Computer program, method, and server

Abstract

To provide a computer program, a method, and a server that promote communication between specific users more than before.SOLUTION: A computer program causes at least one processor to execute: obtaining first data on a first position at which a first avatar exists in a virtual space that is operated by using a first terminal of a first user; determining whether a first condition that the first position is within a first area is satisfied; receiving, when the first condition is satisfied, data on a display area for displaying a message transmitted from a terminal of a user who operates at least any avatar among at least another avatar that exists in the first area and at least another avatar that existed in the first area in the past; and displaying the display area on a display unit of the first terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer program, a method, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a virtual world system configured to allow an avatar to move between a plurality of virtual worlds is known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-529792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 merely discloses that multiple users can communicate with each other through messages using their own avatars in a virtual world. The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a computer program, a method, and a server that promote communication between specific users more than ever before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A computer program according to one embodiment is a computer program executed by at least one processor, which causes the at least one processor to function as follows: acquire first data regarding a first position where a first avatar in a virtual space operated using a first terminal of a first user is located; determine whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; and, if the first condition is satisfied, receive data regarding a display area for displaying a message sent from a terminal of a user operating at least one of at least one other avatar that is located within the first area or that has previously been located within the first area; and display the display area on a display unit of the first terminal.

[0007] A computer program according to one embodiment is a computer program executed by at least one processor, which causes the at least one processor to function as follows: receive, via a communication line, first data regarding a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who controls a first avatar in a virtual space; determine whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, determine a display area in which to display a message sent from a terminal of a user who controls at least one other avatar that is present in the first area or that has previously been present in the first area; and transmit, via the communication line, control data to the first terminal that controls the display unit to display the display area on the display unit of the terminal.

[0008] A method according to one embodiment includes the steps of: acquiring first data regarding a first location in a virtual space where a first avatar is located, the first avatar being operated using a first terminal of a first user; determining whether the first location satisfies a first condition that the first location is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, receiving data regarding a display area for displaying a message sent from a terminal of a user operating at least one of at least one other avatar that is present within the first area or that has previously been present within the first area; and displaying the display area on a display unit of the first terminal.

[0009] A method according to one embodiment includes the steps of receiving, via a communication line, first data regarding a first location where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who controls the first avatar in a virtual space; determining whether the first location satisfies a first condition that the first location is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, determining a display area in which to display a message sent from a terminal of a user who controls at least one other avatar that is present within the first area or that has previously been present within the first area; and transmitting, via the communication line, control data to the first terminal for controlling the display unit of the terminal so as to display the display area on the display unit of the terminal.

[0010] In one embodiment, a server receives, via a communication line, first data regarding a first location where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who controls a first avatar in a virtual space, determines whether the first location satisfies a first condition that the first location is within a first area, and if the first condition is satisfied, determines a display area in which to display a message sent from a terminal of a user who controls at least one of the other avatars that is present in the first area or that has previously been present in the first area, and transmits control data to the first terminal via the communication line to control the display unit of the terminal so as to display the display area on the display unit of the terminal.

[0011] This Summary section is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form that are described below in the Detailed Description section. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. The statements in this Summary section are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed inventions, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the claimed inventions will become more apparent from the following Detailed Description section, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1000 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal 10 and the server 20 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the terminal 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the server 20 shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of a layout in the virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a layout in the virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of a layout in the virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing carried out in this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing carried out in this embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an example of data transmitted from the terminal 10. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the terminal 10 and the components connected to the terminal 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment 1400 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This specification is described in terms of various representative embodiments, which are not intended to be limiting in any way. As used in this application, singular forms such as "a," "the," "said," "the," "the," "this," and "the" can include the plural unless clearly indicated as not being plural. Also, the term "comprises" can mean "comprises" or "has." Furthermore, the terms "coupled," "coupled," "coupled," "connected," or "connected" encompass mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and optical ways of coupling, connecting, or joining objects together, among other ways, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between objects so coupled, coupled, coupled, coupled, connected, or connected.

[0014] The various systems, methods, and devices described herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. Indeed, the present disclosure is directed to all novel features and aspects of each of the various disclosed embodiments, combinations of these various embodiments with each other, and combinations of portions of these various embodiments with each other. The various systems, methods, and devices described herein are not limited to specific aspects, features, or combinations of such aspects with specific features, nor do the products and methods described herein require that one or more particular advantages be present or problems be solved. Furthermore, various features or aspects of the various embodiments described herein, or portions of such features or aspects, may be used in combination with each other.

[0015] Although the operations of some of the various methods disclosed herein may be described in a particular order for convenience, it should be understood that description in this manner encompasses rearranging the order of the operations unless a particular order is required by specific text below. For example, operations described in a sequence may, in some cases, be rearranged or performed simultaneously. Furthermore, for purposes of simplicity, the accompanying drawings may not show the various ways in which the various items and methods described herein may be used in conjunction with other items and methods. In addition, the specification may use terms such as "generate," "generate," "display," "receive," "evaluate," and "deliver." These terms are high-level descriptions of the various actual operations that may be performed. The actual operations corresponding to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and will be readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the disclosure herein.

[0016] Any theories of operation, scientific principles, or other theoretical descriptions presented herein in connection with the devices or methods of the present disclosure are provided for the purpose of better understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology, and the devices and methods in the appended claims are not limited to devices and methods that operate in a manner described by such theories of operation.

[0017] Any of the various methods disclosed herein may be implemented using computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as one or more optical media discs, volatile memory components, or non-volatile memory components), and executed on a computer. Here, the volatile memory components may include, for example, DRAM or SRAM. Also, the non-volatile memory components may include, for example, hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). Furthermore, the computer may include any computer available on the market, including, for example, smartphones and other mobile devices with computing hardware. Any such computer-executable instructions for implementing the techniques disclosed herein, along with any data generated or used during the implementation of various embodiments disclosed herein, may be stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage media). Such computer-executable instructions may, for example, be part of a separate software application, or may be part of a software application accessed or downloaded via a web browser or other software application (such as a remote computing application). Such software may, for example, be executed on a single local computer (e.g., as an agent executing on any suitable commercially available computer) or in a networked environment (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other such network) using one or more networked computers.

[0018] For clarity, only certain selected aspects of various software-based implementations are described. Other details that are well known in the art are omitted. For example, the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to a particular computer language or program. For example, the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented by software written in C, C++, Java, or any other suitable programming language. Similarly, the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to a particular computer or type of hardware. Specific details of suitable computers and hardware are well known and need not be described in detail herein.

[0019] Moreover, any of the various software-based embodiments (e.g., including computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the various methods disclosed herein) may be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed by suitable communications means, including, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, an intranet, a software application, cable (including fiber optic cable), magnetic communication, electromagnetic communication (including RF, microwave, and infrared communication), electronic communication, or other such communications means.

[0020] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that common components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that components depicted in one drawing may be omitted in another drawing for the sake of clarity. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0021] 1. System 1000 Configuration Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1000 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1000 includes, for example, a plurality of terminals 10 connected to a communication line (communication network) not shown, and one or more servers 20 connected to the communication line. The terminals 10 include a first terminal 11. The terminals 10 may further include a second terminal 12. The servers 20 include, for example, a first server system 21 and a second server system 22.

[0022] The communication links may include, but are not limited to, a cellular network, a wireless network (e.g., RF connection via Bluetooth, WiFi (such as IEEE 802.11a / b / n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser, infrared), a landline network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or an Ethernet network.

[0023] 1-1. Terminal 10 The terminal 10 is connected to one or more servers 20 via, for example, a communication line. The terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, and / or a personal computer. The terminal 10 is configured to be able to install a predetermined application and execute the predetermined application. The terminal 10 can also receive a web page (for example, an HTML document, and in some examples, an HTML document encoding executable code such as JavaScript or PHP code) from the server 20 (second server system 22).

[0024] Hereinafter, a user who operates terminal 10 may be simply referred to as a user, and a user who operates first terminal 11 may be referred to as a first user. Also, while FIG. 1 shows an example in which, for example, first terminal 11 is provided as a plurality of terminals 10, this is not limiting. The plurality of terminals 10 may include, for example, two or more terminals. Also, in the following description, first terminal 11 may be referred to as terminal 10.

[0025] 1-2.Server 20 The first server system 21 includes a distribution server device 21A1 and a server storage device 21A2. The distribution server device 21A1 receives, for example, data requested for an application executed on the terminal 10 from the terminal 10. The distribution server device 21A1 also transmits, for example, data used in the application executed on the terminal 10 to the terminal 10 in response to the request. The server storage device 21A2 stores, for example, data to be transmitted from the distribution server device 21A1 to the terminal 10. The server storage device 21A2 also stores, for example, data received by the distribution server device 21A1 from the terminal 10. The first server system 21 also transmits, for example, data used in the application executed by the terminal 10 to the terminal 10. The first server system 21 also transmits, for example, data received from the terminal 10 to the device 70.

[0026] Although an example in which the terminal 10 executes an application has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a web browser installed on the terminal 10 may be used to perform processing equivalent to executing the application. In this way, when a web browser installed on the terminal 10 is used, the server 20 may include, for example, a web server (not shown). In the case where the server 20 includes a web server (not shown), the web server transmits data related to an HTML document such as HTML5, the terminal 10 displays the data related to the HTML document using the web browser, user instruction data is transmitted to the terminal 10 (the web browser), and the server 20 performs display control. By performing the display control, the server 20 generates display data and transmits the display data to the terminal 10 (the web browser). In addition, the display control may be performed using a script such as JavaScript (registered trademark) in the web browser.

[0027] 1 illustrates an example in which first server system 21 includes distribution server device 21A1 and server storage device 21A2, but is not limited to this. For example, first server system 21 may include other components in addition to distribution server device 21A1 and server storage device 21A2. In this case, the other components may have the functions of at least one of distribution server device 21A1 and server storage device 21A2. Furthermore, for example, first server system 21 may be configured as a single component having the functions of distribution server device 21A1 and server storage device 21A2.

[0028] The second server system 22 is a server that transmits data related to content to the terminal 10. Here, for example, assume that the user operates the terminal 10 to execute an application. In this case, when the second server system 22 receives a request for data related to content from the terminal 10 while the application is being executed, the second server system 22 transmits the data related to the content to the terminal 10. The data related to content transmitted from the second server system 22 to the terminal 10 is, for example, data related to a video.

