtual reality (VR) technology is known, which allows users to operate characters such as avatars in a virtual space. In such a virtual space, users can converse with automatically generated virtual characters and visit virtual facilities. Alternatively, users may be able to converse with other users in the same virtual space through their avatars. For example, in the metaverse space, it may be possible to purchase goods or services at virtual facilities.

[0003] Augmented reality (AR) technology is also known, which adds additional digital information to real space. It is possible to generate characters such as avatars in real space, and users can converse with these automatically generated characters such as avatars.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a virtual space presentation system having a storage unit that stores virtual space information corresponding to the real world, and a display unit that can display a space specified by a user in the virtual space when the user moves within the virtual space based on the virtual space information and instructions from the user. In this virtual space presentation system, the storage unit stores areas in the real world where the user's entry is not restricted and areas in the real world where the user's entry is restricted. Then, when the user is permitted to enter the real world, the display unit can display that area in the virtual space as a virtual space where the user can move.

[0005] In recent years, conversations and relationships with residents of the same or nearby area have decreased. Some generations feel fear when talking to others. On the other hand, research has shown that active conversations with residents of the same or nearby area, and familiarity with local places, can lead to emotional enrichment and a decrease in crime. In other words, a strong sense of attachment to a region, which includes both human elements such as personality and public safety, and place elements such as local specialties, landmarks, historical value, medical and welfare facilities, scenery, and events, can be said to be desirable for society and humanity.

[0006] However, general VR and AR technologies such as those described in Patent Document 1 cannot promote conversations with people living in the same area or in the neighborhood, and furthermore, they cannot improve the user's attachment to the area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-181713 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, the inventors have devised an information provision system, an information provision method, and an information provision program that can improve attachment to a local area by promoting activities and conversations in the same area or in the neighborhood. That is, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information provision system, an information provision method, and an information provision program that can promote activities and conversations in the same area or in the neighborhood. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) A first aspect of the present invention relates to an information provision system including: an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; a region setting unit that sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; a memory unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation by the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; a display information generation unit that generates operation information of the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user.

[0010] (2) In (1) above, the behavioral history may include at least one of visit history information of visits the user made to the physical area and contact history information of contacts the user made with other users in the physical area.

[0011] (3) In (2) above, the attachment calculation unit may calculate the attachment level to the physical area for each user based on any one of the number of times the user has visited the physical area, the length of time the user stayed in the physical area, the range of activities in the physical area, and the number of facilities visited in the physical area.

[0012] (4) In (2) or (3) above, the attachment calculation unit may calculate the attachment level to the physical area for each user based on any one of the number of people the user actually met in the physical area, the number of people the user actually met with and had conversations with, and the duration of the conversations.

[0013] (5) In (1) above, the memory unit may further store information about the virtual space corresponding to the real area, and the area setting unit may set the virtual space corresponding to the real area to which the user has a high degree of attachment as the area in which the user can be active.

[0014] (6) In (1) above, the virtual character generation unit may generate a virtual character corresponding to the user based on any one of the places visited by the user in the real area, the facilities visited, the products purchased, the services used, and the food and drink consumed by the user.

[0015] (7) In the above (1) or (6), the virtual character generation unit may generate a virtual character corresponding to the user based on one of the user's health state and mental state.

[0016] (8) In (1) above, the information providing unit may provide the user with information about the real area by having the virtual character corresponding to the user come into contact with another virtual character operated by another user who exists in the virtual space.

[0017] (9) In (8) above, the operation receiving unit may enable the virtual character to talk to the other virtual character through operation by the user, and the information providing unit may provide the user with conversation information from other users operating the other virtual characters as information about the real area.

[0018] (10) In (9) above, the virtual character generation unit may further correct the facial expression of the user's virtual character in accordance with the content of the utterance of the user's virtual character or the utterance of the other user's virtual character.

[0019] (11) In the above (8) to (10), the storage unit may further store, for each user, information about the user that can be made public to the other users.

[0020] (12) In (1) above, the memory unit may store information about the real area posted by multiple users, and the information providing unit may provide the user with information about the real area stored in the memory unit in response to the user moving the virtual character to a specific location or facility in the virtual space.

[0021] (13) A second aspect of the present invention relates to an information providing method including the steps of: calculating a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; setting a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; storing the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; making the virtual character operable in the virtual space by operation of the user; providing the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; generating operation information of the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user.

[0022] (14) A third aspect of the present invention relates to an information provision program that causes a computer to realize the following functions: calculating a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; setting a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; storing the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; making the virtual character operable in the virtual space through operation by the user; providing the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; generating operation information of the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information provision system, an information provision method, and an information provision program that make it possible to promote activities and conversations in the same area or in the neighborhood. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing by the information providing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information providing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a user terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a user database. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of a virtual character generation process by the information provision system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of a correction process for a virtual character by the information provision system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of a process for calculating an attachment level for each real area by the information providing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of a process for calculating an attachment level for each real area by the information providing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of information provision processing of a real area by the information provision system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on a user's terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on a user's terminal device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An information provision system 1, an information provision method, and an information provision program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0026] (Outline of processing by information provision system 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of processing by the information providing system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0027] The information providing system 1 includes a plurality of user terminal devices 2 and has a server 3 that communicates with these plurality of user terminal devices 2. The server 3 has a virtual space database 311 that stores information about a virtual space generated based on real space, and a user database 312 that stores information about a plurality of users. The storage unit included in the information providing system 1 is a server storage unit 313 of the server 3, and the server storage unit 313 includes a virtual space database 311 and a user database 312 (see FIG. 4).

