Metaverse provisioning device, metaverse provisioning method, and computer program

Abstract

To enable improved visibility of objects placed in the metaverse. [Solution] A metaverse providing device comprising a control unit that generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar that a user normally uses, and, when an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metaverse providing apparatus, a metaverse providing method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a metaverse (virtual space) in which users communicate with each other by operating avatars has attracted attention, and sales of items are also carried out in virtual stores provided in the metaverse. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables a user to view and purchase products in a virtual store constructed in a metaverse.

[0003] In a virtual store, objects such as products, menus, and advertisements are arranged. When a user visits a virtual store by operating their own avatar, an image of the objects arranged in the virtual store is displayed on the screen of the terminal device operated by the user. At this time, the image of the metaverse displayed on the screen of the terminal device is drawn from a viewpoint according to the user's settings. An image drawn from a viewpoint overlooking the space where the avatar exists may be displayed, or an image drawn from the viewpoint of the avatar may be displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When images are displayed from the avatar's perspective, the displayed image changes depending on the avatar's viewpoint. Therefore, if the avatar is extremely short or extremely tall, the images of each object may be displayed differently than intended. This could lead to problems such as objects becoming difficult to see.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and provides a technology that makes it possible to improve the visibility of objects placed in the metaverse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a metaverse providing device comprising a control unit that generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar normally used by the user, and, when an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is the metaverse providing device described above, wherein the control unit generates an image in the metaverse based on the viewpoint position using the additional avatar when the normal avatar is located within an area where a recommended viewpoint position is defined, and the viewpoint position of the normal avatar does not satisfy the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is the metaverse providing device described above, wherein the additional avatar changes the viewpoint position of the normal avatar from the floor so as to satisfy the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position, and the control unit generates an image in the metaverse based on the changed viewpoint position of the normal avatar.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is the metaverse providing device described above, wherein the viewpoint position of the additional avatar satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position, and the control unit generates an image in the metaverse based on the changed viewpoint position of the additional avatar.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a metaverse provision method comprising a generation step of generating an image within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar that a user normally uses, and in the generation step, if an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, the image within the metaverse is generated based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program for controlling a computer as a metaverse providing device, which includes a control unit that generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar normally used by a user, and, when an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention makes it possible to improve the visibility of objects placed in the metaverse. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the metaverse provisioning system 100 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of terminal device 10. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the metaverse provider device 20. [Figure 4] A specific example of an image within the metaverse provided to the terminal device 10 by the metaverse provider device 20 is shown. [Figure 5] It is a diagram comparing the first normal avatar 31_1, the third normal avatar 31_3, and the recommended viewpoint position. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a specific example of an image of an advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the third normal avatar 31_3. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a specific example of an image of an advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the first normal avatar 31_1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the first aspect of the additional avatar 42. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the second aspect of the additional avatar 42. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the third aspect of the additional avatar 42. [Figure 11] It shows a specific example of an image in the metaverse provided to the terminal device 10 by the metaverse providing device 20. [Figure 12] It is a diagram comparing the first normal avatar 31_1, the third normal avatar 31_3, and the recommended viewpoint position. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a specific example of an image of an advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the first normal avatar 31_1. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a specific example of an image of an advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the third normal avatar 31_3. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of the fourth aspect of the additional avatar 42. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of the fifth aspect of the additional avatar 42. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 90 applied to this embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the metaverse provisioning system 100 of the present invention. The metaverse provisioning system 100 includes a terminal device 10 and a metaverse provisioning device 20. The terminal device 10 and the metaverse provisioning device 20 are communicated together via a network 70. The network 70 may be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. The network 70 may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network 70 may be configured by combining multiple networks.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 is configured using information devices such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. The terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0017] The communication unit 11 is a communication device. The communication unit 11 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 11 communicates data with other devices via the network 70 in accordance with the control of the control unit 15. The communication unit 11 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0018] The input unit 12 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit 12 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the terminal device 10. The input unit 12 may also be an interface for connecting the input device to the terminal device 10. In this case, the input unit 12 inputs the input signal generated in the input device in response to the user's input to the terminal device 10. The input unit 12 may also be configured using a microphone and a speech recognition device. In this case, the input unit 12 acquires the acoustic signal generated by the user's speech, performs speech recognition on the words spoken by the user, and inputs the recognized string information to the terminal device 10. The speech recognition process may be performed by the control unit 15. The input unit 12 may be configured in any way that allows user instructions to be input to the terminal device 10.

