Program, method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of enhancing a user's willingness to fight.SOLUTION: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program executed by a computer including a processor, the program causing the computer to execute: receiving, from a first user who views an event performed in a virtual space, an operation of providing a gift; disposing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in accordance with the received operation of providing the gift; evaluating a visual display state of the disposed first object displayed on a display screen of a terminal device used by the first user; And improving visibility of a superimposed portion in the first object when it is evaluated that a second object arranged in a virtual space is superimposed on at least a part of the first object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In an event held in a virtual space, when an object representing a gift provided by a viewing user is placed in the virtual space, there is a technique for displaying the object with priority over other objects.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for setting a preferential display period for a gift object that has been inserted in order to increase motivation to insert the gift object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-35804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, if the gift object provided by the viewing user is visually obstructed by other objects placed in the virtual space superimposed on the gift object, even if a priority display period for the gift object is set, the viewing user will not be able to see the entire gift object on the display screen, which could reduce the motivation to gift.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technology that can ensure the visibility of objects representing gifts provided by users watching an event held in a virtual space, thereby increasing users' motivation to give gifts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, a program executed by a computer having a processor is provided, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: accepting an operation to provide a gift from a first user watching an event held in a virtual space; placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in response to the accepted operation to provide the gift; evaluating the visual display state of the placed first object displayed on the display screen of a terminal device used by the first user; and, when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen, improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the visibility of an object representing a gift provided by a user watching an event taking place in a virtual space can be ensured without being affected by other objects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a terminal device 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 20. [Figure 4] 1 shows the data structure of a user information database stored in the storage unit of the server 20. [Figure 5] 1 shows the data structure of a gift information database stored in the storage unit of server 20. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when an object representing a gift is placed in a virtual space in response to an operation by a user viewing an event to offer a gift. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when an object representing a gift is placed in a virtual space in response to an operation by a user viewing an event to offer a gift. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing when an object representing a gift is placed in a virtual space in response to an operation by a user viewing an event to offer a gift. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a screen when a user watching an event selects a performer to whom he or she wishes to give a gift. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a screen when a user watching an event offers a gift to a performer. [Figure 11] 1 is an example of a screen displayed on the display screen of a terminal device 10 used by a user, in which an object representing a gift is arranged in a virtual space. [Figure 12] 10 is a screen example of an object representing a gift arranged in a virtual space, displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 13] 10 is a screen example of an object representing a gift arranged in a virtual space, displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 14] 10 is a screen example of an object representing a gift arranged in a virtual space, displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 15] 10 is a screen example of an object representing a gift arranged in a virtual space, displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes according to another embodiment when an object representing a gift is placed in a virtual space in response to an operation by a user viewing an event to offer a gift. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, for confirming whether or not it is necessary to improve the visibility of the first object. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

[0011] In the following description, a "processor" refers to one or more processors. The at least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The at least one processor may be single-core or multi-core.

[0012] Furthermore, the at least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0013] In the following explanation, information that produces an output for an input may be described using expressions such as "xxx table," but this information may be data of any structure, or may be a learning model such as a neural network that produces an output for an input. Therefore, an "xxx table" may be referred to as "xxx information."

[0014] Furthermore, in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0015] In addition, in the following explanation, processing may be described using the "program" as the subject, but since a program is executed by a processor to perform specified processing while appropriately using a memory unit and / or an interface unit, etc., the subject of the processing may also be the processor (or a device such as a controller that has that processor).

[0016] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be stored in, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including alphabetic characters or symbols) may also be used.

[0018] In addition, in the following description, when describing elements of the same type without distinguishing between them, reference symbols (or common symbols among the reference symbols) may be used, and when describing elements of the same type with distinction between them, the identification numbers (or reference symbols) of the elements may be used.

[0019] In the following description, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily represent all the control lines and information lines in the product. All components may be interconnected.

[0020] Each information processing device is configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10 and the server 20, descriptions that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0021] (First embodiment) <Summary> In the following embodiment, a technology is described in which a user participating as a viewer in an event held in a virtual space provides a gift for a performer's performance at the event. Here, there are no limitations on the devices that can be used as appropriate when realizing the technology according to the present disclosure, and various devices can be used, including terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals owned by users, as well as devices such as stationary personal computers (PCs) and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0022] System 1 of this embodiment provides technology that enables users participating as viewers in an event held in a virtual space to provide gifts in return for the performance of a performer at the event, resulting in high levels of satisfaction for the user.

[0023] <1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] 1, the system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other via a network 80 for communication.

[0025] The terminal device 10 is a device used by a user (first user) who watches an event held in a virtual space. The terminal device 10 is realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary personal computer (PC) or a laptop PC. The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19. The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0026] The terminal device 10 is communicatively connected to the server 20 via a network 80. The terminal device 10 is connected to the network 80 by communicating with communication devices such as a wireless base station 81 conforming to communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN router 82 conforming to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

[0027] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices. The input device 13 is an input device (e.g., a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0028] The server 20 is a device that manages a series of processes related to the system 1. For example, the server 20 stores information about users, information about gifts, etc. Furthermore, for example, the server 20 evaluates the visual display state of an object (first object) representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation of providing a gift from a user (first user) watching an event held in the virtual space, and improves the visibility of the first object based on the evaluation result.

[0029] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, a collection of devices can be considered as one "information processing device," and system 1 can be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which multiple functions required to realize system 1 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for system 1.

[0031] <1.1 Configuration of the terminal device 10> FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal device 10 constituting the system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122) corresponding to the respective antennas, an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302), an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.) that are not specifically shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0032] The antenna 111 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first radio communication unit 121.

[0033] The antenna 112 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 112 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second radio communication unit 122.

[0034] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 190.

[0035] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving input operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302. The touch-sensitive device 1301 receives input operations from a user of the terminal device 10. The touch-sensitive device 1301 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 1301 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation. The terminal device 10 may also be provided with a physical keyboard (not shown) that can be used for input, and may receive the user's input operations via the keyboard.

[0036] The display 1302 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 190. The display 1302 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0037] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0038] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may be a transmitting / receiving device based on a communication standard used in a short-range communication system between information devices. Specifically, the position information sensor 150 uses the 2.4 GHz band, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, to receive beacon signals from other information devices equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module.

[0039] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to a subject being photographed. Furthermore, the camera 160 acquires the body movements of the user using the terminal device 10, performers, etc. Specifically, for example, the camera 160 acquires the movement of the user's mouth and the movement of each part of the face (eyes, eyebrows, etc.). Any existing technology may be used to acquire the movements.

[0040] The motion sensor 170 is configured with a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and detects the tilt of the terminal device 10.

[0041] The storage unit 180 is configured with, for example, a flash memory or the like, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In one aspect, the storage unit 180 stores user information 1801 and the like. The information may be held in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10, or may be stored as a database in the storage unit 202 of a server (described later) and acquired via the network 80.

[0042] User information 1801 is information related to a user, such as an ID for identifying the user (first user), a user name, age, and gender. Details of the information included in user information 1801 will be described later. Events are various events held in a virtual space, and can include, for example, a live music event held in a virtual space, a talk event held in a virtual space, a sales event held in a virtual space, a game event held in a virtual space, an event related to a fashion show held in a virtual space, a conference event held in a virtual space, and an exhibition event held in a virtual space.

[0043] The control unit 190 reads a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executes instructions included in the program to control the operation of the terminal device 10. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an input operation reception unit 1901, a transmission / reception unit 1902, a data processing unit 1903, and a notification control unit 1904.

[0044] The input operation receiving unit 1901 performs processing to receive a user's input operation on an input device such as the touch-sensitive device 1301. The input operation receiving unit 1901 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched the touch-sensitive device 1301 with a finger or the like.

[0045] The transmitting / receiving unit 1902 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0046] The data processing unit 1903 performs calculations on data that the terminal device 10 has received as input in accordance with a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0047] The data processing unit 1903 receives an input operation related to an event from a user and controls processing for executing various processes related to the event. For example, the data processing unit 1903 executes processing for transmitting various information related to the implementation of the event received from the user to a server or a terminal device of an administrator of the virtual space.