[0028] In response to requests from the terminal devices 2 of the multiple users, the server 3 transmits at least a portion of the virtual space stored in the virtual space database 311 to the terminal devices 2 of the multiple users. Furthermore, the server 3 generates and displays in the virtual space a virtual character corresponding to each user stored in the user database 312, and provides the user with information about the real space corresponding to the virtual space via the virtual character. The user database 312 will be described in detail later, and stores areas in which each user can be active in the virtual space.

[0029] The above description of Fig. 1 is merely provided to deepen understanding of the present invention. The present invention is specifically embodied in the following embodiments, and may be embodied in various modifications without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. All such modifications are included within the scope of the present invention and the disclosure of this specification.

[0030] (Outline of information provision system 1) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information providing system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The information providing system 1 has multiple user terminal devices 2, 2, 2... and a server 3. Hereinafter, multiple user terminal devices 2 may be simply referred to as user terminal devices 2. The user terminal devices 2, 2, 2... and the server 3 are connected to each other via a communication network such as the Internet 4. Although one Internet 4 is illustrated here, if the Internet 4 consists of multiple networks, gateways (not shown) may be provided between the networks as appropriate. Communication with a program executed on the server 3 (e.g., a management program) is performed using a communication protocol such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The server 3 may be a cloud server.

[0032] (General configuration of user terminal device 2) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the user's terminal device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0033] The terminal device 2 executes connection to a wireless communication network, web access, etc. To that end, the terminal device 2 includes a terminal communication unit 211, a terminal storage unit 212, a terminal operation unit 213, a terminal display unit 214, a terminal processing unit 215, and a terminal imaging unit 216.

[0034] The terminal device 2 is assumed to be a multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone"), but the present invention is not limited to this. The terminal device 2 may be any device to which the present invention is applicable, such as a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a mobile phone (a so-called "feature phone"), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable game console, a portable music player, or a tablet device. The terminal device 2 may also be a wearable device such as AR (Augmented Reality) glasses or VR (Virtual Reality) glasses.

[0035] The terminal communication unit 211 includes a communication interface circuit and connects the terminal device 2 to the Internet 4. The terminal communication unit 211 transmits data supplied from the device processing unit 215 via the network to the server 3 or the like. The terminal communication unit 211 also supplies data received from the server 3 or the like via the network to the device processing unit 215.

[0036] The terminal storage unit 212 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory device. The terminal storage unit 212 stores an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, data, and the like used for processing by the device processing unit 215. For example, the terminal storage unit 212 stores, as driver programs, an input device driver program that controls the terminal operation unit 213 and an output device driver program that controls the terminal display unit 214. The terminal storage unit 212 also stores, as application programs, a transmission program for transmitting operation information, etc., input by a user operating the terminal operation unit 213 to the server 3. Various programs may be installed into the terminal storage unit 212 from a computer-readable portable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, using a known setup program, for example. The terminal storage unit 212 may also temporarily store temporary data related to predetermined processing.

[0037] The terminal operation unit 213 may be any device capable of operating the terminal device 2, such as a touch panel, or a mouse, key buttons, or the like connected to the outside of the terminal device 2. The user can use the terminal operation unit 213 to select and determine how to control the user's virtual character generated in the virtual space. The user can also use the terminal operation unit 213 to input settings for the user's virtual character in the virtual space, security settings for each user in the virtual space, and the like. When operated by the user, the terminal operation unit 213 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The generated signal is then transmitted to the device processing unit 215. Note that if the terminal device 2 is a wearable terminal, the terminal operation unit 213 may generate a signal indicating, for example, the tilt of the wearable terminal.

[0038] The terminal display unit 214 may also be any device capable of displaying video, images, etc., such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The terminal display unit 214 displays video corresponding to the video data supplied from the device processing unit 215, images corresponding to the image data, etc.

[0039] The device processing unit 215 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The device processing unit 215 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the terminal device 2 and is, for example, a CPU. The device processing unit 215 controls the operation of the terminal communication unit 211, the terminal display unit 214, and the like so that various processes of the terminal device 2 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the terminal storage unit 212 and the operations of the terminal operation unit 213. The device processing unit 215 executes processes based on the programs (such as operating system programs, driver programs, and application programs) stored in the terminal storage unit 212. The device processing unit 215 can also execute multiple programs (such as application programs) in parallel.

[0040] The device processing unit 215 has a function of processing screen display information received from outside the terminal device 2 as a screen display viewable by the user, and a function of converting processing based on the operation content of the terminal operation unit 213 from the user into a signal that can be transmitted outside the terminal device 2 and sending it to the device communication unit 211. These functions are functional modules realized by a program executed by a processor included in the device processing unit 215. Alternatively, each of these units may be implemented in the terminal device 2 as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, or firmware.

[0041] The terminal imaging unit 216 is an imaging unit provided in the terminal device 2. The terminal imaging unit 216 acquires image information of streetscapes collected from the real space in which the user is active, and temporarily collected moving objects and objects.

[0042] (Schematic configuration of Server 3) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the server 3. As shown in FIG.