[0019] The output unit 13 outputs at least video in a format recognizable to the user. The output unit 13 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 13 may also be an interface for connecting the image display device to the terminal device 10. In this case, the output unit 13 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it. The output unit 13 may further include a device for outputting sound, such as a speaker. The output unit 13 may further include an interface for connecting an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones to the terminal device 10. In this case, the output unit 13 generates an audio signal for playing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to it. The output unit 13 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 12.

[0020] The storage unit 14 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 14 stores data used by the control unit 15. The storage unit 14 stores data necessary when the control unit 15 performs processing.

[0021] The control unit 15 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (main memory). The control unit 15 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 15 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor memory devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0022] The control unit 15 may, for example, execute an application installed on its own device (terminal device 10). A specific example of such an application is an application provided to the terminal device 10 as a dedicated application for the metaverse provisioning system 100. Another specific example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the terminal device 10, or it may be downloaded each time the user receives a metaverse service. For example, if it is implemented as a web browser application, the terminal device 10 may download and execute the application from a device specified by the web server (for example, the web server itself or another server) when the terminal device 10 connects to a specific web server. The control unit 15 operates according to the program of the application being executed.

[0023] The control unit 15 controls the terminal device 10 in response to user operations and information received from the metaverse provider 20. For example, the control unit 15 transmits information entered by the user through the operation of the input unit 12 to the metaverse provider 20 using the communication unit 11. Specific examples of information entered by the user include operation information in the metaverse provided by the metaverse provider 20. Specific examples of such operation information include operation information for avatars in the metaverse and operation information for objects in the metaverse.

[0024] When the control unit 15 receives information transmitted from the metaverse provider 20 via the network 70 to the communication unit 11, it generates screen data based on the received information and displays the screen data on the output unit 13. Such screen data includes images and characters that represent the information transmitted from the metaverse provider 20. Images transmitted from the metaverse provider 20 may include, for example, images containing objects placed in the virtual space around the avatar operated by the user. Such images are generated based on camera parameters corresponding to, for example, the position of the avatar operated by the user, the position of the avatar's viewpoint, and the orientation of the avatar. In this case, the control unit 15 displays the received image via the output unit 13. The data transmitted from the metaverse provider 20 may also be three-dimensional or surface-related information, such as objects around the avatar or the position of the avatar. In this case, the control unit 15 generates an image containing objects placed in the virtual space around the avatar based on the received information and displays it via the output unit 13. Images representing the metaverse in this way may be generated by the metaverse provider 20 or by the control unit 15. If the image is generated by the control unit 15, the information necessary for its generation is provided by the metaverse provider 20. The following description will explain using as an example a configuration in which the image representing the metaverse is generated by the metaverse provider 20. Furthermore, the following description will explain using as an example a configuration in which the image representing the metaverse is an image drawn based on the viewpoint position of the avatar being operated by the user.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the functional configuration of the metaverse provider 20. The metaverse provider 20 is configured using information processing equipment such as a personal computer or a server. The metaverse provider 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0026] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 21 communicates data with other devices via the network 70 in accordance with the control of the control unit 23. The communication unit 21 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0027] The memory unit 22 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The memory unit 22 stores data used by the control unit 23. The memory unit 22 may function as, for example, a metaverse information storage unit 221, an avatar information storage unit 222, and a recommended viewpoint position storage unit 223.

[0028] The metaverse information storage unit 221 stores information about the virtual space of the metaverse provided to multiple users by the metaverse provider 20. The metaverse information storage unit 221 stores, for example, information about objects placed in the metaverse, and information about user-specific areas set in the metaverse. Information about objects includes, for example, the position coordinates of the object in the metaverse where it is placed, and information about the color and texture of the object's surface. A user-specific area is an area set as a user's unique area in the metaverse. The setting information for specific items within the user-specific area can be freely set by the user. For example, a user can freely place objects they own in the metaverse within their user-specific area. A user can set the walls and floors within their user-specific area to desired patterns, textures, and colors. Information about the user-specific area includes the position coordinates of the user-specific area within the metaverse and information about the various settings mentioned above.

[0029] Within the metaverse, a recommended viewpoint position may be set in a predetermined area. The metaverse information storage unit 221 stores the position coordinates of the area where the recommended viewpoint position is set and information related to the recommended viewpoint position. The recommended viewpoint position may be expressed, for example, as a numerical value representing the height of the viewpoint position from the floor surface of the metaverse. The recommended viewpoint position is a value determined based on the arrangement of objects within that predetermined area, and indicates a viewpoint position where the avatar can be comfortably operated within that area. The recommended viewpoint position may be set, for example, in a user-specific area, or in a general area that is not a user-specific area. The recommended viewpoint position may be set as a single value, or as a range of values ​​with a width.

