Experience delivery system and experience delivery method

Abstract

Providing the same tour experience to the same person in both virtual and real-world settings. [Solution] The experience provision system comprises: a virtual space tour provision means that provides online virtual space tours using a virtual space constructed to correspond to a real tourist destination; a user information storage means that stores the user information of a user when the user experiences a virtual space tour provided by the virtual space tour provision means; and a real tourist tour intermediary means that enables the user to apply for a real tourist tour corresponding to the virtual space tour that the user has experienced, based on the user information stored in the user information storage means.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for providing a highly customer - satisfying tour by linking virtual experiences and real experiences in a virtual space.

Background Art

[0002] There is a known technology in which multiple participants use their respective terminals to participate in an online space constructed on a computer and share videos, voices, and experiences in real - time. Such technologies are used in VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), XR (Cross Reality), the metaverse, etc. For example, in Patent Document 1, an online tour system using VR has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, online tours have been mostly used for the purpose of allowing people who cannot actually travel to virtually experience sightseeing online. That is, online tours have been merely positioned as a substitute for real tours.

[0005] However, recently, as people's interests and concerns diversify, customer needs such as experiencing something that one is really attracted to or experiencing something different from others have been increasing. In addition, among travelers, there is also an increasing number of people who want to use limited time effectively to achieve a travel without failure (without betraying expectations). In particular, foreign travelers visiting from afar and young people called Generation Alpha who value time performance and consumption of things have such a strong tendency.

[0006] Under these circumstances, the inventors conceived the idea that by preparing online and real-world tours based on the same concept, linking them using ICT technology, and providing the same experience to the same people in both virtual and real worlds, they could create unprecedented new value and potentially create a new market.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and aims to realize the ability to provide the same tour experience to the same person in both virtual and real-world settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the experience provision system according to the present invention comprises: a virtual space tour provision means that provides online virtual space tours using a virtual space constructed to correspond to a real tourist destination; a user information storage means that stores the user information of a user when the user experiences the virtual space tour provided by the virtual space tour provision means; and a real tourist tour intermediary means that enables the user to apply for a real tourist tour corresponding to the virtual space tour experienced by the user based on the user information stored in the user information storage means.

[0009] When a user meets the condition of having experienced a virtual space tour, the bar they experienced will be shown. By systematizing the constraint that users can apply for real-world sightseeing tours that correspond to the virtual space tour, it is possible to guarantee that the same user will receive the same tour experience in both virtual and real-world formats.

[0010] The virtual space tour provision means may include a sales function that sells goods through virtual stores within the virtual space tour, and a receiving arrangement function that arranges for the user to receive the goods purchased using the sales function during the real sightseeing tour that the user has applied for.

[0011] By providing such features, users can, for example, check and purchase (or reserve) items that are only available at their travel destination in advance through a virtual tour, thus ensuring they can obtain the items they want.

[0012] The aforementioned pickup arrangement function may also be used to arrange for the user to pick up the item at a station, airport, or port used in the aforementioned real sightseeing tour.

[0013] By allowing users to pick up items at such locations, they no longer need to carry the items around, thus reducing their burden.

[0014] The virtual space tour provision means may have an information viewing function that allows the user who visits a location within the virtual space to view or view location-related information recorded in association with a location within the virtual space.

[0015] If the location-related information is in the form of images or text, it may be displayed to the user in a virtual space. If the location-related information is in the form of videos or audio, it may be played to the user. By using this information viewing function, users can effectively prepare for their trip by associating information about their travel destination with the actual location.

[0016] The system may include means for providing location-related information that allows a user participating in the aforementioned real-world sightseeing tour to view or listen to location-related information on their mobile device when they visit a real location corresponding to the aforementioned location.

[0017] With this feature, users can review information they have studied (viewed or watched in advance) during a virtual tour when they actually visit the location on a real-world tour. This allows them to experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from having visited a place they wanted to go, or a feeling of exhilaration as if they were revisiting a place they had been to before.

[0018] A mobile device owned by the user participating in the aforementioned real-world sightseeing tour may have a means for providing current location information that allows the user to view or see an image of the virtual space corresponding to the user's current location, and / or a map showing the user's current location in the virtual space.

[0019] By making location information viewable or viewable in this format, users can easily and intuitively understand their own current location.

