Processing device, processing method, and processing program

Abstract

To provide a processing device which achieves activation of a mutual customer transfer between actual and VR events.SOLUTION: A VR-side server 210 includes: a construction section 132 for constructing a virtual event site which simulates an actual event site in a virtual reality space, so as to provide it to a user terminal used by a user; and an image display control section 2136 for displaying such a cup holder tower that cup holders with printed images of a specific person or group holding an event in the actual event site are arranged into a tower shape, in the virtual event site.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a processing method, and a processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been proposed that allow users to experience virtual reality (VR) spaces that represent various worldviews, such as event venues, shopping malls, and outdoor spaces.

[0003] For example, a virtual event venue (VR event venue) provides a virtual experience of an event venue by creating a space that mimics an actual event venue (real event venue) in a virtual space. Visiting this VR event venue is expected to encourage users to visit the real event venue, thereby increasing customer numbers and promoting sales at both the real event venue and the VR event venue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-220074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, simply setting up a VR event venue did not raise awareness among users, and did not lead to attracting people to the VR event venue or the real event venue.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a processing device, processing method, and processing program that can realize the activation of mutual customer traffic between actual events and VR event venues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a construction unit that constructs a virtual event venue that imitates an actual event venue in a virtual reality space and provides it to a user terminal used by a user, and a display control unit that displays a cup holder tower in the virtual event venue, in which cup holders printed with images of specific people or groups that will be holding an event at the actual event venue are arranged in a tower shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to stimulate mutual customer traffic between real events and VR event venues. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the advertising area shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the situation at an actual event venue. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area shown in FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the area shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that implements a VR-side server by executing a program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] First, a first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a communication system will be described in which a virtual event venue that imitates an actual event venue (real event venue) is constructed in a VR space and provided to users. Hereinafter, the virtual event venue will be referred to as a VR event venue.

[0012] [Communication system configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a user terminal 20 used by each user, a VR-side server 10 of a VR event venue provider, and a provider terminal 30. The VR-side server 10 communicates with a venue-side server 40 that controls various devices in an actual real event venue. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 1 is merely an example, and the specific configuration and the number of devices are not particularly limited.

[0014] The venue-side server 40 controls the display of advertisements at the actual event venue. The venue-side server 40 controls, for example, the image display on a large-scale signage 50 installed at the event venue.

[0015] The VR-side server 10 is a server device of a VR provider that provides a VR space to each user terminal 20. The VR-side server 10 constructs a VR event venue in the VR space.

[0016] The VR-side server 10 displays advertisements at the VR event venue in accordance with the placement of advertisements at the actual event venue. The VR-side server 10 displays advertisements at the VR event venue for specific people or groups (e.g., artists) who are holding an event at the actual event venue.

[0017] Specifically, the VR server 10 reproduces a support advertisement (birthday advertisement) for a specific person or organization that is popular among supporters at the VR event venue. This allows public relations activities such as promotion of a specific person or organization to be carried out in the VR space, without the constraints of actual location or time, in the first embodiment. The birthday advertisement displayed at the VR event venue can be viewed, and it is also possible to transition to a website for purchasing goods related to the artist or event, for example.

[0018] The business operator terminal 30 is a terminal device used by a manager of a VR space on the VR provider side. For example, the business operator terminal 30 instructs the VR-side server 10 to display a birthday advertisement at a VR event venue. The business operator terminal 30 also provides, for example, marketing support for the implementation of an event based on statistical information regarding visitors to the VR event venue, viewing of the birthday advertisement, and / or transitions to the birthday advertisement site.

[0019] The user terminal 20 is an information processing device such as a laptop PC (Personal Computer) or desktop PC, or a smart device such as a tablet or smartphone. The user terminal 20 connects to the VR-side server 10 via a network and is provided with a VR space created by the VR-side server 10. For example, a user can simulate an artist's event at a VR event venue and view birthday advertisements for the VR event venue by operating the user terminal 20 from a browser using the Web VR mechanism. Furthermore, the user may wear, for example, VR goggles or AR (Augmented Reality) glasses to experience the VR space.

[0020] [Server device] Next, the VR-side server 10 will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the VR-side server 10 has a communication unit 11 that controls communication related to various information, a memory unit 12 that stores data and programs required for various processes by a control unit 13, and a control unit 13 that executes various processes.

[0021] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various information to and from other devices connected via a network, etc. The communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and performs communication between other devices and a control unit 13 (described later) via electric communication lines such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0022] For example, the communication unit 11 receives a request to enter a VR space from the user terminal 20 via the network. The communication unit 11 also receives a request to view a birthday advertisement or a request to transition to an advertisement site from the user terminal 20. The communication unit 11 may also receive instruction information for an image to be displayed as a birthday advertisement from the business operator terminal 30.

[0023] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 may be a data-rewritable semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, or an NVSRAM (Non-Volatile Static Random Access Memory). The storage unit 12 stores an OS (Operating System) and various programs executed on the VR side server 10. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores various information used in the execution of the programs. The storage unit 12 stores construction information 121, content information 122, advertisement data 123, user information 124, and first linkage information 125.

[0024] The construction information 121 is information required to construct a VR space in a virtual space. The construction information 121 includes image processing conditions and image processing programs for constructing a VR space in a virtual space. The construction information 121 also includes photographs of the area to be expressed in the VR space taken from a fixed point or 360°, or images of the VR space constructed by image processing these photographs. For example, when the VR space is constructed using CG (Computer Graphics), the construction information 121 is an image that reproduces the area to be expressed in the VR space. The construction information 121 also includes image information and position information of the viewpoint, which is the viewing position of the content.

[0025] The construction information 121 is information for constructing a VR event venue. The VR event venue includes, for example, photographs of the streetscape, exterior, interior, and streetscape of the venue where the event will be held taken from a fixed point or in 360°, or images of the VR event venue constructed by image processing these photographs. If the VR event venue is a main street in town, the construction information 121 includes photographs of this main street and the surrounding buildings taken from a fixed point or in 360°, or images obtained by image processing these photographs.

[0026] The content information 122 is information about the content to be placed in the VR space. The content is image content or audio content.

[0027] The advertisement data 123 includes data related to various advertisements displayed at the VR event venue. The advertisement data includes, for example, 2D (Dimensions) or 3D images, audio, and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the advertisement site. The advertisement data may also include, for example, a pop-up image that displays a description of the person, organization, or product advertised when the advertisement is selected by the user. The advertisement site may be, for example, a dedicated site for a specific person or organization advertised as a birthday advertisement, an event information site, a product sales site, or a sales site for the advertised product or service.

[0028] The user information 124 is information about each user who is registered as an attendee of the VR space. For example, the user registers the user information 124 when entering the VR event venue, and the user information 124 is transmitted to the VR-side server 10. The user information 124 includes, for example, the user's ID, a browsing history associated with each user ID, and identification information of a specific person or organization that the user supports. For example, the browsing history is the viewing time and identification information of the advertisements viewed. Note that a user can enter the VR event venue without registering their own user information.

[0029] The first linkage information 125 is control information of the venue-side server 40 obtained through communication with the venue-side server 40. The first linkage information 125 is, for example, data including information about the advertising data output from the signage 50 and the timing of advertising output. The first linkage information 125 may also include output control information for birthday advertising by the VR-side server 10.