[0030] The avatar information storage unit 222 stores information about each avatar operated within the metaverse provided by the metaverse provider 20. The avatar information may include, for example, information about the appearance of the avatar operated by each user (information indicating size, pattern, shape, etc.) and information about the user of the avatar, in association with each other.

[0031] Avatars provided within the metaverse include normal avatars and additional avatars. The avatar information storage unit 222 stores information about normal avatars and information about additional avatars. A normal avatar is an avatar associated with a user and operated by the user associated with that avatar. An additional avatar is used when the viewpoint position of a normal avatar does not meet the conditions for a recommended viewpoint position. The conditions for a recommended viewpoint position are those that indicate that the viewpoint position of a normal avatar (for example, the viewpoint height when placed on the floor in a normal posture) does not differ significantly in relative terms from the viewpoint position indicated by the recommended viewpoint position (for example, the viewpoint height). For example, if the recommended viewpoint position is given as a single value, the condition may be set so that the difference between the viewpoint position of a normal avatar and the recommended viewpoint position is within a predetermined range. For example, if the recommended viewpoint position is given as a range of values ​​with a width, the condition may be set so that the viewpoint position of a normal avatar is within the range of the recommended viewpoint position.

[0032] Additional avatars may be registered in association with a user, or in association with an area where a recommended viewpoint position is set. Users who have additional avatars may use their own additional avatars if their normal avatar does not meet the requirements for a recommended viewpoint position. If additional avatars are registered in an area where a recommended viewpoint position is set, users whose normal avatar does not meet the requirements for a recommended viewpoint position in that area may use the additional avatar registered in that area. Additional avatars available to a user are not necessarily limited to the user's own additional avatars or additional avatars registered in an area. Users may use additional avatars provided throughout the metaverse space if the requirements for a recommended viewpoint position are not met.

[0033] The recommended viewpoint position storage unit 223 stores the location information of the region where the recommended viewpoint position is registered, and a value indicating the recommended viewpoint position, in association with each other.

[0034] The control unit 23 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 23 functions as an information control unit 231 and a metaverse control unit 232 when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 23 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0035] The information control unit 231 records information in the storage unit 22 based on information input from other information processing devices or input devices. For example, when a new avatar registration or information update is received from the terminal device 10, the information control unit 231 updates the information recorded in the avatar information storage unit 222 based on the received information. For example, when a new registration or information update of a recommended viewpoint position is received from the terminal device 10, the information control unit 231 updates the information recorded in the recommended viewpoint position storage unit 223 based on the received information.

[0036] The metaverse control unit 232 performs processing related to the metaverse provided by the metaverse provider 20. For example, when it receives operation information regarding avatar movement from the terminal device 10, the metaverse control unit 232 moves the avatar's position within the metaverse according to the received operation information. The metaverse control unit 232 generates an image within the metaverse at the viewpoint position specified by the user and transmits the image to the terminal device 10. For example, if the system is configured to generate images based on the viewpoint position of the avatar's normal avatar, the metaverse control unit 232 generates images within the metaverse according to the viewpoint position of each user's normal avatar.

[0037] When an additional avatar is used, the metaverse control unit 232 generates an image in the metaverse based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the form of the additional avatar. For example, if an additional avatar is used which is defined to use the viewpoint position of the normal avatar for image generation, the image in the metaverse may be generated based on the viewpoint position of the normal avatar that has changed due to the use of the additional avatar. For example, if an additional avatar is used which is defined to use the viewpoint position of the additional avatar for image generation, the image in the metaverse may be generated based on the viewpoint position of the additional avatar.

[0038] Next, we will explain the processing related to the recommended viewpoint position. First, we will explain the case where the viewpoint position of the normal avatar is lower than the recommended viewpoint position. Figure 4 shows a specific example of an image in the metaverse provided to the terminal device 10 by the metaverse provider 20. In the example in Figure 4, an advertisement 41 is pasted on the surface of a wall 40. Three normal avatars 31 exist and are displayed in the image in Figure 4. Specifically, the first normal avatar 31_1, the second normal avatar 31_2, and the third normal avatar 31_3 are displayed. The first normal avatar 31_1 is relatively smaller than the other normal avatars 31. The second normal avatar 31_2 and the third normal avatar 31_3 are of a typical size in the displayed space.

