Linked object control system, data processing method for linked object control system, and program

Abstract

The avatar that moves in the VR space can acquire audio information and video information utilizing virtual items and provide an virtual space service that is aurally and visually realistic.SOLUTION: The linked object control system includes an item controller (16-3) configured to control an operation state of each linked item corresponding to an avatar moving in a virtual space by an operation of a first user in a state where a plurality of linked items are arranged in the virtual space with respect to one selected specific item, the first virtual space service terminals (3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N) being operated by the first user, the second data terminals (2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N) being operated by a second user who arranges an item in the virtual space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interlocking object control system for controlling functional objects arranged in a virtual space, a data processing method for the interlocking object control system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems that provide various video services using virtual space have been put into practical use. At events that use virtual space, participants are displayed on the screen as avatars at the event venue, and participating users can move freely within the virtual space by controlling the avatars.

[0003] The voice control system shown in Patent Document 1 below discloses that "in order to provide a voice control system, a voice control method, and a voice control program that enable smooth conversation within a conversation group in a virtual space, the voice control system comprises a setting processing unit that sets a conversation group including multiple users in a virtual space, and a restriction processing unit that restricts the output of voices outside the conversation group set by the setting processing unit to users within the conversation group." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-10792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the voice control system using the virtual space does not perform voice processing that reflects the distance between the avatars of each user displayed in the virtual space, so it is expected that the conversation between the participating users and the avatars of other users displayed in the same virtual space will be interrupted on the data terminal of the participating users, and improvements in this area are desired. More specifically, it has been pointed out that the voices of the users' avatars become louder when they are close to each other and quieter when they are far away, and that the voices cannot be heard when the avatars are too far apart. Furthermore, because there are restrictions on the types, number, and functions of items that can be linked in virtual space, there are no clear guidelines on how to arrange the items desired by users participating in the virtual space and how to process the data, which limits the potential of items in virtual space.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually realistic by controlling virtual items placed in the virtual space, so that an avatar moving through the virtual space acquires audio information and video information utilizing the virtual items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The interlocking object control system of the present invention that achieves the above object comprises the following configuration.

[0008] An interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places items on the virtual space platform communicate via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device is characterized by comprising: an item selection means that selects interlocking items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement means that places multiple interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected by the item selection means; and an item control means that controls the operating state of each interlocking item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, by controlling virtual items placed in a virtual space, an avatar moving through the virtual space can obtain audio and video information utilizing the virtual items, thereby providing a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually realistic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an interlocking object control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first data terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program loaded in the RAM shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second data terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program loaded in the RAM shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 5]A conceptual diagram showing the volume levels that an avatar can hear in the virtual space provided by the Metaverse platform shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminal and the second data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminal and the second data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the second data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an item linked to an avatar displayed on the metaverse platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an item linked to an avatar displayed on the metaverse platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interlocking object list according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <System configuration description> [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an interlocking object control system according to this embodiment. This embodiment exemplifies an interlocking object control system in which a server device 1 that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform communicates with first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N operated by users who connect to the metaverse platform 1A, and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by users who place items on the metaverse platform 1A, via a predetermined communication medium. Note that multiple data terminals can be connected to the metaverse platform 1A simultaneously.

[0013] In Figure 1, when first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N connect to the published metaverse platform 1A, the server device 1 controls the display mode of the avatar so that it appears in the virtual reality space as a first avatar representing the first user or a second avatar representing the second user.

[0014] The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N are equipped with hardware resources as shown in FIG. 3, and the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N are equipped with hardware resources as shown in FIG. 4, and are connected to the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 to receive communication services from the server device 1.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the server device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0016] In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a communication unit that controls communication processing for connecting first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N connected to a network 21 as a communication medium with a server device 1 that acquires image information for reproducing a predetermined digital real space.

[0017] Reference numeral 13 denotes a CPU, which starts an operating system (OS) stored in external memory 18 connected to internal bus 12 and launches various applications installed via API. It also executes the processing of various programs deployed in RAM 16. Reference numeral 14 denotes a database, which stores items in the virtual space reproduced on metaverse platform 1A, with identification information assigned to each item according to its attributes.

[0018] 15 is a keyboard, which is used to input numbers, text, and icon commands for running applications.

[0019] Reference numeral 16 denotes an expandable RAM, which expands and stores the basic program of the metaverse platform 1A installed in the external memory 18. Reference numeral 17 denotes a display, which displays the program's running status via various UI screens (not shown).