[0030] The control unit 13 controls the entire VR side server 10. The control unit 13 is, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 13 also has an internal memory for storing programs that define various processing procedures and control data, and executes each process using the internal memory. The control unit 13 also functions as various processing units by running various programs. The control unit 13 has a reception unit 131, a construction unit 132, and a first setting unit 133.

[0031] The reception unit 131 receives a user's entry into the VR event venue. The reception unit 131 receives information and instruction information from the user terminal 20, the business operator terminal 30, and the venue-side server 40. For example, the reception unit 131 receives a request to view a birthday advertisement or a request to transition via the birthday advertisement to a product purchasing site related to an artist or event.

[0032] The construction unit 132 constructs a VR event venue in a virtual space using images or CG. The construction unit 132 constructs the VR event venue by imitating an actual event venue, which is a main street in a city, using images of the main street and surrounding buildings photographed from a fixed point or in 360°, or using CG of these. When the construction unit 132 accepts a user's entry to the VR event venue, it acquires the construction information 121 and constructs the VR event venue for which entry has been accepted in the virtual space. The construction unit 132 then provides the constructed VR event venue to each user terminal 20 used by the user.

[0033] The construction unit 132 constructs a VR space, for example, centered on a viewpoint, which is the position from which the content is viewed, and provides the VR space to each user terminal 20 used by each user. When a user instructs rotation on the viewpoint, the construction unit 132 constructs in the virtual space a view that can be seen when rotating on the viewpoint, and provides the view to the user terminal 20.

[0034] Furthermore, when the user instructs the viewer to move their gaze up, down, left, or right on the viewpoint, the construction unit 132 constructs in the virtual space a view that can be seen when the viewer moves their gaze up, down, left, or right, and provides this to the user terminal 20. Furthermore, when the user clicks or performs an enlargement operation on content that can be viewed at the viewpoint, the construction unit 132 permits viewing of the content or enlarges the content. Multiple viewpoints may be provided. By reducing the distance between viewpoints in the virtual space, the user may be provided with a simulated experience of walking through the VR event venue.

[0035] The first setting unit 133 sets birthday advertisements for the VR event venue. The first setting unit 133 controls the display of advertisements in the VR event venue in accordance with the placement of advertisements in the actual event venue. The first setting unit 133 includes a first setting information acquisition unit 134, an advertisement setting unit 135, an advertisement display control unit 136, and a first linkage unit 137.

[0036] The first setting information acquisition unit 134 acquires setting information for setting the display of birthday advertisements at the VR event venue. The setting information is various information related to the output of birthday advertisements, such as the display position of the birthday advertisement at the VR event venue, information about the advertisement to be displayed as the birthday advertisement, advertisement data to be displayed as the birthday advertisement, output timing of the birthday advertisement, and collaboration information received by the first collaboration unit 137. The first setting information acquisition unit 134 acquires, for example, instruction information for the birthday advertisement to be displayed at the VR event venue from the business operator terminal 30. In addition, the first setting information acquisition unit 134 acquires control information related to the advertisement output of the venue-side server 40 from the venue-side server 40.

[0037] The advertisement setting unit 135 sets the advertisement to be displayed in the VR event venue and the placement position of the advertisement. For example, the advertisement setting unit 135 sets the advertisement to be displayed in the VR event venue and the placement position of the advertisement according to instruction information for a birthday advertisement to be displayed in the VR event venue from the business operator terminal 30.

[0038] The advertisement display control unit 136 displays the advertisement set by the advertisement setting unit 135 at the placement position set by the advertisement setting unit 135 in the VR event venue.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the VR-side server 10 causes the user terminal 20 to display a VR event venue on a browser.

[0040] 3 displays a VR event venue that mimics an actual event venue, for example, in 3D. On screen D1, an advertising area W1 is set with a TV tower T1 that mimics the TV tower at the actual event venue superimposed on the background.

[0041] In the advertising area W1, for example, advertising images are displayed in 2D or 3D in the area TA1 on the right side of the TV tower, the area TA2 on the left side, and the area TA3 near the base. In addition, text advertisements are displayed in the space below the TV tower T1. Selecting each symbol in box B1 displays zoom-in, zoom-out, simplified display, operation instructions, new information, and updated information. Lighting effects unique to 3D can also be created around the TV tower T1. By selecting arrows Y1 and Y2, users can switch to a virtual space visible when they turn right or left at the VR event venue. The size of the advertising area W1 and the placement of advertisements in the advertising area W1 are merely examples, and the size and placement may be different from those shown in Figure 3.

[0042] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the advertising area W1 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, within the advertising area W1, three advertising images can be placed at positions P10, P11, and P12 in the left-hand area TA1. Three advertising images can be placed at positions P13, P14, and P15 in the right-hand area TA2. Five advertising images can be placed at positions P16, P17, P18, P19, and P20 in the area TA3 near the base.

[0043] The first linking unit 137 links with the venue-side server 40 that controls the display of advertisements at the actual event venue, and receives the advertisement placement status at the actual event venue as linking information.

[0044] Then, the advertisement setting unit 135 displays advertisements in the VR event venue in accordance with the advertisement placement in the actual event venue. Based on the link information received by the first linking unit 137, the advertisement setting unit 135 reflects the advertisement placement situation in the actual event venue in the VR event venue.

[0045] For example, when one or more advertisement images are displayed at an actual event venue, the advertisement setting unit 135 sets one or more advertisement images that are the same as the advertisements displayed at the actual event venue to be displayed in the VR event space in the same arrangement as the advertisements at the actual event venue.

[0046] Furthermore, when the first collaboration unit 137 acquires update information of advertisements displayed at the actual event venue through communication with the venue-side server 40, the advertisement setting unit 135 sets the advertisements updated at the actual event venue to also be updated in the VR event space.

[0047] Furthermore, the advertisement setting unit 135 may set a larger number of advertisement images to be displayed in the VR event space than the number of advertisements displayed in the actual event venue. For example, the advertisement setting unit 135 may set a larger number of advertisement images to be displayed in the VR event space than the advertisements displayed in the actual event venue. For example, the advertisement setting unit 135 may set a larger number of advertisement images to be displayed in the VR event space, together with the advertisement images that are the same as the advertisements displayed in the actual event venue, for a specific person or organization that the advertisement images advertise.

[0048] The advertisement setting unit 135 may also set an advertisement for a specific person or organization holding an event at the actual event venue to be displayed as an advertisement for the VR event venue. The advertisement setting unit 135 may also set the content, size, and placement position of the advertisement for the VR event venue in accordance with the content of the event at the actual event venue.

[0049] For example, the advertising setting unit 135 sets the advertising image of a specific person appearing in an event actually being held at an actual event venue to be displayed in the VR event space in a state where transitions to a dedicated site, an event information site, or a merchandise sales site are possible.

[0050] Furthermore, the advertisement setting unit 135 may be configured to display a large advertisement image of a specific person appearing in an event that is actually being held at an actual event venue, as well as to display multiple advertisement images. In addition, the advertisement setting unit 135 may be configured to display an advertisement image of an organization related to a specific person appearing in the event that is actually being held, an advertisement image related to the event that is actually being held, or an advertisement image for the next event.