[0020] The system has a virtual space data storage means that stores multiple virtual spaces created under different conditions for a single tourist destination, and the current location information providing means may allow the user to specify at least one of the following conditions: weather, temperature, season, time of year, date, day of the week, time of day, and time of day, and provide an image of a virtual space that matches the specified condition from among the multiple virtual spaces.

[0021] Such features allow users to virtually experience how the scenery and conditions of the place they are currently visiting might look different depending on the season, weather, or time of day.

[0022] The virtual space data storage means has a virtual space that stores multiple virtual spaces created under different conditions for a single tourist destination, and the virtual space tour providing means may have the user specify at least one of the following conditions: weather, temperature, season, time of year, date, day of the week, time of day, and time of day, and provide a virtual space tour that uses a virtual space from among the multiple virtual spaces that matches the specified conditions.

[0023] According to such a function, users can experience virtual space tours corresponding to a desired season, weather, or time.

[0024] It may have reproduction content providing means for generating content that reproduces the actions of the user in the virtual space tour on the virtual space based on the user information stored in the user information storage means and providing the content online.

[0025] By preparing such a mechanism, it becomes possible to provide the action record of a user's virtual space tour to others as content. Then, interesting content (for example, a unique way of walking in the virtual space, a tour introduction by an influencer, etc.) may be generated, and the content itself may gain circulation and value. Also, if a large number of contents are provided and recommended contents such as recommendations and popular contents are recommended, an increase and expansion of the service users of this system can be expected.

[0026] The virtual space tour providing means may have an other user display function that makes an avatar indicating other users participating in the virtual space tour and / or a log of the actions of the other users in the virtual space tour viewable or audible to the user.

[0027] It can be expected that such a function will arouse the user's interest by visualizing the existence and actions of other users. For example, when a user is taking a stroll in the virtual space and sees the appearance of other users going towards or gathering at a certain place, it will motivate the user to go to that place as well.

[0028] It may have real action log storage means for storing the log of the user's actions in the real sightseeing tour and action log reproduction means for making the log of the user's actions viewable or audible on the virtual space.

[0029] By using such features, you can later review your actions during a real-world sightseeing tour (for example, the places and routes you walked, the spots and shops you visited, etc.) in a virtual space.

[0030] The log of the aforementioned actions may include photographs and / or videos taken by the user. Furthermore, the action log playback means may map the photographs and / or videos to coordinates in the virtual space corresponding to the locations where the photographs and / or videos were taken.

[0031] The log of the activity may include movement information indicating the locations the user has visited. Furthermore, the activity log playback means may reproduce the user's activities in the real-world sightseeing tour in the virtual space based on the movement information.

[0032] The method for providing an experience according to the present invention includes the steps of: a computer providing an online virtual space tour using a virtual space constructed to correspond to a real tourist destination; a computer storing user information of a user in a user information storage means when the user experiences the virtual space tour; and a computer enabling the user to apply for a real tourist tour corresponding to the virtual space tour experienced by the user, based on the user information stored in the user information storage means.

[0033] The present invention can be understood as an experience provision system, tour system, tour reservation system, online tour provision system, virtual experience and real experience linkage system, XR system, metaverse system, or a server or terminal that constitutes part of such a system, having at least a part of the above-described configuration or configuration described later. The present invention may also be understood as an experience provision method, tour provision method, tour reservation method, online tour provision method, virtual experience and real experience linkage method, XR experience provision method, metaverse provision method, etc., having at least a part of the above-described processing or configuration described later. Furthermore, the present invention may be understood as a program that makes a computer function as one of these systems, a program that causes a computer to execute one of these methods, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores such a program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, the same tour experience can be provided to the same person in both virtual and real-world settings, thereby providing new value to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an overview of the experience delivery system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the experience delivery system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an overview of the services provided by the experience delivery system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a menu screen displayed on a client terminal. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a virtual space tour screen displayed on a client terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a booking screen for a real sightseeing tour. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an image of the virtual space displayed on a client terminal. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of a map displayed on a client terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of displaying an archive of photos and videos included in the real-time activity log on a client terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of mapping photos and videos to virtual space coordinates corresponding to the locations where they were taken. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Examples of specific embodiments of the experience provision system and experience provision method according to the present invention will be described below. The system of this embodiment described below aims to provide new value to users by linking virtual space tours and real sightseeing tours using ICT technology, and realizing a service that provides the same tour experience to the same user in both virtual and real worlds.

