Information providing system

Abstract

To provide an information providing system, method and program that promote activities and conversations within a local community or neighborhood.SOLUTION: In an information providing system in which a server and a plurality of terminal devices communicate with each other, the server includes: an attachment-degree calculation unit that calculates a user's degree of attachment to a real-world region based on the user's activity history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character; a region setting unit that sets a virtual region in which the virtual character can operate within a virtual space, based on the degree of attachment; a server storage unit that stores, for each user, the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual region; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character within the virtual space by operation; an information providing unit that provides the user with information related to the real region when the virtual character is operated within the operable region; a display information generation unit that generates display information including the virtual space, the virtual character, and the operation information of the virtual character; and a server communication unit that transmits the generated display information to the user's terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information provision system that calculates each user's level of attachment to a real area based on the user's behavioral history, generates a virtual character based on the level of attachment, and sets areas in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space, thereby providing information about the real area. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method that allows users to share information about their residential areas in a virtual space.The present invention relates to a system and method that allows users to share information about their residential areas in a virtual space.By allowing users to share information about their residential areas, the present invention can promote conversations with residents of the same area or neighboring areas and increase the user's attachment to the area.The present invention relates to a system and method that allows users to share information about their residential areas in a virtual space.

[0003] The present invention provides a system and method for users to share information about their residential areas in a virtual space. By enabling users to share information about their residential areas, the present invention can encourage conversations with residents of the same or nearby areas and increase the user's attachment to the area. Furthermore, the present invention is expected to foster social connections and educational benefits by enabling users to learn about their residential areas while interacting with other users in the virtual space.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for a bulletin board function that allows users to post and share information about their residential areas in a virtual space. The bulletin board function allows other users to view the posted information and also provides features such as comments and "likes." The posted information can also be categorized and searched based on location information, etc.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a "Map" function. With this Map function, users can check facilities and landmarks around their residential area from icons displayed on a map generated from posted information and other data. The "Map" function also provides a "Route Guidance" function, which can provide route guidance to a destination.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an "Event" function, which allows users to jump to an event details page from an event icon displayed on the "Map" function, and register for participation.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a "chat" function, which allows users to chat and interact with other users via icons displayed on the "map." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-181713 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention provides an information providing system that enables users to develop an attachment to a real area and obtain information about that area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This configuration has a psychological effect of making the user feel attached to the actual place where they live and the surrounding environment, which makes them want to know more about that place and environment. Furthermore, being able to play in the active area set according to the user's attachment level has a psychological effect of making them want to know more about that place and environment. Furthermore, since this has a psychological effect of making users want to know more about the place or environment, information about the place or environment is also provided. This configuration has a psychological effect of making users want to know more about the actual place and its surroundings, which can increase the number of users of the information provision system.

[0011] The present invention is an information provision system that provides information about a real area visited by a user based on the user's behavioral history. In such an information provision system, in order to provide information about a real area visited by a user, it is necessary to collect information about the real area visited by the user. In the present invention, to collect information about the real area visited by a user, a behavioral history including at least one of visit history information of the user's visits and contact history information with other users with whom the user has interacted in the real area is used, thereby making it possible to provide more accurate information.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide an information provision system that can provide more appropriate information to users by calculating the degree of attachment to a physical area that the user has visited. Therefore, the present invention has an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates the degree of attachment 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 the user has visited in the physical area, thereby calculating the degree of attachment to the physical area that the user has visited and providing more appropriate information based on the result.

[0013] The present invention calculates the degree of attachment to the real area for each user based on any one of the number of people the user has actually met, the number of people the user has conversed with, and the duration of the conversations, thereby making it possible to calculate a more accurate degree of attachment by taking into account the time the user has actually spent in the area and events that occurred in the area.In this way, the present invention can solve the problems of the prior art.

[0014] The present invention provides an information provision system that allows users to collect information more comfortably by setting a virtual space corresponding to a real area to which the user has a strong attachment as an area in which the user can be active. To this end, a storage unit stores information on the virtual space corresponding to the real area, and an area setting unit can set the virtual space corresponding to the real area to which the user has a strong attachment as an area in which the user can be active. This allows users to collect information in their favorite places, making information collection more comfortable.

[0015] The present invention collects information on the places and facilities visited, the products purchased, the services used, and the food and drink consumed by the user, and generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on that information, thereby providing a virtual character that the user can feel more familiar with. For example, if the user eats a favorite food, a virtual character related to that food can be generated. Furthermore, by generating a virtual character related to the facilities visited or the products purchased by the user, a virtual character tailored to the user's interests and preferences can be provided. This allows the user to have a more enjoyable experience.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide an information provision system that allows a user to understand and improve their own health and mental state by generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on either the user's health or mental state, thereby providing appropriate information according to the user's health and mental state.

[0017] The present invention provides an information provision system in which a virtual character corresponding to a user provides information about a real area by interacting with a virtual character operated by another user. With this configuration, a user can obtain information about a real area by interacting with a virtual character operated by another user, without having to explore the real area themselves. Furthermore, the present invention allows a user to obtain information about a real area by interacting with a virtual character operated by another user, without having to explore the real area themselves, thereby enabling the user to obtain information about the real area efficiently and quickly.

[0018] The present invention allows virtual characters to talk to other virtual characters, thereby realizing more realistic communication. Also, by providing conversation information from other users as information about the real area, it is possible to provide a more realistic experience.

[0019] The present invention can achieve more natural communication by correcting the facial expression of the user's virtual character. To this end, the virtual character generation unit is configured to 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 utterances from other users' virtual characters.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide an information providing system that allows each user to make information available to other users. To this end, the storage unit is configured to be able to further store information that each user can make available to other users. This allows users to make their own information available to other users, improving the convenience of the information providing system.

[0021] The present invention is an information provision system that stores information about real areas posted by multiple users and provides an experience of actually visiting the location by moving a virtual character. In such a system, a user can be provided with information about the location by moving the virtual character. For example, when a user moves the virtual character and arrives at a specific location, information about the location is automatically displayed. Such a system is very convenient because it can provide information about the location without the user having to actually go there. Furthermore, because such a system stores information posted by multiple users, it can provide a variety of information.

[0022] The present invention provides an information provision method that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area based on the user's behavioral history and generates a virtual character based on the attachment level, allowing the user to play in a virtual space while enjoying information about the real area. Furthermore, the area in which the virtual character can be active is set based on the attachment level, allowing the user to play in a place of their choice. Furthermore, by operating the virtual character, the user can obtain information about the real area, allowing the user to learn more about their favorite place.

[0023] The present invention calculates a user's level of attachment to a real area based on the user's behavioral history, and sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the user's level of attachment to the real area, thereby providing information about the area where the user actually lives. Furthermore, information about the real area can be provided by operating the virtual character. Furthermore, by transmitting the display information to a terminal device owned by the user, the user can view the display information on their own terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The present invention provides an information provision system that calculates a user's level of attachment to a real area based on the user's behavioral history and provides the user with information about the real area. The present invention allows users to easily obtain information about real areas they are attached to, allowing them to live more fulfilling lives. The present invention also generates a virtual character corresponding to the user and sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space, providing a more realistic experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [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

[0026] The information providing system according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0027] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information provision method and a program for realizing the above-mentioned system. The present invention has the effect of solving problems that could not be solved by the prior art. Specifically, the present invention has the following effects. The present invention has the effect of solving problems that could not be solved by the prior art. Specifically, the present invention has the following effects. (1) The degree of attachment to each user's physical area is calculated, and the results can be used to understand the preferences and tastes of each user, making it possible to deliver advertisements targeted to that user. (2) The virtual characters generated are unique to each user, allowing them to enjoy their own original characters. In addition, the virtual characters can be controlled by the users themselves, allowing them to enjoy the experience as if they were "themselves." (3) It is also possible to distribute content that includes people other than "yourself" (for example, promotional content using celebrities). You can enjoy your own original character as if it were "yourself" and observe its interactions with people other than "yourself."