[0051] In addition, the advertisement setting unit 135 may set the advertisements to be displayed at the VR event venue and the placement positions of the advertisements based on statistical information regarding visitors to the VR event venue, the viewing of advertisements by visitors to the VR event venue, and / or the transition of visitors to the VR event venue to the advertisement sites.

[0052] For example, the advertisement setting unit 135 arranges advertisements for the VR event venue in descending order of the number of views and / or the number of transitions to the advertisement site. Specifically, the advertisement setting unit 135 may arrange advertisement images from top to bottom in the right area TA1 and the left area TA2 in descending order of the number of views of the advertisement. Furthermore, the advertisement setting unit 135 may collect statistics on visitors to the VR event venue and set up to display trend advertisements that match the age, gender, and attributes that are most prevalent among visitors at the VR event venue.

[0053] Furthermore, the advertisement setting unit 135 may set that advertisements displayed on signage in an actual event venue be displayed in the VR event venue. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the situation in an actual event venue.

[0054] 5, at the actual event venue R1, a large signage 50 is installed in front of a TV tower RT1. For example, based on the linkage information received by the first linkage unit 137, the advertisement setting unit 135 may also set up a large signage in front of the TV tower RT1 at the VR event venue and set up the large signage to display the advertisement image displayed on the signage 50.

[0055] In addition, the first linking unit 137 transmits information indicating, among the advertisements displayed at the VR event venue, advertisements that have been viewed many times, have been redirected to advertising sites many times, and have been looked at many times by users, to the venue-side server 40 as linking information.

[0056] Based on the linkage information sent from the first linkage unit 137, the venue server 40 may control the display of advertisements displayed at the VR event venue, such as advertisements that have been viewed many times or have been redirected to advertising sites many times, and advertisements that have been looked at many times by users, in order of priority, for example, from a large signage 50.

[0057] [Processing Procedure] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the first embodiment.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, when the VR side server 10 accepts an application for admission to a VR event venue from a user terminal 20 (steps S1, S2), it acquires construction information 121 and content information 122 (step S3) and constructs the VR event venue in the virtual space (step S4).

[0059] Then, the VR-side server 10 acquires setting information for setting the display of the birthday advertisement at the VR event venue (step S5).

[0060] The VR-side server 10 sets the advertisement to be displayed in the VR event venue and the placement position of the advertisement (step S6). The VR-side server 10 displays the advertisement set in step S6 in the placement position set in step S6 in the VR event venue (step S7). Then, the VR-side server 10 provides the VR space in which the VR event venue is constructed to the user terminal 20 (step S8).

[0061] At the actual event venue, advertisements are displayed on signage 50 (step S10) under advertisement output control by venue-side server 40 (step S9).

[0062] Next, the VR-side server 10 cooperates with the venue-side server 40 that controls the display of advertisements in the actual event venue, and receives, for example, the advertisement placement status in the actual event venue as cooperation information (step S11).

[0063] Based on the linkage information, the VR-side server 10 sets the advertisements to be displayed in the VR event venue and the placement positions of the advertisements so that the placement status of advertisements in the actual event venue is reflected in the VR event venue (step S12).The VR-side server 10 displays the advertisements in the VR event venue according to the settings in step S12 (step S13).

[0064] The VR-side server 10 also cooperates with the venue-side server 40, which controls the display of advertisements at the actual event venue, and transmits, for example, the placement status of advertisements at the VR event venue as cooperation information (step S11). The VR-side server 10 transmits, as cooperation information, information indicating which advertisements displayed at the VR event venue have the highest number of views or transitions to advertisement sites, and which advertisements have been frequently looked at by users, to the venue-side server 40.

[0065] In this case, the venue server 40 may control the advertisements to be output from the large signage 50 based on the linkage information transmitted in step S11 (step S14), and may cause the advertisements to be displayed from the signage 50 (step S15). For example, the venue server 40 may control the advertisements displayed at the VR event venue, so that advertisements with the highest number of views or transitions to advertising sites, or advertisements that users have looked at the most frequently, are output from the large signage 50 in descending order of priority.

[0066] [Effects of the First Embodiment] In this way, the VR-side server 10 can reproduce, at the VR event venue, birthday advertisements for a particular person or group (for example, an artist) that are popular among fans of their favorite artists. Therefore, the VR-side server 10 makes it possible to promote artists without the constraints of location or time, thereby increasing awareness among users. Furthermore, birthday advertisements displayed at the VR event venue can be viewed, and users can also be redirected to, for example, a website for purchasing merchandise related to the artist or event. Therefore, the VR-side server 10 can promote sales of merchandise.

[0067] By displaying the birthday advertisement at the VR event venue, the VR side server 10 is expected to increase the number of visitors to the VR event venue to view the birthday advertisement, and can also attract people to the actual event venue.

[0068] Furthermore, the VR-side server 10 can work in conjunction with the venue-side server 40 to display advertisements for the actual event venue at the VR event venue, and also display advertisements displayed at the VR event venue at the actual event venue. In this way, in the first embodiment, by activating mutual customer referrals between the real and digital worlds, it is possible to attract customers to events, promote sales of goods, and contribute to sales.

[0069] [Embodiment 2] Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, a case will be described in which a cup holder tower is displayed in a VR event venue, in which cup holders on which images of specific people or groups holding an event at the actual event venue are printed are arranged in a tower shape.

[0070] [Communication system configuration] A configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 7, a communication system 201 (processing device) according to the second embodiment includes user terminals 20A and 20B used by each user, a VR-side server 210 of a VR event venue provider, and a provider terminal 30. The VR-side server 210 communicates with a venue-side server 40 that controls various devices in an actual real event venue. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 7 is merely an example, and the specific configuration and the number of devices are not particularly limited.

[0072] The venue-side server 40 controls the devices at the actual event venue. The venue-side server 40 also communicates with store terminals 250 at the stores selling items at the actual event venue, and transmits, for example, requests to sell items to the store terminals 250.

[0073] The user terminals 20A and 20B are, for example, information processing devices such as laptop PCs or desktop PCs, or smart devices such as tablets or smartphones, similar to the user terminal 20. For example, the user terminal 20A is located outside the event venue, and the user terminal 20B is located inside the actual event venue. The user terminals 20A and 20B are collectively referred to as user terminals 20.

[0074] The VR-side server 210 displays a cup holder tower in the VR event venue, in which cup holders displaying images of specific people or groups holding an event at the actual event venue are arranged in a tower shape. Each image displayed in the cup holder tower is a 2D or 3D image (still image or video).

[0075] The VR server 210 constructs a cup holder tower at the VR event venue, printed with images of a specific person or group that is popular among fans. Images of the cup holders can be freely uploaded by users. For example, a user can take an image of a specific person or group currently holding an event at the actual event venue and upload it in parallel with the event.

[0076] In addition, the VR-side server 210 may cooperate with the venue-side server 40 to provide services such as creating actual cups based on images uploaded to a cup holder tower displayed at the VR event venue.

[0077] In this way, the VR server 210 recreates the cup holder tower that is popular among fans of Oshikatsu in the VR space. This allows public relations activities such as promotion of a specific person or organization to be carried out in the VR space without the constraints of actual location or time in the second embodiment.

[0078] [VR side server] Next, we will explain the VR-side server 210. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server 210 shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, the VR-side server 210 has a control unit 213 instead of the control unit 13 of the VR-side server 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0079] The storage unit 12 has construction information 121, content information 2122 including information relating to content related to the cup holder tower, image data 2123 updated from the user terminals 20A and 20B, aggregation information 2124, and second linkage information 2125.