[0037] Here, a virtual space tour refers to a type of tour that is simulated through a network (such as the internet), but in this embodiment, it specifically refers to a tour that uses a virtual space constructed to correspond to a real tourist destination. The virtual space is on a computer. This is a three-dimensional space virtually constructed, which may be reconstructed based on footage captured using a 360-degree camera, constructed using computer graphics (CG), or constructed by combining captured footage and CG. At a minimum, it should represent a space that is substantially the same as an actual tourist destination (the real world), and should be configured to provide the user with viewpoint footage that corresponds to the user's movement and gaze direction. This will provide a simulated experience that is close to actually visiting a real tourist destination. Specifically, technologies used in VR, AR, MR, XR, metaverse, etc., may be utilized.

[0038] A real-world sightseeing tour refers to a tour in which participants actually visit a real tourist destination. A key feature of this service is that it correlates virtual space tours with real-world sightseeing tours. Here, "corresponding virtual space tours with real-world sightseeing tours" means that the virtual space tour and the real-world sightseeing tour are designed to provide participants with the same tour experience. Specifically, this means that elements that make up the trip are common, such as the tour concept, destination, travel route, tourist spots, shops visited, and events. The elements listed here are just examples; it is sufficient to have only the main elements common, or to add other elements. Additional elements may include, for example, accommodation, people met at the travel destination (tour guides, shop and accommodation staff, etc.), meals, and means of transportation (airplane, ship, train, rickshaw, taxi, etc.), as long as they can influence the user's tour experience. While a high degree of similarity between virtual space tours and real-world sightseeing tours is desirable, it is not necessary for them to be completely identical; it is sufficient if they can give users a generally similar experience and impression.

[0039] The configuration example of the experience provision system of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an overall view of the experience delivery system 1.

[0041] The experience provision system 1 consists of a server 10 that provides a simulated experience service using a virtual space and an intermediary service for real-world sightseeing tours. Users utilize the services of the experience provision system 1 using their own client terminals 11. The server 10 and the client terminals 11 can send and receive data to and from each other via the internet.

[0042] Server 10 can be configured as a general-purpose computer system equipped with, for example, a processor (CPU), memory, storage, and communication devices. The functions of Server 10, described later, are realized by the processor executing programs deployed from storage into memory. Server 10 may be configured as a single computer, as in distributed computing, through the collaboration of multiple computers, or as dynamically allocated resources, as in cloud computing.

[0043] The client terminal 11 is a terminal device used by service users. The client terminal 11 can be configured as a general-purpose computer equipped with, for example, a processor (CPU), memory, storage, communication device, display device, input device, microphone, speaker, etc. Examples of client terminals 11 include personal computers, tablet devices, smartphones, game consoles, smart glasses, VR devices, and XR devices. The functions of the client terminal 11 are implemented through pre-installed native applications or web applications accessible via a web browser. Native applications can be downloaded from the server 10 or an app store.

[0044] <Functional Configuration of the Experience Provisioning System> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the experience provision system 1.

[0045] The experience provision system 1 has the following main functions: a virtual space tour provision unit 20, a virtual space data storage unit 30, a user information storage unit 31, a real sightseeing tour mediation unit 21, a location-related information provision unit 22, a location-related information storage unit 32, a current location information provision unit 23, a reproduced content provision unit 24, a content storage unit 33, a real activity log storage unit 34, and an activity log playback unit 25. In this embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that these functions are realized by a program (information processing) executed by the processor of the server 10, but some of these functions may be replaced by circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs or dedicated hardware, or some of these functions may be executed on the user's client terminal 11.

[0046] The virtual space tour provision unit 20 has functional modules such as a tour provision function 201, a sales function 202, a pickup arrangement function 203, an information viewing function 204, and a user display function 205. The tour provision function 201 is a function that provides a virtual space tour using the virtual space to the user (client terminal 11 operated by the user) online. The sales function 202 is a function that allows a virtual store to sell goods within the virtual space tour. The pickup arrangement function 203 is a function that arranges for the user to receive goods purchased in the virtual space tour on a real sightseeing tour. The information viewing function 204 is a function that allows the user to view or watch location-related information within the virtual space tour. The user display function 205 is a function that allows the user to view or watch avatars representing other users participating in the virtual space tour, and / or logs of other users' actions.