[0029] 1-3.Equipment 70 The device 70 (third terminal) is, for example, a terminal operated by the operator or operating organization that operates the virtual venue. The device 70 transmits predetermined data to the first server system 21 and receives predetermined data transmitted from the first server system 21. The specific configuration of the device 70 will be described later.

[0030] 2. Hardware configuration of each device Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each of the terminal 10 and the server 20 will be described.

[0031] 2-1. Hardware configuration of terminal 10 An example of the hardware configuration of each terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 10 (server 20) shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the reference numerals in parentheses are those described in relation to the server 20, as will be described later.

[0032] 2, each terminal 10 includes, for example, a central processing unit 14, a main memory device 15, an input / output interface device 16, an input device 17, an auxiliary memory device 18, and an output device 19. The components shown in Fig. 2 are connected to each other by a data bus and / or a control bus.

[0033] The central processing unit 14 is referred to as a "CPU" and performs operations on instructions and data stored in the main memory 15 and stores the results of the operations in the main memory 15. Furthermore, the central processing unit 14 can control an input device 17, an auxiliary memory device 18, an output device 19, etc. via an input / output interface device 16. The terminal 10 can include one or more such central processing units 14.

[0034] The main memory device 15 is referred to as "memory" and stores instructions and data received from the input device 17, the auxiliary memory device 18, and the communication line 30 (such as the server 20) via the input / output interface device 16, as well as the results of calculations by the central processing unit 14. The main memory device 15 may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable media such as volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), EEPROM, flash memory), and storage (e.g., hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), magnetic tape, optical media). As will be readily understood, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes media for data storage such as memory and storage, as well as transmission media such as modulated data signals or transitory signals.

[0035] The input device 17 is a device that inputs data from the outside, and includes, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a sensor. As will be described later, the sensor may include, but is not limited to, one or more cameras and / or one or more microphones.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 18 is a storage device having a larger capacity than the main storage device 15. It can store instructions and data (computer programs) that constitute the above-mentioned specific applications (video distribution applications, video viewing applications, etc.), web browser applications, etc. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 18 is controlled by the central processing unit 14 to transmit these instructions and data (computer programs) to the main storage device 15 via the input / output interface device 16. The auxiliary storage device 18 can include, but is not limited to, a magnetic disk device and / or an optical disk device, etc.

[0037] The output device 19 may include, but is not limited to, a display device, a touch panel, and / or a printer device.

[0038] In such a hardware configuration, the central processing unit 14 sequentially loads instructions and data (computer programs) constituting a specific application stored in the auxiliary storage device 18 into the main storage device 15, and by operating on the loaded instructions and data, controls the output device 19 via the input / output interface device 16, or can send and receive various data to and from other devices (e.g., a server 20, another terminal 10) via the input / output interface device 16 and the communication line 2.

[0039] 2-2. Hardware configuration of Server 20 An example of the hardware configuration of each server 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The hardware configuration of each server 20 (each of the distribution server device 21A1 and the server storage device 21A2) may be the same as the hardware configuration of each of the above-mentioned terminals 10. Therefore, reference numerals for the components of each server 20 are shown in parentheses in Fig. 2.

[0040] 2, each server 20 mainly includes a central processing unit 24, a main memory device 25, an input / output interface device 26, an input device 27, an auxiliary memory device 28, and an output device 29. These devices are connected to each other by a data bus and / or a control bus.

[0041] The central processing unit 24, main memory 25, input / output interface unit 26, input unit 27, auxiliary memory unit 28, and output unit 29 can be approximately the same as the central processing unit 14, main memory unit 15, input / output interface unit 16, input unit 17, auxiliary memory unit 18, and output unit 19 included in each terminal 10 described above, respectively.

[0042] In such a hardware configuration, the central processing unit 24 sequentially loads instructions and data (computer programs) constituting a specific application stored in the auxiliary storage device 28 into the main storage device 25, and by operating on the loaded instructions and data, controls the output device 29 via the input / output interface device 26, or can send and receive various data to and from other devices (e.g., each terminal 10) via the input / output interface device 26 and the communication line 2.

[0043] It should be noted that the server 20 may include one or more microprocessors and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU) instead of or in addition to the central processing unit 24.

[0044] 3. Functions of each device Next, an example of the functions of the terminal 10 and the server 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

[0045] 3-1. Functions of Terminal 10 Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the terminal 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a control unit 130, a display unit 140, a user interface unit 150, and a storage unit 160.

[0046] (1) Communications Unit 110 The communication unit 110 is used, for example, to transmit various data to the server 20. The communication unit 210 is used, for example, to receive various data from the server 20. The data received by the communication unit 210 is sent to the control unit 130, for example.

[0047] (2) Acquisition part 120 The acquisition unit 120 acquires, for example, operation data related to an operation from a user. The acquisition unit 120 also acquires, for example, data detected by various sensors. The data acquired by the acquisition unit 120 is sent to, for example, the control unit 130. The acquisition unit 120 performs, for example, the processing of S121 in FIG. 12 and S121 in FIG. 13, which will be described later. For example, the operation data may include one or more of the following data: Data showing how the user swiped the touchpad display Data indicating which object the user tapped or clicked on Data showing how the user dragged the touchpad display Other such operational data

[0048] The above-mentioned "other such operation data" is, for example, data indicating whether the user has touched (designated) any location on the display screen of terminal 10. If the location designated by the user on the display screen of terminal 10 corresponds to any location within virtual space 300, the avatar of the user moves to that location within virtual space 300, for example. The data acquired by acquisition unit 120 may be data related to no operation (data indicating no operation), such as data indicating that terminal 10 was not operated for a specific time (specific period) and / or data indicating that a specific location within virtual space 300 was not entered.

[0049] (3) Control unit 130 The control unit 130 performs various controls based on, for example, data received by the communication unit 110. The control unit 130 also performs various controls based on data acquired by the acquisition unit 120. The control unit 130 performs, for example, processes S131 in Fig. 12, S141 in Fig. 12, and S141 in Fig. 13, which will be described later.

[0050] (4) Display section 140 The display unit 140 displays, for example, display content based on control data output from the control unit 130. The display unit 140 displays, for example, a screen for selecting a predetermined application. Furthermore, the display unit 140 displays, for example, a screen related to the inside of a virtual space when a predetermined application is selected and executed.

[0051] (5) User interface unit 150 The user interface unit 150 is used to input various data used for executing applications through user operations.

[0052] (6) Storage section 160 The storage unit 160 can store various data used to execute applications. The storage unit 160 stores data used to control the display unit 140. The storage unit 160 stores, for example, module data used to generate an avatar of the first user. Note that the storage unit 160 is not limited to storing module data used to generate an avatar of the first user, and may store module data used to generate other avatars.

[0053] The module data is, for example, data related to body parts used to generate an avatar. The body parts used to generate an avatar include, for example, data on each body part of the avatar (eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, skin color, hairstyle, hair color, clothes, body, etc.). The module data also includes data related to IDs assigned to each body part used to generate the avatar. If the body part of the avatar is the body, the data related to the body part used to generate the avatar may include data categorized by body type, such as skinny, slightly skinny, normal, slightly obese, and obese.

[0054] Furthermore, when the display unit 140 displays an avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A (an avatar of another person), the server 20 may transmit ID data used to generate the avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A to the first terminal 11, and the first terminal 11 may construct the avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A based on the ID data.

[0055] Furthermore, when the display unit 140 displays an avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A (an avatar of another person), the display unit 140 may display the avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A colored black, or may display the avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A with two options for male or female using parts and / or colors determined based on the gender (e.g., male or female) of the user corresponding to the avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A.

[0056] 3-2. Functions of Server 20 Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the server 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the server 20 includes, for example, a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0057] (1) Communications Unit 210 The communication unit 210 is used, for example, to transmit various data to the terminal 10. The communication unit 210 is also used, for example, to receive various data from the terminal 10. The data received by the communication unit 210 is sent to the control unit 230.

[0058] (2) Storage section 220 The storage unit 220 stores various data used for executing applications. The storage unit 220 stores, for example, first data transmitted from the first terminal 11. The first data transmitted from the first terminal 11 includes, for example, data related to the first avatar 80A. The first data may also include data related to "behavior history." Details of the first data transmitted from the first terminal 11 and the data related to "behavior history" will be described later.

[0059] (3) Control unit 230 The control unit 230 performs various controls based on, for example, data received by the communication unit 210. The control unit 230 performs, for example, processes of S183 in Fig. 12, S193 in Fig. 12, S133 in Fig. 13, S183 in Fig. 13, and S193 in Fig. 13, which will be described later.

[0060] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display that is displayed on the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 by operating the first terminal 11 and starting an application. As shown in FIG. 5, a virtual space 300 is displayed on the display unit 140. The virtual space 300 is, for example, a three-dimensional space. An avatar 80 and a virtual venue 310 are shown within the virtual space 300.

[0061] The avatar 80 is configured to be able to perform at least one of walking, running, and jumping, for example, in response to a user operation. The avatar 80 is also configured to be able to, for example, examine a virtual object, push a virtual object, pull a virtual object, lift a virtual object, sit on a virtual object, purchase a virtual object, and give an item to a virtual object in response to a user operation. Here, examples of virtual objects include an avatar, a door, groceries, an admission ticket, a chair, and an exhibit. When a user operates the avatar 80 using the terminal 10, data related to the operation is transmitted to the server 20.

[0062] By performing the above-described operation of "examine virtual object," a description of the virtual object is displayed on the display unit 140. The description of the virtual object is, for example, at least one of the name of the virtual object, the purpose of the virtual object, and the price of the virtual object. The description of the virtual object is, for example, at least one of text, an image, and a video.

[0063] The position of the virtual object in the virtual space 300 can be changed by the above-mentioned operations of "pushing the virtual object," "pulling the virtual object," and "lifting the virtual object."

[0064] By performing the above-described operation of "taking a seat on a virtual object," the avatar 80 takes a seat on the virtual object. The avatar 80 may be configured to be able to take a seat at a specific location other than the virtual object. When the avatar 80 takes a seat on the virtual object or when the avatar 80 takes a seat at a specific location other than the virtual object, the display unit 140 may display a display screen different from the display screen before the avatar 80 took a seat (for example, a display screen without a UI operation unit or a chat screen), or may hide the user interface that existed before the avatar 80 took a seat. When the display unit 140 displays a display screen different from the display screen before the avatar 80 took a seat, the display unit 140 may display the screen to be displayed in full screen.

[0065] The above-described operation of "purchase a virtual object" allows, for example, the user to purchase the virtual object. If the virtual object is wearable, the appearance of the avatar 80 can be changed by having the avatar 80 wear the purchased virtual object.