[0043] The server 3 includes a server storage unit 313 including a virtual space database 311 that stores information on multiple virtual spaces and a user database 312 that stores information on multiple users. The server 3 calculates a degree of attachment to a real area, which is an area in real space, for each user based on the user's behavioral history, and sets an area in the virtual space where the virtual character can be active based on the degree of attachment. The virtual character is operated via the user's terminal device 2 in the set area in the virtual space where the virtual character can be active, thereby enabling information about the real area to be provided to the user's terminal device 2. The server 3 also generates a virtual character that represents the user and corresponds to the user based on the user's behavioral history. The server 3 then generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and transmits the display information to the user's terminal device 2. In order to realize the above-described functions, the server 3 further includes, in addition to the server memory unit 313, a server processing unit 320 and a server communication unit 321, which include an attachment level calculation unit 314, a virtual character generation unit 315, a region setting unit 316, an operation reception unit 317, an information provision unit 318, and a display information generation unit 319.

[0044] Virtual space database 311 stores virtual space information in association with real areas, which are areas in real space. The virtual space information may be map information or photographic information of the real area, or may be animation data that replicates the real area. Note that the information on the real area may be stored in virtual space database 311, or may be stored in an external server that provides map information. Furthermore, when map information or photographic information of the real area is used as is as virtual space information, this virtual space information does not need to be stored in server storage unit 313.

[0045] The virtual space database 311 may be periodically updated by periodically receiving images and videos of the real space from the terminal imaging unit 216. For example, if the user's terminal device 2 is a headset or AR glasses, information can be constantly received from the imaging unit provided therein. This allows detailed reflection of moving objects and objects present in the real space in the virtual space information in real time. This can be achieved using existing technologies such as a visual positioning system (VPS).

[0046] A real area is a unit of the user's range of activity, and may be an area obtained by simply dividing map information into units of several hundred square meters, or may be a city, ward, town, village, block, or neighborhood association. Alternatively, a real area may be a single apartment block. In the present invention, the real area is preferably close to the user's range of activity by bicycle or on foot.

[0047] The user database 312 stores, in association with the user identification information (user ID) of multiple users, the real activity area, which is the user's actual activity area, the degree of attachment to the real activity area, whether the user's virtual character can be active in the activity area in virtual space corresponding to the real activity area, information about the virtual character such as the type of virtual character, the user's purchase history in real space or virtual space, the user's health condition, etc.

[0048] The server storage unit 313 includes, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device, and is connected to the server 3 via a bus. The server storage unit 313 stores driver programs, operating system programs, application programs, data, and the like used in processing by the server processing unit 320. For example, the server storage unit 313 stores, as a driver program, a communication device driver program that controls the server communication unit 321. Computer programs may be installed into the server storage unit 313 from a computer-readable portable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, using a known setup program, for example. The server storage unit 313 also stores a virtual space database 311, a user database 312, and the like.

[0049] The server storage unit 313 also stores information about real areas posted by multiple users. Specifically, it is bulletin board information that compiles information about real areas posted by each real area. Or, it is bulletin board information that compiles information about products and services at facilities in the real area. Furthermore, the service may be a transportation service such as a railway, or information about facilities such as parks. Furthermore, the server storage unit 313 also functions as a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores conversation histories when multiple virtual characters of multiple users converse with each other in a virtual space, as well as exchange histories of virtual goods or virtual services.

[0050] The server storage unit 313 may consist of one storage area or multiple storage areas. Furthermore, the server storage unit 313 may not be present inside the server 3. For example, a cloud server is one example of such a storage unit.

[0051] The server processing unit 320 includes an attachment level calculation unit 314, a virtual character generation unit 315, a region setting unit 316, an operation reception unit 317, an information provision unit 318, and a display information generation unit 319. The functions of the server processing unit 320 are functional modules implemented by a program executed by a processor included in the server processing unit 320. Alternatively, each of these units may be implemented in the server 3 as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, or firmware. The processing content of the server processing unit 320 will be described later. The division of the components of the server processing unit 320 is an example, and which component performs which processing is not limited to the description of this embodiment.

[0052] The attachment degree calculation unit 314 calculates the attachment degree to one or more real areas based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. Specifically, the attachment degree calculation unit 314 calculates the attachment degree based on visit history information of one or more real areas based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. For example, the evaluation item for the attachment degree is selected from at least one of the number of times a user has visited a real area, the duration of stay in the real area, the range of activities in the real area, and the number of facilities visited in the real area based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. The attachment degree may be calculated from the number of visits to the real area, the duration of stay in the real area, the range of activities in the real area, and the number of facilities visited in the real area within a specified period of time that has been most recent, or may be calculated from the number of visits to the real area, the duration of stay in the real area, the range of activities in the real area, and the number of facilities visited in the real area over the user's entire history. In other words, the attachment degree to the most recent real area can be used, but the attachment degree of a user who has lived in that area for a long time can also be used. Furthermore, the most recent attachment degree can be weighted differently from the attachment degree from earlier periods. This allows for an appropriate balance between recent users and users who lived there in the past. The attachment level can also take into account location elements such as local specialties, landmarks, historical value, medical and welfare facilities, scenery, and events. In this case, the location elements can be added to the attachment level calculated based on the user.

[0053] The attachment level calculation unit 314 calculates the attachment level based on contact history information between the user and other users in the real area based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. For example, the evaluation item for the attachment level is selected from any one of the following based on the behavioral histories of multiple users: the number of people the user actually met in the real area, the number of people they conversed with among the people they actually met, and the duration of the conversation. The attachment level may be calculated from the number of people the user actually met in the real area during a recent specified period, the number of people they conversed with among the people they actually met, and the duration of the conversation. Alternatively, it may be calculated from the number of people the user actually met in the real area in all of the user's past, the number of people they conversed with among the people they actually met, and the duration of the conversation. In other words, the attachment level to the most recent real area can be used, but the attachment levels of users who have lived in the area for a long time can also be used. It is also possible to weight the most recent attachment level differently from the attachment level from earlier periods. This allows for an appropriate balance between recent users and users who lived in the area in the past. The attachment level can also take into account personal factors such as the personalities and public safety of people in the real area. In this case, the human element can be added as the attachment level to the attachment level calculated based on the user.