[0039] Figure 5 is a comparison of the first normal avatar 31_1, the third normal avatar 31_3, and the recommended viewpoint position. In the space shown in Figure 4, it is desirable that the viewpoint position of the normal avatar 31 be in a position where the advertisement 41 is displayed from the front. Therefore, the recommended viewpoint position 50 is set in the space shown in Figure 4. That is, the line indicated by reference numeral 50 in Figure 5 indicates the recommended viewpoint position. The viewpoint position of the third normal avatar 31_3 satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. On the other hand, the viewpoint position of the first normal avatar 31_1 does not satisfy the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. When looking up at the advertisement 41 from the viewpoint position of the first normal avatar 31_1, there is a problem that the advertisement 41 is not displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 in a way that is easy to see because the viewpoint position is low.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a specific example of the image of the advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the third normal avatar 31_3. The viewpoint position of the third normal avatar 31_3 satisfies the conditions for a recommended viewpoint position, and the viewpoint position is in a position where the advertisement 41 is easily visible. Therefore, a relatively frontal image of the advertisement 41 is displayed on the terminal device 10.

[0041] Figure 7 shows a specific example of the image of the advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the first normal avatar 31_1. The viewpoint position of the first normal avatar 31_1 does not meet the conditions for the recommended viewpoint position and is lower than the recommended viewpoint position. Therefore, the image of the advertisement 41 as viewed from below is displayed on the terminal device 10. As a result, the content of the displayed advertisement 41 is not easily conveyed correctly to the user of the terminal device 10. Therefore, the effectiveness of the advertisement may be reduced. In addition to the visibility of the advertisement, because the viewpoint of the normal avatar 31 is at a viewpoint position lower than the recommended viewpoint position, various problems may arise such as the viewpoint position not matching that of other normal avatars, difficulty in seeing other objects, and difficulty in manipulating other objects.

[0042] The additional avatar 42 may maintain the normal avatar 31_1 at a position higher than the floor so that the viewpoint position of the normal avatar 31_1, which is lower than the recommended viewpoint position, is raised to a position that satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. In this case, when the normal avatar 31 enters an area where the recommended viewpoint position is set, a check is performed to determine whether the normal avatar's viewpoint position satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. If it is determined that it does not, the additional avatar 42 is generated and associated with the additional avatar. At this time, the additional avatar 42 is generated so that its viewpoint position satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. The additional avatar 42 moves in response to operations on the normal avatar 31. Therefore, when the viewpoint position of the normal avatar 31 is changed by the additional avatar 42 to satisfy the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position, the user's operation to move the normal avatar 31 is accepted as an operation to move the additional avatar 42, and the normal avatar 31 moves along with the movement of the additional avatar 42. The control over the generation and movement of these additional avatars 42 is a process common to all additional avatars 42 and is also common to other configurations (such as when the viewpoint position of the normal avatar is higher than the recommended viewpoint position).

[0043] Figure 8 shows an example of a first embodiment of the additional avatar 42. In the example in Figure 8, the normal avatar 31_1 is positioned higher than the normal position (standing on the floor) because it is positioned on a part of the additional avatar 42. For example, the normal avatar 31_1 may be positioned on a predetermined part of each additional avatar 42 (the shoulder position in the example in Figure 8).

[0044] Figure 9 shows an example of a second embodiment of the additional avatar 42. In the example in Figure 9, the additional avatar 42 is configured as a vehicle. In the example in Figure 9, the additional avatar 42 is configured as a vehicle that floats in the air. Specific examples of vehicles that float in the air include flying carpets, flying clouds, and drones. When the normal avatar 31_1 rides on the additional avatar 42, the viewpoint position of the normal avatar 31_1 is higher than in the normal state (standing on the floor).

[0045] Figure 10 shows an example of a third embodiment of the additional avatar 42. In the example in Figure 10, the additional avatar 42 is configured to be integrated with the normal avatar 31. In the example in Figure 10, the additional avatar 42 is configured as a robot or a mascot costume. In the third embodiment, the image is generated based on the viewpoint position of the additional avatar 42. In the example in Figure 10, the viewpoint position of the normal avatar 31_1 does not meet the conditions for the recommended viewpoint position, but the viewpoint position of the additional avatar 42 does meet the conditions for the recommended viewpoint position.