[0066] Among the avatars displayed on display unit 140, avatars 80 other than the avatar 80 to be operated may be avatars operated by the user, or may be avatars whose movements within virtual space 300 have been determined in advance. Here, when the movements of avatar 80 within virtual space 300 have been determined in advance, this means that avatar 80 operates as an NPC (Non Player Character).

[0067] Furthermore, although the appearances of the avatars 80 shown in FIG. 5 are all identical, this is not limiting. The appearance of the avatar 80 may be determined based on data related to the user operating the avatar 80. For example, if the user operating the avatar 80 is male, the appearance of the avatar 80 may be male. For example, if the user operating the avatar 80 is female, the appearance of the avatar 80 may be female. The appearance of the avatar 80 may be determined based on the ID of the avatar part selected by the user, and may be different from each other. Here, the above-mentioned phrase "may be different from each other" may refer to, for example, similar appearances that are not objectively identical, or completely different appearances that are objectively different.

[0068] The movement of an avatar in the virtual space may also change in response to the user's movement. For example, if the user nods, the avatar in the virtual space may also nod. Here, the movement data may be acquired, for example, using a motion capture system. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure, some examples of suitable motion capture systems that may be used with the apparatus and method disclosed herein include optical motion capture systems that use passive or active markers or no markers, and inertial and magnetic non-optical systems. The motion data may be acquired using an image capture device (such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensor) coupled to a computer that converts the motion data into video or other image data.

[0069] When operating first avatar 80A shown in FIG. 5, for example, display unit 140 displays a screen such as that shown in FIG.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the terminal 10. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 when a first user operates a first avatar 80A using the first terminal 11. As illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, the display unit 140 displays the avatar 80, the first avatar 80A, and a virtual venue 310. Here, the display unit 140 displays the rear view of the first avatar 80A, and the line of sight of the first user operating the first terminal 11 and the line of sight of the first avatar 80A corresponding to the first user are in the same direction. The display unit 140 displays an area in the virtual space including the first avatar 80A, for example, based on a virtual viewpoint located closer to the page of FIG. 6 than the first avatar 80A. The display unit 140 displays an area in the virtual space including the traveling direction of the first avatar 80A. Note that the area in the virtual space displayed by the display unit 140 can be changed by operating the first avatar 80A using the terminal 10. For example, by changing the direction of travel of the first avatar 80A by 180 degrees using the terminal 10, the area behind the first avatar 80A in FIG. 6 can be displayed. In this way, by operating the first avatar 80A using the terminal 10, the display unit 140 can display an area not displayed in FIG. 6. When the first user operating the first terminal 11 operates the first avatar 80A and the first avatar 80A shown in FIG. 6 is positioned inside the virtual venue 310, a display screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

[0071] 6, when the first user operates the first avatar 80A, the first terminal 11, for example, acquires data relating to the position of the first avatar 80A within the virtual space 300. Furthermore, for example, the data relating to the position of the first avatar 80A within the virtual space 300 acquired by the first terminal 11 is transmitted to the server 20. The timing at which the first terminal 11 acquires the data relating to the position of the first avatar 80A within the virtual space 300 may be any timing. Furthermore, for example, the timing at which the data relating to the position of the first avatar 80A within the virtual space 300 acquired by the first terminal 11 is transmitted to the server 20 may also be any timing.

[0072] Furthermore, it may be possible to perform a touch operation on any area of ​​display unit 140 of first terminal 11. Furthermore, first terminal 11 may be provided with an acceleration sensor (not shown), and when first terminal 11 is operated, the display area and / or direction displayed by display unit 140 may be changed based on the acceleration sensor.

[0073] Here, the above-mentioned "any area" includes, for example, area 301 and / or display area 314 in Fig. 6. Area 301 and / or display area 314 are operation user interfaces for performing predetermined display control by performing a touch operation. Furthermore, "touch operation" refers to, for example, at least one of tapping, double tapping, swiping, flicking, pinching in, and pinching out. Furthermore, area 301 and / or display area 314 may be displayed in the same position or in a different position not only when displaying Fig. 6 but also when displaying other drawings (for example, at least one of Figs. 7 to 8) described later.

[0074] 6, two regions 301 may be provided, or one, three, or more regions 301 may be provided. When two or more regions 301 are provided, one region 301 corresponds to, for example, a region used to make the first avatar 80A walk, and another region 301 corresponds to, for example, a region used to make the first avatar 80A jump. In this way, by touching the region 301, the first avatar 80A can be made to walk or jump.

[0075] Here, the touch operation for making first avatar 80A walk or jump is, for example, an operation of tapping or double-tapping area 301 of first avatar 80A. Furthermore, the area on which the touch operation for making first avatar 80A walk or jump may be performed may be an area other than area 301.

[0076] The display area 314 is an area that displays a message entered by a user corresponding to the avatar 80. When the display unit 140 displays the display area 314, at least one of a message sent from the first terminal 11 and a message sent from a terminal other than the first terminal is displayed in the display area 314. Here, the message displayed in the display area 314 may display a message addressed to the first terminal, or may display a message exchanged between terminals other than the first terminal. Therefore, the display area 314 functions as an area that can be viewed and / or chatted by a user corresponding to at least one avatar 80 existing in the virtual space 300, or an area that can be viewed and / or chatted by a user corresponding to at least one avatar 80 existing in a specific location in the virtual space 300.

[0077] In this way, the first terminal 11 allows the first user to chat with a user corresponding to at least one of all avatars 80 via the display area 314 of the display unit 140. For example, the first terminal 11 allows the first user to chat with users corresponding to all avatars 80 present in a predetermined area (within the same area) via the display area 314 of the display unit 140. Here, the users chatting with the first user are individual users or exhibiting companies. Furthermore, when multiple messages are displayed in the display area 314, if it is not possible to display all the messages within the display area 314, a touch operation can be performed to display messages that are not displayed within the display area 314. Here, the touch operation when it is not possible to display all the messages within the display area 314 is, for example, a swipe.

[0078] Note that the condition for displaying the display area 314 on the display unit 140 is not limited to when the avatar 80 is located within the virtual venue 310. For example, when the avatar 80 is located within a predetermined area within the virtual space 300, a display area corresponding to the predetermined area may be displayed on the display unit 140. That is, the display area to be displayed on the display unit 140 may be determined depending on the location of the avatar 80. This allows a user to exchange messages with users corresponding to other avatars 80 who are present in the same area as the user's avatar 80. Furthermore, a user can chat with users who share specific attributes. Therefore, a user can easily communicate with other users who share common interests, concerns, and / or attributes.

[0079] Furthermore, the terminal from which the message displayed in display area 314 is sent is, for example, a terminal used by a user who operates an avatar present in virtual venue 310. However, the avatar corresponding to the terminal from which the message is sent and displayed in display area 314 may or may not be displayed in virtual venue 310.

[0080] Furthermore, the display area 314 may display products that are available for purchase. For example, the products are products related to the operator or operating organization that operates the virtual venue 310. In addition to the products, the display area 314 may also display information about the products and information encouraging the purchase of the products. Here, the information encouraging the purchase of the products is configured to be selectable, such as an "Add to Cart" message. Furthermore, when the user uses the terminal 10 to perform an operation to proceed with the purchase procedure for at least one product displayed in the display area 314, for example, a browser installed on the terminal 10 is launched, and a page requesting the input of information used to purchase the product is displayed on the display unit 140.

[0081] 6, the display unit 140 may display the display area 314 at a predetermined position regardless of the movement of the first avatar 80A, or may display the display area 314 at a different position depending on the movement of the first avatar 80A. The display unit 140 may display the display area 314 in the same size regardless of the movement of the first avatar 80A, or may display the display area 314 in a different size depending on the movement of the first avatar 80A. When a message is sent from the first terminal 11 corresponding to the first avatar 80A, the display unit 140 may display the message around the first avatar 80A. When a message is sent from the terminal 10 corresponding to an avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A and the display unit 140 is displaying the avatar 80, the display unit 140 may display the message around the avatar 80. When displaying the message around first avatar 80A, display unit 140 may, for example, display a speech bubble and display the message in the speech bubble.

[0082] 6, for example, when an operation of tapping or double-tapping point 321 is performed, display unit 140 displays line segment 322 connecting first avatar 80A and point 321, and first avatar 80A walks along line segment 322 to point 321. Note that point 321 and line segment 322 may be any color. Furthermore, a touch operation for causing first avatar 80A to walk is an operation of flicking any area of ​​first avatar 80A to change the direction of travel, and then tapping or double-tapping any point on the imaginary line of the changed direction of travel.

[0083] 6, for example, display unit 140 may display icon 323. Icon 323 is operated to switch between displaying and hiding display area 314. When display area 314 is displayed by operating icon 323, display unit 140 may not display icon 323, or may continue to display icon 323.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in virtual venue 310 displayed on display unit 140 of terminal 10. In FIG. 7, the first user operating first terminal 11 operates first avatar 80A, and first avatar 80A shown in FIG. 6 is positioned inside virtual venue 310, causing the scene to change, and thereby the display screen to change. Note that the URL used to display a display screen when first avatar 80A is located outside virtual venue 310 (e.g., FIG. 6) using the web browser of first terminal 11 is different from the URL used to display a display screen when first avatar 80A is located inside virtual venue 310 (e.g., FIG. 7) using the web browser of first terminal 11. Therefore, when using the web browser of first terminal 11, if first avatar 80A shown in FIG. 6 is positioned inside virtual venue 310, the URL will change. As shown in FIG. 7, avatar 80, first avatar 80A, chair 81, display area 311, display area 312, avatar 313, and slider 330 are shown. Note that slider 330 is not a required component. Here, virtual venue 310 is, for example, a booth at an exhibition or event venue. At least one chair 81 is provided. Avatar 80 and first avatar 80A are assumed to be located in a first area within virtual venue 310.

[0085] The chair 81 is, for example, a virtual object on which the avatar 80 can sit. For example, the first user operates the first avatar 80A to approach a specific chair among the multiple chairs 81 and perform a predetermined operation, causing the avatar 80 to sit in the chair 81. Furthermore, for example, the first user operates the first avatar 80A to approach a specific chair among the multiple chairs 81 and perform a predetermined operation, causing a message asking whether or not to sit in the specific chair to be displayed on the display screen of the first terminal 11. When the message asking whether or not to sit in the specific chair is displayed on the display screen of the first terminal 11, if the user operates the terminal 10 to perform a predetermined operation indicating their intention to sit in the specific chair in response to the message, the avatar 80 will sit in the chair 81. Note that, together with or instead of a virtual object that can be sat on, a configuration may be adopted in which the avatar 80 is seated when a specific location within the virtual section 300 is specified. In this case, the first user may approach a specific location within the virtual section 300 and perform a predetermined operation, causing a message asking whether or not to sit in the specific location to be displayed on the display screen of the first terminal 11. When a message asking whether to sit in a specific location is displayed on the display screen of the first terminal 11, if the user operates the terminal 10 to perform a predetermined operation indicating an intention to sit in the specific location in response to the message, the avatar 80 may be configured to sit in the specific location.