[0054] The user's behavioral history can be acquired via the user's terminal device 2. General history such as the location information of the user's terminal device 2 and purchase history can be used. The final numerical value of the attachment level may be the sum of the scores of the individual evaluation items, a predetermined level evaluation calculated from the sum, calculated as an absolute percentage in the actual area, or calculated as a relative percentage in the actual area. Furthermore, the attachment level may be the sum of the attachment levels calculated from the visit history information and the contact history information, or only one of the attachment levels can be used. In this embodiment, the attachment level is calculated as a percentage.

[0055] The virtual character generation unit 315 generates virtual characters representing individual users based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. The behavioral history includes the places visited, facilities visited, products purchased, services used, and food and drink consumed by the user in the real world, and a virtual character representing the user is generated based on any one of these. The purchase history, such as purchased products and services used, may be from either the real world or the virtual world. Furthermore, the purchase history in the real world may be limited to the user's range of activity, or may be history unrelated to the real world, such as e-commerce. The purchase history in the virtual world may be limited to the user's area of ​​activity, or may be a history of use of a dedicated e-commerce site in the virtual world. Furthermore, the virtual character generation unit 315 may correct the virtual characters representing individual users based on the biorhythm information of multiple users. The biorhythm information may include, for example, health and mental states. Health states include lack of sleep, having a cold, being hungry, being drunk, being hot, etc. Mental states include sadness, happiness, wanting to cry, pain, being busy, etc. This biorhythm information can be obtained directly from the user's body via the user's terminal device 2, such as a wearable device, or can be obtained using a call (voice or text) history using the user's terminal device 2. The user's virtual character is generated based on the user's selected pattern, based on the behavior history and biorhythm information. Here, "generation" includes not only the server 3 selecting image data stored in the server storage unit 313 and the virtual character generation unit 315 generating a virtual character, but also importing image data from an external server, for example.

[0056] Based on the degree of attachment to the real area calculated by the attachment calculation unit 314, the area setting unit 316 sets a virtual area in which the virtual character generated by the virtual character generation unit 315 can be active in the virtual space. Specifically, the area setting unit 316 determines whether the virtual character corresponding to the user can be active in the virtual space corresponding to one or more real areas based on the degree of attachment to each of the one or more real areas in which the user is active. If the determination result indicates that the virtual character can be active, the area corresponding to the real area is set as a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active. That is, the area setting unit 316 sets a virtual space corresponding to a real area to which the user has a high degree of attachment as a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active. For example, if the degree of attachment to the real area is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the area setting unit 316 sets the virtual area corresponding to the real area as a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active. This predetermined level may be set uniformly for all areas, or different levels may be set for each individual area. Furthermore, in areas with a small number of users, the predetermined level may be set low, allowing users to be active in all virtual areas.

[0057] The operation reception unit 317 provides a function that enables a user to operate a virtual character corresponding to the user in a virtual space through user operation. Specifically, the operation reception unit 317 prompts the user to operate the virtual character on the user's terminal device 2, and prompts the virtual character to talk or write. The user then operates the terminal operation unit 213 to use the operation-enabling function provided by the operation reception unit 317, thereby operating the virtual character in the virtual space.

[0058] The information providing unit 318 allows a user to operate a virtual character in an area where activity is possible, set by the area setting unit 316, thereby making information about the real area available. For example, the information providing unit 318 allows a virtual character corresponding to a user to obtain information about the real area by contacting another virtual character corresponding to another user operated by another user in the virtual space. Specifically, the operation accepting unit 317 enables a user to talk to a virtual character corresponding to another user through an operation by the user, and the information providing unit 318 can provide the user with conversation information from another user operating another virtual character as information about the real area. As for other users, since users who have a high attachment to the real area are active in a virtual area corresponding to the real area because they have a high attachment to the real area, the user can obtain information about the real area by talking to other users. Note that the information provided by the information providing unit 318 may be character information such as text, image information such as photos and videos, or information that does not involve a screen display, such as audio information.

[0059] Furthermore, the server storage unit 313 stores information about real areas posted by multiple users, and the information providing unit 318 can provide the user with information about the real area stored in the server storage unit 313 in response to the user moving the virtual character to a specific location or facility in the virtual space. For example, if a facility that exists in the real area also exists in the virtual area, the user can move the virtual character to the facility in the virtual area, thereby obtaining information about the facility in the real area from the server storage unit 313. Furthermore, the user can store information about the facility in the real area in the server storage unit 313 by moving the virtual character to a facility in the virtual area. Furthermore, the specific location may be any location that has coordinates or a coordinate range, such as a tourist attraction, a park, a station, an intersection, or an address.

[0060] The display information generation unit 319 generates, as display information, the virtual space (virtual area), the virtual character, and operation information of the virtual character operated by the user. In addition, when the information about the real area provided by the information providing unit 318 is character information such as text or image information such as photos or videos, the display information generation unit 319 also generates information about the real area as display information.