[0020] The basic programs in this embodiment are deployed on RAM 16 and executed by CPU 13, and include an item selection unit 16-1 that selects linked items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N, an item placement unit 16-2 that places multiple linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected by the item selection unit 16-1, and an item control unit 16-3 that controls the operating state of each linked item that is placed so that one of the linked items is activated to transmit information to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0021] As shown in the flowchart described below, when the linked items are an input device and an output device, the item control unit 16-3 is configured to control the operating state so that the volume of the audio data of the output device, for example, a virtual speaker, remains constant regardless of where the avatar entering the virtual space moves within the virtual space. Specifically, the item control unit 16-3 is configured to control the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0022] Here, an example in which the input device is configured as a virtual microphone for inputting voice information uttered by an avatar will be described later.

[0023] In addition, an example will be described later in which the item control unit 16-3 is configured to place multiple virtual speakers with different sound ranges in the virtual space and control the operating state of each virtual speaker so that the virtual speakers work together to create a virtual surround effect.

[0024] Furthermore, when the linked items are multiple imaging devices, the item control unit 16-3 controls the operating state of each imaging device so that images of the virtual space can be taken from various angles, as will be described later. The function of the item control unit 16-3 in this system and the function of controlling the display of avatars may be configured as a single display control unit.

[0025] 19 is the AI ​​support unit, which supports the massive spatial modeling process to support the process of making the virtual space appear so that the virtual space moves seamlessly, even when a virtual space movement occurs such as leaving the first virtual space and entering a second virtual space.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N connected to the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N are assumed to be pad devices (including head-up displays (Head Mounted Displays (HMDs)) described later), PC devices, smartphones, etc. Here, it is assumed that the users operating the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N are first users who enter the virtual space.

[0027] 3(a), a CPU 301 executes various applications by loading an OS and a control program stored in a ROM 302 into a RAM 303 and executing them. A communication unit 304 controls communication for connecting to a server device 1 connected to a network 21.

[0028] In the RAM 303 shown in FIG. 3(b), 303-1 is a UI control unit that executes control to display on a display 311 a UI screen presented by the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1 shown in FIG.

[0029] 303-2 is an item selection unit that selects an item required by the administrator from a list of items to be placed in the virtual space on the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1. As described above, items include input devices, imaging devices, and output devices, and information processing will be explained using a virtual microphone as an example of an input device, a virtual speaker as an example of an output device, and a virtual camera as an example of an imaging device.

[0030] The CPU 301 manages account information (user ID, password) registered by a user in the metaverse platform 1A published on the web by the server device 1 using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown). A keyboard 310 cooperates with a pointing device (not shown) to input text on a screen displayed on a display 311 and to specify icons to be displayed.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N connected to server device 1 shown in FIG. The second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N are assumed to be pad devices, PC devices, smartphones, etc. Here, it is assumed that the users operating the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N are second users who enter the virtual space as speakers.

[0032] 4(a), 301 denotes a CPU, which executes various applications by loading an OS and control programs stored in a ROM 302 into a RAM 303 and executing them. Various information is input and icons displayed on a user interface screen (UI screen) are clicked directly on a display 311. 304 denotes a communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to a server device 1 connected to a network 21.

[0033] In the RAM 303 shown in FIG. 4(b), 303-1 is a UI control unit that executes control to display on a display 311 a UI screen presented by the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1 shown in FIG.

[0034] 303-3 is a login / logout processing unit that manages the account and password registered in the server device 1 when entering the virtual space, and executes the entry / exit process to the virtual space provided by the metaverse platform 1A.

[0035] The CPU 301 manages account information (user ID, password) registered by a user in the metaverse platform 1A that the server device 1 makes public on the web, using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0036] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram that schematically shows the volume levels that an avatar can hear in the virtual space provided by the metaverse platform 1A shown in Figure 1.For example, the volume levels that can be heard with the avatar AV as the center coordinate are shown in concentric steps, with areas SE1 to SE3 close to the center shown.

[0037] Here, when the avatar AV in the virtual space is within area SE1, the volume level will be perceived as high when talking with other avatars (not shown), but as it moves to areas SE2 and SE3, the volume level will be perceived as lower.However, by placing multiple speaker items in appropriate positions in the virtual space as described below, it will be possible for the avatar AV to talk with other avatars at the same volume no matter where it moves in the virtual space.

[0038] [Example of processing speaker's voice data in virtual space] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step, which is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N are terminals operated by speakers (second users) who use the virtual space provided by the server device 1 via the metaverse platform 1A.