[0086] In the display area 311, for example, various explanatory materials and / or videos are displayed. In the display area 312, the name of the organization operating the virtual venue 310, the theme of the briefing, etc. are displayed. The avatar 313 is, for example, an avatar that resembles a staff member who will be running the virtual venue 310. The avatar 313 may be an avatar operated by a user, or an avatar whose movements within the virtual space 300 are predetermined. Here, when the avatar 80 moves in the virtual space 300 in a manner that is predetermined, this means that the avatar acts as the NPC described above.

[0087] At a predetermined time in the virtual venue 310, for example, a predetermined explanation is started. Here, the time used in the virtual space may be a time synchronized with the real time, or may be a time used in the virtual space 300 separately from the real time. Note that the condition for starting the predetermined explanation in the virtual venue 310 does not have to be related to time. For example, the condition for starting the predetermined explanation in the virtual venue 310 may be when the number of avatars present in the virtual venue 310 reaches a predetermined number or more, or when a specific avatar is located in the virtual venue 310, or the like.

[0088] Note that the system may be configured so that multiple avatars can overlap and occupy the same seat at the same time. For example, when avatar 80 is seated in chair 81 on the left side of Fig. 7, a user may use terminal 10 to operate first avatar 80A to seat first avatar 80A in chair 81 on the left side of Fig. 7. In this way, even if the total number of avatars located in virtual venue 310 exceeds the total number of chairs 81, all avatars viewing content displayed in display area 311 can be seated in virtual venue 310.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the display unit 140 of the terminal 10. FIG. 8 shows a live music venue 410. The live music venue 410 is an example of a venue set up in the virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of chairs 81 are set up inside the live music venue 410. The chairs 81 are virtual objects on which the avatar 80 can sit, for example. For example, the first user operates the first avatar 80A to approach a specific chair among the plurality of chairs 81 and perform a predetermined operation, causing the avatar 80 to sit in the chair 81. Also, for example, the first user operates the first avatar 80A to approach a specific chair among the plurality of chairs 81 and perform a predetermined operation, causing the display screen of the first terminal 11 to display a message asking whether or not to sit in the specific chair. When the message asking whether or not to sit in the specific chair is displayed on the display screen of the first terminal 11, if the user performs a predetermined operation using the terminal 10 in response to the message indicating their intention to sit in the specific chair, the avatar 80 will sit in the chair 81.

[0090] At a predetermined time, a video is played in display area 411. Here, the time used in the virtual space may be a time synchronized with real time, or may be a time used in virtual space 300 separately from real time. Note that the condition for playing a video in display area 411 does not have to be related to time. For example, the condition for playing a video in display area 411 may be when the number of avatars present in live venue 410 reaches a predetermined number or when a specific avatar is located within live venue 410, or the like.

[0091] Note that the system may be configured so that multiple avatars can overlap and occupy the same seat at the same time. For example, when avatar 80 is seated in chair 81 on the leftmost side of Fig. 8, a user may use terminal 10 to operate first avatar 80A to seat first avatar 80A in chair 81 on the leftmost side of Fig. 8. In this way, even if the total number of avatars located within live venue 410 exceeds the total number of chairs 81, all avatars viewing content displayed in display area 411 can be seated within live venue 410.

[0092] 8 does not show first avatar 80A within live venue 410, but this is not limiting. First avatar 80A may be displayed on display unit 140 within live venue 410, and may be configured to move within display unit 140 in response to operations on first terminal 11 used by the first user.

[0093] The predetermined explanation, which starts at a predetermined time, is provided by displaying predetermined content in the display area 311 of FIG. 7 or the display area 411 of FIG. 8 and / or outputting audio. The explanation is, for example, a video. The video is, for example, any of a predetermined explanatory video, an event video such as a concert, a video such as a movie, and a video reflecting the real-time movements and / or performances of a Vtuber. If the explanation is a video, the terminal 10 requests data related to the video from the second server system 22. Then, in response to the request, the second server system 22 transmits data related to the video to the terminal 10. As a result, the terminal 10 can receive data related to the video from the second server system 22 and watch the video.

[0094] 9 to 11, for example, a first waiting room 310A, a virtual venue 310B, and a second waiting room 310C are provided in the virtual space 300. Here, the first waiting room 310A is located, for example, on the entrance side of the virtual venue 310B. Furthermore, the second waiting room 310C is located, for example, on the exit side of the virtual venue 310B. Note that the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, and the second waiting room 310C are not limited to spaces as described below, and may be any spaces within the virtual space 300.

[0095] The first user can move the first avatar 80A from the first waiting room 310A to the virtual venue 310B by operating the first avatar 80A. Also, the first user can move the first avatar 80A from the virtual venue 310B to the second waiting room 310C by operating the first avatar 80A.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the layout within the virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. 9, a first avatar 80A and avatars 80 corresponding to two different users are located in a first waiting room 310A. When the first avatar 80A is located in the first waiting room 310A, the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 displays a display area 314 in which the first user operating the first avatar 80A can chat with users operating other avatars 80 located in the first waiting room 310A. In this way, the first user operating the first avatar 80A can chat with other users who plan to enter the virtual venue 310B and view the content displayed in the display area 311. Furthermore, the first user operating the first avatar 80A does not receive messages sent from the terminals 10 of users operating avatars 80 located in the virtual venue 310B. Therefore, even if terminal 10 of a user operating avatar 80 in virtual venue 310B sends a message regarding the content displayed in display area 311, first terminal 11 of first user operating first avatar 80A will not receive the message. In this way, the first user operating first avatar 80A can reduce the possibility of unintentionally learning the content displayed in display area 311 before entering virtual venue 310B and viewing the content.

[0097] 9, when the first avatar 80A is present in the first waiting room 310A, the condition (first condition) for the first terminal 11 to display the display area 314 may be that the first avatar 80A is present in the first waiting room 310A only, or may include other conditions in addition to the first avatar 80A being present in the first waiting room 310A. For example, the first condition may be that the first avatar 80A is present in the first waiting room 310A and has currently or previously performed a predetermined operation on a virtual object in the first waiting room 310A. The predetermined operation on a virtual object in the first waiting room 310A includes, for example, an operation to purchase food or drink available in the first waiting room 310A.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 9, when first avatar 80A is in first waiting room 310A and moves toward virtual venue 310B, first avatar 80A is positioned in virtual venue 310B as shown in FIG. 10. A condition (second condition) for first avatar 80A to enter virtual venue 310B from first waiting room 310A may be set. The second condition may be, for example, that first avatar 80A has a virtual object that can be purchased in virtual space 300. The virtual object that can be purchased in virtual space 300 may be, for example, an admission ticket to enter virtual venue 310B.

[0099] 10 is a plan view showing an example of the layout within virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. 10, first avatar 80A and avatars 80 corresponding to two different users are located in virtual venue 310B, and display area 311 is provided. When first avatar 80A is present in virtual venue 310B, display unit 140 of first terminal 11 displays display area 314 in which the first user operating first avatar 80A can chat with users operating other avatars 80 present in virtual venue 310B. Therefore, chat can be held with other users viewing the content displayed in display area 311.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the first avatar 80A is present in the virtual venue 310B, the condition (first condition) for the first terminal 11 to display the display area 314 may be simply that the first avatar 80A is present in the virtual venue 310B, or may include other conditions in addition to the first avatar 80A's presence in the virtual venue 310B. For example, the first condition may be that the first avatar 80A is present in the virtual venue 310B and has currently or previously performed a predetermined operation on a virtual object in the virtual venue 310B. Performing a predetermined operation on a virtual object in the virtual venue 310B includes, for example, selecting the display area 311. Performing a predetermined operation on a virtual object in the virtual venue 310B includes, for example, at least one of the first avatar 80A sitting on a virtual object that can be sat on and selecting the display area 311. Performing a predetermined operation on a virtual object in the virtual venue 310B may also be, for example, selecting the display area 311 and experiencing a predetermined event. Here, "experiencing a predetermined item" means that the user actively or passively experiences something, such as viewing content displayed in display area 311, trying out a game, answering a quiz, purchasing or receiving something, etc. The object of purchase or receipt may be, for example, an admission ticket for entering a predetermined area (e.g., virtual venue 310B).

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10, when first avatar 80A is present in virtual venue 310B and moves toward second waiting room 310C, first avatar 80A is positioned in second waiting room 310C as shown in FIG. 11. A condition (second condition) for first avatar 80A to move from virtual venue 310B to second waiting room 310C may be set. The second condition may be, for example, that content (e.g., video) displayed in display area 311 has been played for a predetermined time or longer and ended while first avatar 80A is present in virtual venue 310B. Another example of the second condition may be that first avatar 80A sits on a virtual object that can be sat on and then leaves the virtual object.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of the layout within virtual space 300. As shown in FIG. 11, first avatar 80A and avatars 80 corresponding to two different users are located in second waiting room 310C. When first avatar 80A is located in second waiting room 310C, display unit 140 of first terminal 11 displays display area 314 in which the first user operating first avatar 80A can chat with users operating other avatars 80 located in second waiting room 310C. In this way, the first user operating first avatar 80A can chat with users who have finished viewing the content displayed in display area 311 in virtual venue 310B.

[0103] 11, when first avatar 80A is in second waiting room 310C, the condition (first condition) for first terminal 11 to display display area 314 may be simply that first avatar 80A is in second waiting room 310C, or may include other conditions in addition to first avatar 80A being in second waiting room 310C. For example, the first condition may be that first avatar 80A is in second waiting room 310C and has currently or previously performed a predetermined operation on a virtual object in second waiting room 310C.

[0104] Here, virtual venue 310B corresponds to, for example, virtual venue 310 in Fig. 7. Virtual venue 310B also corresponds to, for example, live venue 410 in Fig. 8. If virtual venue 310B corresponds to live venue 410 in Fig. 8, display area 311 in Figs. 9 to 11 corresponds to display area 411.