[0048] The notification control unit 1904 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 1302, processing for outputting sound from the speaker 142, and processing for causing the camera 160 to generate vibrations.

[0049] <1.2 Functional configuration of server 20> 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0050] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0051] The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores a user information database 2021, a gift information database 2022, and the like.

[0052] The user information database 2021 is a database for storing various information related to users (first users) who watch events held in virtual space. Details of each record held in this database will be described later.

[0053] The gift information database 2022 is a database for storing information about gifts that can be provided by users who participate as viewers in events held in virtual space. Gifts are provided to performers, etc. in response to requests from users to support performers performing at the event, to liven up the event, etc. Gifts include, for example, gift content placed in a virtual space as an object representing the gift. Gift content is primarily composed of video data and image data (including images moving within the virtual space) and is placed in the virtual space in a display manner that reflects the characteristics of the gift. Gift content (object representing the gift) can be placed anywhere in the virtual space, but can also be placed at a specific position or a specific target. Specific positions include, for example, a specific position in the virtual space where an event being viewed by the user takes place, or a position corresponding to the head of an avatar object corresponding to a performer appearing in the event being viewed by the user, which are pre-set positions. Specific targets also include pre-set positions such as a position corresponding to a body part (wrist, head, legs, back, etc.) of an avatar object corresponding to a performer appearing in the event being viewed by the user, or a position corresponding to an object placed in the virtual space where the event being viewed by the user takes place. For example, when gift content (object representing the gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a body part of an avatar object, if the object is a wristwatch (gift), the object can be placed by wearing the object at a position corresponding to the wrist of the avatar object. For example, when gift content (an object representing a gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a body part of an avatar object, if the object represents a hat (gift), the object can be placed by wearing it at a position corresponding to the head of the avatar object. For example, when gift content (an object representing a gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a body part of an avatar object, if the object represents a backpack (gift), the object can be placed by wearing it at a position corresponding to the back of the avatar object. Note that gift content can include not only objects but also content consisting of text data and content consisting of music and audio data. Gifts can also include money or a means of payment in lieu of money, known as "tips."In this case, the tip may be provided to the event performers together with the gift content placed in the virtual space as an object, or may be provided to the event performers alone without the gift content. Gifts are primarily provided by users who are viewers of an event charging money or a means of payment in lieu of money (such as points). Charging refers, for example, to the act of paying a purchase amount set for the gift (including an index such as points equivalent to the purchase amount) in money or a means of payment in lieu of money in order to provide the gift. When a user charges, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is to be provided. Charging is not limited to this act, but can also include, for example, the act of purchasing in advance a special currency that can be used at the event in question using money or a means of payment in lieu of money, and then using the purchased special currency to make the payment. The details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0054] The control unit 203 is composed of, for example, a processor 29, and by this processor 29 performing processing according to a program, various modules such as a receiving control module 2031, a sending control module 2032, a user information acquisition module 2033, a gift offering operation reception module 2034, a gift placement module 2035, an evaluation module 2036, a visibility improvement module 2037, a layer switching module 2038, a viewpoint switching module 2039, and a display mode change module 2040 are provided.

[0055] The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0056] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0057] The user information acquisition module 2033 controls a series of processes for acquiring information about a user (first user) watching an event held in a virtual space. The information about the user includes, for example, information about an identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's favorite performers, and information about the total amount of gifts provided in the past. Specifically, for example, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by receiving user information 1801 stored in the storage unit 180 from the terminal device 10 used by the first user. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by referring to the user information database 2021 held in the storage unit 202 of the server 20. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by receiving various pieces of user-related information directly from the first user.

[0058] The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 controls a series of processes for receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user (first user) watching an event. Specifically, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation to provide a gift to a performer of the event via the terminal device 10 used by the first user watching the event. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift providing operation received from the first user to the server 20. The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 of the server 20 receives the information from the terminal device 10. For example, upon receiving the information from the terminal device 10, the server 20 transmits information related to gifts that can be provided at the event watched by the first user to the terminal device 10. Here, the operation of providing a gift is an operation performed by a first user watching an event, and can include any operation performed by the first user to provide a gift to a performer or the like of the event. For example, the operation of providing a gift can include an operation requesting the first user to present information about gifts available at the event the first user is watching (information about a gift list). In this case, for example, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the first user requesting the first user to present information about gifts available at the event the first user is watching (information about a gift list). In response to the operation from the first user, the server 20 transmits information about the gifts (information about the gift list) to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays information about the received confirmation on the display 1302. For example, the operation of providing a gift can include an operation of specifying at least one gift from among gifts available at the event. In this case, for example, the first user is presented with information about gifts that can be provided at the event (information about the gift list), and the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the first user to specify at least one gift from the presented information about gifts (information about the gift list).

[0059] The gift placement module 2035 controls a series of processes for placing an object representing a gift in the virtual space where the event watched by the first user is taking place, in response to an operation to provide a gift from a user (first user) received by the gift providing operation receiving module 2034. Specifically, the gift placement module 2035 places an object representing the gift (first object) in the virtual space in response to an operation to provide a gift received from the first user watching the event held in the virtual space. The gift placement module 2035 can place the object representing the gift in any position in the virtual space, but if a placement position is set in advance for the object, it can place it in the set position. If the virtual space is configured with multiple layers, the gift placement module 2035 can place an object representing a gift on any layer selected from the multiple layers. In this case, the gift placement module 2035 can place an object representing a gift that was placed in the virtual space more recently in a layer higher than other objects representing gifts. The gift placement module 2035 can also place the object representing a gift on a randomly selected layer regardless of the timing of the placement of the object representing a gift. The gift placement module 2035 can also place the object on a layer determined based on the type of object representing a gift, the chargeable price, etc. Note that when the virtual space is configured with multiple layers, the number of layers can be finite. For example, if multiple layers are configured and a large number of objects representing gifts are placed in the virtual space, it may be impossible to eliminate overlapping of objects even when switching layers using the layer switching module 2038 (described later). Therefore, the number of layers may be set to, for example, three (in this case, one object representing a gift is placed on each layer, allowing a total of three objects to be placed), and when four or more gifts are placed in the virtual space, a process may be performed to remove the object that was provided earlier in chronological order from the target layer. By performing such a process, the display priority of the objects representing gifts can be adjusted according to the number of layers, thereby ensuring the visibility of the gifts (objects), and preventing the gifts (objects) from being presented or expressed in an unnatural way due to excessive layer switching. Furthermore, when the virtual space is configured as a three-dimensional space, the gift placement module 2035 can place an object representing a gift at any spatial position in the virtual space. In this case, the gift placement module 2035 can place an object representing a gift that is placed in the virtual space at a more recent time above (closer to) other objects representing gifts from the normal viewpoint of the event viewed by the first user. The gift placement module 2035 can also place the object representing a gift at a spatial position that is randomly selected, regardless of the placement timing of the object representing the gift. The gift placement module 2035 can also place the object representing the gift at a spatial position that is set according to the type of object representing the gift, the charged price, etc. Furthermore, when placing an object representing a gift in the virtual space, the gift placement module 2035 basically places the object in the virtual space in an opaque display state (the original display state of the object, a display state with a transparency of 0% that does not display it in a transparent state). However, the gift placement module 2035 can also place the object representing a gift in the virtual space in a display mode with a certain transparency according to preset conditions. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the first object is arranged in the virtual space to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302. The position (layer, spatial position, etc.) at which the gift placement module 2035 places the object representing the gift, the timing of placement, the period for placement, etc. may be set for each object, for example, and information regarding the setting conditions for the placement position may be managed by storing it in an arbitrary database.