[0039] First, when the CPU 301 determines that a speaker entering the virtual space has made voice input from the virtual microphone (1), the CPU 301 ends this process after completing the process of transmitting the voice data of the speaker picked up by the virtual microphone to the server device 1 (2).

[0040] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that (11) to (14) indicate each step, which is realized by the CPU 13 executing a control program stored in the external memory 18.

[0041] First, when the CPU 13 acquires the voice data uttered by the speaker from the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N (11), it identifies the speaker object (virtual item) placed in the virtual space (12), and when it determines that the voice data of the speaker acquired in step (11) has been transmitted to the speaker object (13), the CPU 13 outputs the voice data of the speaker from the identified speaker object placed in the virtual space (14), and ends the processing.

[0042] 8 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N shown in FIG. 1. Note that (21) to (23) indicate each step, and each step is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). Note that the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N are terminals operated by participating users using the virtual space provided via metaverse platform 1A provided by server device 1.

[0043] The CPU 301 logs in to the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 and enters the virtual space (21).

[0044] Once the login process is completed, a user (first user) participating in an event held in the virtual space can move around the virtual space using an avatar. When a speaker on a stage is giving a presentation using a virtual microphone, if the user approaches a speaker object placed in the virtual space and determines that the voice data of the speaker (second user) has been acquired (22), the CPU 301 logs out (23) and terminates this process.

[0045] This allows the participating users to hear the audio data from the speakers provided in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by the participating users.

[0046] In this case, when a participating user approaches a speaker object placed in the virtual space, the item control unit 16-3 adjusts and controls the volume of the audio data, making it possible to hear the speaker's audio data at a louder volume.

[0047] [Example of video output processing on a virtual monitor installed in a virtual space] 9 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N shown in FIG. (31) and (32) indicate each step, which is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N are terminals operated by speakers who take the stage using the virtual space provided via metaverse platform 1A provided by server device 1.

[0048] First, the person on stage corresponding to the second user operates the second data terminal 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N to log in to the virtual space, and if it determines that a virtual camera (camera object) has been installed (31), it transfers an instruction to turn on a switch (not shown) of the virtual camera to the server device 1 (32), and then ends the processing.

[0049] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that (41) and (42) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 13 executing a control program stored in the external memory 18.

[0050] First, when the CPU 13 determines that it has acquired video data in the virtual space captured by a virtual camera placed in the virtual space (41), it outputs the video data captured by the virtual camera to a virtual monitor (monitor object) placed in the virtual space by a user participating in the virtual space (42), and ends the processing.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (51) and (52) indicate each step, which is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). The second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N are terminals operated by speakers (second users) who use the virtual space provided by the server device 1 via the metaverse platform 1A.

[0052] The CPU 301 logs in to the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 and enters the virtual space (51). If the speaker is captured on the stage by the virtual camera, the CPU 301 approaches the virtual monitor placed in the virtual space and views the video of the speaker (52), and then ends this process.

[0053] This allows the participating users to view the video data of the speakers on the display devices provided in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by the participating users.

[0054] [Items using a virtual microphone and virtual speakers] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an item that works in conjunction with an avatar AV displayed on the metaverse platform 1A shown in Figure 1. In this example, as an avatar AV presenter, item ITM1 representing a virtual microphone is selected, and items ITM2 and ITM3 representing virtual speakers are selected and placed in virtual space positions that can be set in the virtual space.

[0055] As a result, the avatar AV on the upper row cannot hear the speech or explanation of the avatar AV as the speaker unless an avatar (not shown) corresponding to another user approaches within the circle surrounding the avatar AV. However, as shown in the lower row, the avatar AV as the speaker uses item ITM1 (virtual microphone) and can output the audio data of the avatar AV output from item ITM1 from items ITM2,3 (virtual speakers) placed in the virtual space. This allows other avatars (not shown) that can approach the circle surrounding items ITM2,3 to hear and hear the audio data of the avatar AV as the speaker without having to perform any operation to approach the avatar AV.

[0056] [Items using a virtual camera and a virtual monitor] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of an item that works in conjunction with an avatar AV displayed on the metaverse platform 1A shown in Figure 1. In this example, the avatar AV selects items ITM11 and 12 that represent virtual cameras placed in a virtual space, and displays them on items ITM21 and 22 that function as virtual screens that are placed at virtual space positions that can be set in the virtual space.