[0105] In addition, while an example has been described in which first waiting room 310A, virtual venue 310B, and second waiting room 310C are provided within virtual space 300, this is not limiting. For example, the number of waiting rooms may be three or more. Furthermore, a waiting room may be provided at only one of the entrance and exit sides of virtual venue 310B.

[0106] As described above, the users who can chat with the first user differ depending on the first user's experience state. Specifically, the users who can chat with the first user before the first user operates the first avatar 80A to experience a predetermined item, the users who can chat with the first user while the first user operates the first avatar 80A to experience a predetermined item, and the users who can chat with the first user after the first user operates the first avatar 80A to experience a predetermined item are, for example, different from one another. In this way, since the users who can chat with the first user differ depending on the first user's experience state, the first user can easily share their experiences and / or feelings through chat with other users who are in the same or similar situation as the first user. Furthermore, the first user can be less likely to unintentionally grasp the content (e.g., conclusion) of a predetermined item before experiencing it. Note that if the position of first avatar 80A before the first user operates first avatar 80A to experience a predetermined event, the position of first avatar 80A while the first user operates first avatar 80A to experience a predetermined event, and the position of first avatar 80A after the first user operates first avatar 80A to experience a predetermined event are all different, the experiential state of the first user may be determined, for example, based on the position information of avatar 80A of the first user. In this way, for example, the terminal 10 of the first user displays a chat screen corresponding to the experiential state of first avatar 80A of the first user. In this regard, assuming three different experiences (Experiences 1 to 3) and three different users (User 1 to User 3), User 1 experiencing Experience 1, User 2 experiencing Experience 2, and User 3 experiencing Experience 3 will each participate in different chats. When the experience state of the first user is determined based on the location information of the first avatar 80A of the first user, the terminal 10 of the first user may, for example, display a chat screen corresponding to the location information based on the location information of the first avatar 80A of the first user.In this regard, assuming three different venues (venues A to C) and three different users (first user to third user), the first user corresponding to the avatar 80 located at venue A, the second user corresponding to the avatar 80 located at venue B, and the third user corresponding to the avatar 80 located at venue C will each participate in different chats.

[0107] In the above description, the terminal 10 of the first user displays a chat screen corresponding to the experience state of the first avatar 80A of the first user, for example, based on the experience state of the first avatar 80A. However, this is not limiting. The terminal 10 of the first user may display a chat screen corresponding to the behavior history of the first user's avatar, for example, based on the behavior history of the avatar. The behavior history of the first avatar 80A of the first user is, for example, a history indicating that the first avatar 80A has been located in a specific area in the past. Here, the "specific area" refers to at least one area within the virtual space 300. The "specific area" may be, for example, at least one of the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, and the second waiting room 310C. When displaying a chat screen corresponding to the behavior history, the chat screen may be displayed only on the terminal 10 of a user corresponding to an avatar with the same behavior history.

[0108] Here, if the "specific area" is the first waiting room 310A and the first avatar 80A of the first user and the avatar of another user have a history of being located in the first waiting room 310A in the past, the first user and the other user can communicate via the same chat screen regardless of the current location of the first avatar 80A of the first user and the current location of the avatar of the other user. Note that the chat screen is displayed only on the terminal 10 of the user corresponding to the avatar that has a history of being located in the first waiting room 310A in the past.

[0109] Furthermore, if the "specific area" is the first waiting room 310A and the virtual venue 310B, and the first avatar 80A of the first user and the avatar of another user have a history of being located in the first waiting room 310A and the virtual venue 310B in the past, the first user and the other user can communicate via the same chat screen regardless of the current location of the first avatar 80A of the first user and the current location of the avatar of the other user. Note that the chat screen is displayed only on the terminal 10 of the user corresponding to the avatar that has a history of being located in the first waiting room 310A and the virtual venue 310B in the past.

[0110] Furthermore, if the "specific area" is the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, or the second waiting room 310C, and the first user's first avatar 80A and the avatars of the other users have a history of being located in the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, or the second waiting room 310C, the first user and the other users can communicate via the same chat screen regardless of the current location of the first user's first avatar 80A and the current location of the other users' avatars. Note that the chat screen is displayed only on the terminal 10 of the user corresponding to the avatar that has a history of being located in the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, or the second waiting room 310C.

[0111] In this way, a first user can easily share their feelings and / or experiences through chat with other users who have been in the same or similar situation as the first user in the past. This can also serve as a benefit, for example, by allowing them to chat with organizers related to a "specific area." Note that if there are corresponding experiences in the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, and the second waiting room 310C, the chat screen will be displayed only on the terminal 10 of a user who has the same experience history. Specifically, for example, if there are corresponding experiences in the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, and the second waiting room 310C, the chat screen will be displayed only on the terminal 10 of a user who has experienced all of the experiences corresponding to the first waiting room 310A, the virtual venue 310B, and the second waiting room 310C. This allows chat to function as a special privilege for users who visit multiple areas (locations) like a stamp rally, allowing them to chat with organizers and operators (including mascots and idols), thereby encouraging users to move between areas.

[0112] In addition, a condition for terminating the display of the chat screen used for communication between users may be set. For example, when users are communicating with each other through the chat screen, the chat screen may be terminated when at least one of the following conditions (1) to (4) is satisfied: (1) When the avatar is outside the designated area (2) When the designated experience has ended (3) When the specified time has elapsed (4) Perform prescribed words and actions.

[0113] Here, "(1) when the avatar is located outside the predetermined area" refers to, for example, when the first avatar 80A is located in an area other than the first waiting room 310A. For example, if the first user corresponding to the first avatar 80A located in the first waiting room 310A communicates with a user corresponding to another avatar 80 located in the first waiting room 310A via a chat screen, and the first avatar 80A located in the first waiting room 310A moves from the first waiting room 310A to the virtual venue 310B, the terminal 10 of the first user terminates display of the chat screen. In this case, the user corresponding to the first avatar 80A can no longer chat with the user corresponding to the other avatar 80 located in the first waiting room 310A. Note that the area other than the first waiting room 310A is not limited to the virtual venue 310B. The area other than the first waiting room 310A may be, for example, another area adjacent to the first waiting room 310A (an area on the entrance side of the first waiting room 310A).

[0114] Furthermore, "(1) When the avatar is located outside the predetermined area" refers to, for example, when the first avatar 80A is located in an area other than the virtual venue 310B from the virtual venue 310B. For example, if a user corresponding to the first avatar 80A located in the virtual venue 310B communicates with a user corresponding to another avatar 80 located in the virtual venue 310B via a chat screen, and the first avatar 80A located in the virtual venue 310B moves from the virtual venue 310B to the second waiting room 310C, the terminal 10 of the first user terminates display of the chat screen. In this case, the first user corresponding to the first avatar 80A can no longer chat with the user corresponding to the other avatar 80 located in the virtual venue 310B. Note that the area other than the first waiting room 310A is not limited to the second waiting room 310C. The area other than the virtual venue 310B may be, for example, the first waiting room 310A.

[0115] Furthermore, "(1) When the avatar is located outside the predetermined area" refers to, for example, when the first avatar 80A is located in an area other than the second waiting room 310C. For example, if the first user corresponding to the first avatar 80A located in the second waiting room 310C communicates with a user corresponding to another avatar 80 located in the second waiting room 310C through a chat screen, and the first avatar 80A located in the second waiting room 310C moves from the second waiting room 310C to another area adjacent to the second waiting room 310C (an area on the exit side of the second waiting room 310C), the terminal 10 of the first user terminates display of the chat screen. In this case, the user corresponding to the first avatar 80A can no longer chat with the user corresponding to the other avatar 80 located in the second waiting room 310C. Note that the area other than the second waiting room 310C is not limited to the area on the exit side of the second waiting room 310C. The area other than the second waiting room 310C may be, for example, a virtual venue 310B.

[0116] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "(2) When a predetermined experience ends" includes, for example, finishing viewing the content displayed in the display area 311. The content is, for example, a movie. Regarding the above-mentioned "(3) Passage of a predetermined time," the predetermined time may be any period of time. Regarding the above-mentioned "(3) Passage of a predetermined time," the timing at which the count of the predetermined time starts is, for example, the timing at which the terminal 10 used by the first user starts displaying a chat screen. Furthermore, "(4) Making a predetermined remark or behavior" refers to, when a sentence input by the first user via the terminal 10 has negative content, being displayed on the chat screen. Note that the above-mentioned "negative content" is, for example, words that slander a predetermined target. "(4) Making a predetermined remark or behavior" may be directed at a specific user participating in the chat screen, or may be directed at a user other than the specific user participating in the chat screen, or may be directed at the content displayed in the display area 311. In this way, by ending the display of the chat screen when "(4) certain words or actions are performed," it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing discomfort to users who participate in the chat screen from then on, other than the user who performs the certain words or actions.

[0117] 4. Operation of System 1000 The operation of the system 1000 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation performed using the system 1000 shown in Figure 1.

[0118] First, steps S111 to S193 will be described in order with reference to FIG.

[0119] In S111, the first user starts an application by operating the first terminal 11. After that, in S121, the first terminal 11 acquires the first data.

[0120] Here, the first data includes, for example, data related to a first avatar 80A in a virtual space operated by the first user using the first terminal 11. The first data may also be user operation data or operation history data, and may include, for example, data related to the position of the first user's first avatar 80A. The first data may also include, for example, data related to the behavior history of an avatar in a virtual space operated by the first user using the first terminal 11.

[0121] In S131, the first terminal 11 performs a first determination process. Here, the first determination process is to determine whether or not the first data satisfies a predetermined condition (first condition). If the first terminal 11 determines in S131 that the first condition is satisfied, control data for controlling the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 is determined, and the process of S141 is executed. On the other hand, if the first terminal 11 determines in S131 that the first condition is not satisfied, the process of S131 is repeated.

[0122] The first condition in S131 is, for example, that the first avatar 80A is located at a predetermined position or within a predetermined area within the virtual space 300. Here, the "predetermined area" refers to, for example, within a predetermined distance from the display area 311. The first condition in S131 may be related to the user's processing status (experiential status). Specifically, the first condition in S131 may include at least one of the following conditions: before performing a predetermined process (before having a predetermined experience), while performing a predetermined process (while having a predetermined experience), and after performing a predetermined process (after having a predetermined experience). If the first condition in S131 is related to the user's processing status (experiential status), the first determination process may make a determination according to the user's processing status (experiential status).