[0080] The aggregate information 2124 is aggregate information of the number of like buttons (first information) received from users who entered the VR event venue, which indicate that they liked an image. The aggregate information 2124 is aggregated for each image uploaded to the cup holder tower.

[0081] The second link information 2125 is link information acquired through communication between the VR-side server 210 and the venue-side server 40. For example, the second link information 2125 includes information about a store site that accepts orders for products printed with an image selected by a user.

[0082] The control unit 213 includes a reception unit 131 , a construction unit 132 , and a second setting unit 2133 .

[0083] The reception unit 131 receives images of specific people or groups uploaded by users (including spectators and audience members). The reception unit 131 may also receive uploads of images of specific people or groups from the business operator terminal 30. For example, when a cup holder tower or the cup portion of the cup holder tower is clicked or tapped on the screen of the user terminal 20, a selection screen for images to upload is displayed, and the selected image is sent to the VR-side server 210. The reception unit 131 also receives, for each image, first information (for example, a like button) from users who have entered the VR event venue, indicating that they like the image.

[0084] The construction unit 132 constructs a VR event venue in a virtual space, similar to the first embodiment.

[0085] The second setting unit 2133 sets an image to be displayed in the cup holder tower at the VR event venue. The second setting unit 2133 sets an image and display position to be displayed in the cup holder tower from among images of a specific person or group uploaded by the user in accordance with predetermined rules, and controls the display on the cup holder tower. The second setting unit 2133 has a second setting information acquisition unit 2134, an image setting unit 2135 (setting unit), an image display control unit 2136 (display control unit), and a second collaboration unit 2137 (collaboration unit).

[0086] The second setting information acquisition unit 2134 acquires setting information for setting image display on the cup holder tower at the VR event venue. The setting information is various information related to the output of images to the cup holder tower, such as the display position of the cup holder tower at the VR event venue, information related to the image to be displayed on the cup holder tower, the output timing of the image on the cup holder tower, and coordination information received by the second coordination unit 2137. The second setting information acquisition unit 2134 acquires, for example, from the business operator terminal 30, predetermined rules for images to be displayed at the VR event venue, cleansing rules, etc.

[0087] The image setting unit 2135 sets the image to be displayed on the cup holder tower at the VR event venue and the position where the image is to be displayed. The image setting unit 2135 sets the image to be displayed on the cup holder tower and the display position of the image from among the images accepted by the acceptance unit 131, in accordance with the predetermined rules transmitted by the business operator terminal 30.

[0088] The image display control unit 2136 displays a cup holder tower in the VR event venue, in which cup holders printed with images of specific people or groups holding events at the actual event venue are arranged in a tower shape.

[0089] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the VR-side server 210 causes the user terminal 20 to display a VR event venue on a browser.

[0090] Screen D2 shown in FIG. 9 displays, for example, a 3D representation of a VR event venue that mimics an actual event venue. Screen D2 defines area W2, which displays a cup holder tower at the actual event venue. Selecting a symbol in box B2 below area W2 displays zoom out, zoom in, simplified display, operation instructions, new information, and updated information. By selecting arrows Y21 and Y22, the user can switch to the virtual space visible when the user turns right or left at the VR event venue.

[0091] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of area W2 shown in Fig. 9. In area W2, for example, one image can be displayed at position P30 in the top row, two images at positions P31 and P32 in the second row, three images at positions P33 to P35 in the third row, and four images at positions P36 to P39 in the fourth row. For example, the image setting unit 2135 moves and displays the images from bottom to top in the order in which they were uploaded, and when the number of images to be displayed exceeds the limit, the oldest images are sequentially removed from the display targets.

[0092] The image setting unit 2135 removes from the images displayed on the cup holder tower, among the images received by the reception unit 131, images that are unrelated to events being held at the actual event venue and / or specific people or organizations holding events at the actual event venue, and images that are defamatory of specific people or organizations.

[0093] The image setting unit 2135 uses, for example, an image classifier to classify and remove images that are unrelated to the event and / or a specific person or organization, and images that are defamatory of a specific person or organization. The image setting unit 2135 classifies and removes, from the images received by the reception unit 131, images that can identify individuals unrelated to the specific person or organization holding the event. The image setting unit 2135 cleanses the uploaded images by setting only images related to the event and / or a specific person or organization as images of the cup holder tower.

[0094] Furthermore, the image setting unit 2135 sets an image to be placed above the cup holder for an image for which the number of first information (for example, like buttons) received by the receiving unit 131 is greater. The image setting unit 2135 also sets an image for which the number of first information received by the receiving unit 131 is greater, for a longer display time.

[0095] In this way, the image setting unit 2135 sets an image with a larger number of first information receptions, in other words, a more popular image, so that it rises to the top and is displayed for a longer period of time. Also, the image setting unit 2135 shortens the display time of the cup holder tower for an image with fewer first information receptions. This naturally weeds out irrelevant images, so that images with good ratings can remain without the image setting unit 2135 having to cleanse the images.

[0096] The cup holder tower is divided into multiple areas, and an image of a specific type is set for each area. The image setting unit 2135 classifies the image type received by the receiving unit 131, and sets the display in the area according to the classified type.

[0097] An example will be described in which the event is an orchestral concert. In the example of Fig. 10, the image setting unit 2135 sets an image of a percussion instrument at position P30 on the first row, a brass instrument at positions P31 and P32 on the second row, a woodwind instrument at positions P33 to P35 on the third row, and a string instrument at positions P36 to P39 on the fourth row. The image setting unit 2135 may classify the type of image using an image classifier. The arrangement of the images in the cup holder tower can also be customized for each user.

[0098] In this way, the type of image to be displayed is set for each cup holder tower area, so the user can view the type of image they prefer by simply looking at a specified area without having to look at all the images in the cup holder tower.

[0099] When the second linking unit 2137 receives a selection of an image of a cup holder tower and a request to purchase an item from the user, it transmits request information to the item seller requesting the sale of an item on which the image selected by the user is printed. For example, when the second linking unit 2137 receives the selection of an image of a cup holder tower, it enables transition to an order site that accepts an order for the item from the store. In addition, the second linking unit 2137 communicates with the store terminal 250 of the store selling the item via the venue-side server 40 to request the order for the item.

[0100] [Processing Procedure] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the second embodiment.

[0101] As shown in Figure 11, when the VR side server 210 accepts an application for admission to a VR event venue from user terminals 20A and 20B (steps S21-1, S21-2, S22), it acquires construction information 121 and content information 2122 (step S23) and constructs the VR event venue in the virtual space (step S24).

[0102] Then, the VR-side server 210 acquires setting information for setting image display on the cup holder tower at the VR event venue (step S25).

[0103] The VR-side server 210 sets the image to be displayed on the cup holder tower of the VR event venue and the position of the image (step S26), and displays the cup holder tower according to the setting in step S26 (step S27). In step S26, the image setting unit 2135 sets, as an initial setting, to arrange, in a predetermined arrangement, for example, an advertising image for the event at the actual event venue, an advertising image for a specific person or group holding an event at the actual event venue, an exterior image of the actual event venue, an image of a pamphlet for the event, etc.