[0028] 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.

[0029] (Outline of Processing by Information Providing System 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of processing by the information providing system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The information providing system 1 includes a plurality of user terminal devices 2 and has a server 3 that communicates with the 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 the virtual space database 311 and the user database 312 (see FIG. 4).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (Schematic Configuration of Information Providing System 1) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information providing system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0034] 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.

[0035] (Schematic Configuration of User's 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] (Schematic Configuration of Server 3) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the server 3. As shown in FIG.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 degree of attachment to the degree of attachment calculated based on the user.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] (Data Structure of Table) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the user database 312. As shown in FIG.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] (Processing for Generating Virtual Character) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows in processing for generating a virtual character by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] (Virtual Character Correction Processing) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows of a virtual character correction processing by the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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.

[0083] (Processing for Calculating Degree of Attachment for Each Actual Area According to Behavioral History) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows of processing for calculating degree of attachment for each actual area by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] (Processing for Calculating the Degree of Attachment for Each Actual Area According to Contact History) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows of processing for calculating the degree of attachment for each actual area by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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%.

[0094] (Actual Area Information Providing Process) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a series of flows of actual area information providing process by the information providing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] (Screen Configuration of Terminal Device 2) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the user's terminal device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Although details are omitted here, the user can move within the virtual space by operating the virtual background 601 or the virtual character 602.

[0107] (Screen Configuration of Terminal Device 2) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the user's terminal device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, a user can obtain information about a real area by visiting facilities or places in the virtual space that correspond to the real area. However, information about the real area may also be shared between users who are active in the same virtual area or between users 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, unlike a traditional circular notice, everyone can simultaneously view the same information without having to circulate the information, but it may also be operated like a traditional circular notice. Specifically, a ward or neighborhood association president can be set up in the virtual space, and an organization can be formed with the head at the head, and information to be shared can be circulated among users one by one.

[0116] (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, in real space, an alert is not issued even if another user who meets pre-set conditions or closely resembles the user's preferences is present within the user's range, but the information provision system 1 can issue an alert. Alternatively, 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.

[0117] (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. However, 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.

[0118] (Variation 4) 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 the virtual characters are influential and trustworthy.

[0119] (Scope of Application 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 engage in activities (walking and talking) with each other in a virtual space corresponding to a real area within the user's range of activity. In other words, the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment allows users to engage in activities 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 their attachment to the real area.

[0120] The system includes an attachment calculation unit that acquires a user's behavior history and calculates the user's attachment level to a real area, a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user, a region setting unit that sets a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area when the virtual character is operated by the user in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, since the user's behavior history can be acquired via the terminal device, users of the system can use the system without requiring any special equipment.

[0121] An information provision system includes: an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This system is configured with a management unit. The management unit may change the size of a character image according to the user's behavioral history. Furthermore, if the degree of attachment to a real area is high, the management unit may limit the virtual character to be active only in the vicinity of the real area.

[0122] an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of 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 active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The management unit may change mobility performance according to the user's behavioral history. This information provision system calculates each user's level of attachment to the local area based on their behavioral history, and based on the results, recommends and displays places and facilities that the user is likely to like, allowing the user to make new discoveries and have new experiences. The present invention provides an information provision system that calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user from the user's behavioral history and recommends and displays places, facilities, etc. that the user will like based on the results, allowing the user to make new discoveries and experiences. Specifically, an attachment degree calculation unit calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user from the user's past behavioral history, and a recommendation unit recommends and displays places, facilities, etc. that the user will like based on the results. The system also runs on a terminal device, and displays information and advertisements related to the recommended places, facilities, etc. on the terminal device.

[0123] An information provision system includes: an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The management unit can change operability depending on the user's behavioral history. The management unit can also update the user's behavioral history based on information received from the user's terminal device.

[0124] A game system according to the present invention includes a plurality of game devices and a server device connected to the plurality of game devices via a network. The game devices include a game control unit that controls the actions of player characters and executes multiplay, and a communication unit that transmits matching request information and position information between other game devices to the server device. The server device includes an information processing unit that receives the matching request information and position information, a counting unit that, when the total number of characters participating in multiplay in a region is set to a predetermined number, separates and associates the matching request information with each piece of region information and counts the number of successful matches, and a non-player character participation unit that allows non-player characters to participate in matching in a region where the number of successful matches has fallen below the predetermined number.

[0125] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user operates the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides a program that realizes the above-mentioned functions.

[0126] The present invention includes an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0127] The information providing system according to the present invention includes a server and a user terminal device. The server includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area, which is an area in real space, 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 in the virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user; an information providing unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The terminal device displays the transmitted display information and may transmit the operation information from the terminal device to the server.

[0128] According to the present invention, there is provided 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit for the set active area; a display information generation unit; and a transmission unit. The attachment degree is calculated from information about the real area over a recent predetermined period or all the past. The present invention can provide games and content set in places that the user has actually visited. Furthermore, the present invention can increase the user's attachment to the place by providing games and content set in places that the user has actually visited. The present invention provides a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, comprising: an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavior 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; and an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user.

[0129] The present invention includes an attachment 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.The present invention also includes providing the above-mentioned system.

[0130] The present invention provides 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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. The present invention also includes transmitting first special matching request information to information processing means when the number of matches established within a predetermined period counted by the counting means is below a predetermined number (for example, below 100), and allowing a non-player character operating based on a game program to participate in the matching as a guest.

[0131] The information provision system includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The attachment level is 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 number of people they actually met, and the duration of the conversation. Alternatively, the attachment level is calculated from the number of people the user actually met in the real area in all of the user's past users, the number of people they conversed with among the number of people they actually met, and the duration of the conversation.

[0132] In this embodiment, users can obtain information about real areas by visiting facilities and places in the virtual space that correspond to the real areas. Furthermore, information about the real areas may be shared between users who can be active in the same virtual area in the virtual space or between users who have very similar ranges of activity in the real area. This configuration allows users to easily obtain information about real areas that interest them and to interact with other users, resulting in a more fulfilling experience.

[0133] In this embodiment, an information provision system is provided that includes: an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment degree to a real area 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 user's attachment degree to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. In this embodiment, the location information of the user terminal is used to determine whether the user is in a specific area. However, the same can be achieved by, for example, transmitting a specific code from a server to the user terminal and having a reader installed in the specific area read the code.

[0134] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The attachment degree is calculated from the number of visits to the real area, the length 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. Alternatively, the attachment degree is calculated from the number of visits to the real area, the length 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.

[0135] The information provision system includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The attachment level is calculated from the number of people met or conversed with within a specified period of time recently, or the number of people met or conversed with over the entire past.

[0136] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, and an information provision unit that can provide information about the real area by an operation by the user in the set active area. In addition, the display information generation unit transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user, and the user can receive the information from the terminal device.

[0137] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, there are multiple evaluation items for the degree of attachment, which are selected from the behavioral histories of multiple users.

[0138] An information provision system includes: 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area when the virtual character is operated by the user in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. For example, when a user gazes at a first part of the character (e.g., face, head), the attachment degree can be increased. Also, when a user gazes at a second part (e.g., chest, buttocks), the attachment degree can be decreased or the attachment degree can be decreased.

[0139] The attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level based on contact history information with other users that the user has engaged with in a real area based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. The virtual character generation unit generates the virtual character based on the attachment level. The area setting unit sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the attachment level to the real area. The information provision unit provides the user with information about the real area by having the user operate the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active.

[0140] The attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level based on visit history information of visits to one or more real areas based on the behavioral history of multiple users. The virtual character generation unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the behavioral history of the user. The area setting unit sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in the virtual space based on the attachment level to the real area. The memory unit stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user. The operation reception unit makes the virtual character operable in the virtual space by the user's operation. The information provision unit provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area. The display information generation unit transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0141] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates the 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 the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user. Furthermore, the final attachment level value may be the sum of the scores for each evaluation item, or a predetermined level evaluation calculated from the sum, or may be calculated as an absolute percentage in the actual area, or may be calculated as a relative percentage in the actual area.

