Programs, methods, and information processing devices.

Abstract

We provide technology that delivers a highly satisfying gift-giving experience to users. [Solution] A program executed by a computer equipped with a processor, the program causes the processor to perform the following steps: receive an operation from a user who is viewing an event taking place in a virtual space to offer a gift; in response to the received operation, display a gift object representing the gift on the display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part; determine whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions; and if it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, change the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode which includes the first part.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0007] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In an event held in a virtual space or the like, there is a technique for changing the display mode of a gift object provided in the event according to the provision status thereof.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for changing the display mode of a coin-throwing object provided in an event held in a virtual space when the coin-throwing object passes through a predetermined visual field securing area within the viewing space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, for example, even immediately after a user provides a gift such as a coin, if the object exists in a predetermined area, the visibility of the entire object is reduced, making it difficult for the user to confirm the existence of the object representing the gift provided by himself / herself, and there is a risk of reducing the motivation for gifting.

[0006] Therefore, in the present disclosure, there is provided a technique capable of ensuring the visibility of the entire event while maintaining the existence of a gift object provided by a user who views an event implemented in a virtual space in the virtual space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one embodiment, a program is provided which is executed by a computer equipped with a processor, and the program causes the processor to perform the following steps: receive an operation from a user who is viewing an event taking place in a virtual space to provide a gift; in response to the received operation to provide a gift, cause a gift object representing the gift to be displayed on the display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part; determine whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions; and if it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, change the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode which includes the first part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, in events held in a virtual space, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the entire event while maintaining the presence of gift objects provided by viewer users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of terminal device 10. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This is the data structure of the user information database stored in the memory unit of server 20. [Figure 5] This is the data structure of the gift information database stored in the memory of server 20. [Figure 6] This is the data structure of the judgment condition information database stored in the memory unit of server 20. [Figure 7]This flowchart illustrates the sequence of actions a user takes when offering a gift while watching an event. [Figure 8] This is an example screen showing how users viewing an event select event performers to whom they can offer gifts. [Figure 9] This is an example of a screen showing how users can send gifts to performers while watching an event. [Figure 10] This is an example of a gift object screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 11] This is an example of a gift object screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 12] This is an example of a gift object screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 13] This is an example of a gift object screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 14] This is an example of a gift object screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates the sequence of processes involved in changing the display mode of a gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0011] <First Embodiment> <Overview> In the following embodiments, a technology will be described in which, in an event implemented in a virtual space, a user participating as an audience in the event provides a gift for a performance or the like of a performer in the event. Here, the devices and the like appropriately used when realizing the technology according to the present disclosure are not limited, and various devices such as a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal possessed by the user, a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a head-mounted display (HMD), etc. can be used.

[0012] In the system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a user participating as an audience in an event implemented in a virtual space provides a gift for a performance or the like of a performer in the event, a technology capable of realizing a gift providing with high satisfaction for the user is provided. The virtual space is a virtual space for arranging various objects, generated by the calculation or the like of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. The virtual space includes those represented by a three-dimensional space (a three-dimensional space composed of height, width, and depth), as well as those represented by a two-dimensional space (a planar space composed of height and width). The virtual space can be realized by various means, and as long as it is a virtual space, its form, realization means, etc. are not limited.

[0013] <1 Configuration diagram of the entire system> FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the system 1 in the first embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are communicatively connected via a network 80.

[0015] Terminal device 10 is a device used by users to view events held in a virtual space. Terminal device 10 is implemented by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that supports a mobile communication system. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may be a stationary PC (Personal Computer), laptop PC, etc. Terminal device 10 includes a communication interface 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19. Server 20 includes a communication interface 22, an input / output interface 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0016] Terminal device 10 is connected to server 20 via network 80 in a way that allows communication. Terminal device 10 is connected to network 80 by communicating with communication equipment such as a wireless base station 81 that supports communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN router 82 that supports wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

[0017] The communication interface 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, touchpad, mouse or other pointing device, keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from the user. The output device 14 is an output device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0018] Server 20 is a device that manages a series of processes related to System 1. For example, Server 20 stores information about the user, information about gifts, etc. Also, for example, Server 20 changes the display mode of a gift object when the object representing the gift displayed in response to an operation by the user to provide a gift meets predetermined conditions.