[0104] Then, the VR-side server 210 provides the VR space in which the VR event venue has been constructed to the user terminals 20A and 20B (steps S28-1 and S28-2).

[0105] Then, the VR-side server 210 accepts uploads of images from the user terminals 20A and 20B (steps S29-1 and S29-2). The VR-side server 210 sets, from among the uploaded images accepted, the images to be displayed on the cup holder tower at the VR event venue and the placement positions of the images (step S30), and displays the cup holder tower according to the settings of step S30 (step S31). The VR-side server 210 executes the processes of steps S30 and S31 every time it accepts an image upload.

[0106] Next, the VR-side server 210 will be described as accepting, for example, a selection of an image of a cup holder tower and a request to purchase an item from the user terminal 20B (step S32). In this case, the VR-side server 210 transmits request information requesting the sale of an item on which the image selected by the user terminal 20B is printed to the store terminal 250 of the item seller via the venue-side server 40 (steps S33, S34).

[0107] Then, when the store terminal 250 receives a request to sell an item (step S35), it transmits sales acceptance information to the user terminal 20B (step S36). When the item on which the image selected by the user terminal 20B is printed is completed, the item is sent to the delivery address registered by the user terminal 20B.

[0108] [Effects of the second embodiment] In this way, the VR server 210 according to the second embodiment recreates the cup holder tower that is popular among fans of idols in a VR space. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to carry out public relations activities such as promoting a specific person or organization in a VR space without the constraints of actual location or time. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it is expected that an increase in the number of visitors to the VR event venue will be possible in order to view the cup holder tower at the VR event venue and upload images, and it will also be possible to attract more visitors to the actual event venue.

[0109] By displaying the cup holder tower at the VR event venue, the VR side server 210 is expected to increase the number of visitors to the VR event venue to view the cup holder tower and upload images to the cup holder tower, and can also attract people to the actual event venue.

[0110] In the second embodiment, a service is provided in which an actual cup is created based on an image uploaded to a cup holder tower displayed at a VR event venue. Therefore, the second embodiment can connect a purchasing experience from the digital space to the real world. In this way, the second embodiment can attract customers to events, promote sales of goods, and contribute to sales by activating mutual customer referrals between the real world and the digital world.

[0111] [Embodiment 3] Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. In embodiment 3, a case will be described in which a video captured of an event at an actual event venue is distributed in a predetermined distribution area at a VR event venue.

[0112] [Communication system configuration] A configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment will be described below. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 12, the communication system 301 according to the third embodiment includes a user terminal 20 used by each user, a VR-side server 310 of a VR event venue provider, and a provider terminal 30. The VR-side server 310 communicates with a venue-side server 40 that controls various devices in the actual real event venue, and also communicates with a partner server 360 that can be linked in the VR event space. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 12 is merely an example, and the specific configuration and the number of devices are not particularly limited.

[0114] The venue-side server 40 controls the equipment at the actual event venue. The venue-side server 40 connects to an imaging device 350 that captures images of the event at the actual event venue, and transmits the event video captured by the imaging device 350 to the VR-side server 310.

[0115] The linked server 360 manages, for example, a platform on which communication tools can be used. The linked server 360 manages, for example, a communication site on which users can post messages of support for a specific person or organization holding an event at an actual event venue. The platform managed by the linked server 360 may also be a platform used by users who share common hobbies or lifeworks.

[0116] The VR-side server 310 distributes, in a predetermined distribution area, videos of events captured at an actual event venue in a VR event venue. The videos distributed by the VR-side server 310 are, for example, videos of events captured at an actual event venue by an imaging device 350, and are distributed in real time or as an archive.

[0117] In this way, the VR-side server 310 distributes video footage of an event captured at an actual event venue in the VR space. This allows public relations activities such as promotion of a specific person or organization to be carried out in the VR space, without the constraints of actual location or time, in the third embodiment.

[0118] [VR side server] Next, we will explain the VR-side server 310. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server 310 shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the VR-side server 310 has a control unit 313 instead of the control unit 13 of the VR-side server 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0119] The memory unit 12 has construction information 121, content information 3122 including information regarding content related to video distribution, video data 3123 of the event captured by the imaging device 350 transmitted from the venue server 40, user information 3124, and third linkage information 3125.

[0120] User information 3124 may include information indicating the user's hobbies and life's work in addition to the user's ID, the browsing history associated with each user ID, and identification information of a specific person or organization that the user supports.

[0121] The third linkage information 3125 is control information of the venue-side server 40 obtained through communication between the VR-side server 310 and the venue-side server 40, and information regarding the platform managed by the linked server 360 obtained through communication with the linked server 360.

[0122] The control unit 313 includes a reception unit 131 , a construction unit 132 , and a third setting unit 3133 .

[0123] The reception unit 131 receives video data of an actual event captured by the imaging device 350 from the venue-side server 40. The reception unit 131 also receives from the user terminal 20, for example, a transition to another platform.

[0124] The construction unit 132 constructs a VR event venue in a virtual space, similar to the first embodiment.

[0125] The third setting unit 3133 sets various processes for video distribution at the VR event venue. The third setting unit 3133 has a third setting information acquisition unit 3134, a video setting unit 3135, a video distribution control unit 3136, and a third linkage unit 3137.

[0126] The third setting information acquisition unit 3134 acquires setting information for streaming videos from a VR event venue. The setting information includes, for example, link creation information for limited streaming of the video, the location of the video streaming at the VR event venue, and video data to be streamed. There may be multiple links for limited streaming of the video, and it may be for public viewing instead of limited streaming.

[0127] The video setting unit 3135 sets the video to be distributed at the VR event venue. The video setting unit 3135 sets, for example, a limited-access uniform resource locator (URL) for video distribution.

[0128] Then, the video distribution control unit 3136 distributes the video of the event at the actual event venue in a predetermined distribution area at the VR event venue. The video distribution control unit 3136 uploads the video of the event at the actual event venue to the restricted access URL set by the video setting unit 3135.

[0129] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the VR-side server 310 causes the user terminal 20 to display a VR event venue on the browser.

[0130] Screen D3 shown in FIG. 14 displays, for example, a 3D representation of a VR event venue that mimics an actual event venue. Screen D3 defines an area W3 where video is streamed to the actual event venue. Selecting a symbol in box B3 below area W3 displays zoom out, zoom in, simplified display, operation instructions, new information, and updated information. By selecting arrows Y31 and Y32, the user can switch to a virtual space that can be viewed when the user turns right or left at the VR event venue.

[0131] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of area W3 shown in Fig. 14. In area W3, for example, a central area P40 is used to distribute videos of events captured at an actual event venue. The videos in area P40 are, for example, privately accessible, and video distribution begins when the user clicks or taps on the video.

[0132] Furthermore, the video distribution control unit 3136 may distribute video captured at an actual event venue in real time in parallel with the progress of the event at the actual event venue, or may distribute the video as an archive.

[0133] The third linking unit 3137 links with the link destination server 360 that manages the platform on which the communication tool is available, and enables transition from a predetermined distribution area to the platform.

[0134] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, when an area P41 to the right of the area P40 in Fig. 15 is clicked or tapped, the third linkage unit 3137 transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to a screen W31 (which may be a metaverse space) of a platform on which the communication tool shown in Fig. 16 can be used. On the screen W31, for example, a site for supporting a particular person or organization holding an event at an actual event venue is displayed.