[0123] In S131, if the above-described first condition is satisfied, the first terminal 11 transmits, for example, data relating to the location information of the first avatar 80A to the server 20. In response to this, the server 20 transmits to the first terminal 11, data relating to the display area 314 that displays messages transmitted from the terminals 10 of other users, based on the data relating to the location information of the first avatar 80A.

[0124] In S141, the first terminal 11 performs a first display control process. Here, the first display control process refers to a process in which the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 displays the display area 314, for example.

[0125] After S141, the first terminal 11 transmits the first data to the server 20. Note that the first terminal 11 may transmit the first data to the server 20 before S141.

[0126] In S183, server 20 determines analytical data based on the first data. Then, server 20 transmits the determined analytical data to device 70. For example, server 20 determines analytical data and transmits the determined analytical data to device 70 every time it receives first data.

[0127] In S193, the server 20 determines advertisement data based on the first data. The advertisement data is determined based on the first data and includes data intended for the first user who operates the first terminal 11. In S193, the server 20 transmits the determined advertisement data intended for the first user to the first terminal 11.

[0128] Next, steps S111 to S193 will be described in order with reference to FIG.

[0129] In S111, the first user starts an application by operating the first terminal 11. After that, in S121, the first terminal 11 acquires the first data.

[0130] Here, the first data includes, for example, data related to a first avatar 80A in a virtual space operated by the first user using the first terminal 11. The first data may also be user operation data or operation history data, and may include, for example, data related to the position of the first user's first avatar 80A. The first data may also include, for example, data related to the behavior history of an avatar in a virtual space operated by the first user using the first terminal 11.

[0131] After S121, the first terminal 11 transmits the first data to the server 20.

[0132] In S133, the server 20 performs a first determination process. Here, the first determination process is to determine whether or not the first data satisfies a predetermined condition (first condition). If the server 20 determines in S133 that the first condition is satisfied, the server 20 determines control data for controlling the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 and transmits the control data to the first terminal 11, and the process of S141 is executed. On the other hand, if the server 20 determines in S131 that the first data does not satisfy the first condition, the process of S131 is repeated.

[0133] The first condition in S133 is, for example, being located at a predetermined position or within a predetermined area within the virtual space 300. Here, the "predetermined area" refers to, for example, within a predetermined distance from the display area 311.

[0134] In S141, the first terminal 11 performs a display control process. Here, the first display control process refers to a process in which the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 displays the display area 314, for example.

[0135] In S183, server 20 determines analytical data based on the first data. Then, server 20 transmits the determined analytical data to device 70. For example, server 20 determines analytical data and transmits the determined analytical data to device 70 every time it receives first data.

[0136] In S193, the server 20 determines advertisement data based on the first data. The advertisement data is determined based on the first data and includes data intended for the first user who operates the first terminal 11. In S193, the server 20 transmits the determined advertisement data intended for the first user to the first terminal 11.

[0137] 12 and S193 in Fig. 13, if avatar 80 has entered virtual venue 310 where an event held by a predetermined operating organization is being held and has a history of watching videos played in virtual venue 310, the advertising data transmitted to first terminal 11 may include, for example, data regarding information about an event that the predetermined operating organization will hold in the future. The data includes at least one of text data, image data, and video data.

[0138] 12 and S193 in FIG. 13, the above-mentioned advertisement data may be, for example, data including a URL for accessing a database that stores data related to advertisements determined based on the first data. The above-mentioned advertisement data may also be, for example, already downloaded into an app (application) by batch processing or the like. In this case, the server 20 may transmit data related to an ID corresponding to the data to be transmitted to the first terminal 11, and the first terminal 11 may display the advertisement data based on the ID.

[0139] 12 and / or 13, the first terminal 11 may receive second data including at least one of the position of at least one avatar 80 other than the first avatar 80A and the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A. The first terminal 11 receives the second data from, for example, the server 20. The first terminal 11 may also determine whether a third condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the third condition is satisfied, determine second control data for controlling the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 based on the second data, and control the display unit 140 based on the second control data. The third condition is when the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A is equal to or greater than a first value, or when the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A is equal to or less than a second value. Here, the first value is greater than the second value. Specifically, for example, when the first terminal 11 satisfies the third condition because the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A is equal to or greater than the first value, the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 displays a number of avatars 80 that is fewer than the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A that are currently displayed. Also, specifically, for example, when the first terminal 11 satisfies the third condition because the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A is equal to or less than the second value, the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11 displays a number of avatars 80 that is greater than the total number of avatars 80 other than the first avatar 80A that are currently displayed.

[0140] FIG. 14 shows an example of data transmitted from the terminal 10. In FIG. 14, various data that the server 20 receives from each terminal 10 when a first user, a second user, and a third user each operate an avatar using their own terminal 10 is described. Here, the various data are, for example, data related to "age," "gender," "current location," "virtual object," "chat history," "content viewing history," "parts ID," and "simple avatar." Here, the "parts ID" is, for example, data for identifying an avatar. The "simple avatar" is, for example, data related to an ID pattern according to gender, including male and female.

[0141] The above-mentioned first data may include, for example, at least any of the contents relating to the first user in FIG.

[0142] Here, with regard to the above-mentioned "age", FIG. 14 shows an example in which the first user is 21 years old, the second user is 31 years old, and the third user is 41 years old.

[0143] Furthermore, with regard to the above-mentioned "gender," FIG. 14 shows an example in which the gender of the avatar of the first user is male, the gender of the avatar of the second user is female, and the gender of the avatar of the third user is male.

[0144] Furthermore, with regard to the above-mentioned "current location," Figure 14 shows an example in which an avatar operated by a first user is located at location A01, an avatar operated by a second user is located at location B01, and an avatar operated by a third user is located at location C01.

[0145] 14 shows an example in which an avatar operated by a first user purchases virtual object A12 at price A13 at time A11, an avatar operated by a second user opens virtual object B12 at time B11, and an avatar operated by a third user acquires virtual object C12 at time C11. Virtual object B22 is, for example, a door.

[0146] Furthermore, with regard to the above-mentioned "chat history," Figure 14 shows an example in which a first user's terminal sends a message "Hello" to a third user's terminal at location A22 at time A21, the second user has no chat history with any other users, and the third user's terminal receives the message "Hello" from the first user's terminal at location C22 at time C21.

[0147] Furthermore, with regard to the above-mentioned "content viewing history," Figure 14 shows an example in which a first user's avatar stands up at position A32 at time A31 and starts viewing content, a second user's avatar watches content for two hours in seat B33 at position B32 at time B31, and a third user's avatar finishes viewing content at position C32 at time C31 and leaves seat C33.

[0148] Although the above-mentioned "age" has been described as an example of indicating the user's age, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-mentioned "age" may indicate the age group to which the user belongs. For example, if 21 to 30 years old is defined as Category 1, the age of the first user may be indicated as belonging to Category 1. Furthermore, if 31 to 40 years old is defined as Category 2, the age of the second user may be indicated as belonging to Category 2. Furthermore, if 41 to 50 years old is defined as Category 3, the age of the third user may be indicated as belonging to Category 3. In this way, for example, when analysis data is determined in S183 of FIG. 11 or S183 of FIG. 12 and transmitted to the device 70, data related to age can be used for marketing, etc., without transmitting specific personal information about the user to the device 70.

[0149] Furthermore, although the above-mentioned "current location" indicates the location of the avatar at a specific time, it is not limited to this. For example, it may include data indicating the path of the avatar's movement within virtual space 300 within a predetermined period of time.

[0150] Furthermore, with regard to the "chat history" described above, an example has been described in which a first user sends the message "Hello" to a third user's terminal at a location A22 at a time A21, but the content of the message is not limited to this. Furthermore, data sent from one user's terminal to another user's terminal may include at least one of text, emoticons, voice messages, images, and videos.

[0151] 14 is not limited to the above-described example, and may include data relating to "behavioral history." Data relating to "behavioral history" may include, for example, the time when the avatar 80 entered the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 entered the live venue 410, the time when the avatar 80 left the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 left the live venue 410, the time the avatar 80 stayed in the virtual venue 310, the time the avatar 80 stayed in the live venue 410, the time when the avatar 80 started viewing an object displayed in the display area 311 in the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 started viewing a video in the live venue 410, the time (duration) when the avatar 80 viewed an object displayed in the display area 311 in the virtual venue 310, the time (duration) when the avatar 80 watched a video in the live venue 410, the time when the avatar 80 watched a video in the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 stayed in the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 stayed in the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 started viewing a video in the live venue 410, the time (duration) when the avatar 80 viewed a video in the live venue 410, the time when the avatar 80 stayed in the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 stayed in the virtual venue 310, the time when the avatar 80 The history may include at least one of the following: the time when avatar 80 finished viewing the object displayed in display area 311 at terminal 10, the time when avatar 80 finished viewing the video at live venue 410, the time when avatar 80 sat down in chair 81, the time when avatar 80 left chair 81, the time from when avatar 80 sat down in chair 81 to when avatar 80 left chair 81, and position data of chair 81 when avatar 80 sat down in chair 81; a history of received data including messages received by a user operating one terminal 10 from a terminal 10 operated by a user operating another terminal 10; and a history of sent data including messages sent by a user operating one terminal 10 to a terminal 10 operated by a user operating another terminal 10.

[0152] 14 to transmit to the device 70. For example, in a case where the data to be transmitted to the device 70 includes the content related to the chat history described in FIG. 14, the server 20 may transmit to the device 70 the data described in FIG. 14 excluding the content related to the chat history.

[0153] 14 to the device 70. For example, instead of transmitting data indicating that the first user's avatar is located at position A01 to the device 70, the server 20 may transmit data indicating that the first user's avatar is located near position A01 to the device 70.

[0154] Furthermore, when data including a message for the other of the device 70 and the second terminal 12 is received from one of the device 70 and the second terminal 12, the data including the message does not have to be transmitted to the other terminal 10. In this way, data exchanged between the second terminal 12 and the device 70 is not transmitted to any terminal 10 other than the second terminal 12. Therefore, when data transmitted and received between the second terminal 12 and the device 70 includes data related to personal information of a user operating the second terminal 12, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the personal information will be known to a user operating a terminal 10 other than the second terminal 12.

[0155] When the display unit 140 displays the display area 314 and users chat with each other, the user ID and the avatar 80 in the chat may or may not be linked to each other.