[0019] Communication IF22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. Input / Output IF23 functions as an interface to an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user. Memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0020] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, the collection of each device can be considered as a single "information processing device," and System 1 may be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which the multiple functions required to realize System 1 according to this embodiment are distributed to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in view of the processing capacity of each hardware and / or the specifications required for System 1.

[0021] <1.1 Configuration of terminal device 10> Figure 2 is a block diagram of the terminal device 10 that constitutes System 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units corresponding to each antenna (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122), 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 not specifically shown in Figure 2 (for example, a battery for maintaining power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in Figure 2, each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0022] Antenna 111 radiates signals emitted by terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to first wireless communication unit 121.

[0023] Antenna 112 radiates signals emitted by terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 112 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to second wireless communication unit 122.

[0024] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 111 in order to communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 112 in order to communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are a communication module that includes 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 and demodulation, and frequency conversion, of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signal to the control unit 190.

[0025] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving user input operations. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touchscreen and includes a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302. The touch-sensitive device 1301 receives user input operations of the terminal device 10. The touch-sensitive device 1301 detects the user's contact position with the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 1301 outputs a signal indicating the user's contact position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation. The terminal device 10 may also be equipped with a physically usable keyboard (not shown) and may receive user input operations via the keyboard.

[0026] The display 1302 displays data such as images, videos, and text in response to control from the control unit 190. The display 1302 is implemented, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0027] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates the audio signal. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal received 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 implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 141 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 140 into sound and outputs the sound to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0028] The location 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. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The location information sensor 150 may also be a transmitting and receiving device based on a communication standard used in short-range communication systems between information devices. Specifically, the location information sensor 150 uses the 2.4GHz band, such as a Bluetooth® module, to receive beacon signals from other information devices equipped with a Bluetooth® module.

[0029] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as an image. Camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from camera 160 to the object being photographed. Furthermore, camera 160 acquires the body movements of users, performers, etc., using the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, camera 160 acquires the user's mouth movements and the movements of various parts of the face (eyes, eyebrows, etc.). Any existing technology may be used to acquire these movements.

[0030] The motion sensor 170 is composed of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and the like, and detects the tilt of the terminal device 10.

[0031] The storage unit 180 is composed of, for example, flash memory and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In certain situations, the storage unit 180 stores user information 1801, etc. This information is held in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10, or it may be stored as a database in the storage unit 202 of the server (described later) and retrieved via the network 80.

[0032] User information 1801 includes user-related information such as an ID that identifies the user, username, age, and gender. Details of the information included in user information 1801 will be described later. An event is a variety of activities held in a virtual space, and can include, for example, live music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion shows, conferences, and exhibitions held in a virtual space.

[0033] The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 by reading the program stored in the memory unit 180 and executing the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an input operation receiving unit 1901, a transmitting / receiving unit 1902, a data processing unit 1903, and a notification control unit 1904.

[0034] The input operation receiving unit 1901 processes input operations from the user to an input device such as a touch-sensitive device 1301. Based on the coordinate information of the touch-sensitive device 1301 where the user's finger or the like has made contact, 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.

[0035] The transmitting / receiving unit 1902 performs processing to enable the terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as a server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0036] The data processing unit 1903 performs calculations on the data received as input by the terminal device 10 according to the program and outputs the calculation results to memory or the like.

[0037] The data processing unit 1903 receives input operations related to an event from the user and controls the processing to execute various processes related to the event. For example, the data processing unit 1903 executes the process of sending various information related to the execution of the event received from the user to the server or the terminal device of the virtual space administrator.

[0038] The notification control unit 1904 performs the following processes: displaying the image on the display 1302, outputting sound to the speaker 142, and generating vibrations in the camera 160.

[0039] <1.2 Functional Configuration of Server 20> Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 3, server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0040] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0041] The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores the user information database 2021, the gift information database 2022, the judgment condition information database 2023, and so on.

[0042] User Information Database 2021 is a database for storing various information about users who view events held in a virtual space. Details of each record held in this database will be described later.