[0060] The evaluation module 2036 controls a series of processes for evaluating the display state of an object (first object) representing a gift placed in the virtual space by the gift placement module 2035. Specifically, the evaluation module 2036 evaluates the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space by the gift placement module 2035, which is displayed on the display screen of a terminal device used by a user (first user) who provides the gift. The visual display state includes the display state of the first object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user and visible to the first user. For example, the evaluation module 2036 evaluates, as the visual display state of the first object, whether or not a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a part of the first object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. A second object placed in a virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of a first object means that at least a portion of the first object is not visible on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user, for example, because at least a portion of the first object is located behind the second object. The evaluation module 2036 can also evaluate the extent to which the second object is superimposed on the first object. For example, the evaluation module 2036 can evaluate the area ratio of the superimposed portion in the first object. Specifically, the evaluation module 2036 can evaluate whether the second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on a portion of the first object that is equal to or greater than a predetermined area ratio. In this case, the area ratio of the superimposed portion of the first object on which the second object is superimposed can be evaluated as the ratio of the area of ​​the portion of the first object on which the second object is superimposed (the superimposed portion) in a planar view to the entire area of ​​the first object displayed on the display screen in a planar view. Furthermore, the evaluation module 2036 can evaluate the display state of the first object not only when the first object and the second object are displayed in a static display manner in which they remain stationary at a fixed position, but also when at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display manner in which they move over time. When at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display manner, the evaluation module 2036 can evaluate whether or not a second object placed in a virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, in this case, the evaluation module 2036 can evaluate the period during which the second object placed in a virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object.

[0061] The visibility improvement module 2037 controls a series of processes for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen. Specifically, the visibility improvement module 2037 improves the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object placed in the virtual space as a result of a gift provided by the first user. The process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion can include a process for making at least a portion (superimposed portion) of the first object that is invisible on the display screen and that is superimposed by the second object, partially or completely visible. The partially visible state refers to, for example, a state in which the second object no longer overlaps a part of the overlapping portion of the first object, making that part visible, or a state in which the second object is displayed in a transparent state, making the overlapping portion of the first object visible at a certain transmittance. The completely visible state refers to a state in which the second object no longer overlaps the first object, making the overlapping portion of the first object disappear (a state in which the entire first object is visible). The process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by the visibility improvement module 2037 can be performed by various means. For example, the visibility improvement module 2037 can improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by switching between a first layer on which the first object is arranged and a second layer on which the second object is arranged, both of which are displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. Such a process can also be performed by the layer switching module 2038, which will be described later. Furthermore, for example, the visibility improvement module 2037 can improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by switching the viewpoint position for viewing the virtual space displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. Such processing can also be executed by the viewpoint switching module 2039, which will be described later. Furthermore, for example, the visibility improvement module 2037 can improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by changing the display mode of the second object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. Such processing can also be executed by the display mode change module 2040, which will be described later.

[0062] The layer switching module 2038 controls a series of processes for switching layers between a first layer on which a first object is arranged and a second layer on which a second object is arranged, which are displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the first layer is located lower than the second layer on which the second object is arranged on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user, thereby superimposing the second object on at least a part of the first object arranged in the virtual space by the gift provided by the first user, the layer switching module 2038 switches the layers between the first layer and the second layer and positions the first layer higher than the second layer, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. The visibility improvement process by the layer switching module 2038 can be applied, for example, to a display state in which each object placed in a virtual space is placed on a different layer, and the objects of each layer (in this case, the first object and the second object) are displayed superimposed on each other (the vertical positional relationship of the layers, and a display state in which each object is placed in the foreground (top) and background (bottom) from the perspective of a first user watching an event). Furthermore, the layer switching module 2038 can switch the layers between the first layer and the second layer again (return to the state before switching the layers) if a predetermined condition is met after switching the layers between the first layer and the second layer and placing the first layer above the second layer. The predetermined condition can be, for example, when a certain period of time has passed since the first layer was placed above the second layer. For example, if the second object is an important object constituting an event, switching the layer improves the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. However, if this display state continues, the first user may not be able to fully enjoy the event. In this case, by switching the layer (returning to the original layer) after a certain period of time has passed, the first user's satisfaction with the event can be maintained.

[0063] The viewpoint switching module 2039 controls a series of processes for switching the viewpoint from which the virtual space displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user is viewed. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that a second object is superimposed on at least a portion of a first object placed in the virtual space as a gift from the first user at the first viewpoint, the viewpoint switching module 2039 switches the viewpoint from the first viewpoint to a second viewpoint where the second object is not superimposed on the first object, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. The visibility improvement process by the viewpoint switching module 2039 can be applied, for example, to a display environment in which objects are placed in a three-dimensional virtual space and the viewpoint from which the virtual space is viewed can be switched multiple times or continuously. The viewpoint switching module 2039 switches the viewpoint by positioning at least a portion of the first object behind the second object at the first viewpoint. In this case, the second object may include an object representing a gift provided by another user, but may also be an avatar object corresponding to a performer of an event. For example, if the first object is set to be randomly positioned in the virtual space, the first object may be positioned behind the second object. Also, if the first object is attached to the second object, i.e., an avatar object (e.g., a wing-shaped object attached to the back of the avatar object, a tail-shaped object attached to the waist of the avatar object, a hat-shaped object attached to the head of the avatar object, etc.), the first object may be positioned behind the second object depending on the attachment position. In this way, the viewpoint switching module 2039 performs processing to switch the viewpoint position depending on the relationship between the placement positions of the first object and the second object placed in the virtual space by the gift provided by the first user at the first viewpoint position. Furthermore, the viewpoint switching module 2039 can switch the viewpoint from the second viewpoint to the first viewpoint (return the viewpoint to the position before switching) when a predetermined condition is met after the viewpoint is switched from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint. Various conditions can be set as the predetermined condition. For example, the predetermined condition can be when a certain period of time has passed since the first viewpoint was switched to the second viewpoint. Switching from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint improves the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object, but there is a case where the first user's usual viewpoint when watching the event is the first viewpoint. In this case, if the second viewpoint is continued, the first user may not be able to fully enjoy the event. Therefore, by switching the viewpoint to the usual viewpoint when watching the event from the second viewpoint (the first viewpoint) after a certain period of time has passed, the first user's satisfaction with the event can be maintained. Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition may be a state in which the second object is no longer superimposed on at least a portion of the first object at the first viewpoint. For example, when at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, the superimposition of the first object at the first viewpoint may disappear over time. In this case, by switching the viewpoint from the second viewpoint to the first viewpoint, the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object can be ensured, and the event can be viewed at the normal viewpoint (first viewpoint), thereby maintaining the first user's satisfaction with the event.

[0064] The display mode change module 2040 controls a series of processes for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by changing the display mode of the second object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. For example, specifically, the display mode of the second object is changed so that the second object is hidden on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. The second object being hidden refers to a state in which the second object is not displayed on the display screen by, for example, disappearing from the virtual space. Furthermore, specifically, the display mode of the second object is changed so that the second object is displayed in a transparent state on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. The second object being displayed in a transparent state refers to a state in which the second object is displayed on the display screen in a manner that increases the transparency of the second object, thereby allowing the background of the second object, which has been subjected to the transparency processing, to be seen through. The transparency can be set as appropriate.

[0065] <2 Data Structure> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user information database 2021 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the user information database 2021 includes the items "User ID", "User Name", "Age", "Gender", "Contact Information", "Favorite Performers", "Gifts Provided in the Past", "Total Charged Amount", "Notes", etc.

[0067] The item "user ID" is information for identifying a user who will be viewing an event held in a virtual space.

[0068] The item "User Name" is information indicating the name of the user (first user). In this case, the record may hold not only the user's real name but also information on the name (handle name) used by the user in the virtual space.

[0069] The item "age" is information indicating the age of the user (first user).

[0070] The item "gender" is information indicating the gender of the user (first user).

[0071] The item "contact information" is information indicating the contact information of the user (first user). The information indicating the contact information includes the user's address, telephone number, etc.

[0072] The item "Favorite Performers" is information indicating performers that the user (first user) has registered in advance as performers. The information about the performers stored in the record is, for example, information about at least one performer selected by the user from information about a plurality of performers registered in advance (including performers who have previously appeared in events held in virtual space as well as performers who may appear in the future). The information about the performers includes, for example, the names of the performers, information about the performers' affiliations, etc.