[0156] As described above, according to the present disclosure, first data is acquired regarding a first location where a first avatar 80A is located in a virtual space 300 operated using a first terminal 11 of a first user, and a determination is made as to whether the first location satisfies a first condition that the first location is within a first region. If the first condition is satisfied, data regarding a display area 314 for displaying a message transmitted from a terminal of a user operating at least one of at least one other avatar 80 that is present within the first region or that has previously existed within the first region is received, and the display area 314 is displayed on the display unit 140 of the first terminal 11. Therefore, each of multiple users can communicate with users who are highly related to them via the display area 314 displayed on the display unit 140 of their own terminal 10. This can promote communication between specific users more than ever before.

[0157] 5. Variations

[0158] 12 has been described as an example in which the server 20 performs the processes of S183 and S193 after S141, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server 20 may receive the first data from the first terminal 11 before S131. As a result, the server 20 may perform the process of S183 before S131 and transmit the analysis data to the device 70. Alternatively, for example, the server 20 may perform the process of S193 before S131 and transmit the advertising data to the first terminal 11. In this way, the server 20 can shorten the time between when it receives the first data and when it transmits the analysis data determined based on the received first data to the device 70. Furthermore, the processes of the first terminal 11, the server device 20, and the device 70 are not limited to being performed as a single series of steps on the same flowchart as in FIGS. 12 and 13 , but the processes of the first terminal 11, the server device 20, and the device 70 may be performed simultaneously as separate steps in parallel. The processes at S183 and S193 in Fig. 12 may be performed simultaneously in parallel with processes other than S183 and S193 shown in Fig. 12. The processes at S183 and S193 in Fig. 13 may be performed simultaneously in parallel with processes other than S183 and S193 shown in Fig. 13. For example, every time the first user performs an operation to move first avatar 80A to display an object, the processes at S183 and S193 in Fig. 12 or 13 do not have to be performed as a series of operations, and every time the first user performs an operation to move first avatar 80A, the processes at S183 and S193 in Fig. 12 or 13 do not have to be performed as a series of operations.

[0159] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15, a first sensor 102a, a second sensor 102b, a camera 102c, and a microphone 102d may be provided in addition to the terminal 10 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal 10 and the components connected to the terminal 10 shown in Fig. 3. Here, the terminal 10 is connected to each of the first sensor 102a, the second sensor 102b, the camera 102c, and the microphone 102d, for example, by wire or wirelessly.

[0160] The first sensor 102a is connected to the camera 102c, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The camera 102c may include, for example, an RGB camera that captures visible light and a near-infrared camera that captures near-infrared light. The camera 102c may be, for example, a camera included in the True Depth camera of the iPhone X (registered trademark). The second sensor 102b is connected to the microphone 102d, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The first sensor 102a and the camera 102c may be provided as a single component. The second sensor 102b and the microphone 102d may be provided as a single component.

[0161] In this way, the terminal 10 may transmit an image captured by the camera 102c to the server 20. The first terminal 11 may also transmit audio data input to the microphone 102d to the server 20. The first terminal 11 may also transmit video data captured using the camera 102c and the microphone 102d to the server 20.

[0162] 16 illustrates a generalized example of a suitable computing environment 1400 in which embodiments, techniques, and technologies described herein, including transmitting and using tokens to render video in a computing environment, may be implemented. For example, computing environment 1400 may implement any of a terminal device, a distribution server system, or the like, as described herein.

[0163] The computing environment 1400 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the technology, as the technology may be implemented in a variety of general-purpose or special-purpose computing environments. For example, the technology disclosed herein may be implemented with a variety of other computer system configurations, including various handheld devices, various multiprocessor systems, various microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, various network PCs, various minicomputers, various mainframe computers, etc. The technology disclosed herein may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 16, a computing environment 1400 includes at least one central processing unit 1410 and memory 1420. In FIG. 16, this most basic configuration 1430 is included within the dashed line. The central processing unit 1410 executes computer-executable instructions and may be a real or virtual processor. In a multiprocessing system, multiple processors may operate simultaneously, with multiple processing units executing computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. The memory 1420 may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. The memory 1420 stores, for example, software 1480, various images, and videos that can implement the techniques described herein. The computing environment may also have a variety of additional functionality. For example, computing environment 1400 includes storage 1440, one or more input devices 1450, one or more output devices 1460, and one or more communication connections 1470. An interconnection mechanism (not shown), such as a bus, controller, or network, interconnects the various components of computing environment 1400. Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for other software executing in computing environment 1400 and coordinates various activities of the various components of computing environment 1400.

[0165] Storage 1440 may be removable or non-removable and may include magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, or any other medium used to store information and that can be accessed within computing environment 1400. Storage 1440 stores instructions for software 1480, plug-in data, and messages that can be used to implement the techniques described herein.

[0166] The one or more input devices 1450 may be a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touchscreen display, touch input device such as a pen or trackball, voice input device, scanning device, or another device that provides input to the computing environment 1400. In the case of audio, the one or more input devices 1450 may be a sound card or similar device that accepts audio input in analog or digital form, or a CD-ROM reader that provides various audio samples to the computing environment 1400. The one or more output devices 1460 may be a display, printer, speakers, CD writer, or another device that provides output from the computing environment 1400.

[0167] The one or more communications connections 1470 enable communication to another computing entity over a communications medium (e.g., a connecting network). The communications medium conveys information such as computer-executable instructions, compressed graphics information, video, or other data embodied in a modulated data signal. The one or more communications connections 1470 include, but are not limited to, wired connections (e.g., megabit or gigabit Ethernet, InfiniBand, or Fibre Channel over electrical or optical fiber connections), wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11a / b / n), WiMax, cellular, satellite, laser, infrared, RF connections), and various other suitable communications connections for providing network connectivity to the various agents, bridges, and data consumers of the destination agent disclosed herein. In a virtual host environment, the one or more communications connections may be virtualized network connections provided by the virtual host.

[0168] Various embodiments of the various methods disclosed herein may be performed using computer-executable instructions that implement all or a portion of the techniques disclosed herein in the compute cloud 1490. For example, various agents may perform various vulnerability scanning functions in the computing environment, while agent platforms (e.g., bridges) and destination agent data consumer services may execute on various servers located within the compute cloud 1490.

[0169] Computer-readable media are any available media that can be accessed within computing environment 1400. By way of example, and not limitation, with respect to computing environment 1400, computer-readable media include memory 1420 and / or storage 1440. As will be readily understood, the term computer-readable media includes data storage media such as memory 1420 and storage 1440, and does not include transmission media such as various modulated data signals.

[0170] The various embodiments described above can be used in combination with each other unless a contradiction or inconvenience arises. Considering the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the invention disclosed herein can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are merely preferred examples and should not be considered to limit the scope of the claimed invention to these preferred examples. Indeed, the scope of the claimed invention is defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, we claim the grant of a patent as our invention for all inventions falling within the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0171] The computer program according to the first aspect is "a computer program executed by at least one processor, which causes the at least one processor to function as follows: acquire first data regarding a first position where a first avatar in a virtual space operated using a first terminal of a first user is located; determine whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; and, if the first condition is satisfied, receive data regarding a display area for displaying a message sent from the terminal of a user operating at least one of at least one other avatar that is located within the first area or that has previously been located within the first area; and display the display area on the display unit of the first terminal."

[0172] The computer program according to the second aspect is "a computer program executed by at least one processor, which causes the at least one processor to function as follows: receive, via a communication line, first data regarding a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who controls a first avatar in a virtual space; determine whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, determine a display area in which to display a message sent from a terminal of a user who controls at least one other avatar that is located within the first area or that has previously been located within the first area; and transmit, via the communication line to the first terminal, control data for controlling the display unit of the terminal so as to display the display area on the display unit of the terminal."

[0173] The computer program according to the third aspect is the same as the first or second aspect described above, in which "the display unit displays in the display area a message sent from the terminal of the user operating at least one of the avatars."

[0174] The computer program according to a fourth aspect is the computer program according to any one of the first to third aspects described above, wherein "the display unit displays a message transmitted from the first terminal in the display area."

[0175] The computer program according to the fifth aspect is the same as the fourth aspect described above, except that "the message sent from the first terminal is sent to the terminal of the user operating at least one of the avatars."

[0176] The computer program according to the sixth aspect is one in any of the first to fifth aspects described above, in which "at least one virtual venue is provided within the virtual space, which is a space where videos are distributed, and the first area is an area within one of the at least one virtual venue."

[0177] The computer program according to the seventh aspect is, in any of the first to fifth aspects, such that "at least one virtual venue is provided within the virtual space, which is a space where video is distributed, and the first area is an area within the virtual space that is located on the entrance side of a first virtual venue of the at least one virtual venue and different from the first virtual venue, or an area within the virtual space that is located on the exit side of a first virtual venue of the at least one virtual venue and different from the first virtual venue."

[0178] The computer program according to the eighth aspect is the same as in the seventh aspect described above, in that "determines whether a second condition is met, and if the second condition is met and the first avatar performs a predetermined action from one of the first virtual venue and the first area toward the other of the one virtual venue and the first area, the display unit displays a display screen related to the other."

[0179] The computer program according to the ninth aspect is the same as the eighth aspect described above, wherein "the second condition includes at least one of the following: the video has been played for a predetermined time or more and finished while the first avatar is present in the first virtual venue; the first avatar has sat on a virtual object that can be sat on and left the virtual object; and the first avatar has a virtual object that can be purchased in the virtual space."

[0180] A computer program according to a tenth aspect is one in any of the first to ninth aspects described above, in which "when the message is sent from the user's terminal, the display unit displays the message around an avatar operated by the user."

[0181] The computer program according to an eleventh aspect is a computer program according to any one of the first to tenth aspects described above, wherein "the first data includes data relating to a first position where the first avatar is located and data relating to a predetermined operation performed on a virtual object using the operation of the first terminal, the first condition is that the first position is within a first area, and that a user operating at least one of the avatars that is located within the first area or that has previously been located within the first area performs a predetermined operation on the one virtual object using a terminal, and the display area is a display area that displays a message sent from the terminal of the user operating at least one of the avatars."

[0182] The computer program according to a twelfth aspect is the computer program according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects described above, wherein "the movement of at least one of the avatars in the virtual space is determined in advance."

[0183] A computer program according to the 13th aspect is, in the above-mentioned 1st aspect or any of the 3rd to 12th aspects subordinate to the 1st aspect, "receives second data including at least one of the position of at least one of the other avatars and the total number of at least one of the other avatars, determines whether a third condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the third condition is satisfied, determines second control data for controlling a display unit of the terminal of the first user based on the second data, and controls the display unit based on the second control data."