[0142] The information provision system includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. In this embodiment, the attachment level is expressed as a percentage. For example, in FIG. 1, the user's attachment level to A-chome is 87% and his attachment level to A-chome △-chome is 69%.

[0143] The present invention is an information provision system comprising 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user.

[0144] The attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level based on contact history information with other users that the user has engaged with in a real area based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. The virtual character generation unit generates the virtual character based on the attachment level. The area setting unit sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the attachment level to the real area. The information provision unit provides the user with information about the real area by having the user operate the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active.

[0145] The attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level based on visit history information of visits to one or more real areas based on the behavioral history of multiple users. The virtual character generation unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the behavioral history of the user. The area setting unit sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in the virtual space based on the attachment level to the real area. The memory unit stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user. The operation reception unit makes the virtual character operable in the virtual space by the user's operation. The information provision unit provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area. The display information generation unit transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0146] The attachment calculation unit calculates the attachment level to one or more real areas based on the behavioral histories of multiple users. The virtual character generation unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user. The area setting unit sets a virtual area as an area in which the virtual character can be active in the virtual space based on the attachment level to the real area. The memory unit stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user. The operation reception unit makes the virtual character operable in the virtual space by the user's operation. The information provision unit provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area. The display information generation unit transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0147] The virtual space communication system according to the present invention comprises a server device that provides a virtual space in which a character that acts as a user's avatar is placed, and a user terminal that is connected to the server device via a network and that the user uses to control the character. The virtual space has a virtual camera that the character uses to take pictures within the virtual space, and the user terminal has a display device that displays images of the virtual space. Based on the user's operation of the character, the system is configured to display images of the virtual space taken by the virtual camera on the display device.

[0148] The virtual space communication system of the present invention includes a server device that provides a virtual space in which a character acting as a user's avatar is placed, and a user terminal connected to the server device via a network and used by the user to control the character. The virtual space includes a virtual camera that the character uses to take photos within the virtual space, and the user terminal transmits shooting setting information entered by the user when taking photos with the virtual camera to the server device, and the server generates images captured by the virtual camera based on the shooting setting information. As a result, the system of the present invention allows a user to control a character that represents the user's avatar and share images captured by the character with other users. Furthermore, the system of the present invention allows the user to freely set the method for generating captured images, enabling a variety of expression methods. The attachment level calculation unit is a unit that calculates the attachment level of each user to a real area based on the user's behavioral history. The virtual character generation unit is a unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history. The area setting unit is a unit that sets a virtual area as an area where the virtual character can be active in the virtual space based on the attachment level to the real area. The information provision unit is a unit that provides information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set area where the virtual character can be active. In claim 1, "real area" can mean "real world," "real society," "real place," etc. In claim 1 or 2, "attachment level" can mean "likability," "closeness," "familiarity," etc. In any one of claims 1 to 3, the "behavioral history" may refer to information obtained from "location information," "application usage history," and the like.

[0149] The present invention provides a virtual space communication system including a server device that provides a virtual space in which a character that acts as a user's avatar is placed, and a user terminal that is connected to the server device via a network and that the user uses to control the character. A virtual camera is installed in the virtual space so that the character can take photos within the virtual space. The user terminal is also connected to a printing device that prints images. The user can cause the printing device to print images of the virtual space taken with the virtual camera based on the operation of the character. This allows the user to record their experience in the virtual space, where the character they are controlling exists, as actual photographs. In claim 1, the information provision system is characterized in that the attachment level calculation unit is configured to calculate how often the user has visited a physical area from the user's behavioral history and calculate the user's attachment level to the physical area. The second invention made to solve the above problem is an online game system in which multiple users can participate, which is composed of an online game server in which multiple users can participate and multiple user terminals connected to this online game server, and this online game system is configured to operate characters in the online game based on operation information sent from the user terminal, and to receive and display information sent from other user terminals. The present invention provides an online game system in which multiple users can participate. This online game system is composed of an online game server in which multiple users can participate and multiple user terminals connected to the online game server. In this online game system, users can control characters in the online game based on operation information transmitted from their terminals, and can receive and display information transmitted from other user terminals. This makes it possible to provide an online game system that can be enjoyed by multiple people.

[0150] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled 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 in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0151] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, since the present invention has the above configuration, the user terminal can cause a printing device to print images captured in the virtual space based on operations of the character's virtual camera. With this configuration, users can take pictures of their favorite places and scenery and have them printed out, allowing them to keep them as "memories."

[0152] The information provision system includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. In this embodiment, the virtual character generation unit can further correct the facial expression of the virtual character in accordance with the content of utterances of the user's virtual character and utterances from virtual characters of other users.

[0153] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This system operates on the terminal device owned by the user, and the display information displayed on the terminal device is generated within this system.

[0154] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also includes generation of display information by importing image data from an external server.

[0155] 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of 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 active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.The user's virtual character has a basic form that can be selected from a plurality of preset patterns, and the virtual character is generated in the pattern selected by the user according to the user's behavioral history and biorhythm information.

[0156] The present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user controls the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, the present invention requires a virtual character that can represent not only the user's appearance but also the user's internal characteristics such as personality, individuality, and preferences as perceived by the user. The virtual character can also be selected from animal or robot characters, icons, stamps, and the like.

[0157] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, the present invention also contemplates that information about the real area can be obtained by talking with other users.

[0158] The present invention includes an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled 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 active area only if it is confirmed that the operation is within an allowable range, a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention introduces a new concept of "tolerance." This "tolerance range" is a predetermined range that prevents the "virtual character" from differing significantly from the "user himself" even if the "user request information" differs. - This "tolerance" is taken into account in the "attachment calculation section" and "region setting section." - Only when the "operation reception unit" "confirms that the operation is within the acceptable range," the "information provision unit" operates and "information about the actual area" is provided to the "user."

[0159] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, virtual characters representing individual users may be corrected based on biorhythm information of multiple users.

[0160] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also allows virtual characters of other users who support the user to be displayed near the character.

[0161] The present invention includes an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information on the set active area, a display information generation unit, and a transmission unit. Also, virtual characters representing individual users can be generated based on the behavioral histories of multiple users.

[0162] The information provision system includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. In this embodiment, the virtual character generation unit can further correct the facial expression of the virtual character in accordance with the content of utterances of the user's virtual character and utterances from virtual characters of other users.

[0163] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also includes generation of display information by importing image data from an external server.

[0164] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, virtual characters representing individual users may be corrected based on biorhythm information of multiple users.

[0165] An information provision system comprising: an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavior 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; a display information generation unit that generates information provided by the information provision unit in the set active area as display information; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Virtual characters representing individual users can be generated from the behavior histories of multiple users.

[0166] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, the virtual character generation unit of the present invention does not need to be generated in advance; it may be generated for the first time in this step.

[0167] The game system according to the present invention includes a plurality of game devices and a server device connected to the plurality of game devices via a network. The game devices include a game control unit that controls the actions of player characters and executes multiplayer play, and a communication unit that transmits matching request information and position information to the server device for exchanges with other game devices. The server device includes an information processing unit that receives the matching request information and position information, a matching unit that, when the total number of characters participating in multiplayer play in a region is set to a predetermined number, separates and associates the matching request information by region information and matches game devices 3 that have transmitted the associated matching request information, and a non-player character participation unit that allows non-player characters to participate in matching in a region where the number of successful matches has fallen below a predetermined number. The present invention provides a game system that allows multiplayer play in each region, and automatically adjusts the number of participants according to conditions such as the population density and time of day of each region, providing a more comfortable playing environment.

[0168] The information provision system according to the present embodiment includes: 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention aims to provide an online game system and a program therefor, which enable identification of a specific player as the same player even if the player subsequently rejoins the online game after leaving the online game. The present invention relates to an online game system and a program therefor, which is an online game system comprising a game device and a server device, in which the game device transmits user registration information entered to start an online game to the server device and can receive and display information such as game progress information transmitted from the server device. The server device can store and manage the received user registration information and information such as received game progress information on a medium such as memory. The server device also has a deletion request means and can delete the relevant data when a deletion request is sent from the deletion request means.