[0061] The server communication unit 321 has a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 3 to the Internet 4. The server communication unit 321 receives behavioral history, biorhythm information, operation information (movements of virtual characters and conversation information between users), information about the real area, and the like from the terminal devices 2 of multiple users. The server communication unit 321 also transmits information about the real area provided by the information providing unit 318 and display information generated by the display information generating unit 319 to the terminal devices 2 of multiple users. The server communication unit 321 can correspond to the transmitting unit in the present invention.

[0062] (Table data structure) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the user database 312. As shown in FIG.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a user database 312 storing information about multiple users. The user database 312 stores, in association with the user identification information (user IDs) of multiple users, information such as an activity area (i.e., a real area in real space), a degree of attachment to the real area, whether the user can be active in a virtual area corresponding to the real area, the basic type of virtual character pre-selected by the user, a purchase history in real space or virtual space (in the figure, only a history of purchased items is shown), and health status (an example of biorhythm information). While this example shows a database of users limited to Town A, a single user may actually store activity histories in multiple countries, prefectures, cities, towns, and villages. In this example, K0002 stores multiple real activity areas. The number of real activity areas increases as the range of a user's activities expands.

[0064] Although not shown, the user database 312 may further store user information that each user can disclose to other users. In other words, it is possible to restrict the disclosure of information that a user does not want to disclose to other users.

[0065] (Virtual character generation process) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows of the virtual character generation process by the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0066] First, although not shown, the user must select a basic pattern for the virtual character that suits the user. This may be selected from multiple patterns stored in the server storage unit 313, or the server processing unit 320 may select the pattern based on an image taken by the user. The user can freely select the virtual character, or the server 3 may automatically select a character that resembles the user's own appearance. Note that any virtual character may be selected as long as it can express not only the user's appearance but also the user's internal characteristics, such as personality, individuality, and preferences, as perceived by the user. Virtual characters may also be selected as animal or robot characters, icons, stamps, and the like. It is also possible for a man to select a female virtual character without being bound by gender, as long as the virtual character expresses the user's characteristics.

[0067] The operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the server processing unit 320 in cooperation with each element of the server 3, based on a program stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. Furthermore, the operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the device processing unit 215 of the user's terminal device 2 in cooperation with each element of the terminal device 2, based on a program stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 212 of the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, in the operation sequence described below, the server 3 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 321.

[0068] First, the server 3 determines whether a new behavior history of the user has been acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (step S101). If a new behavior history has not been acquired (NO in step S101), the server 3 repeats step S101. In other words, unless the user takes any action, the virtual character will not be changed.

[0069] On the other hand, if a new behavioral history is acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (YES in step S101), the server 3 acquires information about facilities visited by the user (step S102). Then, the server 3 acquires information about products or services purchased by the user (including free purchases) at the facilities visited by the user (step S103). Furthermore, the server 3 acquires information about food and drink consumed by the user at the facility or elsewhere (step S104). The order of these acquisition processes is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate.

[0070] Next, the server 3 acquires request information regarding the generation of a virtual character from the user (step S105). If the server 3 has not acquired request information from the user, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0071] When request information is acquired from the user (YES in step S105), the server 3 determines whether the input user request is within an acceptable range (step S106). The acceptable range is a predetermined range of user request information that is taken into consideration when generating a virtual character so that the virtual character does not differ significantly from the user. If the virtual character differs too much from the virtual character previously used, other users may mistake it for another user's virtual character, so it is preferable not to allow major changes. For example, it is necessary to prevent major changes to the user's height or build, or to change their gender.

[0072] If the user's request exceeds the predetermined allowable range (NO in step S106), the server 3 returns the process to step S105 and acquires the request information from the user again. On the other hand, if the user's request is within the predetermined allowable range (YES in step S106), the server 3 generates a virtual character corresponding to the user (step S107).

[0073] In step S107, the server 3 can have the virtual character hold (wear) products based on the products purchased by the user, or can change the virtual character's appearance depending on the service used. Examples of services used include hair color and length at a beauty salon, skin color at a tanning salon, and nail decorations at a nail salon. Furthermore, the virtual character's facial expression can express the user's satisfaction with the food and drink consumed, and the virtual character's facial color can be changed after drinking alcohol. Furthermore, user requests within an acceptable range include specifications such as beard length and items the user would like to hold other than purchased items, which cannot be fully understood from the user's behavior history. The server 3 also adapts these user requests within an acceptable range to the virtual character in step S107.

[0074] (Virtual character correction processing) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of steps in the correction process of a virtual character by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0075] The operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the server processing unit 320 in cooperation with each element of the server 3, based on a program stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. Furthermore, the operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the device processing unit 215 of the user's terminal device 2 in cooperation with each element of the terminal device 2, based on a program stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 212 of the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, in the operation sequence described below, the server 3 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 321.

[0076] First, the server 3 determines whether or not biorhythm information has been acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (step S201). If biorhythm information has not been acquired (NO in step S201), the server 3 repeats step S201. Note that the processing of step 201 may be repeated periodically, or may be repeated until the user's terminal device 2 acquires new biorhythm information.

[0077] When new biorhythm information is acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (YES in step S201), the server 3 acquires information on the user's health condition (step S202). Then, the server 3 acquires information on the user's mental condition (step S203). The server 3 may acquire information other than the health condition and mental condition. The order of these acquisition processes is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate.

[0078] Next, the server 3 corrects the virtual character corresponding to the user based on the acquired health and mental state of the user (step S204).