[0057] As a result, the avatar AV on the upper level cannot be seen in the virtual space unless an avatar (not shown) approaches, but on the lower level, a virtual camera is placed as an item in the virtual space, so that other participating users can approach a virtual monitor placed in the virtual space.If a situation is recreated in which the avatar AV is performing a concert in the virtual space, the virtual camera zooms in and out on the avatar AV, allowing them to view avatars corresponding to other users participating in the same virtual space through the virtual monitor, creating an entertainment environment.

[0058] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of linked objects according to this embodiment. The server device 1 stores and manages virtual items in the external memory 18 in association with item IDs that identify registered linked objects.

[0059] In this example, the items are a virtual microphone, a virtual speaker, a virtual camera, a virtual monitor, a virtual notepad, and a virtual bulletin board.

[0060] Here, the virtual monitor can also play back moving images, the virtual notepad can input text, and the virtual bulletin board can output text.

[0061] In addition, in order to adapt to language barriers, the text output may be configured to be able to output translated text, or to be able to translate the collected voice of an avatar.

[0062] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, by controlling virtual items placed in the virtual space, an avatar moving through the virtual space can obtain audio and video information utilizing the virtual items, thereby providing a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually immersive.

[0063] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0064] Specifically, the program is configured to cause a server computer that provides an interlocking object control system, which communicates via a predetermined communication medium between a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places items on the virtual space platform, to function as follows: an item selection step that selects interlocking items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement step that places multiple interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; and an item control step that controls the operating state of each interlocking item that is placed so as to activate one of the interlocking items to transmit information to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0065] The disclosure of the present invention described above can be summarized at least as follows.

[0066] (1) A linked object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services through a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user connected to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places items on the virtual space platform communicate via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device is characterized by having an item selection means that selects linked items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal, an item placement means that places multiple linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected by the item selection means, and an item control means that controls the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0067] (2) The output device is characterized by being a virtual speaker that outputs audio information uttered by the avatar, the audio information being collected from a virtual microphone.

[0068] (3) The input device is a virtual microphone that inputs voice information uttered by the avatar.

[0069] (4) When the linked item is a virtual speaker, the item control means controls the operating state so that audio data at a constant volume can be heard from the virtual speaker regardless of where the avatar entering the virtual space is moving.

[0070] (5) The item control means is characterized in that it places a plurality of virtual speakers with different sound ranges in the virtual space and controls the operating state of each virtual speaker so that the virtual speakers work together to produce a virtual surround effect.

[0071] (6) When the linked item is a plurality of imaging devices, the item control means controls the operating state of each imaging device so that images can be captured in the virtual space from various angles.

[0072] (7) A data processing method for an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services through a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user connected to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places items on the virtual space platform communicate via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device comprises an item selection step of selecting interlocking items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal, an item placement step of placing multiple interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step, and an item control step of controlling the operating state of each interlocking item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0073] (8) A program that causes a server computer that provides an interlocking object control system that communicates via a predetermined communication medium between a server device that provides various virtual space services through a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places items on the virtual space platform to function, the program comprising: an item selection step that selects interlocking items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement step that places multiple interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; and an item control step that controls the operating state of each interlocking item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Server device 1A Metaverse Platform 2-1~2-N Second data terminal 3-1~3-N First data terminal 4-1~4-N First data terminal 5-1~5-N Second data terminal

Claims

1. A linked object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, The server device an item selection means for selecting linked items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement means for placing a plurality of linked items in the virtual space in response to one specific item selected by the item selection means; an item control means for controlling the operation state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space; A linked object control system comprising:

2. 2. The linked object control system according to claim 1, wherein the output device is a virtual speaker that outputs audio information uttered by the avatar and collected through a virtual microphone.

3. 2. The linked object control system according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a virtual microphone for inputting voice information uttered by an avatar.

4. The linked object control system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the linked item is a virtual speaker, the item control means controls the operating state so that audio data at a constant volume can be heard from the virtual speaker regardless of where the avatar entering the virtual space moves.

5. The linked object control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the item control means places a plurality of virtual speakers with different sound ranges in the virtual space and controls the operating state of each virtual speaker so that the virtual speakers work together to create a virtual surround effect.

6. The linked object control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the linked item is a plurality of imaging devices, the item control means controls the operating state of each imaging device so that images can be captured within the virtual space from various angles.

7. A data processing method for an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: The server device an item selection step of selecting linked items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement step of placing a plurality of linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; an item control step of controlling the operation state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space; A data processing method for an interlocking object control system, comprising:

8. A server computer that provides an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium; an item selection step of selecting linked items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement step of placing a plurality of linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; an item control step of controlling the operation state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space; A program characterized by causing the following to function.

Images