[0047] The virtual space data storage unit 30 non-temporarily stores various data necessary to form the virtual space used in the virtual space tour (for example, a model that defines the three-dimensional structure of the space, images or CG that represent scenery and objects in the space, and data that defines the routes and areas that the user can move around in). If this system provides tours of multiple tourist destinations, virtual space data is prepared for each tourist destination (or for each tour). Furthermore, multiple types of virtual space data may be prepared for a single tourist destination. For example, data with different weather conditions such as sunny / rainy / cloudy may be prepared, or data with different conditions such as season, temperature, and time of year such as spring / summer / autumn / winter / hot / cold / peak season / off-peak season may be prepared, or data with different times of day such as morning / daytime / evening / night may be prepared. Furthermore, data for each date and day of the week may also be prepared. In order to prepare multiple types of virtual space data with different conditions in this way, it is ideal to take photographs of the tourist destination under each condition. However, it is also permissible to use image processing techniques, computer graphics (CG), or generative AI to simulate virtual space data that corresponds to conditions where no actual footage exists, for example, by generating nighttime footage from daytime footage through image processing.

[0048] The user information storage unit 31 stores information about users who have experienced a virtual space tour (referred to as user information). User information may include, for example, the user's own registration information (name, age, gender, email address, login ID and password, etc.) and the system's usage history (name of the virtual space tour experienced, date and time of experience, log of the user's actions in the virtual space tour, etc.). The action log may also include movement information showing how the user moved within the virtual space, information about spots and shops the user visited, places of interest to the user (for example, objects the user fixed their gaze on for a predetermined time or longer, locations the user stayed at for a predetermined time or longer, etc.), and the content of communication the user had with other users.

[0049] The Real-World Tour Intermediation Unit 21 is a function that allows users who have already experienced a virtual space tour to apply for a real-world tour corresponding to that virtual space tour. Identifying a virtual space tour that a user has already experienced can be done by referring to the user information stored in the User Information Storage Unit 31.

[0050] The location-related information provision unit 22 is a function that allows users participating in a real sightseeing tour to view or listen to location-related information. The location-related information storage unit 32 stores location-related information. Location-related information can be of any type or content as long as it is related to that location. For example, it could be images taken at that location, explanations of buildings or tourist spots at that location, explanations of the characteristics and history of the surrounding area, introductions of people associated with that location, or the footprints, perspectives (what they saw), and talks of people who have visited that location (celebrities, tour guides, etc.).

[0051] The current location information provision unit 23 is a function that allows users participating in real-world sightseeing tours to view or see images and maps of a virtual space corresponding to their current location.

[0052] The reproduction content provision unit 24 generates content that reproduces the user's actions in the virtual space tour based on user information, and provides that content online. The content storage unit 33 stores the content data generated by the reproduction content provision unit 24.

[0053] The real-time activity log storage unit 34 has the function of saving a log of the user's actions (real-time activity log) during a real-time sightseeing tour. The user's actions during the real-time sightseeing tour should ideally be measured and recorded by the client terminal 11 that the user is carrying.

[0054] The activity log playback unit 25 is a function that reproduces the user's actions during a real sightseeing tour in a virtual space based on the real activity log stored in the real activity log storage unit 34. Users can later review their actions during a real sightseeing tour (for example, places they walked, routes they followed, spots they visited, shops they went to, etc.) in the virtual space.

[0055] <Service Flow> Figure 3 shows an overview of the services provided by the Experience Delivery System 1. A typical flow of service usage will be explained in accordance with Figure 3.

[0056] (1) Virtual space tour experience First, the user logs into the experience provision system 1 from the client terminal 11 and accesses the virtual space tour service menu. Figure 4 shows an example of the menu screen displayed on the client terminal 11. When the user selects their desired virtual space tour from this menu, the tour provision function 201 starts the virtual space tour.

[0057] Figure 5 shows an example of a virtual space tour screen displayed on the client terminal 11. Users can operate the tour screen using input devices such as a mouse or keyboard, or by touching the screen. Alternatively, they may operate the tour screen using an HMD (head-mounted display) and controllers. Operations include, for example, moving within the virtual space (forward, backward, changing direction, jumping to a distant point, etc.), changing the viewpoint position and direction of gaze, viewing / viewing location-related information 50 placed within the virtual space, purchasing items, attaching comments 51 or bookmarks 52 to any point in the virtual space, taking photos and videos (saving screenshots of the tour screen), and interacting with other users. It would be good if features like voice calls and chats were available.

[0058] In virtual space tours, users can move around the virtual space at their own discretion, visit spots that interest them, enter virtual shops to buy souvenirs, and converse and interact with other users, creating a simulated experience similar to actual travel.