[0073] The item "Gifts provided in the past" is information about gifts provided by the user (first user) to performers and the like at past events held in the virtual space.

[0074] The "Total Charges" item is information about the total amount paid by the user (first user) at past events held in virtual space, including the amount equivalent to the charges paid when providing gifts to performers, etc., the amount paid as an event participation fee, and the amount paid when purchasing goods and merchandise related to the event. The total gift amount can include not only the amount paid by the user, but also alternatives to money (such as points).

[0075] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes, etc. in the information of the user (first user). For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the gift information database 2022 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, the gift information database 2022 includes an item "gift ID," an item "gift name," an item "category," an item "charged price," an item "remarks," and the like.

[0078] The item "gift ID" is information that identifies gifts that can be provided in an event held in virtual space.

[0079] The item "gift name" is information indicating the name of the gift.

[0080] The item "data type" is information indicating the type of data related to the gift content representing the gift. Information indicating the type of data includes video data, image data, music / audio data, text data, etc.

[0081] The "Charged Price" item is information about the charged price for purchasing the gift required to provide the gift. The charged price information includes information about the specific amount of the charge equivalent to money, as well as information corresponding to money in the case of points or other means of payment. In addition, in the case of a free gift that does not require a charge, information expressed as "0 yen" or "free" is included.

[0082] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes, etc. in the gift information. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0083] <3. Operational Example of the First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a series of processes executed by the system 1 when providing gifts to performers of an event held in a virtual space based on operation inputs from a user watching the event will be described.

[0084] 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed when a user (first user) watching an event held in a virtual space improves the visibility of an object (first object) representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation to offer a gift to a performer of the event. Note that, in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may execute the entire series of processes, or the server 20 may execute the entire series of processes.

[0085] In step S601, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a first user. For example, the gift offering operation accepting module 2034 accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, via the terminal device 10 used by the first user watching the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the first user accepts an operation to designate a gift for the performer to whom the gift is to be offered, on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift offering operation accepted from the first user to the server 20. The gift offering operation accepting module 2034 receives the information from the terminal device 10.

[0086] In step S651, the control unit 203 of the server 20 places a first object representing a gift in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide a gift received from the first user in step S601. Specifically, the gift placement module 2035 places an object representing the gift (first object) in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide a gift received from a user (first user) watching an event held in the virtual space. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the first object is placed in the virtual space to the terminal device 10 used by the first user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0087] In step S652, the control unit 203 of the server 20 evaluates the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space in step S651, which is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device used by the first user. Specifically, the evaluation module 2036 evaluates, as the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space, whether or not a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a part of the first object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user.

[0088] In step S653, the control unit 203 of the server 20 improves the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object when it is evaluated in step S652 that a second object placed in a virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object placed in the virtual space as a result of a gift from the first user, the visibility improvement module 2037 performs a process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by making at least a portion (the superimposed portion) of the first object that is invisible due to the superimposition of the second object partially or completely visible. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the visibility of the first object has been improved to the terminal device 10 used by the first user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0089] By performing this processing, when it is evaluated that the second object is superimposed on the first object representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation of the first user to provide a gift, the visibility of the superimposed portion on the first object can be improved. This allows the first user watching the event to enjoy providing gifts at the event without the object representing the gift provided by the first user being visually obstructed by other objects, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0090] FIG. 7 is another flowchart showing a series of processes performed when a user (first user) watching an event held in a virtual space improves the visibility of an object (first object) representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation to offer a gift to a performer of the event. This flowchart explains the process when the first layer on which the first object is placed and the second layer on which the second object is placed are different layers displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. Note that the operational flow in the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform the entire series of processes, or the server 20 may perform the entire series of processes.

[0091] In step S701, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a first user. For example, the gift offering operation acceptance module 2034 accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, via the terminal device 10 used by the first user watching the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the first user accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift offering operation accepted from the first user to the server 20. The gift offering operation acceptance module 2034 receives the information from the terminal device 10.

[0092] In step S751, the control unit 203 of the server 20 places a first object representing a gift in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide a gift received from the first user in step S701. Specifically, the gift placement module 2035 places an object representing the gift (first object) in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide a gift received from the first user watching an event held in the virtual space. The gift placement module 2035 places the first object on a layer different from the layer of the second object already placed in the virtual space. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the first object is placed in the virtual space to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0093] In step S752, the control unit 203 of the server 20 evaluates the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space in step S751, which is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device used by the first user. Specifically, the evaluation module 2036 evaluates, as the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space, whether or not a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a part of the first object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user.

[0094] In step S753, when it is determined in step S752 that the first layer on which the first object is placed is located lower than the second layer on which the second object is placed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user, and thus the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the control unit 203 of the server 20 switches the layers to place the first layer higher than the second layer, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Specifically, when it is determined by the evaluation module 2036 that the first layer is located lower than the second layer, and thus the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the layer switching module 2038 switches the layers to place the first layer higher than the second layer, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is improved to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays on the display 1302 a first object corresponding to the received information.

[0095] By this processing, when it is evaluated that a second object placed on a different layer in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of a first object representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation to provide a gift from a first user, the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object can be improved by switching the layers. This allows the first user watching the event to enjoy providing gifts at the event without the object representing the gift they provided being visually obstructed by other objects, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0096] FIG. 8 is another flowchart illustrating a series of processes performed when a user (first user) watching an event held in a virtual space improves the visibility of an object (first object) representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation to offer a gift to a performer of the event. This flowchart explains a process in which a first object representing a gift offered by the first user is placed in a three-dimensional virtual space and the viewpoint position for viewing the virtual space can be switched multiple times or continuously. Note that, in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may execute the entire series of processes, or the server 20 may execute the entire series of processes.

[0097] In step S801, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a first user. For example, the gift offering operation accepting module 2034 accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, via the terminal device 10 used by the first user watching the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the first user accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift offering operation accepted from the first user to the server 20. The gift offering operation accepting module 2034 receives the information from the terminal device 10.

[0098] In step S851, the control unit 203 of the server 20 places a first object representing a gift in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide a gift received from the first user in step S801. Specifically, the gift placement module 2035 places an object representing the gift (first object) in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide a gift received from a user (first user) watching an event held in the virtual space. The gift placement module 2035 places the first object in the three-dimensional virtual space. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the first object is placed in the virtual space to the terminal device 10 used by the first user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0099] In step S852, the control unit 203 of the server 20 evaluates the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space in step S851, which is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device used by the first user. Specifically, the evaluation module 2036 evaluates whether or not a second object is superimposed on at least a part of the first object at the first viewpoint position, as the visual display state of the first object placed in the virtual space.

[0100] In step S853, when it is evaluated in step S652 that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object at the first viewpoint position on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user, the control unit 203 of the server 20 switches the viewpoint from the first viewpoint position to a second viewpoint position where the second object is not superimposed on the first object, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Specifically, when it is evaluated by the evaluation module 2036 that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the viewpoint switching module 2039 switches the viewpoint from the first viewpoint position to a second viewpoint position where the second object is not superimposed on the first object, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the display state in which the visibility of the first object is improved to the terminal device 10 used by the first user. The terminal device 10 displays on the display 1302 a first object corresponding to the received information.