[0135] On screen W31, users can attach messages of support for a specific person or organization they "favorite," for example, like a sticky note ((1) in Figure 16). This communication tool also allows users to converse with each other using avatars and chat functions ((2) in Figure 16). This communication tool also provides an automatic playback service for videos and music when users transition to the virtual space, thereby enhancing the user's sense of immersion. This communication tool also makes it possible to acquire user information and share attribute tendency values. This communication tool also allows users to complete questionnaires (optional responses).

[0136] In addition, when area P42 to the left of area P40 in Figure 15 (for example, the text part ``Explore the event venue remotely at the VR event venue'') is clicked or tapped, the third collaboration unit 3137 transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to a VR space in which the event venue can be explored.

[0137] For example, the VR space to which the user transitions may be a VR space simulating an actual event venue, where a stamp rally or a mystery-solving event is being held. The third linking unit 3137 may link the stamp rally or mystery-solving event in the VR space with a stamp rally or mystery-solving event also being held at the actual event venue. For example, the third linking unit 3137 may enable the user to exchange stamps collected by participating in the event in the VR space or prizes corresponding to the number of puzzles solved at the actual event venue. The third linking unit 3137 may enable the user to obtain points or coupons that can be used at the actual event venue, corresponding to the number of stamps collected by participating in the event in the VR space or the number of puzzles solved.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the VR space to which the user transitions is a metaverse space linked to an actual event venue where a stamp rally or a mystery-solving event is being held. The third linking unit 3137, for example, displays a content image for the stamp rally or the mystery-solving event superimposed on a search image of the actual event venue on the screen of the AR glasses worn by the user or the terminal device used by the user (including a smartphone, a transparent display, etc.). The third linking unit 3137 may output audio along with the content image from the AR glasses worn by the user or the terminal device used by the user.

[0139] For example, the third linking unit 3137 allows the user to exchange stamps collected by participating in an event via the metaverse space or prizes corresponding to the number of puzzles solved at the actual event venue. The third linking unit 3137 allows the user to obtain points or coupons that can be used at the actual event venue corresponding to the number of stamps collected by participating in an event via the metaverse space or prizes corresponding to the number of puzzles solved.

[0140] Furthermore, the third link unit 3137 may transition the screen of the user terminal 20 to an information site for the event, an information site for other events held at the actual event venue, a site for a store at the actual event venue, an information site for other events related to the actual event, or an advertising site. The transition destination site may be a site where images and audio exclusive to the user who transitioned to the site can be viewed.

[0141] [Processing method] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the third embodiment.

[0142] As shown in Figure 17, when the VR side server 310 accepts an application for admission to a VR event venue from the user terminal 20 (steps S41, S42), it acquires construction information 121 and content information 3122 (step S43) and constructs the VR event venue in the virtual space (step S44).

[0143] Then, the VR-side server 310 acquires setting information for distributing video of the VR event venue (step S45).

[0144] The venue-side server 40 receives the video captured by the imaging device 350 (steps S46, S47) and transmits it to the VR-side server 310 (step S48).

[0145] The VR-side server 310 sets the video to be distributed at the VR event venue (step S49). The VR-side server 310 provides the VR space where the VR event venue is constructed to the user terminal 20 (step S50). Then, the VR-side server 310 distributes the video, which is captured of the event at the actual event venue, in a predetermined distribution area at the VR event venue (step S51).

[0146] Then, when the VR side server 310 receives a request from the user terminal 20 to transition to a platform managed by the associated server 360 (step S52), it communicates with the associated server 360 to collaborate (step S53), transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to a site managed by the associated server 360, and displays the transitioned site (steps S54, S55).

[0147] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] In this way, the VR-side server 310 according to the third embodiment distributes video footage of an event captured at an actual event venue in a VR space. Therefore, in the third embodiment, it becomes possible to carry out public relations activities such as promotion of a specific person or organization in a VR space without the constraints of actual location or time.

[0148] The VR-side server 310 can link from the digital space to experiences such as events in other digital spaces or real spaces by linking with, for example, a platform that allows the use of communication tools or an event that is also being held at a real event venue. In this way, the VR-side server 310 can attract customers to events and promote and contribute to sales of goods by activating mutual customer referrals between the real and digital spaces.

[0149] [Embodiment 4] Next, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which a plurality of bulletin boards that can be browsed and transitions to linked sites are displayed so as to surround the user in a VR event venue.

[0150] [Communication system configuration] 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0151] As shown in Fig. 18, a communication system 401 according to the fourth embodiment includes a user terminal 20 used by a user, a VR-side server 410 of a VR event venue provider, and a provider terminal 30. The VR-side server 410 communicates with a venue-side server 40 that controls various devices at the actual real event venue, and also communicates with a partner server 460 that can be linked in the VR event space. The venue-side server 40 communicates with store terminals 250 of each store that sells goods at the actual event venue. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 18 is merely an example, and the specific configuration and the number of devices are not particularly limited.

[0152] The VR-side server 410 will be described as displaying multiple bulletin boards that surround the user at a VR event venue, allowing them to browse and transition to linked sites. Each site may be, for example, an advertisement site for the next event at the actual event venue, an advertisement site for a store at the actual event venue, a site for an event related to an event being held at the actual event venue, or a site related to a specific person or organization holding an event at the actual event venue.

[0153] In addition, the VR side server 410, for example, works in cooperation with the venue side server 40, communicates with the store terminal 250 via a bulletin board displayed at the VR event venue, and cooperates with users and stores in the sale of goods, etc.

[0154] In this way, the VR side server 410 displays multiple bulletin boards that surround the user at the VR event venue and that can be viewed and linked to other sites, thereby enabling public relations activities such as advertising the event or promoting a specific person or organization in the VR space without the constraints of actual location or time.

[0155] [VR side server] Next, we will explain the VR-side server 410. Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server 410 shown in Fig. 18. As shown in Fig. 19, the VR-side server 410 has a control unit 413 instead of the control unit 13 of the VR-side server 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0156] The storage unit 12 has construction information 121, content information 4122 including information about content related to the bulletin board, various advertisement data 4123 to be posted on the bulletin board, user information 124, and fourth link information 4125.

[0157] The fourth linkage information 4125 is control information of the venue-side server 40 obtained through communication between the VR-side server 410 and the venue-side server 40, and information regarding various sites managed by the linked server 460 obtained through communication with the linked server 460.

[0158] The control unit 413 includes a reception unit 131 , a construction unit 132 , and a fourth setting unit 4133 .

[0159] The accepting unit 131 accepts a transition from the user terminal 20 to another site via, for example, a bulletin board.

[0160] The construction unit 132 constructs a VR event venue in a virtual space, similar to the first embodiment.

[0161] The fourth setting unit 4133 sets various processes related to the display of multiple bulletin boards in the VR event venue. The fourth setting unit 4133 has a fourth setting information acquisition unit 4134, a bulletin board setting unit 4135, a bulletin board display control unit 4136, and a fourth linkage unit 4137.

[0162] The fourth setting information acquisition unit 4134 acquires setting information for displaying multiple bulletin boards at a VR event venue. The setting information includes, for example, an image of each bulletin board, site information for the transition from the bulletin board, the placement position of the bulletin board, and the number of times the bulletin board is displayed. The bulletin boards are bulletin boards for events at the actual event venue, and / or bulletin boards for specific people, organizations, or other events related to the event at the actual event venue. The bulletin boards may also have a function for linking with a platform that allows the use of communication tools, or a server device that manages the metaverse.