[0079] In step S204, if the user's health condition is a fever, the server 3 can change the facial color of the user's virtual character or correct the facial expression (user K0002 in FIG. 5). Also, if the user's health condition is a lack of sleep, the server 3 can correct the user's virtual character's eyes to be closed (user K0001 in FIG. 5). Furthermore, mental states include happy and sad states, although not shown in FIG. 5. The server 3 can correct the facial expression of the user's virtual character according to these mental states.

[0080] (Calculation of attachment level for each real area based on behavioral history) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of the process of calculating the attachment level for each actual area by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0081] The operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the server processing unit 320 in cooperation with each element of the server 3, based on a program stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. Furthermore, the operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the device processing unit 215 of the user's terminal device 2 in cooperation with each element of the terminal device 2, based on a program stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 212 of the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, in the operation sequence described below, the server 3 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 321.

[0082] First, the server 3 determines whether or not a new behavior history of the user has been acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (step S301). If a new behavior history has not been acquired (NO in step S301), the server 3 repeats step S301. In other words, unless the user has taken any action, the degree of attachment to the physical area will not be updated.

[0083] On the other hand, when a new behavioral history is acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (YES in step S301), the server 3 acquires the number of times the user has visited the physical area (step S302). If the user has visited multiple physical areas, the server 3 acquires the number of visits to each physical area. This number is preferably the cumulative number of visits for each user. The server 3 then acquires the length of stay (number of days or hours) that the user has stayed in the physical area visited (step S303). This period is preferably the cumulative visit period for each user. Furthermore, the server 3 acquires the range of activity for the physical area visited by the user (step S304). This range of activity is preferably the cumulative range of activity for each user. The order of these acquisition processes is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate.

[0084] Next, the server 3 calculates the degree of attachment corresponding to each physical area of ​​the user (step S305). The method of calculating the degree of attachment does not limit the present invention, and is assumed to be stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. The method of calculating the degree of attachment may be any method as long as it can indicate the degree of attachment the user has to the physical area.

[0085] (Calculation of attachment level for each actual region based on contact history) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flow of the process of calculating the attachment level for each actual area by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0086] The operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the server processing unit 320 in cooperation with each element of the server 3, based on a program stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. Furthermore, the operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the device processing unit 215 of the user's terminal device 2 in cooperation with each element of the terminal device 2, based on a program stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 212 of the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, in the operation sequence described below, the server 3 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 321.

[0087] First, the server 3 determines whether or not a contact history of the user contacting a new person has been acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (step S401). If a new contact history has not been acquired (step S401: NO), the server 3 repeats step S401. In other words, unless the user contacts a new person, the degree of attachment to the real area will not be updated. Here, contact can refer to contact experiences such as the number of people the user actually met in the real area based on the behavioral history, the number of people they spoke with among the number of people they actually met, and the duration of the conversation.

[0088] When a contact history with a new person is acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (step S401: YES), the server 3 acquires the number of people the user has actually met in the physical area (step S402). This number is preferably the cumulative number of contacts for each user. Then, the server 3 acquires the number of people with whom the user has had a conversation out of the number of people actually met (step S403). This number is preferably the cumulative number of conversations for each user. Furthermore, the server 3 acquires the period during which the user met people in the physical area and the period during which the user had a conversation with people (step S404). This period may be either one or both. Furthermore, this period is preferably the cumulative period for each user. The order of these acquisition processes is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate.

[0089] Next, the server 3 calculates the degree of attachment corresponding to each physical area of ​​the user (step S405). The method of calculating the degree of attachment does not limit the present invention, and is assumed to be stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. The method of calculating the degree of attachment may be any method as long as it can indicate the degree of attachment the user has to the physical area.

[0090] In this embodiment, the degree of attachment of a user is expressed as a percentage, and in FIG. 5, the degree of attachment of user K0001 to A-machi, chome XX is 87%, and the degree of attachment of user K0002 to A-machi, chome △ is 69%.

[0091] (Actual area information processing) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows of information provision processing of a real area by the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0092] The operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the server processing unit 320 in cooperation with each element of the server 3, based on a program stored in advance in the server storage unit 313. Furthermore, the operation sequence described below is executed mainly by the device processing unit 215 of the user's terminal device 2 in cooperation with each element of the terminal device 2, based on a program stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 212 of the user's terminal device 2. Furthermore, in the operation sequence described below, the server 3 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 321.

[0093] First, the server 3 determines whether or not a user operation input has been received from the user's terminal device 2 (step S501). If no operation input has been received from the user (NO in step S501), the server 3 repeats step S501.

[0094] On the other hand, if an operation input is acquired from the user's terminal device 2 (step S501: YES), the server 3 acquires the attachment level for each real area calculated by the attachment level calculation unit 314 (step S502). Next, the server 3 acquires the available virtual area set by the area setting unit 316 based on the attachment level acquired from the content of the operation input acquired from the user (step S503). The order of these acquisition processes is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate. Note that the setting of the available area may be processed in advance and stored in advance in the server storage unit 313.

[0095] Next, the server 3 determines whether the content of the operation input acquired from the user is included in the virtual area in which the user can be active (step S504). If the content of the operation input acquired from the user is outside the virtual area in which the user can be active (NO in step S504), the server 3 returns the process to step S501 to acquire the user's operation input again.

[0096] On the other hand, if the content of the operation input acquired from the user is within the virtual area in which the user can be active (step S504: YES), server 3 generates a virtual character in the virtual space based on the content of the user's operation (step S505). At this time, the virtual character itself has already been generated by virtual character generation unit 315, and in step S505, virtual character generation unit 315 generates a virtual character based on the user's operation input in the virtual area based on the user's operation input. Note that virtual character generation unit 315 does not need to generate the virtual character itself in advance, and may generate the virtual character for the first time in this step.