[0101] By this processing, when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of a first object representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation to offer a gift from a first user at the first viewpoint position, the viewpoint position is switched to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. This allows the first user watching the event to enjoy giving gifts at the event without the object representing the gift they offered being visually obstructed by other objects, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0102] In one aspect, when the evaluation module 2036 of the server 20 evaluates that, in response to an operation of providing a gift from a user, at least a portion of a first object representing a gift placed in the virtual space is superimposed on the same virtual space, the visibility improvement module 2037 may perform processing to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object for all objects superimposed on the first object. For example, when a first layer on which the first object representing the gift provided by the user is placed is different from a second layer on which multiple second objects are placed, the layer switching module 2038 can switch between the first layer and the multiple second layers and place the first layer above all of the second layers, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Furthermore, for example, in a case where a first object representing a gift provided by a user is placed in a three-dimensional virtual space and the viewpoint position for viewing the virtual space can be switched multiple times or continuously, the viewpoint switching module 2039 can improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by switching the viewpoint from the first viewpoint to a second viewpoint position where none of the multiple second objects are superimposed on the first object. By such processing, even when multiple objects are superimposed on the first object representing a gift provided by a user, the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is improved, so that the first user watching the event can enjoy giving gifts at the event without the object representing the gift provided by the user being visually obstructed by other objects, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0103] In one aspect, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the viewpoint switching module 2039 may switch the viewpoint from the first viewpoint to a second viewpoint where the second object is not superimposed on the first object, and if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the viewpoint switching module 2039 switches the viewpoint from the second viewpoint to the first viewpoint (returning the viewpoint to the original position). By such processing, if the first viewpoint is a normal viewpoint for viewing an event, continuing the second viewpoint may prevent the first user from fully enjoying the event. Therefore, by switching the viewpoint from the second viewpoint to a normal viewpoint for viewing an event (the first viewpoint) when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the visibility of the first object representing the gift provided by the first user is ensured, and the first user's satisfaction with the event can be maintained. In this case, the predetermined condition may be set when a certain period of time has elapsed since processing to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object has been performed, or when a state has been reached in which the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object at the first viewpoint position. In this case, even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied after switching from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint, when an object representing a new gift is provided by the first user, the server 20 may perform processing to switch the viewpoint from the second viewpoint to the first viewpoint (returning the viewpoint to the original position) using the viewpoint switching module 2039. If the first viewpoint is the normal viewpoint for viewing an event, the first user may wish to view the event from the first viewpoint when the object representing a new gift is provided. Therefore, by performing such processing, the first user can always view the event from the first viewpoint when the object representing a new gift is provided, thereby increasing the user's satisfaction with the event and increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0104] In one aspect, the server 20 may execute a process for accepting an operation from a first user permitting a change in viewpoint position, and in response to the accepted operation permitting a change in viewpoint position, the viewpoint switching module 2039 may switch the viewpoint position from the first viewpoint position to a second viewpoint position where the first object is displayed without the second object being superimposed on it, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Some users watching the event may not like the viewpoint position being changed every time an object representing a gift they provide is placed in the virtual space. Therefore, by performing this process, the viewpoint position is changed only when the first user permits a change in viewpoint position, thereby increasing the user's satisfaction with the event and their motivation to give gifts.

[0105] In one aspect, server 20 may perform processing to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by changing the display mode of the second object so that the second object is not displayed on the display screen in processing to change the display mode of the second object by display mode change module 2040. By such processing, the second object superimposed on at least a part of the first object is displayed in a disappeared state on the display screen, thereby further improving the visibility of the first object.

[0106] In a certain aspect, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that a second object placed in a virtual space is superimposed on a portion of the first object that occupies a predetermined area ratio or more on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in the process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion, the server 20 may perform a process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object using the visibility improvement module 2037 (layer switching module 2038, viewpoint switching module 2039). By such a process, when the superimposed portion of the first object on which the second object is superimposed is relatively small (the percentage at which the visibility of the first object is obstructed is small), the process of improving the visibility is not performed, thereby avoiding an unnecessarily increased processing load for improving the visibility and allowing the user to enjoy watching the event in its original display state.

[0107] In a certain aspect, when at least one of a first object and a second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, server 20 may use visibility improvement module 2037 (layer switching module 2038, viewpoint switching module 2039) to perform processing to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object during a period in which the second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object. By performing such processing, processing to improve the visibility of the first object can be performed only during a period in which the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, so that during the other periods (periods in which the display state in which the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object is no longer displayed), the user can enjoy watching the event in the original display state.

[0108] In one aspect, when at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, server 20 may limit processing for improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object. When at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, the display state in which the second object is overlapped on at least a portion of the first object disappears over time. Therefore, such processing avoids an unintentional increase in the processing load for improving visibility and allows the user to enjoy watching the event in its original display state.

[0109] In some cases, the server 20 may limit the process of improving the visibility of an object representing a gift, depending on the type of gift being provided. Specifically, if a gift provided by a user or the like is a free gift, the server 20 limits the process of improving the visibility of the object representing the gift. Because free gifts are gifts that users can easily give, they are expected to be placed in large numbers in the virtual space. In such cases, there is a risk that gifts may overlap with each other, and even if a process of improving the visibility of the object representing the gift is performed, the visibility may not be improved. In this way, for example, by limiting the process of improving the visibility of free gifts (objects) and only performing a process of improving the visibility of paid gifts (objects), gifts that users originally expected are displayed preferentially, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts. Note that in this case, since a large number of free gifts placed in the virtual space may hinder visibility, it is possible to perform, for example, a process of limiting the number of free gifts that can be placed in the virtual space at the same time, or a process of removing previously placed free gifts (objects) from the virtual space when a new free gift (object) is placed in the virtual space.

[0110] <4 Screen Examples of the First Embodiment> Figures 9 to 15 are diagrams showing examples of various screens that are displayed during a series of processes in which a user using the system 1 disclosed in the present invention performs an operation to provide a gift to performers of an event held in a virtual space based on operational input from the user watching the event.

[0111] FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed when a user viewing an event selects a performer of the event to whom a gift is to be given.

[0112] 9, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer list display area 901, a performer selection operation display area 902, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0113] The performer list display area 901 displays a list of performers for the event. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, images 9011 and performer names 9012 of all performers appearing in the event in the performer list display area 901. The information on the image 9011 and performer name 9012 of each performer functions as a button that accepts operational input such as being pressed by the user. When the control unit 190 accepts operational input such as pressing the image from the user, it executes processing to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided.

[0114] The performer selection operation display area 902 displays information for the user to select and confirm a performer to whom a gift is to be provided. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer selection list 9021, a gift provision button 9022, etc. in the performer selection operation display area 902.

[0115] The performer selection list 9021 displays information about performers that the user can select as recipients of a gift in a pull-down menu. The display method of the performer information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user to select a performer included in the list, it executes a process to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided. Note that the performer selection operation display area 902 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the process to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided can also be executed by an operation input such as pressing the image 9011 and performer name 9012 of each performer described above.

[0116] The gift providing button 9022 is a button for the user to confirm the performer to whom the gift is to be provided and to perform the operation of providing the gift. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, the control unit 190 executes the operation of providing the gift.

[0117] FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen when a user watching an event offers a gift to a performer.

[0118] 10, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays an explanatory text display area 1001, a gift list display area 1002, a gift selection operation display area 1003, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0119] The explanatory text display area 1001 displays explanatory text etc. that the user can refer to in order to check information related to the determination result. For example, information about the performer to whom the user has selected to receive a gift is displayed in the explanatory text display area 1001.

[0120] The gift list display area 1002 displays a list of gifts to be provided at the event the user is viewing. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, images (objects representing gifts) 10021 and gift names 10022 of all gifts that can be provided at the event the user is viewing in the gift list display area 1002. The information of each object 10021 and gift name 10022 functions as a button that accepts an operational input such as being pressed by the user. When the control unit 190 accepts an operational input such as pressing an image from the user, it executes a process of selecting a gift.

[0121] The gift selection operation display area 1003 displays information for the user to perform an operation to confirm the gift to be provided. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a gift selection list 10031, a confirmation button 10032, etc. in the gift selection operation display area 1003.

[0122] The gift selection list 10031 displays information about gifts provided by the user in a pull-down menu. The display method for gift information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user to select a gift included in the list, it executes a gift selection process. Note that the gift selection operation display area 1003 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the gift selection process can also be executed by an operation input such as pressing the image of each object 10021 and the information on the gift name 10022 described above.

[0123] The confirm button 10032 is a button for confirming a gift selected by a user operation. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, the control unit 190 executes a process for confirming (designating) the selected gift.

[0124] 11 shows an example screen of an object representing a gift that is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by a user in response to an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event. This example screen illustrates a case where, in response to an operation to provide a gift from a user (first user), an object representing the gift (first object) is placed in the virtual space on a layer different from other objects (second objects).

[0125] In FIG. 11, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1101 and the like on the display 1302.