[0059] Furthermore, users can conduct virtual tours by specifying conditions such as weather, temperature, season, time of year, date, day of the week, time of day, and time zone. By using this function, users can experience virtual tours that correspond to their desired season, weather, or time. For example, users can change various conditions such as season, weather, and time and conduct pre-trip simulations using virtual tours to compare and consider the best time to travel and sightseeing itinerary (time schedule). Alternatively, if the time and date of travel are already decided, users can experience a virtual tour that corresponds to that time and date. This allows users to experience a virtual tour under the same environmental conditions as when they actually travel, thus ensuring the sameness between virtual tours and real-world sightseeing tours.

[0060] Once the virtual tour experience ends, information about the corresponding real-world sightseeing tour is displayed on the screen, naturally guiding the user to book the real-world tour. Figure 6 shows an example of the real-world sightseeing tour booking screen.

[0061] (2) Application for a real sightseeing tour Users can apply for real-world sightseeing tours on the reservation screen shown in Figure 6. When the Real-World Sightseeing Tour Intermediation Department 21 receives a real-world sightseeing tour application from a user, it links the application information (user's name and contact information, tour number, information on other participants, itinerary, round-trip transportation (flight / train), accommodation, options, etc.) to an external tour site. In this way, by using the Experience Provision System 1, users can complete everything from experiencing a virtual space tour to booking a corresponding real-world sightseeing tour in a one-stop service.

[0062] (3) Arrangement for receiving purchased goods If a user purchases items at a virtual store during the virtual space tour described in (1), the pickup arrangement function 203 sends the purchase information (the user's name and contact information, the purchased items and their quantities, the purchase price, the desired pickup location, the desired pickup date and time, etc.) to the actual seller. Users can also pick up their purchased items when they participate in a real sightseeing tour (i.e., at the location). For example, they can specify a convenient location and date, such as picking up the items at the airport on the day of their return flight, at a train station, or at their accommodation.

[0063] (4) Experiencing a real sightseeing tour When the date specified in (2) arrives, the user participates in the real-world sightseeing tour. Since the content of this real-world sightseeing tour is essentially the same as what was experienced in the virtual space tour in (1), the user can enjoy it with peace of mind and get the travel experience they expected.

[0064] When participating in a real-world sightseeing tour, it is recommended to carry a client device 11 such as a smartphone. The experience provision system 1 works in conjunction with the client device 11 to provide various functions to users participating in the real-world sightseeing tour.

[0065] Firstly, the current location information is provided by the current location information provision unit 23. Client terminal 11 Based on information obtained from its built-in GPS sensor, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, and accelerometer, the system identifies the location and orientation (direction) of the client terminal 11 and transmits this location and orientation information (hereinafter simply referred to as "location information") to the experience provision system 1. Based on the received location information, the current location information provision unit 23 generates an image of the virtual space corresponding to the current location of the client terminal 11 and displays the image on the client terminal 11. Figure 7 shows an example of an image of the virtual space displayed on the client terminal 11. The same image as the actual scenery the user is seeing at the location is displayed on the client terminal 11. In addition, the image displayed on the client terminal 11 is overlaid with location-related information 70 recorded in the virtual space, comments 71 and bookmarks 72 left by the user when experiencing the virtual space tour, and footprints 73 left by the user when experiencing the virtual space tour. For example, by clicking on the location-related information to view or watch it, the user can gain knowledge related to their current location. Furthermore, by reviewing their own comments71, bookmarks72, and visitor logs73, users can recall what they felt and what interested them during their virtual tour, allowing them to enjoy real-world sightseeing even more.

[0066] The location-related information provided in a virtual tour does not have to be the same as the location-related information provided in a real-world sightseeing tour. In fact, there may be differences between the information provided in the virtual tour and the information provided in the real-world sightseeing tour. This creates a sense of exclusivity, as there is information that can only be viewed or seen by actually visiting the location, which can increase satisfaction and excitement for the real-world sightseeing tour. This sense of exclusivity can, in turn, be expected to motivate people to sign up for the real-world sightseeing tour.

[0067] Furthermore, users may specify conditions such as weather, temperature, season, time of year, date, day of the week, time of day, and time zone, and the client terminal 11 may display images of the virtual space corresponding to those conditions. For example, if a user visits a scenic spot but experiences bad weather, they can use the above function to see the scenery as it would be on a sunny day. By changing the seasonal conditions, users can see various views of the same place, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, or snowscapes. By changing the time conditions, users can also enjoy various views of the same place, such as early morning scenery, sunset scenery, or nighttime views. Such functions offer value that cannot be experienced through real-world sightseeing tours alone.