[0046] Next, we will explain the case where the viewpoint position of the normal avatar is higher than the recommended viewpoint position. Figure 11 shows a specific example of an image in the metaverse provided to the terminal device 10 by the metaverse provider 20. In the example in Figure 11, an advertisement 41 is pasted on the surface of a wall 40. Three normal avatars 31 are present and displayed in the image of Figure 11. Specifically, the first normal avatar 31_1, the second normal avatar 31_2, and the third normal avatar 31_3 are displayed. The first normal avatar 31_1 and the second normal avatar 31_2 are of a typical size in the displayed space. The third normal avatar 31_3 is relatively larger than the other normal avatars 31.

[0047] Figure 12 is a comparison of the first normal avatar 31_1, the third normal avatar 31_3, and the recommended viewpoint position. In the space shown in Figure 12, it is desirable that the viewpoint position of the normal avatar 31 be in a position where the advertisement 41 is displayed from the front. For this reason, the recommended viewpoint position 50 is set in the space shown in Figure 11. That is, the line indicated by reference numeral 50 in Figure 12 indicates the recommended viewpoint position. The viewpoint position of the first normal avatar 31_1 satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. On the other hand, the viewpoint position of the third normal avatar 31_3 does not satisfy the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. When the advertisement 41 is viewed from the viewpoint position of the third normal avatar 31_3, there is a problem that the advertisement 41 is not displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 in a way that is easy to see because the viewpoint position is too high.

[0048] Figure 13 shows a specific example of the image of the advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the first normal avatar 31_1. The viewpoint position of the first normal avatar 31_1 satisfies the conditions for a recommended viewpoint position, and the viewpoint position is in a position where the advertisement 41 is easily visible. Therefore, a relatively frontal image of the advertisement 41 is displayed on the terminal device 10.

[0049] Figure 14 shows a specific example of the image of the advertisement 41 displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 of the user of the third normal avatar 31_3. The viewpoint position of the third normal avatar 31_3 does not meet the conditions for the recommended viewpoint position and is higher than the recommended viewpoint position. Therefore, an image of the advertisement 41 viewed from above is displayed on the terminal device 10. As a result, the content of the displayed advertisement 41 is not easily conveyed correctly to the user of the terminal device 10. Therefore, the effectiveness of the advertisement may be reduced. In addition to the visibility of the advertisement, because the viewpoint of the normal avatar 31 is at a viewpoint position higher than the recommended viewpoint position, various problems may arise such as the viewpoint position not matching that of other normal avatars, difficulty in seeing other objects, and difficulty in manipulating other objects.

[0050] The additional avatar 42 provides its own viewpoint position, which is lower than the recommended viewpoint position, as the viewpoint position for image generation, instead of the normal avatar 31_1 whose viewpoint position is higher than the recommended viewpoint position. The additional avatar 42 moves in response to operations on the normal avatar 31. Therefore, when the viewpoint position of the additional avatar 42 is set as a viewpoint position that satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position, the additional avatar 42 also moves in accordance with the user's movement operation of the normal avatar 31. Figure 15 shows an example of the fourth embodiment of the additional avatar 42. In the example of Figure 15, an additional avatar 42 that satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position is generated, and the normal avatar 31_3 is located in the vicinity of the additional avatar 42. For example, the normal avatar 31 may be defined in the metaverse as an item of the additional avatar 42 or as an entity summoned by the additional avatar 42. For example, the normal avatar 31 may be defined as a costume of the additional avatar 42. In this case, the additional avatar 42 may move while wearing the costume of the normal avatar 31. For example, the viewpoint position may be such that the regular avatar 31_1 appears to be floating above the additional avatar 42.

[0051] Figure 16 shows an example of the fifth form of the additional avatar 42. In the example of Figure 16, an additional avatar 42 that satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position is generated, and the normal avatar 31_3 is positioned near the additional avatar 42. In the example of Figure 16, the additional avatar 42 is configured as the pet of the normal avatar 31_3. In the example of Figure 16, the additional avatar 42 is configured as a quadrupedal animal (e.g., a dog or a cat). An image in the metaverse is generated based on the viewpoint position of the additional avatar 42 and displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10.