[0169] The present invention provides 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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. The present invention also provides an information processing method that transmits information about a video including a character object of a first user to a second user terminal of a second user, generates information that enables the first user's character object to move based on the movement operation of the first user's character object and camera operation within a virtual space, and enables the video featuring the first user and multiple other people to be viewed on the second user terminal.

[0170] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides a program and a terminal device for implementing the above-described system.

[0171] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user operates the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also includes a program and a terminal device for realizing the above-mentioned system.

[0172] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment degree to a real area 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 user's attachment degree to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention has the above-described configuration, making it possible to provide information centered on a user's preferred real area and its surrounding areas, and the information provision method is more effective than conventional techniques. (Supplementary Note 15) One aspect of the present invention is the information notification system described in (Supplementary Note 13), which is capable of preferentially displaying information related to a specific character or specific user identification information associated with the character, and can therefore preferentially and effectively display, for example, a specific character used in a specific store or facility, or specific user identification information associated with a service provided by the store or facility, etc. Furthermore, because the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to provide information more effectively than conventional techniques, and as a result, it is expected that user satisfaction will improve and the number of users will increase.

[0173] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides a computer program that receives information about a video including a character object of a first user and a character object of a second user from a server device and realizes a display function that allows movement within the virtual space.

[0174] The present invention provides 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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. The present invention is also a game method executed on an information terminal device (user terminal 100) equipped with a processor, memory, input unit, and display unit, which receives display information (game progress information) from the outside to enable the display of a video in which a character that moves in accordance with the movements of a broadcaster is placed in a virtual space and progresses, displays on the display unit an image in the virtual space based on the display information that corresponds to the viewpoint of the virtual camera, and performs a notification process on the broadcaster in accordance with a specific operation.

[0175] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled 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 in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0176] The virtual space communication system according to the present invention comprises a server device that provides a virtual space in which a character that acts as the user's avatar is placed, and a user terminal that is connected to the server device via a network and that the user uses to control the character. The virtual space has a virtual camera that the character uses to take pictures within the virtual space, and the user terminal has a display device that displays images of the virtual space. The character is controllable by the user, and based on the user's operation, images of the virtual space taken by the virtual camera are displayed on the display device. With this configuration, the user can control the character that represents the user's avatar and check the state of the virtual space from the character's perspective. Compared to claim 1, the third invention is characterized by not including elements such as an "attachment degree calculation unit," a "virtual character generation unit," a "region setting unit," or an "information provision unit." On the other hand, it does include elements such as a "virtual space in which a character is placed" and "displaying a captured image." In other words, even without elements such as "attachment degree calculation," it is possible to realize functions such as "real region" and "information provision" through the alter ego known as a "character."

[0177] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention allows users to recreate real-world experiences and memories through attachment degrees calculated from their behavioral history and virtual characters based on the attachment degrees, and provides information about the places and surrounding environments, thereby encouraging new discoveries and experiences. The present invention is a display control device for a head-mounted display equipped with a display unit capable of displaying virtual space images representing a virtual space viewed in a viewing direction from a virtual viewpoint within the virtual space as stereoscopic images utilizing binocular parallax. The present invention acquires first and second virtual space images using a first acquisition means and a second acquisition means, and the first and second acquisition means acquire first and second virtual space images corresponding to a new viewing direction from the amount of orientation change acquired by a detection result acquisition means, respectively, and combines the images, controls the display control means, and displays them on the display unit. The present invention also includes a change means for decreasing the degree of occlusion over time. These components enable natural and comfortable stereoscopic image display even when switching between stereoscopic images or over time.

[0178] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment degree to a real area 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 user's attachment degree to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention has the above-described configuration, and even if a user has a high attachment to a particular area or facility, it can be expected to promote the use of existing facilities and attract new facilities from a new perspective.

[0179] The present invention includes the steps of: determining a relative positional relationship between a first avatar associated with a first user and a second avatar associated with a second user; acquiring first virtual space data defining a first virtual space including the first avatar and the second avatar; acquiring second virtual space data defining a second virtual space including the first avatar and the second avatar; updating first field of view image data representing a first field of view image displayed on the first head-mounted device based on a movement of the first head-mounted device and the first virtual space data; and updating second field of view image data representing a second field of view image displayed on the second head-mounted device based on a movement of the second head-mounted device and the second virtual space data. The present invention is characterized in that maintaining the relative positional relationship enables more natural communication.

[0180] The information providing system according to the present invention includes 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 attachment degree to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information providing unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. A display control method according to one aspect of the present embodiment controls display of a head-mounted display that includes a display unit that can display a virtual space image representing a virtual space as viewed in a viewing direction from a virtual viewpoint within the virtual space as a stereoscopic image utilizing binocular parallax. This method acquires a detection result of the orientation of the head-mounted display (detection result acquisition step), acquires a first virtual space image (first acquisition step), acquires a second virtual space image (second acquisition step), executes control to synthesize the first virtual space image and the second virtual space image and display the synthesized image on a display unit (display control step), and reduces the degree of occlusion of the second virtual space image by the first virtual space image over time (change step).

[0181] The present invention relates to an information processing method for providing a virtual space to a user via a head-mounted display. According to the present invention, a first user and a second user can share a virtual experience in the virtual space via a first character object and a second character object, respectively. When the virtual space is set to a normal mode, which is a state before a predetermined content is played, the position of the virtual camera can be set to a height based on the first character object, and the position of the second character object can be set according to the size of the second character object. When the virtual space is set to a viewing mode, which is a state during the playback of the predetermined content, the height of the virtual camera and the eye height of the second character object can be controlled so that their positional relationship in the vertical direction in the virtual space is within a certain range.

[0182] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention has the above-described configuration, and in certain embodiments, has the following advantages. That is, the present invention calculates the attachment level for each user, and based on the results, sets areas in which the user can be active in the virtual space, and provides characters that can be played in those areas, allowing the user to play in the place where they live, their favorite place, etc. Furthermore, the present invention can increase the sense of affinity and attachment in the real world through such play methods.

[0183] The present invention provides an information provision system including: an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to control the virtual character in the virtual space through operation by the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The game system is an online game, in which images captured in the virtual space are displayed on a display as game screens and the game progresses in response to user operation inputs. Furthermore, the game progress information includes at least one or more pieces of information.

[0184] This embodiment includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This embodiment can also be used with objects such as drones, as described under “[User].” [User] In this example, it says "by multiplying the amount of movement in the predetermined axial direction by a predetermined factor, etc." However, "by multiplying the amount of movement in the predetermined axial direction by a predetermined factor, etc." is inappropriate. For example, it would be better to say "by doubling the amount of movement in the predetermined axial direction."

[0185] an operation receiving unit that enables 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 by the user in the set active area; a display information generating 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 transmitting unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This system uses an attachment calculation unit to calculate the degree of attachment each user has to a real area, and from the results, estimates the places, items, etc. that the user would prefer. From the estimate, it generates a virtual character corresponding to the user, sets a virtual area within which the virtual character can operate, and from the set results, provides information including the places, items, etc. that the user would prefer, and allows the virtual character to move freely as long as it is within an area that includes the places, items, etc. that the user would prefer.

[0186] an operation receiving unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by 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 active area; a display information generating 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 transmitting unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0187] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user operates the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides a program that realizes the above-mentioned functions.

[0188] The present invention includes an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0189] 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area 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 information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This system can be used via a terminal device owned by the user.

[0190] In this embodiment, users can obtain information about a real area by visiting facilities or places in the virtual space that correspond to the real area. Furthermore, information about the real area may be shared between users who can be active in the same virtual area in the virtual space or between users who have very similar ranges of activity in the real area. This configuration makes it easier for users to obtain information about real areas they have visited, and by sharing information with other users, they can gather information from more diverse perspectives.