[0068] The current location information provision unit 23 may generate a map showing the user's current location in the virtual space and display the map on the client terminal 11. Figure 8 shows an example of a map displayed on the client terminal 11. The user's footprints (path traveled) 81 are superimposed on a map 80 of the area around the user's current location. Location-related information 82, comments 83 left by the user during the virtual space tour, bookmarks 84, footprints 85, etc. may also be displayed on this map 80. Furthermore, various information about the area around the current location (for example, congestion levels of roads and shops, locations of toilets and rest areas, etc.) may also be displayed on the map.

[0069] Secondly, the real-time activity log storage unit 34 collects and stores the user's real-time activity logs. For example, photos and videos (VLOGs) taken by the user with the camera on the client terminal 11, time-series location data collected from the client terminal 11, and information entered by the user into the client terminal 11 (for example, places visited, favorite shops, comments, articles and photos posted on social media, etc.) are collected as real-time activity logs. This information is uploaded from the client terminal 11 to the experience provision system 1 as appropriate and stored in the real-time activity log storage unit 34.

[0070] (5) Viewing and watching real activity logs Users can view or watch real activity logs recorded during real sightseeing tours using client terminal 11.

[0071] Figure 9 shows an example of displaying an archive of photos and videos included in the real-world activity log on the client terminal 11. Photos 90 and videos 91 are arranged in chronological order, and comments 92 can be added to photos 90 and videos 91. Figure 10 shows an example of mapping photos 90 and videos 91 to coordinates in the virtual space corresponding to the locations where they were taken. By using a display method like that shown in Figure 10, it is possible to intuitively understand where the photos and videos were taken. Furthermore, by viewing the photos and videos in order while moving around in the virtual space, users can recall memories of their trip and look back on the routes they walked, the things they experienced, and the things they saw.

[0072] Furthermore, based on the movement information (time-series data of location information) included in the real-world activity log, the user's actions (movement) during a real-world sightseeing tour may be reproduced in the virtual space. For example, the activity log playback unit 25 may generate video content from the user's first-person perspective based on the virtual space data and the user's movement information, and display this video content on the client terminal 11. Alternatively, the activity log playback unit 25 may generate a map overlaid with the user's footprints based on the virtual space data and the user's movement information, and display this map on the client terminal 11. By viewing such video content or maps, users can recall memories of their trip and look back on the routes they walked, the experiences they had, and the things they saw.

[0073] <Advantages> The experience provision system 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, has the following advantages.

[0074] By systematizing the constraint that users can only apply for a corresponding real-world sightseeing tour once they have experienced a virtual tour, it is possible to guarantee that the same user will receive the same tour experience in both virtual and real-world settings. Users can first virtually experience a trip through the virtual tour, allowing them to prepare beforehand by checking things like whether the destination and its contents are satisfactory, which spots and shops they would like to visit, and what kind of itinerary and travel routes suit their preferences. Moreover, unlike simply looking at tourist guides or websites of travel destinations, the use of a virtual space allows for a simulated experience that provides a sense of realism and immersion, as if they were actually at the tourist destination. Furthermore, since real-world sightseeing tours corresponding to the virtual tours the user has experienced are automatically recommended, not only is it easy to apply for real-world sightseeing tours, but it also guarantees that the user will have the same travel experience as they simulated in the virtual space without having to pay special attention, making it highly convenient for the user.

[0075] By utilizing the sales function in the virtual space tour, users can check and purchase (or reserve) items in advance that would normally only be available at the travel destination, thus ensuring they can obtain the items they want. In the case of real-world sightseeing tours, there is a risk that items may not be available for purchase at the travel destination due to reasons such as stock shortages or insufficient time for shopping, but such situations can be avoided by using the sales and pickup arrangement function of this embodiment.

[0076] Furthermore, the ability to receive items purchased during virtual tours on real-world sightseeing tours offers the following advantages: Firstly, it provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from visiting the location and obtaining the item. Secondly, for users residing abroad, having items purchased during virtual tours delivered to their homes is impractical due to shipping costs and customs duties. Receiving the items at the travel destination and bringing them back themselves is more beneficial for the user.