[0163] The bulletin board setting unit 4135 sets the bulletin boards to be displayed in the VR event venue. When a user enters a bulletin board area set up in the VR event venue, the bulletin board setting unit 4135 sets the type and location of the bulletin boards to be displayed surrounding the viewpoint. For example, the bulletin board setting unit 4135 sets the location of each bulletin board depending on the number of views of the bulletin board and the number of transitions to sites linked to the bulletin board. The bulletin board setting unit 4135 places a bulletin board with a higher number of views and a higher number of transitions to sites linked to the bulletin board in a position in the VR space that is first visible when the user enters the bulletin board area.

[0164] Then, in the VR space, when a user using the user terminal 20 enters a bulletin board area set up in a VR event venue, the bulletin board display control unit 4136 displays multiple bulletin boards that can be viewed and that can transition to linked sites, surrounding the viewpoint. The bulletin board display control unit 4136 displays multiple bulletin boards in accordance with the settings of the bulletin board setting unit 4135.

[0165] When one of the bulletin boards is selected in response to a user operation, the fourth linking unit 4137 transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to a site linked to the selected bulletin board.

[0166] For example, the bulletin board may be linked to a platform on which a communication tool can be used, or to a server device that manages a metaverse. In this case, when a bulletin board linked to a platform or a metaverse is selected from among the bulletin boards in response to a user operation, the fourth linking unit 4137 transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to the platform or metaverse corresponding to the selected bulletin board.

[0167] 20 to 23 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the VR-side server 410 displays a VR event venue on the user terminal 20 on a browser. Screen D4 displays the entrance E4 to the bulletin board area. Furthermore, selecting each symbol in the box B4 below displays zoom out, zoom in, simplified display, operation instructions, new information, and updated information. Furthermore, by selecting arrows Y41 and Y42, the user can switch to the virtual space that can be seen when the user turns right or left at the VR event venue.

[0168] Figures 21 to 23 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 20 after entering through the entrance E4 in Figure 20. On the screen D4-1 shown in Figure 21, three bulletin boards are displayed at positions P41 to P43, respectively.

[0169] For example, the bulletin board at position P41 is a bulletin board for an event at an actual event venue. The bulletin board at position P42 is a bulletin board for a site that archives and distributes videos using a metaverse app. The bulletin board at position P43 is a bulletin board for an illumination event. When the user selects tap buttons T41 to T43 on each bulletin board, the fourth linking unit 4137 communicates with the linked server 460 and transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to the site of the event, store, etc. posted on the bulletin board. The bulletin board may be a bulletin board for an event or store at an actual event venue, and / or a bulletin board for a specific person, organization, or other event related to the event at the actual event venue.

[0170] Furthermore, when tap buttons T41 to T43 on each bulletin board are selected, the fourth link unit 4137 communicates with the linked server 460 and transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to the site of an event, store, or the like posted on the bulletin board. Then, by selecting arrows Y43 and Y44, the user can switch to a virtual space that can be seen when the user turns right or left in the bulletin board area.

[0171] For example, if the user selects arrow Y43, screen D4-2 shown in Fig. 22 is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20. For example, at each position on screens P44 to P46, there are bulletin boards related to concerts, yoga lessons, and light platforms, and when tap buttons T44 to T46 on each bulletin board are selected, the screen of the user terminal 20 transitions to the site of the respective event, store, or platform. Then, by selecting arrows Y45 and Y46, the user can switch to a virtual space that can be seen when the user looks right or left in the bulletin board area.

[0172] For example, if the user selects arrow Y45, screen D4-3 shown in Fig. 23 is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20. For example, screens P47 to P49 each display sales advertisements for stores at the actual event venue, bulletin boards related to events and related VR event venues, and selecting tap buttons T47 to T49 on each bulletin board transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to the respective store, event, or VR event venue. Then, by selecting arrows Y47 and Y48, the user can switch to a virtual space that can be seen when the user turns right or left in the bulletin board area.

[0173] In this way, the user can view multiple bulletin boards in the bulletin board area, which surround the user's viewpoint and can be accessed via linked sites. Furthermore, the bulletin boards may be displayed not only horizontally in the user's bulletin board area, but also above or below the user. By simply changing the user's orientation in the VR space, the user can view various bulletin boards and can also access various sites from the bulletin boards.

[0174] [Processing method] FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of communication processing according to the fourth embodiment.

[0175] 24, when the VR-side server 410 receives an application for admission to a VR event venue from the user terminal 20 (steps S61 and S62), it acquires the construction information 121 and the content information 4122 (step S63) and constructs the VR event venue in a virtual space (step S64). The VR-side server 410 provides the VR space in which the VR event venue has been constructed to the user terminal 20 (step S65).

[0176] When the VR-side server 410 receives an application for admission to the bulletin board area from the user terminal 20 (step S66), it acquires setting information for displaying multiple bulletin boards in the bulletin board area (step S67). Next, the VR-side server 410 sets the type and placement position of the bulletin board to be displayed in the bulletin board area (step S68), and displays multiple bulletin boards in the bulletin board area according to the setting in step S68 (step S69).

[0177] When the VR-side server 410 receives a direction change request from the user terminal 20 (steps S70 and S71: Yes), it executes steps S67 to S69 to display the bulletin board in the requested direction.

[0178] If the VR side server 410 does not receive a direction change request from the user terminal 20 (step S71: No) and receives a transition request from the user terminal 20, for example, from a bulletin board (step S72), it communicates with the linked server 460 to link with it (step S73), transitions the screen of the user terminal 20 to a site managed by the linked server 460, and displays the transition destination site (steps S74, S75).

[0179] For example, let us consider a case where the destination site is a store site of an actual event venue, and the VR-side server 410 receives a purchase request for an item related to the event from the user terminal 20 (step S76). In this case, the VR-side server 410 transmits request information requesting the sale of the item selected by the user terminal 20 to the store terminal 250 of the item seller via the venue-side server 40 (steps S77, S78).

[0180] Then, when the store terminal 250 receives a request to sell the product (step S79), it transmits sales acceptance information to the user terminal 20 (step S80). When the product is completed, the product is delivered to the delivery address registered by the user terminal 20.

[0181] [Effects of the Fourth Embodiment] In this way, the VR-side server 410 displays multiple bulletin boards that surround the user at the VR event venue, allowing them to browse and transition to linked sites. This makes it possible, according to the fourth embodiment, to advertise an event or promote a specific person or organization in the VR space without being restricted by actual location or time.

[0182] [Embodiment 5] In the fifth embodiment, a VR-side server 510 having the functions of the VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, and 410 according to the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

[0183] [VR side server] Fig. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the VR-side server 510 according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 25, the VR-side server 510 has a control unit 513 instead of the control unit 13 of the VR-side server 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0184] In addition, the memory unit 12 has construction information 121, content information 5122 including information regarding content related to birthday advertisements, cup holder towers, video distribution, and bulletin board displays, advertising data 123, user information 124, first linkage information 125, image data 2123, aggregate information 2124, second linkage information 2125, video data 3123, user information 3124, third linkage information 3125, advertising data 4123, and fourth linkage information 4125.