[0191] an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that enables the user to obtain information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0192] an information provision system comprising: 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user. The system may also calculate the attachment degree from a behavioral history including a purchase history and set the active area based on the result. an attachment calculation unit that calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavior 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 storage unit that stores the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; and an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user. The present invention is an "information provision system." This system is composed of an "attachment level calculation unit," a "virtual character generation unit," a "region setting unit," an "information provision unit," a "display information generation unit," and a "transmission unit."

[0193] The information provision system includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The active area setting can also be performed in advance on the server side.

[0194] In this embodiment, users can obtain information about real areas by visiting facilities and places in the virtual space that correspond to the real areas. Furthermore, information about the real areas may be shared between users who can be active in the same virtual area in the virtual space or between users who have very similar ranges of activity in the real area. This configuration allows users to easily obtain information about real areas that interest them and to interact with other users, resulting in a more fulfilling experience.

[0195] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment degree to a real area 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 in a virtual space where the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment degree to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides real area information by operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The virtual area information includes area identification information (virtual area identification information), map data for the virtual area, a virtual facility list, a spot list, community rules, etc. The system comprises an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 the 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; and an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by operation of the user. The present invention is an information providing system that combines the "real world" and the "virtual world" so that the experiences and sensations obtained in the "real world" can also be obtained in the "virtual world" and vice versa.

[0196] The present invention provides an information provision system characterized by including an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 operation of the user; and in the virtual area corresponding to A Town △ Chome, which is the set area in which the user can be active, the user is restricted and therefore cannot have conversations.

[0197] The attachment calculation unit calculates a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history. The virtual character generation unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavior history. The area setting unit sets a virtual area in which the virtual character generated by the virtual character generation unit is able to operate in the virtual space based on the degree of attachment to the real area calculated by the attachment calculation unit. The storage unit stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the available virtual area for operation for each user. The operation reception unit enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by user operation. The information provision unit provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set available area for operation. The display information generation unit generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information. The transmission unit transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The system calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user from the user's behavior history, generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the degree of attachment, sets a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active based on the degree of attachment to the real area, stores the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active, provides information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active, and generates and transmits the operation information as display information. Calculating the degree of attachment to a real area for each user, generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the degree of attachment, setting a virtual area where the virtual character can be active based on the degree of attachment to the real area, storing the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the active virtual area, providing information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, and generating and transmitting the operation information as display information.

[0198] The system includes an attachment level 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 storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, and an information provision unit that enables the user to provide information about the real area by operation of the user in the set active area. In addition, the display information generation unit transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user, allowing the user to receive information from the terminal device.

[0199] an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that enables the user to obtain information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0200] The present invention provides an information provision system including: an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. For example, if the attachment level for the real area is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the region setting unit sets a virtual area corresponding to the real area as a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active.

[0201] The information provision system includes an attachment 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, a region setting unit that sets a virtual area in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the degree of attachment to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The region setting unit also sets a virtual space corresponding to a real area to which the user has a high degree of attachment as an active virtual area.

[0202] The game program according to this embodiment is a game program for realizing a multiplayer game in which multiple users can participate in a game system including a memory unit that stores a second play history (play history) of the game for each user and a control unit 30 (computer) of the game device, in which multiple game devices, each of which is operated by a multiple user, are connected to each other via a network and communicate with each other, and the memory unit stores a second play history of the game for each user. The game program causes the control unit to function as: manual progression means that progresses the multiplayer game based on manual operation information that is generated by the users' operation inputs to the game device and received via the network; skill determination means that determines the user's skill based on the second play history stored in the memory unit; automatic information setting means that sets automatic operation information according to the skill of the user of the game device; detection means that detects whether a communication disconnection has occurred in any of the multiple game devices during the multiplayer game; and automatic progression means that, when the detection means detects a communication disconnection, progresses the multiplayer game based on the set automatic operation information, instead of the manual progression means progressing the multiplayer game based on the manual operation information from the game device that has been disconnected.

[0203] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The program according to the present embodiment is a program for realizing the above-described system.

[0204] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. A server manages real area information posted by multiple users, and the information provision unit can provide the real area information managed on the server from locations and facilities to which the user has traveled.

[0205] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information provision method using the above-described system. An information provision system that calculates a user's level of attachment to a real area based on the user's behavioral history, sets an area in which a virtual character can be active based on the level of attachment, and provides information about the real area when the virtual character is operated in the set area. Specifically, the present invention also includes an information provision method using the above-mentioned system. The present invention also includes a program using the above-mentioned system and method.

[0206] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also includes a program and a computer (server device 2) that realize the information provision system described above. The present invention calculates an attachment level from a behavioral history and uses a virtual character that can move freely within a range of activity in a virtual space set based on that attachment level, thereby increasing interest in real places, facilities, etc. Furthermore, because the virtual character can move freely within that range of movement, it is more likely that the user will feel like "I want to go somewhere," and increasing the number of experiences of "trying to go somewhere" will lead to new discoveries and experiences. Furthermore, it is expected that the desire to "go somewhere" will lead to an increase in the number of people who visit real places, facilities, etc.

[0207] an attachment calculation unit that calculates a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history; a virtual character generation unit that generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavior 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 storage unit that stores the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user. The information provision system is characterized in that it includes a process of acquiring weather forecast information, storing the weather forecast information together with information indicating the time point for which the forecast that the acquired weather forecast information targets (forecast weather date and time information), and including the weather forecast information in the display information output from the display information generation unit if the date and time that the weather forecast information targets is the date and time indicated by the forecast weather date and time information.

[0208] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information provision method using the above-mentioned system. An information provision system characterized by comprising: a recommendation unit that calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user from the user's behavioral history and, based on the result, recommends places, events, etc. that the user is likely to like; a content provision unit that collects content such as photos and videos taken at recommended places, events, etc., determines whether the places, events, etc. where the content was taken are places or events that the user is likely to like, and, if the content is a place or event that the user is likely to like, provides the content to the user; an advertisement display unit that determines whether the places, events, etc. where the content was taken are places or events that the user is likely to like, and, based on the result, displays advertisements for the places, events, etc. where the content was taken; and a product and service provision unit that provides products or services related to the advertisement content displayed by the advertisement display unit. The present invention can provide a technical solution that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0209] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information provision method using the above-mentioned system. An attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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; and a region setting unit that sets the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and previous... The present invention aims to provide a system and method that can maximize the benefits and effects that can be obtained in both the real world and the virtual world by linking the two using location information, behavioral history, etc., to provide a new entertainment service that combines the real world and the virtual world.

[0210] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information provision method using the above-mentioned system. The present invention can provide a technical means for promoting activities, experiences, etc. in the real world by using attachment levels, etc. calculated from behavioral histories, etc. The present invention can also provide an information provision system and method using the above-described technical means.

[0211] The information provision system includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space where the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The terminal device may download image data, etc., but the terminal device may store the downloaded image data and output it again, thereby reducing communication traffic.

[0212] The present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information on the set active area, a display information generation unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information.The present invention is characterized by allowing users to play in any location they like, providing a realistic experience. (Supplementary Note 3): In (Supplementary Note 1) or (Supplementary Note 2), the image in the virtual space includes a first part (game part) including an image of the character playing a predetermined game in the virtual space, and a second part (normal part) other than the first part, and the step of performing the notification process is not performed in the first part, but in the second part. In other words, the notification process is performed in the "normal part."

[0213] an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user. Furthermore, when child objects and furniture objects are displayed on the screen of a stereoscopic image display device, and only the child object is operable (selected), the child object is displayed in red and other objects are displayed in gray on the screen of the flat image display device.