[0043] The Gift Information Database 2022 is a database for storing information about gifts that users can offer as viewers to events held in virtual space. Gifts are given to performers and other participants in an event in response to user requests, for purposes such as supporting performers or enlivening the event. Gift information includes information about an object (gift object) that visually represents the gift. Gift object information can include information about a first part, which is the characteristic part of the gift object, and information about a second part, which is the part of the gift object other than the characteristic part. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, the part of the animal's face corresponding to the characteristic part of the object can be considered the first part, and the part of the object other than the animal's face (such as the body) can be considered the second part. Also, for example, if the gift object is an object representing a shooting star, the part of the star corresponding to the characteristic part of the object can be considered the first part, and the part of the object other than the star (such as the tail of light) can be considered the second part. Gift object information can also include information about a third part that is different from the second part, as a substitute for the second part. The third part is a substitute for the second part included in the gift object and is applied when the display manner of the gift object is changed by the change module 2037 described later. The third part may include, for example, a section consisting of simple shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles; a section consisting of shapes with a different color scheme from the second part (for example, a color scheme in the second part that is not the same as the background on which the gift object is displayed, and a color scheme in the third part that is the same as the background on which the gift object is displayed); or a section consisting of shapes that are visually simplified versions of the second part. In addition to the above, information about the gift object may also include gift objects that are represented in a dynamic display manner, such as animation.For example, if a gift object is a dynamic gift object representing a fireworks display, and the gift object is composed of a dynamic part representing the state of launching the fireworks, a dynamic part representing the state of the fireworks rising from the ground into the sky after launch, and a dynamic part representing the state of the fireworks opening (exploding) in the sky, the dynamic part representing the state of launching the fireworks and the dynamic part representing the state of the fireworks opening in the sky can be designated as the first part, and the dynamic part representing the state of the fireworks rising from the ground into the sky after launch can be designated as the second part. In this case, in the first display mode, the gift object is reproduced as an object that sequentially displays the launch, rise, and explosion of the fireworks in a dynamic display mode, while in the second display mode, the rise part of the fireworks is omitted, and the object is reproduced as an object that dynamically displays only the launch and explosion of the fireworks. A dynamic gift object can include objects that are represented in various display modes, not only those in which the first and second parts are played sequentially or with a time delay, but also those in which the first and second parts are played simultaneously. A gift object can also include objects that are represented in a display mode that combines dynamic and static parts. A gift object can also include a gift object that consists only of the first part. In this case, for example, the gift object can be composed of the first part, which is the characteristic part of the first part, and the second part, which is not the first part, by making them common parts. Gifts include, for example, gift content that is placed in the virtual space as an object. Gift content mainly consists of video data and image data (including images that move within the virtual space), and is placed in the virtual space in a display manner that represents the characteristics of the gift. Gift content may also include non-object elements such as text data and music / audio data, along with objects. Gifts may also include money or a means of payment equivalent to money, often referred to as "tipping." In this case, tipping may be provided to event performers, etc., together with gift content placed in the virtual space as an object, or it may be provided to event performers, etc., independently without the gift content. Gifts are primarily provided by users, who are viewers of the event, through payment of money or equivalent means (such as points). Payment refers to the act of paying a set purchase price for a gift (including an indicator such as points equivalent to the purchase price) using money or equivalent means in order to provide the gift. When a user makes a payment, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is intended. Payment is not limited to this act; it can also include, for example, purchasing a special currency usable in the event in advance using money or equivalent means, and then paying using the purchased special currency.