[0185] The control unit 513 includes a receiving unit 131, a construction unit 132, a first setting unit 133, a second setting unit 2133, a third setting unit 3133, and a fourth setting unit 4133.

[0186] For example, when a user enters a VR event venue and selects arrow Y1 on screen D1 (Figure 3) displaying a birthday advertisement, the VR side server 510 provides a VR space on screen D2 (Figure 9) displaying an image of a cup holder tower.

[0187] When the user selects the arrow Y21 on the screen D2, the VR side server 510 provides the VR space of the screen D3 (FIG. 14) where video distribution is performed. When the user selects the arrow Y22 on the screen D2, the VR side server 510 provides the VR space of the screen D1.

[0188] Furthermore, when the arrow Y2 on the screen D1 or the arrow Y31 on the screen D3 is selected, the VR side server 510 provides the VR space of the screen D4 (FIG. 20). When the arrow Y32 on the screen D3 is selected by the user, the VR side server 510 provides the VR space of the screen D2.

[0189] When the arrow Y41 on the screen D4 is selected, the VR side server 510 provides the VR space of the screen D1. When the arrow Y42 on the screen D4 is selected by the user, the VR side server 510 provides the VR space of the screen D3.

[0190] Thus, according to the fifth embodiment, four services - birthday advertisements, cup holder towers, video streaming, and bulletin board displays - can be combined in one VR event space. Therefore, the fifth embodiment enables a wide range of public relations activities, such as promotions for specific individuals or organizations, in the VR space, without the constraints of actual location or time.

[0191] [System configuration of the embodiment] The VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are conceptual functional entities and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of the functions of the VR-side server 10 is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0192] Furthermore, all or any part of the processes performed by the VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU and the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Furthermore, each process performed by the VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0193] Furthermore, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually. Alternatively, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters described above and illustrated can be changed as appropriate unless otherwise specified.

[0194] [program] 26 is a diagram showing an example of a computer in which the VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, 410, and 510 are realized by executing a program. The computer 1000 has, for example, a memory 1010 and a CPU 1020. The computer 1000 also has a hard disk drive interface 1030, a disk drive interface 1040, a serial port interface 1050, a video adapter 1060, and a network interface 1070. These components are connected by a bus 1080.

[0195] The memory 1010 includes a ROM 1011 and a RAM 1012. The ROM 1011 stores a boot program such as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The hard disk drive interface 1030 is connected to a hard disk drive 1090. The disk drive interface 1040 is connected to a disk drive 1100. A removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or optical disk is inserted into the disk drive 1100. The serial port interface 1050 is connected to a mouse 1110 and a keyboard 1120, for example. The video adapter 1060 is connected to a display 1130, for example.

[0196] The hard disk drive 1090 stores, for example, an OS (Operating System) 1091, an application program 1092, a program module 1093, and program data 1094. That is, a program that defines each process of the VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, 410, and 510 is implemented as a program module 1093 in which code executable by the computer 1000 is written. The program module 1093 is stored, for example, in the hard disk drive 1090. For example, a program module 1093 for executing processes similar to those of the functional configurations of the VR-side servers 10, 210, 310, 410, and 510 is stored in the hard disk drive 1090. The hard disk drive 1090 may be replaced by an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0197] Furthermore, setting data used in the processing of the above-described embodiment is stored as program data 1094, for example, in memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090. Then, CPU 1020 reads program module 1093 and program data 1094 stored in memory 1010 or hard disk drive 1090 into RAM 1012 as necessary and executes them.

[0198] The program module 1093 and program data 1094 are not limited to being stored in the hard disk drive 1090, but may also be stored in, for example, a removable storage medium and read by the CPU 1020 via the disk drive 1100 or the like. Alternatively, the program module 1093 and program data 1094 may be stored in another computer connected via a network (such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)). The program module 1093 and program data 1094 may then be read by the CPU 1020 from the other computer via the network interface 1070.

[0199] Although the present invention has been described above as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the descriptions and drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention. In other words, other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques that can be made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 10,210,310,410,510 VR side server 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13,213,313,413,513 Control Unit 20, 20A, 20B User terminal 30 Operator terminal 40 Venue server 50 Signage 121 Building Information 122,2122,3122,4122,5122 Content information 123 Advertising Data 124,3124 User Information 125 First Linkage Information 131 Reception 132 Construction Department 133 First Setting Section 134 First setting information acquisition unit 135 Advertising Settings 136 Advertisement display control unit 137 First Collaboration Department 250 store terminals 2123 Image data 2124 Aggregate Information 2125 Second Collaboration Information 2133 Second Setting Division 2134 2nd setting information acquisition unit 2135 Image Settings 2136 Image display control unit 2137 Second Collaboration Department 3123 Video Data 3125 Third Collaboration Information 3133 Third Setting Division 3134 Third setting information acquisition unit 3135 Video Settings 3136 Video distribution control section 3137 Third Collaboration Department 4123 Advertising Data 4125 Fourth Linkage Information 4133 4th Setting Division 4134 4th setting information acquisition unit 4135 Bulletin Board Settings Department 4136 Bulletin board display control unit 4137 4th Collaboration Department

Claims

1. a construction unit that constructs a virtual event venue that imitates an actual event venue in a virtual reality space and provides the venue to a user terminal used by a user; a display control unit that displays a cup holder tower in the virtual event venue, in which cup holders on which images of specific people or groups holding events at the actual event venue are printed are arranged in a tower shape; A processing device comprising:

2. a receiving unit that receives an image of the specific person or organization uploaded by a user; a setting unit that sets an image and a display position to be displayed on the cup holder tower according to a predetermined rule from among the images received by the receiving unit; 2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The processing device described in claim 2, characterized in that the setting unit removes images that are unrelated to the event and / or the specific person or organization, and images that are defamatory of the specific person or organization, from the images displayed on the cup holder tower.

4. the receiving unit receives, for each of the images, first information indicating that the user likes the image from a user who has entered the virtual event venue; The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the setting unit sets an image to be placed at an upper part of the cup holder for an image for which the receiving unit has received a greater number of pieces of the first information.

5. the receiving unit receives, for each of the images, first information indicating that the user likes the image from a user who has entered the virtual event venue; The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the setting unit sets a display time for an image for which the receiving unit receives a larger number of pieces of the first information, such that the display time is longer for the image.

6. The cup holder tower is divided into a plurality of areas, and a type of image to be displayed in each area is set, The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the setting unit classifies the image received by the receiving unit into a type of the image, and sets the display in the area according to the classified type.

7. The processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a linking unit that, when it receives a selection of an image of the cup holder tower and a request to purchase an item from a user, sends request information to a product seller requesting the sale of an item printed with the image selected by the user.

8. A processing method executed by a processing device, A process of constructing a virtual event venue that imitates an actual event venue in a virtual reality space and providing the venue to a user terminal used by a user; a step of displaying a cup holder tower in the virtual event venue, in which cup holders on which images of specific people or groups holding events at the actual event venue are printed are arranged in a tower shape; A processing method comprising:

9. A step of constructing a virtual event venue that imitates an actual event venue in a virtual reality space and providing the venue to a user terminal used by a user; a step of displaying a cup holder tower in the virtual event venue, in which cup holders on which images of specific people or groups holding events at the actual event venue are printed are arranged in a tower shape; A processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

Images