[0097] Next, the server 3 determines whether or not an operation input for the virtual character has been received from the user's terminal device 2 (step S506). If an operation input for the virtual character has not been received from the user (NO in step S506), the server 3 repeats step S506.

[0098] Next, the server 3 determines whether or not there is a request from the user to acquire information about the real area (step S507). If there is no request from the user to acquire information about the real area (NO in step S507), the server 3 returns to step S506 to receive further operation input from the user for the virtual character.

[0099] On the other hand, if there is a request from the user to acquire information about the actual area (YES in step S507), the information about the actual area is provided to the user's terminal device 2 (step S508).

[0100] Here, a user can acquire information about a real area by conversing with a virtual character corresponding to another user in the virtual space. In the case of Figure 5, user K0001 has a high degree of attachment to the same real area, A-cho XX-chome, so the virtual area corresponding to that real area is the area where both users can be active. Therefore, users K0001 and K0002 can converse with each other in the same virtual area. On the other hand, user K0004, whose area of ​​activity is the same real area, A-cho XX-chome, has a low attachment level of 33% to that real area, so the virtual area corresponding to that real area is not the area where users can be active. Therefore, users K0001 and K0002 cannot converse with user K0004. Furthermore, user K0001's activities are restricted in the virtual area corresponding to A-cho XX-chome of user K0002, which is a different real area, so user K0001 cannot converse with user K0002.

[0101] (Screen configuration of terminal device 2) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the user terminal device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of a virtual background 601 representing a virtual area in a virtual space, a user's virtual character 602, a comment field 603 in which the user comments on information about the real area in the virtual space, and an input field 604 for inputting the comment. The input field 604 displays a light-colored message "Leave a comment for the town" to encourage the user to comment. The user can operate the virtual character to comment on a specific facility or location corresponding to the real area. The comment is stored in the server storage unit 313 and can be displayed (viewed) by other users when their virtual characters visit the facility or location. The user can view the comments made by other users at the specific facility or location and can also leave other comments. In this way, valid comments that cannot be left at the actual facility or location can be left in the virtual space. This can further enhance the user's and other users' attachment to the real area. The comment may also be public information about the location. For example, announcements from local governments may be made available by operating a virtual character in the virtual space. In this case, users who can comment on the location may be limited to those affiliated with the local government.

[0103] Although details are omitted here, the user can move within the virtual space by operating the virtual background 601 or the virtual character 602.

[0104] (Screen configuration of terminal device 2) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the user terminal device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0105] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of a virtual background 601 representing a virtual area in a virtual space, a user's virtual character 602, a conversation field 603 in which the user comments on information about the real area in the virtual space, and an input field 604 for inputting comments to other virtual characters on the user's terminal device 2. The input field 604 displays a faint text "Talk to Gaku" to encourage the user to converse and to indicate to the user who the conversation screen is with. Furthermore, FIG. 12 displays other virtual characters 702 (two in the figure) corresponding to other users and a conversation field 703 in which other users (other virtual characters) have made comments. Note that in the example of FIG. 11, the virtual character corresponding to the user was "Gaku," but in the example of FIG. 12, the virtual character corresponding to the user has been replaced with "Hi," and "Gaku" has been replaced with another virtual character corresponding to another user.

[0106] By operating a virtual character and conversing with other virtual characters corresponding to other users, a user can obtain information about the real area corresponding to the virtual area in which the user's virtual character and other virtual characters of other users are currently active. In this way, even users who would not easily be able to converse with each other in the real area can easily converse in the virtual space. This can further increase the user's and other users' attachment to the real area.

[0107] Although details are omitted here, the user can move around the virtual space and talk to other virtual characters in the virtual space by manipulating the virtual background 601, the virtual character 602, or other virtual characters 702.

[0108] As described above, the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment allows users to act only in virtual areas to which they have a predetermined degree of attachment within the range in which they are active in real space, rather than in all virtual spaces stored in the server 3. This allows users to acquire and exchange information about real areas. This makes it easier to acquire information about real areas that would normally be difficult to obtain. Furthermore, it can encourage users in the real area to actually acquire information about the real area, further increasing the degree of attachment to the real area.

[0109] The present invention also provides an information providing method including the steps of: calculating a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; setting a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; storing the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; making the virtual character operable in the virtual space by operation of the user; providing the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; generating operation information of the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device 2 owned by the user.

[0110] The present invention also provides an information provision program that causes a computer to implement the following functions: calculating a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; setting a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; storing the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; making the virtual character operable in the virtual space through operation by the user; providing the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set active area; generating operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device 2 owned by the user.

[0111] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes, substitutions and alterations thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0112] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, users can obtain information about a real area by visiting facilities or locations in the virtual space that correspond to that area. However, information about the real area may also be shared between users who are active in the same virtual area or who have similar ranges of activity in the real area. In other words, a system similar to a circular notice, which is disappearing in the real world, can be maintained in the virtual space. Also, in the virtual space, everyone can simultaneously view the same information without having to circulate the information, as with a traditional circular notice, but it may also be operated like a traditional circular notice. Specifically, ward or neighborhood association presidents can be set up in the virtual space, and organizations can be formed with the head at the head, allowing information to be shared to be circulated among users one by one.