[0214] In the information provision system described in claim 1, the display information sent to the terminal device held by the user is generated based on information obtained from a memory unit that stores, for each user, the attachment level, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the user can be active. In the information providing system according to claim 1, the display information transmitted to the terminal device held by the user is generated based on information acquired from a storage unit that stores, for each user, the attachment level, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the user can be active. For example, if user A has a high attachment level to real area B, virtual area D may be displayed within virtual area C, where the user can play in a virtual space that recreates the scenery, buildings, etc., surrounding real area B. Also, if user B has a high attachment level to real area E, virtual area G may be displayed within virtual area F, where the user can play in a virtual space that recreates the scenery, buildings, etc., surrounding real area E. In the information provision system described in claim 1, the attachment level and virtual characters calculated by the attachment level calculation unit are managed individually for each user, and display information is generated from the display information generation unit based on these and transmitted from the transmission unit, thereby providing personalized information.

[0215] an operation receiving unit that enables 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 regarding the real area by operating the virtual character by the user in the set active area; a display information generating 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 transmitting unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user, wherein the operation command candidate presentation processing unit may present the operation commands by assigning them to physical switches or keyboards. Modification (Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, the attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level from the behavioral history, but the attachment level calculation unit may also calculate the attachment level by referring to data other than the behavioral history. As described above, the system includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates the attachment level by referring to data other than 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 region as a region in which the virtual character can be active in the virtual space based on the attachment level to the real region, and a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the virtual region in which the virtual character can be active for each user.

[0216] The operation reception unit is improved so that the number of times an operation can be performed changes (increases or decreases) depending on the items the user owns. Specifically, information about the items the user owns is stored in a storage unit, and when an operation is performed on the operation reception unit, the item information is obtained from the storage unit and the number of times an operation can be performed is determined. In this way, gameplay that reflects the effects of the items the user owns becomes possible.

[0217] an attachment 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with conversation information from other virtual characters operated by other users in the set active area as information about the real area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0218] The present invention includes an attachment 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.The present invention also includes a movement operation reception unit, a virtual camera control unit, and a video generation unit that are provided in a first user terminal.

[0219] By setting a real area as an area in which the virtual character operated by the user can be active, information about the real area is provided to the user. Furthermore, by calculating the user's attachment to the real area based on the user's behavioral history and setting a virtual area in which the virtual character can be active based on the attachment level, information about the real area to which the user has a stronger attachment is provided. Furthermore, by generating display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user and transmitting it to a terminal device owned by the user, the user can view the display information on their own terminal device. The present invention calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavior history, and sets a virtual area in which a virtual character can be active based on the degree of attachment, thereby providing information about the real area to which the user is more attached. Furthermore, the present invention 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 a terminal device owned by the user, allowing the user to check the display information on their own terminal device.

[0220] The terminal device operated by the user includes a console with a touch screen and other input / output functions. The operation reception unit determines what input operation has been performed based on the user's actions and outputs the result to each element of the control unit. This allows the user to control a virtual character in the virtual space. Furthermore, by operating the virtual character in a designated area where the user can be active, information about the real area can be provided to the user. The generated display information is transmitted to the terminal device owned by the user.

[0221] According to the present invention, there is provided 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each 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 active area, and a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user. The operation reception unit can receive signals input from an HMD 500 or a controller 540. The present invention is realized by combining these elements. an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 device 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 can receive signals input from an HMD500 or a controller540; and an information provision unit that is a set area in which the virtual character can be active and provides information about the real area when operated within the area. The present invention is composed of the following elements: "user behavior history," "attachment level calculation unit," "virtual character generation unit," "real area," "virtual space," "operation reception unit," "controller 540," "memory device," and "information provision system."

[0222] The present invention includes an attachment 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information on the set active area, a display information generation unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information. The operation reception unit also detects that the touch input has been released.

[0223] The information providing system of the present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that makes the virtual character controllable in the virtual space through an operation by the user, a display information generation unit that generates information provided by the information providing unit in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the display information to a terminal device owned by the user. For example, the operation reception unit receives an input operation on an input unit, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation.

[0224] 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; the operation reception unit that identifies types of input operations, such as touch operation, slide operation, swipe operation, tap operation, etc.; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user operates the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user.

[0225] The information provision system includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device held by the user.

[0226] The present invention provides 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the place where the first user actually lives and its surroundings when operated by a first user in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the first user. The movement operation reception unit receives an operation to move the first user's character object in the virtual space. an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 makes the virtual character operable in the virtual space by operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the place where a first user actually lives and its surroundings when operated by a first user in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the first user. When the first user moves, the movement operation receiving unit acquires new position information from the position information and updates it, and the position information displayed by the display information generating unit is also updated.

[0227] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention has the above-described configuration, and in certain embodiments, has the following advantages. In other words, the present invention calculates each user's level of attachment to a real area, generates a virtual character corresponding to that user from the results, and sets and provides areas in which that virtual character can be active, making it easier to understand the places and things that the user likes, and to provide information, services, etc. that interest the user. An information provision system as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment level calculation unit, when calculating the degree of attachment to a real area for each user from the user's behavioral history, calculates the degree of attachment to the real area taking into consideration the length of stay and frequency of stay in the real area from location information, time period, etc. obtained from behavioral history such as "check-ins."An information provision system as recited in claim 1, wherein the degree of attachment to a real area for each user is calculated taking into consideration the length of stay and frequency of stay in the real area from location information, time period, etc. obtained from behavioral history such as "check-ins."

[0228] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user. In addition, the judgment processing unit judges whether the charge history information satisfies specific conditions for each charging process, judges whether the charge history information satisfies specific conditions for each charging process, judges whether the multi-player play history information satisfies specific conditions or whether at least one of the friend user's charging process history and the friend user's added amount and charged amount included in the multi-player play history information satisfies specific conditions, and if all of these satisfy the specific conditions, executes a bonus granting process, and performs a new condition judgment process from the data obtained from the results of the bonus granting process, making it possible to perform repeated bonus granting processes. The present invention can solve the above-mentioned technical problems and has the following advantages. The present invention makes it possible to provide attractive services from the user's perspective by granting various benefits based on the attachment level calculated by the attachment level calculation unit and various other data. Furthermore, the present invention not only provides attractive services from the user's perspective, but also promises increased profits from the operator's perspective.

[0229] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention has the above configuration and can solve the above technical problem. [Process for referencing the type of virtual object set for other player attribute information] Note that in the above example, when there are multiple objects in real space that are expected to be replaced with a predetermined type of virtual object (such as an NPC), it is decided at random for each group identifier (player attribute information) which object to replace with the predetermined type of virtual object and place it there. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the server device may select and place objects that have not currently been replaced with the predetermined type of virtual object for other group identifiers (for example, selecting by "popularity" or the like), or may place them in a predetermined order (for example, ordering by "popularity" or the like), or may not place them under certain conditions (for example, not place them if "popularity" or the like is below a certain value), etc. The present invention provides a technical solution to the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, the present invention comprises the following:

[0230] The information provision system according to this embodiment includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through user operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This embodiment may also be implemented using the above-described system.

[0231] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to control the virtual character in the virtual space through user operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The game system is an online game, and images captured in the virtual space are displayed on a display as game screens, and the game progresses in response to user operation inputs. Furthermore, the game progress information includes at least one or more pieces of information.

[0232] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information display system that stores and displays information about multiple users.

[0233] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides a game method in which at least one virtual character exists and communicates via a communication network. In this game method, the player has at least one parameter, which changes through communication between the player and the virtual character, and the game progresses by notifying the player of a response according to the changed parameter. Furthermore, in this game method, the present invention is characterized in that the server management side can provide the player with any information such as store event information and advertisements.

[0234] An information provision system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes 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 the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user. Furthermore, an information notification system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a location information acquisition unit (122, S300) that acquires user location information (e.g., a game start notification), a judgment unit (123, S300) that determines whether or not the user is present at a specific location (e.g., a store ST) based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit, an information notification unit that notifies information provided at the specific location, and a control unit (124, S306) that, when the judgment unit determines that the user is present at the specific location, prioritizes user-related information associated with the user and notifies it over other information.

[0235] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The program according to this embodiment is a program for realizing the above-described system. The computer (server device 2) is a computer for realizing the above-described system. The information processing method according to this embodiment is a method for realizing the above-described system.