[0077] Furthermore, items purchased during virtual tours can be used at stations during real-world sightseeing tours. By allowing users to pick up items at designated locations such as ports, they no longer need to carry their goods around, thus reducing their burden. As a result, this is expected to lead to an increase in both the opportunities and volume of purchases.

[0078] Furthermore, by providing users with location-related information during virtual tours, users can effectively prepare for their trip by associating information about their destination with specific locations. In addition, by making location-related information available for viewing and listening during real-world tours, users can reconfirm the information they prepared (viewed or listened to in advance) during the virtual tour when they actually visit the location. This allows them to experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from having visited a place they wanted to go, or a feeling of exhilaration as if they were revisiting a place they had visited before. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1: Experience Provision System 10: Server 11: Client terminal

Claims

1. A virtual space tour provider that offers online virtual space tours using a virtual space constructed to correspond to real-world tourist destinations, When a user experiences a virtual space tour provided by the virtual space tour provision means, the user information storage means stores the user information of the user. A real sightseeing tour intermediary means that enables the user to apply for a real sightseeing tour corresponding to the virtual space tour experienced by the user, based on the user information stored in the user information storage means. An experience delivery system equipped with the following features.

2. The virtual space tour provision means includes a sales function that sells goods through virtual stores within the virtual space tour, and a receiving arrangement function that arranges for the user to receive the goods purchased using the sales function during the real-world sightseeing tour that the user has applied for. The experience provision system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned pickup arrangement function arranges for the user to pick up the item at a station, airport, or port used in the aforementioned real-world sightseeing tour. The experience provision system according to claim 2.

4. The virtual space tour provision means has an information viewing function that allows the user who visits a location within the virtual space to view or view location-related information recorded in association with a location within the virtual space. The experience provision system according to claim 1.

5. The system includes a means for providing location-related information that allows a user participating in the aforementioned real-world sightseeing tour to view or listen to location-related information on their mobile device when they visit a real location corresponding to the aforementioned location. The experience provision system according to claim 4.

6. A mobile device owned by a user participating in the aforementioned real-world sightseeing tour has a current location information provision means that allows the user to view or view an image of the virtual space corresponding to the user's current location, and / or a map showing the user's current location in the virtual space. The experience provision system according to claim 1.

7. It has a virtual space data storage means that stores multiple virtual spaces created under different conditions for a single tourist destination. The current location information provision means allows the user to specify at least one of the following conditions: weather, temperature, season, time of year, date, day of the week, time of day, and time of day, and provides an image of a virtual space that matches the specified condition from among the multiple virtual spaces. The experience provision system according to claim 6.

8. It has a virtual space data storage means that stores multiple virtual spaces created under different conditions for a single tourist destination. The virtual space tour provision means allows the user to specify at least one of the following conditions: weather, temperature, season, time of year, date, day of the week, time of day, and time of day, and provides a virtual space tour that uses a virtual space from among the multiple virtual spaces that matches the specified conditions. The experience provision system according to claim 1.

9. The system includes a reproduction content provision means that generates content that reproduces the user's actions in the virtual space tour on the virtual space, based on the user information stored in the user information storage means, and provides the content online. The experience provision system according to claim 1.

10. The virtual space tour providing means has a function to display other users, and / or a log of the actions of the other users in the virtual space tour, which the user can view or watch, according to claim 1.

11. A real-time activity log storage means for storing a log of the user's actions during the real-time sightseeing tour, The system includes an action log playback means that allows users to view or watch logs of their actions in the virtual space. The experience provision system according to claim 1.

12. The log of the aforementioned actions includes photographs and / or videos taken by the user. The experience provision system according to claim 11.

13. The action log playback means maps the photograph and / or video to coordinates in the virtual space corresponding to the location where the photograph and / or video was taken. The experience provision system according to claim 12.

14. The log of the aforementioned actions includes movement information indicating the location where the user moved. The experience provision system according to claim 11.

15. The aforementioned activity log playback means reproduces the user's actions in the real sightseeing tour in the virtual space based on the movement information. The experience provision system according to claim 14.

16. The computer provides online virtual tours using a virtual space constructed to correspond to real-world tourist destinations. The computer includes the step of storing the user's information in a user information storage means when the user experiences the virtual space tour, The computer enables the user to apply for a real sightseeing tour corresponding to the virtual space tour experienced by the user, based on the user information stored in the user information storage means. A method of providing an experience that includes this.

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