[0113] (Variation 2) In this embodiment, a user obtains information about a real area by moving a virtual character in a virtual space in response to user input. However, a virtual character corresponding to the user can alert the user when another user who meets pre-set conditions enters a predetermined range in the virtual space. Alternatively, even if the user does not set pre-set conditions, the user can be alerted when another user whose preferences closely resemble the user's enters a predetermined range in the virtual space. In other words, while an alert is not issued in real space when another user who meets pre-set conditions or closely resembles the user's preferences is present within the user's range, the information provision system 1 can issue an alert. Furthermore, a virtual character may be configured to autonomously converse with a virtual character corresponding to another user without waiting for user input. In this case, the virtual character may be allowed to converse autonomously for a predetermined period of time before waiting for user input.

[0114] (Variation 3) In this embodiment, in step S204, the server 3 corrects the facial expression of the user's virtual character in accordance with the user's mental state, but the virtual character generation unit 315 may further correct the facial expression of the virtual character in accordance with the content of the utterance of the user's virtual character or utterances from virtual characters of other users.

[0115] (Variation 4) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server storage unit 313 may store users who support the user or the user's virtual character. The server storage unit 313 stores information about the so-called "like" function and followers. When virtual characters are conversing with each other, virtual characters of other users who support the user may be displayed near the character. The display of the virtual character may be changed depending on the number of users who support the user. For example, as the number of users supporting the user increases, the virtual character may be displayed larger, or the virtual characters of the supporting users may perform special actions such as performing a group trick. In this way, virtual characters with many users who support them can be made to stand out, making it easy to determine that they are influential or trustworthy virtual characters.

[0116] (Scope of the present invention) In the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment, multiple users can communicate with each other via the Internet 4 or the like through their terminal devices 2. In a virtual space stored in a server 3, virtual characters corresponding to each user can interact (walk and talk) with each other in a virtual space corresponding to a real area within the user's range of activity. That is, the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment allows users to only interact in virtual areas to which they have a predetermined degree of attachment within the range in which they are active in real space, rather than in all virtual spaces stored in the server 3. This allows users to acquire and exchange information about real areas. This makes it easier to acquire information about real areas that would normally be difficult to obtain. Furthermore, it can encourage users to actually acquire information about real areas in the real area, further increasing their attachment to the real area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 Information provision system 2. Terminal Device 211 Terminal communication unit 212 Terminal memory unit 213 Terminal operation unit 214 Terminal display unit 215 Terminal Processing Unit 216 Terminal imaging unit 3 Server 311 Virtual Space Database 312 User Database 313 Server Storage Unit 314 Attachment level calculation part 315 Virtual Character Generation Unit 316 Regional Settings 317 Operation Reception Unit 318 Information Provision Department 319 Display information generation section 320 Server processing unit 321 Server Communication Department 4. Internet

Claims

1. an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates the attachment degree of each user to a real area based on the user's behavior history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on a behavior history of the user; a region setting unit that sets a virtual region as a region in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real region; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the user can act for each user; an operation receiving unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information providing unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set available area; a display information generation unit that generates, as display information, the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information of the virtual character operated by the user; a transmitting unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by a user; An information providing system comprising:

2. The behavioral history includes at least one of visit history information of visits made by the user to the physical area and contact history information of contacts made by the user with other users in the physical area.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level of each user to the physical area based on any one of the number of times the user has visited the physical area, the period of stay in the physical area, the range of activities in the physical area, and the number of facilities visited in the physical area.

3. The information providing system according to claim 2.

4. The attachment degree calculation unit calculates the degree of attachment to the physical area for each user based on any one of the number of people the user actually met in the physical area, the number of people the user had conversations with among the number of people the user actually met, and the duration of the conversations.

4. The information providing system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the storage unit further stores information about the virtual space corresponding to the real area; The region setting unit sets the virtual space corresponding to the real region to which the user has a high degree of attachment as the region in which the user can be active.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The virtual character generation unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on one of places visited by the user in the real area, facilities visited, products purchased, services used, and food and drink consumed by the user.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The virtual character generation unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on one of the user's health condition and mental state.

10. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information providing system is a system for providing information to a user.

8. The information providing unit provides the user with information about the real area by causing the virtual character corresponding to the user to come into contact with another virtual character operated by another user who exists in the virtual space.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

9. the operation receiving unit enables the virtual character to talk to the other virtual character through an operation by the user; The information providing unit provides the user with conversation information from another user who operates another virtual character as information about the real area.

9. The information providing system according to claim 8.

10. The virtual character generation unit further corrects the facial expression of the user's virtual character in accordance with the content of the utterance of the user's virtual character or the utterance of the other user's virtual character.

10. The information providing system according to claim 9.

11. The storage unit further stores information about the user that can be made public to the other users for each user.

11. The information providing system according to claim 8, wherein:

12. the storage unit stores information about the real area posted by a plurality of users; The information providing unit provides the user with information about the real area stored in the storage unit in response to the user moving the virtual character to a specific location or facility in the virtual space.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein:

13. Calculating a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history; generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on a behavior history of the user; setting a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; storing the attachment level, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the user can act for each user; making the virtual character operable in the virtual space by an operation of the user; providing the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set available area; generating, as display information, the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information of the virtual character operated by the user; transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device owned by a user; An information providing method comprising:

14. On the computer, A function to calculate the degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; a function of generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavior history; a function of setting a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area; a function of storing the attachment level, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the user can act for each user; a function of allowing the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; a function of providing the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set available area; a function of generating, as display information, the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information of the virtual character operated by the user; a function of transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device owned by a user; An information providing program characterized by realizing the above.

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