[0236] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user. In addition, an information display method for displaying information about multiple users on a first user's terminal via a communication network transfers information about multiple users from a server to the first user's terminal, and displays the information about each user with different display content based on the registered content of the information about the first user.

[0237] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 user's attachment degree to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. A server manages information about real areas posted by multiple users, and the information provision unit can provide real area information around a location or facility to which the user has traveled.

[0238] an attachment 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with conversation information from other virtual characters operated by other users in the set active area as information about the real area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0239] The information provision system according to the present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. For example, the information provision unit allows the user to obtain information about the real area by interacting with another virtual character operated by another user, the display information generation unit generates display information including the virtual space and operation information, and the transmission unit transmits the display information.

[0240] an attachment calculation unit that calculates the 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that enables the user to obtain information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0241] 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The information provision unit restricts the provision of character information and object information when information of a user who wishes to download such information satisfies conditions indicated by provision condition information stored in the memory unit.

[0242] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The information provision unit also limits the provision of information to undesirable users by filtering destinations of virtual characters and objects based on provision condition information.

[0243] The present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, a display information generation unit that generates information provided by an information providing unit in the set active area as display information, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The information providing unit also provides character information, etc. to a distributor terminal via a communication unit. The present invention calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history, sets areas where a virtual character can be active based on that degree of attachment, and displays information provided by an information provider in those areas, thereby improving the experience value of sightseeing, events, etc. in the real world. It is also expected that new business opportunities will arise for distributors from data obtained from users.

[0244] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The information provided by the information provision unit may be text, images, or information that does not involve a screen display, such as audio information.

[0245] The present invention provides 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The operation input information provision unit controls transmission of operation input information to a service server system in response to an input from the operation input unit.

[0246] The present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, and a display information generation unit that generates information about the real area provided by an information providing unit in the set active area as display information and transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, when the information about the real area provided by the information providing unit is character information such as text or image information such as photos and videos, the display information generation unit also generates information about the real area as display information.

[0247] According to the present invention, the system includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; a display information generation unit that generates information provided by the information provision unit in the set active area as display information; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This system allows a user to create their own virtual character based on the attachment degree calculated from their own behavioral history, determine a location in which the character can be active, and provide actual information at that location. The system also transmits the display information generated by the display information generation unit to a terminal device owned by the user, and the user can receive information from the terminal device. This system allows a user to create their own virtual character based on the degree of attachment calculated from their own behavioral history, determine locations where the character can be active, and provide actual information at those locations.In addition, this system transmits the display information generated by the display information generation unit to a terminal device owned by the user, and the user can receive the information from that terminal device. With conventional technology, it was difficult to provide services that were tailored to the preferences and tastes of individual users, or to the characteristics of individual users. The present invention aims to provide a service provision system and method that enables the provision of services according to the preferences and tastes of each individual user, as well as the provision of services according to the characteristics of each individual user, and that also takes into account the degree of attachment each individual user has to their local area.

[0248] The present invention provides an information provision system including: an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment degree to a real area 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 user's attachment degree to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Another feature of the present invention is that the system provides virtual space display information having X, Y, and Z coordinate axes.

[0249] The present invention provides 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 active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides information about the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides a system that can display a non-existent space (e.g., a non-existent city).

[0250] The present invention includes 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 active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by an operation of the user, and a display information generation unit that generates information about the real area provided by an information providing unit in the set active area as display information and transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, when the information about the real area provided by the information providing unit is character information such as text or image information such as photos and videos, the display information generation unit also generates information about the real area as display information.

[0251] According to the present invention, there are provided an attachment 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be operated in the virtual space by the user's operation; and an information provision unit that provides information on the set active area. Furthermore, a display information generation unit generates display information for the virtual space (virtual area), the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and the generated display information is transmitted to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention allows a user to develop an attachment to the place where they actually live and the surrounding environment, making it easier to re-recognize those places and surrounding environments. Furthermore, the attachment calculation process performed by the attachment calculation unit makes it easier to understand the user's preferred places and surrounding environments based on their past behavioral history. An information provision system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the attachment level calculation unit extracts elements preferred by the user from physical areas where the user has stayed in the past, and calculates the degree of attachment to the physical area for each user based on the length of time spent in the physical area that matches the extracted elements. The attachment calculation unit can easily understand the user's preferred places and surrounding environments based on their past behavioral history. Furthermore, in this invention, the attachment level of each user to a real area is calculated based on the length of time spent in the "real area that matches the relevant elements." This makes the "attachment level" derived from the "preferred elements" and "stay time" more accurate.

[0252] 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the degree of attachment to the real area; a memory unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a visual virtual agent configured to perform an artificial physiological color change response to a user for at least one visual virtual agent state and / or at least one user state. The visual virtual agent is configured to provide a visual response to a user. At least one visual virtual agent state and / or a state of the user is determined based on user-specific parameters. The determination is made from data acquired from at least one sensor. The artificial physiological color change response includes a color change for at least one determined visual virtual agent state and / or at least one determined state of the user. The method is implemented by acquiring, analyzing, determining, and displaying data from the sensors.

[0253] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention calculates the attachment degree from the behavioral history, provides an active area in the virtual space set based on the attachment degree, and provides information about the real area based on operation status in the area, thereby promoting behavior and consumption in the real world. The present invention is comprised of more than 10 types of "charge control information" including "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," "charge control information," and "charge control information," along with their corresponding "estimated charge amount information" and "charge control information." It also includes "estimated charge amounts" and "charge control information" determined from the "charge status and billing status" of other users registered as "friends." All of these are displayed on a "terminal device." The present invention is comprised of "charge control information" displayed on a "terminal device," along with their corresponding "estimated charge amounts" and "charge control information."

[0254] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space where the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through user operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user operates the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. At least one visual virtual agent state and / or user state is determined based on the user's activity data and / or the user's physiological and psychological data. The visual virtual agent is displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on a display device. The visual response includes a posture and / or movement of the visual virtual agent, and the audio response includes a sound, volume, emphasis, and / or accent of the visual virtual agent based on user activity data and / or user physiological and psychological data. At least one sensor is a biometric sensor, such as a pulse sensor or a respiration sensor, and at least one sensor is a video camera or a depth sensor.

[0255] The game program according to this embodiment is a game program for realizing a multiplayer game in which multiple users can participate in a game system including a memory unit that stores a second play history (play history) of the game for each user and a control unit 30 (computer) of the game device, in which multiple game devices, each of which is operated by a multiple user, are connected to each other via a network and communicate with each other, and the memory unit stores a second play history of the game for each user. The game program causes the control unit to function as: manual progression means that progresses the multiplayer game based on manual operation information that is generated by the users' operation inputs to the game device and received via the network; skill determination means that determines the user's skill based on the second play history stored in the memory unit; automatic information setting means that sets automatic operation information according to the skill of the user of the game device; detection means that detects whether a communication disconnection has occurred in any of the multiple game devices during the multiplayer game; and automatic progression means that, when the detection means detects a communication disconnection, progresses the multiplayer game based on the set automatic operation information, instead of the manual progression means progressing the multiplayer game based on the manual operation information from the game device that has been disconnected.

[0256] The present invention is an information processing method for providing a virtual space to a user via a head-mounted display. According to the present invention, a first user and a second user can share a virtual experience in the virtual space via a first character object and a second character object, respectively. Furthermore, when the virtual space is set to a normal mode, which is a state before a predetermined content is played, the position of the virtual camera is set to a height based on the first character object, and the position of the second character object is set according to the size of the second character object. When the virtual space is set to a viewing mode, which is a state during playback of the predetermined content, the height of the virtual camera and the eye height of the second character object can be controlled so that their positional relationship in the vertical direction in the virtual space is within a certain range. An information provision system comprising: 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 storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character controlled by the user as display information; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention is an "information provision system" comprising the "attachment degree calculation unit," "virtual character generation unit," "region setting unit," "operation reception unit," "information provision unit," "display information generation unit," and "transmission unit."