[0126] The performer display area 1101 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 11011A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (first object 11012 representing a gift) from the first user, and avatar object 11011B corresponding to the performer who does not receive a gift from the first user. For example, the gift placement module 2035 of the server 20 places the first object 11012 representing a gift in the virtual space in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user, thereby displaying the first object 11012 on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this example screen, an object representing a gift (second object 11013) already placed in the virtual space is superimposed on a portion of the first object representing the gift provided by the first user. In this case, the evaluation module 2036 of the server 20 evaluates that the second object 11013 is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object 11012 because the first layer on which the first object 11012 is placed is located lower than the second layer on which the second object 11013 is placed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user.

[0127] 12 shows an example screen of an object representing a gift displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by a user in response to an operation by a user watching an event to provide a gift. This example screen illustrates a display state after the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object placed in the virtual space shown in FIG. 11 is improved by switching the placement position of the object placed in the virtual space.

[0128] In FIG. 12, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1201 and the like on the display 1302.

[0129] Performer display area 1201 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 12011A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (first object 12012 representing the gift) from the first user, and avatar object 12011B corresponding to the performer who does not receive a gift from the first user. For example, after gift placement module 2035 of server 20 places first object 12012 representing the gift provided by the first user in the virtual space, layer switching module 2038 of server 20 switches the display screen between the first layer on which first object 12012 is placed and the second layer on which second object 12013 is placed, so that the first layer is placed above the second layer. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the layer on which the first object 12012 is placed is located lower than the layer on which the second object 12013 is placed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, and therefore the second object 12013 is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object 12012, the layer switching module 2038 switches the first layer and the second layer and places the first layer higher than the second layer, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object 12012.

[0130] 13 shows an example screen of an object representing a gift displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by a user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user watching the event. In this example screen, a case will be described in which an object representing the gift (first object) is placed in a three-dimensional virtual space together with another object (second object) in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user (first user).

[0131] In FIG. 13, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1311 and the like on the display 1302.

[0132] The performer display area 1311 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 13111A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (first object 13112 representing a gift) from the first user, and avatar object 13111B corresponding to the performer who does not receive a gift from the first user. For example, the gift placement module 2035 of the server 20 places the first object 13112 representing a gift in the virtual space in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user, thereby displaying the first object 13112 on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this example screen, at the first viewpoint position (the viewpoint position shown in FIG. 13 ), an object representing a gift (second object 13113) already placed in the virtual space is superimposed on a portion of the first object representing the gift provided by the first user. In this case, the evaluation module 2036 of the server 20 evaluates that the second object 13113 is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object 13112 at the first viewpoint position on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user.

[0133] 14 shows an example screen of an object representing a gift displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by a user in response to an operation by a user viewing an event to provide a gift. This example screen illustrates a display state after the visibility of the first object placed in the virtual space shown in FIG. 13 is improved by switching the viewpoint position in the virtual space.

[0134] In FIG. 14, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1401 and the like on the display 1302.

[0135] Performer display area 1401 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 14011A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (first object 14012 representing the gift) from a first user, and avatar object 14011B corresponding to the performer who does not receive a gift from the first user. For example, after gift placement module 2035 of server 20 places first object 14012 representing the gift provided by the first user in the virtual space, viewpoint switching module 2039 of server 20 switches the display screen from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position, and places first object 14012 and another object (second object 14013). Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object 14013 is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object 14012 at a first viewpoint position on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the viewpoint switching module 2039 switches the viewpoint position from the first viewpoint position to a second viewpoint position where the second object 14013 is displayed without being superimposed on the first object 14012, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object 14012.

[0136] 15 shows an example of a screen of an object representing a gift displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by a user in response to an operation of providing a gift from a user watching an event. This example screen illustrates a display state after improving the visibility of an object (first object) placed in a virtual space by changing the display mode of another object (second object) placed in the virtual space together with the object (first object) representing a gift provided by the user (first user).

[0137] In FIG. 15, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1501 and the like on the display 1302.

[0138] Performer display area 1501 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 15011A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (first object 15012 representing a gift) from the first user, and avatar object 15011B corresponding to the performer who does not receive a gift from the first user. For example, after gift placement module 2035 of server 20 places first object 15012 representing the gift provided by the first user in the virtual space, display mode change module 2040 of server 20 changes the display mode on the display screen so that the second object becomes transparent. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that a second object placed in a virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object 15012 on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the viewpoint switching module 2039 changes the display mode of the second object 15013 so that the second object 15013 is displayed in a transparent state on the display screen, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object 15012.

[0139] (Second embodiment) In the following embodiment, a technology will be described in which, when a first object representing a gift provided by a user (first user) is placed in a virtual space in response to an operation to provide the gift from the user and a second object (second object) different from the first object is placed in the virtual space, and the second object is evaluated as being superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the first user is asked whether or not to perform processing to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Note that a description of components having a common configuration with the first embodiment (e.g., terminal device 10, server 20, etc.) will be omitted, and only the configuration and processing unique to the second embodiment will be described.

[0140] <5. Functional Configuration of Server 20 in Second Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 newly includes a confirmation module 2041, a viewpoint switching operation receiving module 2042, and a restriction module 2043.

[0141] When the second object is an object representing a gift provided by the first user, and the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen, the confirmation module 2041 controls a series of processes to confirm, for the first user, whether or not to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Specifically, when the second object is an object representing a gift provided by the first user, and the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen, the confirmation module 2041 confirms, for the first user, whether or not to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. When the first object and the second object placed in the virtual space are both objects representing gifts provided by the first user, even when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the first user may not necessarily want to prioritize the display of the first object. For example, if the second object provided by the first user represents a gift that the first user prefers, it is preferable for the first user not to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. As a process for confirming whether to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object, the confirmation module 2041 can, for example, present information to the first user to allow the first user to select either an operation for improving the visibility or an operation for not improving the visibility (an operation for maintaining the current display state). In this case, the server 20 transmits information for confirming whether to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object to the terminal device 10 used by the first user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0142] The viewpoint switching operation receiving module 2042 controls a series of processes for receiving an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object from the first user who has confirmed whether or not the process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is necessary using the confirmation module 2041. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object, which has been received from the first user, to the server 20. The viewpoint switching operation receiving module 2042 of the server 20 receives the information from the terminal device 10. For example, upon receiving the information from the terminal device 10, the server 20 transmits information regarding the operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object to the terminal device 10.

[0143] The restriction module 2043 controls a series of processes to restrict the process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object when an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is not received from the first user who confirmed whether or not the process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is necessary by the confirmation module 2041. Specifically, the restriction module 2043 restricts the process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object when an operation for not improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is received from the first user who confirmed whether or not the process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is necessary by the confirmation module 2041 (when the operation for improving the visibility is not received). When the restriction process is performed by the restriction module 2043, the visibility improvement module 2037 does not perform the process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Furthermore, the restriction module 2043 can also restrict the processing for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object if no operation for not improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is received from the first user within a certain period of time after the confirmation module 2041 has confirmed with the first user whether or not processing for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is necessary.

[0144] <6. Operational Example in the Second Embodiment> Below, we will explain the series of processes that the system 1 performs when it evaluates that a second object placed in virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of a first object, and then asks the first user whether or not processing is required to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

[0145] 16 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for confirming with a first user whether or not a process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of a first object is required when a second object placed in a virtual space is evaluated as being superimposed on at least a portion of the first object. Note that this flowchart also discloses an example in which a series of processes are executed by exchanging information between the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user and the server 20, but is not limited to this.

[0146] In step S1651, when the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines that the second object, which is an object representing a gift provided by the first user, is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the control unit 203 confirms with the first user whether or not a process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is required. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 determines that the second object, which is located in the virtual space, is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the confirmation module 2041 confirms with the first user whether or not a process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is required. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the confirmation of whether or not a process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is required to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0147] In step S1601, the control unit 203 of the server 20 accepts an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object from the first user who confirmed the necessity in step S1651. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user accepts an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the operation accepted from the user to the server 20. Note that in this step, instead of accepting an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object from the first user who confirmed the necessity in step S1651, the control unit 203 of the server 20 can perform processing for not accepting an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. In this case, the control unit 203 of the server 20 restricts processing for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Specifically, for example, when the restriction module 2043 does not accept an operation to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion in the first object from the first user who has confirmed the need for processing to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion, the restriction module 2043 restricts the processing to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion in the first object in step S1652.