[0184] A computer program according to the 14th aspect is, in the above-mentioned 2nd aspect or any of the 3rd to 12th aspects subordinate to the 2nd aspect, "receives second data including at least one of the position of at least one of the other avatars and the total number of at least one of the other avatars, determines whether a third condition is satisfied, and if it is determined that the third condition is satisfied, determines second control data for controlling the display unit of the terminal of the first user based on the second data, and transmits the second control data to the first terminal."

[0185] The computer program according to the 15th aspect is the same as in the 13th or 14th aspect above, in which "the third condition is when the total number of the at least one other avatar is greater than or equal to a first value, or when the total number of the at least one other avatar is less than or equal to a second value, and the first value is greater than the second value."

[0186] A computer program according to a sixteenth aspect is the computer program according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects described above, wherein "the virtual space is a three-dimensional space."

[0187] A computer program according to a seventeenth aspect is the computer program according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects described above, wherein "the communication line includes the Internet."

[0188] The computer program according to the 18th aspect is any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 17, wherein "the at least one processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and the communication line includes the Internet."

[0189] The computer program according to the 19th aspect is any one of the first to 18th aspects described above, wherein "the at least one processor is installed in a server device, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, or a personal computer."

[0190] The method according to the 20th aspect includes "the steps of acquiring first data regarding a first position where a first avatar in a virtual space operated using a first terminal of a first user is located; determining whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, receiving data regarding a display area for displaying a message sent from the terminal of a user operating at least one of at least one other avatar that is located within the first area or that has previously been located within the first area; and displaying the display area on the display unit of the first terminal."

[0191] The method according to the 21st aspect includes "the steps of receiving, via a communication line, first data regarding a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who controls a first avatar in a virtual space; determining whether or not the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, determining a display area in which to display a message sent from a terminal of a user who controls at least one of the other avatars that is located within the first area or that has previously been located within the first area; and transmitting, via the communication line, control data to the first terminal for controlling the display unit of the terminal so as to display the display area on the display unit of the terminal."

[0192] The method according to the 22nd aspect is the method according to the 20th or 21st aspect described above, wherein "the communication line includes the Internet."

[0193] The method according to the 23rd aspect is any one of the above-mentioned 20th to 22nd aspects, wherein "the at least one processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU)."

[0194] The server according to the 24th aspect "receives, via a communication line, first data regarding a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who controls a first avatar in a virtual space; determines whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area; if the first condition is satisfied, determines a display area in which to display a message sent from a terminal of a user who controls at least one of the other avatars that is present in the first area or that has previously existed in the first area; and transmits, via the communication line to the first terminal, control data for controlling the display unit of the terminal so as to display the display area on the display unit of the terminal."

[0195] The server according to the 25th aspect is the server according to the 24th aspect described above, wherein "the communication line includes the Internet."

[0196] A server according to the 26th aspect is one in either the 24th or 25th aspect described above, wherein "the at least one processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU)."

[0197] In this way, the technology disclosed herein can provide a computer program, a method, and a server that prevent comfort from being compromised more than before. [Additional Notes] [1] A computer program executed by at least one processor, acquiring first data relating to a first position where a first avatar is located in a virtual space operated by a first user using a first terminal; determining whether or not the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area provided in the virtual space; When the first condition is satisfied, data regarding a display area for displaying a message transmitted from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the other at least one avatars that is present in the first area or that has previously existed in the first area is received from a server via a communication line; causing the at least one processor to function to display the display area on a display unit of the first terminal; At least one virtual venue is provided in the virtual space, where videos are distributed; The first area is an area in the virtual space that is different from a first virtual venue among the at least one virtual venue. Computer program. [2] A computer program executed by at least one processor, receiving, via a communication line, first data relating to a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who operates the first avatar in a virtual space; determining whether or not the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area provided in the virtual space; When the first condition is satisfied, determining a display area for displaying a message transmitted via a communication line from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the other avatars that is present in the first area or that has previously existed in the first area; causing the at least one processor to function to transmit, via the communication line, control data to the first terminal for controlling the display unit to display the display area on the display unit of the first terminal; At least one virtual venue is provided in the virtual space, where videos are distributed; The first area is an area in the virtual space that is different from a first virtual venue among the at least one virtual venue. Computer program. [3] The first region is Located on the exit side of the first virtual venue, 3. A computer program according to claim 1 or claim 2. [4] The first region is Located at the entrance side of the first virtual venue, 3. A computer program according to claim 1 or claim 2. [5] The display unit is a message transmitted from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the avatars is displayed in the display area; 5. The computer program according to claim 1. [6] The display unit is displaying a message transmitted from the first terminal in the display area; 6. The computer program according to claim 1. [7] The message sent from the first terminal is sent to a terminal of a user who operates at least one of the avatars. 7. A computer program according to claim 6. [8] Determine whether the third condition is met; When the third condition is satisfied and the first avatar performs a predetermined action from one of the first virtual venue and the first area to the other of the one virtual venue and the first area, the display unit displays a display screen related to the other. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [9] The third condition is: The video has been played for a predetermined time or more and ended while the first avatar was in the first virtual venue, the first avatar sat on a virtual object that can be sat on and then left the virtual object, and the first avatar has a virtual object that can be purchased in the virtual space. 9. A computer program according to claim 8.

[10] The display unit is When the message is transmitted from the user's terminal, the message is displayed around an avatar operated by the user. 10. The computer program according to claim 1.

[11] The first data is data relating to a first position where the first avatar is present and data relating to a predetermined operation performed on a virtual object using an operation of the first terminal; The first condition is the first position is within the first area, and a user operating at least one of the avatars that is present within the first area or that has previously been present within the first area performs a predetermined operation on the one virtual object using a terminal; the display area is a display area for displaying a message transmitted from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the avatars; The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[12] The movement of at least one of the avatars in the virtual space is determined in advance. 12. The computer program according to claim 1.

[13] receiving second data from the server, the second data including at least one of a position of the at least one other avatar and a total number of the at least one other avatar; Determine whether the fourth condition is met; When it is determined that the fourth condition is satisfied, determining second control data for controlling a display unit of the terminal of the first user based on the second data; controlling the display unit based on the second control data; A computer program according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 12 dependent on claim 1.

[14] The fourth condition is: the total number of the at least one other avatar is equal to or greater than a first value, or the total number of the at least one other avatar is equal to or less than a second value, and the first value is greater than the second value; 14. A computer program according to claim 13.

[15] The virtual space is a three-dimensional space. 15. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

[16] The communication line includes the Internet. 16. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

[17] The at least one processor: including a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, and / or graphics processing unit (GPU); 17. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

[18] The at least one processor is installed in a server device, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, or a personal computer. 18. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

[19] A method performed by at least one processor executing computer-readable instructions, comprising: acquiring first data relating to a first position where a first avatar is located in a virtual space operated by a first user using a first terminal; determining whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area provided in the virtual space; receiving, when the first condition is satisfied, data from a server via a communication line regarding a display area for displaying a message transmitted from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the other at least one avatar that is present in the first area or that has previously existed in the first area; displaying the display area on the display unit of the first terminal; At least one virtual venue is provided in the virtual space, where videos are distributed; The first area is an area in the virtual space that is different from a first virtual venue among the at least one virtual venue. method.

[20] A method performed by at least one processor executing computer-readable instructions, comprising: receiving, via a communication line, first data relating to a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who operates the first avatar in a virtual space; determining whether the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area provided in the virtual space; determining, when the first condition is satisfied, a display area for displaying a message transmitted via a communication line from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the other at least one avatars that is present in the first area or that has previously existed in the first area; transmitting, via the communication line, control data to the first terminal for controlling the display unit so as to display the display area on the display unit of the first terminal; At least one virtual venue is provided in the virtual space, where videos are distributed; The first area is an area in the virtual space that is different from a first virtual venue among the at least one virtual venue. method.

[21] The communication line includes the Internet. 21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20.

[22] The at least one processor: including a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, and / or graphics processing unit (GPU); The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21.

[23] At least one processor, receiving, via a communication line, first data relating to a first position where a first avatar is located from a first terminal of a first user who operates the first avatar in the virtual space; determining whether or not the first position satisfies a first condition that the first position is within a first area provided in the virtual space; When the first condition is satisfied, determining a display area for displaying a message transmitted via a communication line from a terminal of a user operating at least one of the other at least one avatars that is present in the first area or that has previously existed in the first area; transmitting control data to the first terminal via the communication line to control the display unit of the first terminal so as to display the display area on the display unit of the first terminal; At least one virtual venue is provided in the virtual space, where videos are distributed; The first area is an area in the virtual space that is different from a first virtual venue among the at least one virtual venue. server.

[24] The communication line includes the Internet. 24. The server of claim 23.

[25] The at least one processor: including a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, and / or graphics processing unit (GPU); A server according to any one of claims 23 or 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 2. Communication Network 10 devices 11 Terminal 1 12 Terminal 2 14, 24 central processing units 15, 25 Main memory 16, 26 input / output interface 17, 27 Input devices 18, 28 Auxiliary storage device 19, 29 Output device 20 servers 21 First Server System 21A1 Distribution server device 21A2 Server storage device 22 Second Server System 70 equipment 80, 313 Avatar 80A 1st Avatar 81 Chair 102a First sensor 102b Second sensor 102c Camera 102d Microphone 104 Processing section 110 Communications Department 120 Acquisition Department 130 Control Unit 140 Display section 150 User Interface Section 160 Storage section 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 230 Control Unit 300 Virtual Space 301 area 310 Virtual Venue 311, 312 display area 314 Display area 321 points 322 line segments 323 Icon 330 Slider 331 First Element 332 Second Element 1000 systems 1400 computing environment 1410 Processing Unit 1420 memory 1430 Configuration 1440 Storage 1450 Input Device 1460 Output Device 1470 Communication Connections 1480 Software Instructions 1490 Computational Cloud

Claims

[Claim 1] A computer program executed by at least one processor, comprising: acquiring first data relating to a first position where a first avatar is located in a virtual space operated by a first user using a first terminal; determining whether a third movement condition is satisfied, the third movement condition including that a predetermined content has been played for a predetermined time or more and ended while the first avatar is present in a first virtual venue in the virtual space, or that the first avatar has sat on a virtual object that can be sat on and then left the virtual object; receiving data on a display screen related to the second area from a server via a communication line when the third movement condition is satisfied and the first avatar performs a predetermined movement toward the second area from the first virtual venue; causing the at least one processor to function to display the display screen on a display unit of the first terminal; the first virtual venue is at least one virtual venue provided within the virtual space; The second area is an area in the virtual space different from the first virtual venue. Computer program.

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