[0257] The information provision system includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in which the virtual character can be active in a virtual space based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the user operates the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. This embodiment also includes a visual virtual agent in which at least one visual virtual agent state and / or user state is determined based on the user's activity data and / or the user's physiological and psychological data. The visual virtual agent is configured to provide an artificial physiological color change response for at least one visual virtual agent state and / or user state. The at least one visual virtual agent state and / or user state is determined based on user activity data and / or user physiological and psychological data. The visual virtual agent is configured to adapt the artificial physiological color change response when the at least one visual virtual agent state and / or user state changes. The artificial physiological color change response is applied for the at least one visual virtual agent state and / or at least one user state.

[0258] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user. In addition, the determination processing unit determines whether or not the charge history information satisfies specific conditions for each charging process, determines whether or not the charge history information satisfies specific conditions for each charging process, determines whether or not the multi-player play history information satisfies specific conditions, and determines whether or not the friend user's charge process history and the history of the additional amount / charged amount satisfy specific conditions, and if all of these satisfy the specific conditions, executes a bonus granting process, which grants bonus points, etc. calculated from the additional amount / charged amount, etc. obtained from the charge history information and the charging history information.

[0259] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user.

[0260] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to control the virtual character in the virtual space through user operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The game system is an online game, and images captured in the virtual space are displayed on a display as game screens, and the game progresses in response to user operation inputs. Furthermore, the game progress information includes at least one or more pieces of information.

[0261] The virtual space communication system according to the present invention comprises a server device that provides a virtual space in which a character that acts as a user's avatar is placed, and a user terminal that is connected to the server device via a network and that the user uses to control the character. The virtual space has a virtual camera that the character uses to take pictures within the virtual space, and the user terminal has a display device that displays images of the virtual space. Based on the user's operation of the character, the system is configured to display images of the virtual space taken by the virtual camera on the display device. According to the present invention, by controlling a character that acts as the user's avatar, the user can move freely within a virtual space and communicate with other characters and other users. Furthermore, the captured images can be shared with other users. This allows for realistic communication even between people in remote locations, providing a new style of communication.

[0262] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through an operation by the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. Furthermore, the present invention can grant a benefit only if the above-mentioned conditions and specific conditions are met.

[0263] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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. The present invention can provide an effective means for solving the above-mentioned technical problems. For example, the present invention can calculate the degree of attachment to a real area, which was difficult with conventional technology, and provide information using the results. The present invention can also calculate the degree of attachment to a real area, which was difficult with conventional technology, and provide information using the results. The speech recognition device is configured from an intention analysis unit that generates text data from speech data input and performs intention analysis processing from the text data, and a dialogue management unit that performs dialogue management processing, and is characterized in that the dialogue management processing determines the current dialogue state and the dialogue state and response content for the next and subsequent times from the dialogue history and dialogue state held by the speech recognition device, and generates and outputs response data consisting of response wording data, dialogue state data and response content data for the next and subsequent times, etc., based on the determined content.

[0264] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user.

[0265] The information provision system according to the present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 in a virtual space as an area in which the virtual character can be active based on the user's attachment level to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that enables the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention has the above-described configuration and can achieve the above-described effects. This information provision system calculates the degree of attachment to a real area for each user from the user's behavioral history, sets areas in which a virtual character can be active based on that degree of attachment, and provides information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set area. The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems and has the following specific effects and benefits: "The present invention can predict the places and things that a person will like based on the user's degree of attachment to the actual area, and therefore can provide information, services, etc. that the person will be interested in. Furthermore, the present invention can also take into account the images and atmosphere that can be inferred from the places and things that the person will like, and therefore can provide not only information, services, etc. that the person will be interested in, but also a wide range of information, services, etc. that include images, atmospheres, etc.

[0266] The present invention includes an attachment calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by the user's operation, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The present invention also provides an information provision system including the above components.

[0267] The present invention provides 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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. In addition, the charging terminal device generates first transmission information in accordance with charge control information, which is information transmitted from the virtual currency management server device based on a charge request and controls the charging of virtual currency for each user, and user operations input in accordance with control based on the charge control information, and transmits the generated first transmission information to the virtual currency management server device.

[0268] The information provision system of the present invention includes 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 active virtual area 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 the user operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user. Each charging terminal device and each game terminal device has a memory such as a charging terminal memory or a game terminal memory in which location information is stored, and when virtual currency is charged or a billing process is performed, the server device identifies an area (i.e., a group) based on the location information in these memories and performs various processes such as granting benefits based on the identified group.

[0269] In this embodiment, the game terminal device includes 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 the virtual space based on the attachment degree to the real area, a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled in the virtual space by an operation of the user, an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area when the virtual character is controlled by the user in the set active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. The second transmission information includes an authentication code, and the game terminal device is configured to execute an authentication process based on the authentication code to execute a game process.

[0270] The present invention includes an attachment level calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment level to a real area 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 user's attachment level to the real area, a memory unit that stores the attachment level, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user, an operation reception unit that allows the virtual character to be controlled 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 active area, a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character controlled by the user, and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

[0271] The information provision system of the present invention includes an attachment degree calculation unit that calculates a user's attachment degree to a real area 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 user's attachment degree to the real area; a storage unit that stores the attachment degree, the virtual character, and the active virtual area for each user; an operation reception unit that allows the user to operate the virtual character in the virtual space through user operation; an information provision unit that provides the user with information about the real area by operating the virtual character in the set active area; a display information generation unit that generates display information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and operation information for the virtual character operated by the user; and a transmission unit that transmits the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user. For...

Claims

1. an attachment 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 regarding the real area by the user operating the virtual character in the set area in which the virtual character can be active; a display information generation unit that generates operation information for 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 owned by the user.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the behavioral history includes at least one of visit history information of the user's visits to the physical area and contact history information with other users with whom the user has interacted in the physical area.

3. The information provision system described in claim 2, characterized in that the attachment level calculation unit calculates the attachment level to the physical area for each user based on one of the number of times the user has visited the physical area, the length of time the user has stayed in the physical area, the range of activities in the physical area, and the number of facilities visited in the physical area.

4. The information provision system described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the attachment calculation unit calculates the attachment level to the physical area for each user based on 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.

5. The information provision system of claim 1, characterized in that the memory unit further stores information about the virtual space corresponding to the real area, and the area setting unit sets the area in which the user can be active to be the virtual space corresponding to the real area to which the user has a high degree of attachment.

6. The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that 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.

7. 10. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual character generating unit generates a virtual character corresponding to the user based on one of a health state and a mental state of the user.

8. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information providing unit provides 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.

9. 9. The information providing system according to claim 8, wherein the operation accepting unit enables the virtual character to talk to the other virtual character through an operation by the user, and the information providing unit provides the user with conversation information from another user operating the other virtual character as information about the real area.

10. The information providing system according to claim 9 , wherein the virtual character generation unit further corrects a facial expression of the user's virtual character in accordance with the content of an utterance of the user's virtual character or an utterance from the other user's virtual character.

11. 11. The information providing system according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit further stores, for each of the users, information about the users that can be made public to the other users.

12. The information provision system according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory unit stores information about the real area posted by a plurality of users, and the information provision unit provides the user with the 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.

13. a step of calculating a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; a step of generating a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; a step 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 step of storing the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; a step of making the virtual character operable in the virtual space by operation of the user; a step of 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; a step of generating operation information of the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and a step of transmitting the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

14. an information provision program that causes a computer to realize the following functions: a function to calculate a degree of attachment to a real area for each user based on the user's behavioral history; a function to generate a virtual character corresponding to the user based on the user's behavioral history; a function to set 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 to store the degree of attachment, the virtual character, and the virtual area in which the virtual character can be active for each user; a function to make the virtual character operable in the virtual space by operation of the user; a function to provide 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 function to generate operation information for the virtual space, the virtual character, and the virtual character operated by the user as display information; and a function to transmit the generated display information to a terminal device owned by the user.

Images