[0148] In step S1652, the control unit 203 of the server 20 improves the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object in response to the operation from the first user in step S1601. Specifically, when the evaluation module 2036 evaluates that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object placed in the virtual space as a result of a gift provided by the first user, the visibility improvement module 2037 performs a process of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object by making at least a portion (the superimposed portion) of the first object, which is invisible due to the superimposition of the second object, partially or completely visible on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the first user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information regarding the display state in which the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object has been improved to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the first object corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0149] By this process, when a first object and a second object placed in the virtual space are both objects representing gifts provided by the same user (first user), even if the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object, the first user can be given an opportunity to confirm which of the first object and the second object he or she wishes to prioritize displaying. This allows the first user to select for himself or herself the object representing the gift he or she wishes to prioritize displaying, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0150] <7 Screen Examples of the Second Embodiment> Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during a series of processes to confirm with a first user whether or not the visibility of a first object needs to be improved when using system 1 disclosed in the present invention, in a display state in which a first object representing a gift provided by a first user and a second object are superimposed, with the second object being superimposed on at least a portion of the first object.

[0151] 17 shows an example of a screen displayed when a first user is asked whether or not to improve the visibility of a first object representing a gift provided by the first user, in a display state in which a second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object. This screen example illustrates a case in which, in response to an operation to provide a gift from the first user, the first object representing the gift is placed in the virtual space on a different layer from the second object.

[0152] 17, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1701, a necessity selection operation display area 1702, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a part of the display 1302. Also, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0153] The performer display area 1701 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 17011A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (first object 17012 representing a gift) from the first user, and avatar object 17011B corresponding to the performer who does not receive a gift from the first user. For example, the gift placement module 2035 of the server 20 places the first object 17012 representing a gift in the virtual space in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user, thereby displaying the first object 17012 on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this example screen, a second object 17013 provided by the first user, which has already been placed in the virtual space, is displayed superimposed on a portion of the first object 17012 representing the gift provided by the first user. In this case, the evaluation module 2036 of the server 20 evaluates that the second object 17013 is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object 17012 because the first layer on which the first object 17012 is placed is located lower than the second layer on which the second object 17013 is placed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user.

[0154] The necessity / non-necessity selection operation display area 1702 displays information for the first user to select whether or not to perform processing to improve the visibility of the first object. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the first user displays an explanatory text display area 17021, a priority display enable button 17022, a priority display disable button 17023, etc. in the necessity / non-necessity selection operation display area 1702.

[0155] The explanatory text display area 17021 displays explanatory text etc. for the first user to confirm whether or not the visibility of the first object needs to be improved. For example, the explanatory text display area 17021 displays, together with the user name, information etc. for confirming whether or not to display the first object preferentially, since the gift provided by the first user (first object 17012) is displayed overlapping with the gift provided by the first user (second object 17013).

[0156] The priority display button 17022 is a button for allowing the first user to perform an operation to preferentially display the first object 17012. Specifically, when the first user presses the button, the viewpoint switching module 2039 switches the layers between the first layer on which the first object 17012 is arranged and the layer on which the second object 17013 is arranged, and places the first layer above the second layer, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object.

[0157] The priority display disable button 17023 is a button for performing an operation to prevent the first object 17012 from being preferentially displayed (maintaining the current display state) by the operation of the first user. Specifically, when the first user presses the button, the restriction module 2043 restricts the process of improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object 17012, and the display state in which the second object is overlapped on at least a part of the first object 17012 is maintained.

[0158] In one aspect, when the evaluation module 2036 of the server 20 evaluates that an object (second object) representing another gift provided by the first user and an object (second object) representing another gift provided by another user (second user) are superimposed on at least a portion of a first object representing a gift placed in the virtual space in response to an operation to provide a gift from the first user, the visibility improvement module 2037 may perform processing to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object, and the confirmation module 2041 may perform processing to confirm with the first user whether or not to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object. Through such processing, the visibility of the first object representing the gift provided by the first user is improved with respect to objects representing gifts provided by other users (second users), while the first user can be given an opportunity to confirm whether he or she wants to prioritize the display of the first object or the second object with respect to objects representing gifts provided by the first user himself or herself. This allows the first user to select for himself or herself the object representing the gift that the first user wishes to prioritize display, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0159] In one aspect, when server 20 does not receive an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object from the first user who confirmed whether or not the process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is necessary using confirmation module 2041, server 20 may perform a process for restricting the process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object using restriction module 2043. This process provides the first user with an opportunity to confirm which of the first object and the second object they wish to prioritize display, even when the first object and the second object placed in the virtual space are objects representing gifts provided by the same user (first user), and the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object. This allows the first user to select for themselves the object representing the gift they wish to prioritize display, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0160] <8 Basic computer hardware configuration> 18 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 911, a main memory device 912, an auxiliary memory device 913, and a communication IF 991 (interface), which are electrically connected to one another by a communication bus 921.

[0161] The processor 911 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0162] The main memory device 912 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0163] The auxiliary storage device 913 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0164] The communication IF 991 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0165] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0166] <9 Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The following describes the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration (FIG. 11) of the computer 90. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0167] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0168] The control unit is realized by the processor 911 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 913, expanding them in the main storage device 912, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0169] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 912 and an auxiliary storage device 913. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 911 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 912 or the auxiliary storage device 913 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 911 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0170] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called masters and tables in a tabular format structurally defined by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a master, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables and masters can be set and associated. Typically, each table and each master has a column set as a primary key to uniquely identify a record, but setting a primary key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 911 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the storage unit according to various programs. Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the storage unit, it can be considered that the information processing device and information processing system according to the present disclosure have been manufactured.

[0171] Note that the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structure in which information is structurally defined (such as a list, dictionary, associative array, or object). The data structure also includes data that can be considered as a data structure by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc. written in any programming language.

[0172] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 991. The communication unit realizes a function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 911 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. Furthermore, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0173] Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The present invention can also be realized by software program code that implements the functions of the embodiments. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and a processor included in the computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media for providing such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs.

[0174] Furthermore, the program code that realizes the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of program or script languages, such as assembler, C / C++, perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0175] Furthermore, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiments may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the processor of the computer may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0176] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0177] <10 Variations> A modification of this embodiment will be described below. That is, the following aspects may be adopted. (1) An information processing device in which the program may be pre-installed or may be installed later, or such a program may be stored on an external non-transitory storage medium or may be run using cloud computing. (2) A method in which a computer functions as an information processing device, and the program may be pre-installed on the information processing device or may be installed later, or such a program may be stored on an external non-transitory storage medium, or may be operated using cloud computing.

[0178] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0179] (Appendix 1) A program executed by a computer having a processor 29, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: accepting an operation to provide a gift from a first user watching an event held in a virtual space (S601); placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in response to the accepted operation to provide the gift (S651); evaluating the visual display state of the placed first object displayed on the display screen of a terminal device used by the first user (S652); and, when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen (S653), improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

[0180] (Appendix 2) The program further causes the processor to execute a step (S753) of switching layers displayed on the display screen between a first layer on which a first object is placed and a second layer on which a second object is placed, and when it is evaluated that the first layer is positioned lower than the second layer on the display screen, thereby overlapping at least a portion of the first object, the program switches the layers to position the first layer higher than the second layer, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object.

[0181] (Appendix 3) The program further causes the processor to execute a step (S853) of switching the viewpoint position from which the virtual space displayed on the display screen is viewed, and when it is evaluated that a second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object at the first viewpoint position, the program switches the viewpoint position from the first viewpoint position to a second viewpoint position where the second object is displayed without being superimposed on the first object, thereby improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

[0182] (Appendix 4) The program described in Appendix 3 further causes the processor to execute a step of switching the viewpoint position from the second viewpoint position to the first viewpoint position when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the viewpoint position is switched from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position.