[0052] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of an example hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to this embodiment. The information processing device 90 comprises a processor 91, main memory 92, communication interface 93, auxiliary storage device 94, input / output interface 95, and internal bus 96. The processor 91, main memory 92, communication interface 93, auxiliary storage device 94, and input / output interface 95 are connected to each other via the internal bus 96 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The information processing device 90 may be applied to, for example, a terminal device 10 and a metaverse provider device 20. In this case, for example, the communication unit 11 and the communication unit 21 may be configured using the communication interface 93. For example, the storage unit 14 and the storage unit 22 may be configured using the auxiliary storage device 94. Also, the control unit 15 and the control unit 23 may be configured using the processor 91 and the main memory 92.

[0053] The metaverse provisioning system 100 configured in this way makes it possible to improve the visibility of objects placed in the metaverse. Specifically, this is as follows: By using additional avatars, the metaverse provisioning system 100 makes it possible to generate images from a high viewpoint position when the normal avatar's viewpoint position is low, and to generate images from a low viewpoint position when the normal avatar's viewpoint position is high. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily generate images from viewpoint positions that correspond to the situation in the metaverse, thereby improving the visibility of objects placed in the metaverse.

[0054] In this process, instead of simply changing the viewpoint position, an image is generated from the viewpoint position of the normal avatar or additional avatar, allowing for a more natural change in viewpoint position. Therefore, for example, after changing the viewpoint position, it becomes possible to naturally adjust the gaze to a similar height to that of other avatars.

[0055] Furthermore, normally, changing the size of an avatar according to the viewpoint position sometimes requires drastically altering the avatar's size, which can be difficult for users who are attached to their avatars to accept. In response to this problem, the metaverse provision system 100 does not require a large change in the size of the normal avatar, and by using the additional avatar 42, it is possible to change the viewpoint position naturally. Therefore, it has the advantage of being easily accepted by users who are attached to their avatars.

[0056] (modified version) The metaverse provider 20 may be implemented using multiple information processing devices. For example, the metaverse provider 20 may be implemented using a cloud or other device. For example, in the metaverse provider 20, the storage unit 22 and the control unit 23 may be implemented in different information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 22 of the metaverse provider 20 may be distributed and implemented across multiple information processing devices.

[0057] In the explanation above, it was stated that an additional avatar is used when the viewpoint position of the normal avatar does not meet the conditions for the recommended viewpoint position. However, the additional avatar may be used regardless of the conditions for the recommended viewpoint position. In other words, the additional avatar may be used when the user wishes to change the viewpoint position, or when the user who owns that area in the user-specific area wishes to allow visiting users to use the additional avatar. For example, the user interface may be set up so that the user can start using the additional avatar at the time of their choice. Specifically, an operation screen instructing the user to use the additional avatar may be displayed. When such an operation is performed, the additional avatar is given to the normal avatar that performed the operation, and the additional avatar may be used in a manner exemplified in the first to fifth embodiments described above.

[0058] For example, a user-specific area may be configured to force or instruct users within that area to use additional avatars.

[0059] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100…Metaverse Provisioning System, 10…Terminal Device, 11…Communication Unit, 12…Input Unit, 13…Output Unit, 14…Storage Unit, 15…Control Unit, 20…Metaverse Provisioning Device, 21…Communication Unit, 22…Storage Unit, 221…Metaverse Information Storage Unit, 222…Avatar Information Storage Unit, 223…Recommended Viewpoint Position Storage Unit, 23…Control Unit, 231…Information Control Unit, 232…Metaverse Control Unit

Claims

1. A metaverse providing device comprising: a control unit that generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar normally used by the user, and, when an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar.

2. The metaverse providing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates an image in the metaverse based on the viewpoint position using the additional avatar when the normal avatar is located within an area where a recommended viewpoint position is defined, and the viewpoint position of the normal avatar does not satisfy the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position.

3. The additional avatar changes the viewpoint position of the normal avatar from the floor so that it satisfies the conditions of the recommended viewpoint position. The metaverse providing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit generates an image in the metaverse based on the viewpoint position after the change of the normal avatar.

4. The viewpoint position of the aforementioned additional avatar satisfies the conditions of the aforementioned recommended viewpoint position. The metaverse providing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit generates an image in the metaverse based on the changed viewpoint position of the additional avatar.

5. The process includes a generation step of generating an image within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar that the user normally uses. A metaverse provision method that, in the generation step, if an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, generates an image in the metaverse based on a viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar.

6. A computer program for controlling a computer as a metaverse providing device, which includes a control unit that generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position of a normal avatar, which is an avatar normally used by the user, and, when an additional avatar different from the normal avatar is used, generates images within the metaverse based on the viewpoint position corresponding to the usage of the additional avatar.

Images