[0183] (Appendix 5) 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is when a certain period of time has elapsed since the first viewpoint position was switched to the second viewpoint position.

[0184] (Appendix 6) 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the second object is not superimposed on the first object at the first viewpoint position.

[0185] (Appendix 7) The program described in Appendix 3 further causes the processor to execute a step of receiving an operation from a first user permitting switching of the viewpoint position, and in accordance with the received operation permitting switching of the viewpoint position, switches the viewpoint position from the first viewpoint position to a second viewpoint position at which the second object is displayed without being superimposed on the first object, thereby improving visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

[0186] (Appendix 8) The program described in Appendix 1, further causing the processor to execute a step of changing the display mode of the second object, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object by changing the display mode of the second object so that the second object is not displayed on the display screen.

[0187] (Appendix 9) The program described in Appendix 1, further causing the processor to execute a step of changing the display mode of the second object, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object by changing the display mode of the second object so that the second object is displayed in a transparent state on the display screen.

[0188] (Appendix 10) 2. The program of claim 1, wherein the second object is an object representing a gift provided by a second user different from the first user.

[0189] (Appendix 11) A program as described in Appendix 1, which, in the step of improving the visibility of the overlapping portion, improves the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object when it is evaluated that a second object placed in a virtual space is overlapping on a portion of the first object that has an area ratio equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.

[0190] (Appendix 12) A program as described in Appendix 1, which, when at least one of a first object and a second object is displayed in a dynamic display manner, improves the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object during a period when the second object placed in a virtual space is overlapping at least a portion of the first object.

[0191] (Appendix 13) The program according to claim 1, wherein when at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, processing for improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object is limited.

[0192] (Appendix 14) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein, when the second object is an object representing a gift provided by the first user, the program further causes the processor to execute a step (S1651) of confirming with the first user whether processing is required to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object when it is evaluated on the display screen that the second object placed in the virtual space is overlapping at least a portion of the first object.

[0193] (Appendix 15) The program further causes the processor to execute a step (S1601) of receiving an operation to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion in the first object from a first user who has confirmed whether or not processing to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion is necessary, and improves the visibility of the overlapping portion in the first object in accordance with the operation from the first user.

[0194] (Appendix 16) The program described in Appendix 1 further causes the processor to execute a step of restricting processing to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion in the first object when an operation to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion in the first object is not accepted from the first user who has confirmed whether or not processing to improve the visibility of the overlapping portion is necessary.

[0195] (Appendix 17) A method executed by a computer including a processor 29, wherein the processor 29 executes the following steps: accepting an operation to provide a gift from a first user watching an event held in a virtual space (S601); placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in response to the accepted operation to provide the gift (S651); evaluating the visual display state of the placed first object displayed on the display screen of a terminal device used by the first user (S652); and, when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen (S653), improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

[0196] (Appendix 18) An information processing device comprising a control unit 203, the control unit 203 having a function of accepting an operation to provide a gift from a first user watching an event held in a virtual space (S601), a function of placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in accordance with the accepted operation to provide the gift (S651), a function of evaluating the visual display state of the placed first object displayed on the display screen of a terminal device used by the first user (S652), and a function of improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen (S653). [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 10 terminal device, 12 communication interface, 13 input device, 14 output device, 15 memory, 16 storage unit, 19 processor, 20 server, 22 communication interface, 23 input / output interface, 25 memory, 26 storage, 29 processor, 80 network, 90 computer, 1801 user information, 1901 input operation reception unit, 1902 transmission / reception unit, 1903 data processing unit, 1904 notification control unit, 1302 display, 140 audio processing unit, 141 microphone, 142 speaker, 150 position information sensor, 160 camera, 170 motion sensor, 911 processor, 912 main memory device, 913 auxiliary memory device, 921 communication bus, 991 communication IF, 2021 user information database, 2022 gift information database, 2031 reception control module, 2032 transmission control module, 2033 User information acquisition module, 2034 gift offering operation reception module, 2035 gift placement module, 2036 evaluation module, 2037 visibility improvement module, 2038 layer switching module, 2039 viewpoint switching module, 2040 display mode change module, 2041 confirmation module, 2042 viewpoint switching operation reception module, 2043 restriction module

Claims

1. A program executed by a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to: receiving an operation to provide a gift from a first user viewing an event held in a virtual space; placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in response to the received operation to provide the gift; evaluating a visual display state of the arranged first object displayed on a display screen of a terminal device used by the first user; and a step of improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is overlapped on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen.

2. The program further causes the processor to executing a step of switching layers displayed on the display screen between a first layer on which the first object is arranged and a second layer on which the second object is arranged; When it is evaluated that the first layer is located below the second layer on the display screen, and therefore the second object is superimposed on at least a part of the first object, The program according to claim 1 , wherein the layers are switched to place the first layer above the second layer, thereby improving visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object.

3. The program further causes the processor to executing a step of switching a viewpoint position for viewing the virtual space displayed on the display screen; When it is evaluated that the second object is superimposed on at least a part of the first object at a first viewpoint position, 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object is improved by switching the viewpoint from the first viewpoint to a second viewpoint where the second object is displayed without being superimposed on the first object.

4. The program further causes the processor to 4. The program according to claim 3, further comprising: a step of switching the viewpoint position from the second viewpoint position to the first viewpoint position when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the viewpoint position is switched from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is that a certain period of time has elapsed since the viewpoint was switched from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint.

6. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the second object is not superimposed on the first object at the first viewpoint position.

7. The program further causes the processor to receiving an operation from the first user to permit switching of the viewpoint position; The program of claim 3, wherein the viewpoint position is switched from the first viewpoint position to the second viewpoint position in which the second object is not superimposed on the first object in response to an operation that allows the switching of the viewpoint position that has been received.

8. The program further causes the processor to further executing a step of changing a display mode of the second object; The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: changing a display mode of the second object so that the second object is not displayed on the display screen, thereby improving visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

9. The program further causes the processor to further executing a step of changing a display mode of the second object; The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: changing a display mode of the second object so that the second object is displayed in a transparent state on the display screen, thereby improving visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object.

10. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second object is an object representing a gift provided by a second user different from the first user.

11. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of improving the visibility of the overlapping portion, if it is evaluated that the second object to be placed in the virtual space is overlapping a portion of the first object that has an area ratio equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object is improved.

12. When at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, The program according to claim 1 , wherein the program improves visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object during a period in which the second object placed in the virtual space is overlapped on at least a portion of the first object.

13. When at least one of the first object and the second object is displayed in a dynamic display mode, The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: limiting a process for improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object.

14. When the second object is an object representing a gift provided by the first user, The program further causes the processor to 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising: when it is determined that the second object is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen, the program causes the first user to confirm whether or not processing is required to improve the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

15. The program further causes the processor to receiving an operation for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion on the first object from the first user who has confirmed whether or not a process for improving the visibility of the superimposed portion is necessary; The program according to claim 14 , further comprising: improving visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object in response to an operation from the first user.

16. The program further causes the processor to 15. The program according to claim 14, further comprising: a step of restricting the processing for improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object when an operation for improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object is not received from the first user who has confirmed whether or not the processing for improving the visibility of the overlapping portion is necessary.

17. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising a processor, the processor comprising: receiving an operation to provide a gift from a first user viewing an event held in a virtual space; placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in response to the received operation to provide the gift; evaluating a visual display state of the arranged first object displayed on a display screen of a terminal device used by the first user; and when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is superimposed on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen, improving the visibility of the superimposed portion of the first object.

18. An information processing device including a control unit, the control unit a function of accepting an operation to provide a gift from a first user who is viewing an event held in the virtual space; a function of placing a first object representing the gift in the virtual space in response to the received operation of providing the gift; a function of evaluating a visual display state of the arranged first object displayed on a display screen of a terminal device used by the first user; and a function of improving the visibility of the overlapping portion of the first object when it is evaluated that a second object placed in the virtual space is overlapped on at least a portion of the first object on the display screen.

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