[0044] The judgment condition information database 2023 stores information about predetermined conditions (information about judgment conditions) that serve as the basis for judgments made by the judgment module 2036, which will be described later. The judgment conditions (predetermined conditions) can be set, for example, as conditions for changing the display manner of gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation by the user to provide a gift, in order to ensure the visibility of the entire event. For example, if a certain number of gift objects provided by the user are displayed on the display screen, the proportion of gift objects on the display screen may become dominant, and the user may not be able to enjoy the event they are viewing (such as a performance by an actor). To avoid such a situation, judgment conditions (predetermined conditions) can be set to change the display manner of gift objects. In this case, for example, the display manner of gift objects can be changed to reduce the visibility of the gift objects as a whole. For example, information regarding the judgment condition (predetermined condition) may be information indicating that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed. Alternatively, information regarding the judgment condition (predetermined condition) may be information indicating that the total number of displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to operations provided by other users has reached a certain number (for example, when the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user has reached 10). Alternatively, information regarding the judgment condition (predetermined condition) may be information indicating that the area occupied by the displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to operations provided by other users on the display screen has reached a certain percentage or more (for example, when the area occupied by all gift objects on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user has reached 30%). Information regarding the judgment criteria (predetermined conditions) can be set, for example, based on the content of an event held in a virtual space. The content of the event may include, for example, live music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion shows, conference events, exhibition events, etc. Furthermore, information regarding the judgment criteria (predetermined conditions) can be set, for example, based on the content of the performances held at an event conducted in a virtual space. The content of the performances may include, for example, singing performances, dance performances, talk performances, etc., if the event is a live music event. Details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0045] The control unit 203 is composed of, for example, a processor 29, and by performing processing according to the program, this processor 29 performs functions such as the reception control module 2031, the transmission control module 2032, the user information acquisition module 2033, the gift provision operation acceptance module 2034, the gift display module 2035, the determination module 2036, and the change module 2037, as various modules.

[0046] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0047] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0048] The user information acquisition module 2033 controls a series of processes for acquiring information about users who view events held in a virtual space. User information 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 favorite performers, and information about the total amount of gifts given in the past. Specifically, for example, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire this information by receiving user information 1801 stored in the storage unit 180 from the terminal device 10 used by the user. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire this information by referring to the user information database 2021 held in the storage unit 202 of the server 20. In addition, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire this information by directly receiving various information about the user from the user.

[0049] The gift provision operation reception module 2034 controls a series of processes for receiving requests to provide gifts from users watching the event. Specifically, the gift provision operation reception module 2034 receives requests to provide gifts to the event performers via a terminal device 10 used by the user watching the event. In this case, the terminal device 10 sends information about the gift provision request received from the user to the server 20. The gift provision operation reception module 2034 on the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10. For example, when the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10, it sends information about gifts that can be provided at the event the user is watching to the terminal device 10. Here, the operation of providing a gift is an operation performed by a user watching the event, and can include any operation a user performs to provide a gift to the event's performers, etc. For example, the operation of providing a gift can include an operation that requests the user to present information about the gifts available at the event the user is watching (information about the gift list). In this case, for example, the gift provision operation reception module 2034 receives an operation from the user requesting that the user present information about the gifts available at the event the user is watching (information about the gift list). The server 20 transmits the gift information (information about the gift list) to the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the operation from the user. The terminal device 10 displays the received confirmation information on the display 1302. Also, for example, the operation of providing a gift can include an operation that specifies at least one gift from among the gifts available at the event. In this case, for example, the user is presented with information about the gifts available at the event (information about the gift list), and the gift provision operation reception module 2034 receives an operation from the user to specify at least one gift from among the presented gift information (information about the gift list).

[0050] The gift display module 2035 controls a series of processes for displaying a gift object, which represents a gift, on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, in a first display mode, in response to a gift provision operation received by the gift provision operation reception module 2034. Specifically, the gift display module 2035 displays a gift object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, in a first display mode, in response to a gift provision operation received from the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object corresponding to the received information (the gift object in the first display mode) on the display 1302. The first display mode is the initial display mode of the gift object provided in response to a gift provision operation from the user. A gift object in the first display mode includes, for example, a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object, and a second part which is the part other than the first part. The first part is the main part of the gift object and is the part which visually represents the characteristics of the gift object. The second part is the part of the gift object excluding the first part. For example, if the gift object is an object that represents an animal, the part of the object that represents the animal's face can be designated as the first part, and the part of the object other than the animal's face (such as the body) can be designated as the second part. For example, if the gift object is an object that represents a shooting star, the part of the object that represents the star can be designated as the first part, and the part of the object other than the star (such as the tail of light) can be designated as the second part. Also, for example, if the gift object is a dynamic gift object that represents a fireworks display, the dynamic part that represents the state in which the fireworks are opening can be designated as the first part, and the dynamic part that represents the state in which the fireworks are launched into the information just before they open can be designated as the second part.

[0051] The determination module 2036 controls a series of processes for determining whether a gift object displayed by the gift display module 2035 meets predetermined conditions. Specifically, the determination module 2036 determines whether a gift object displayed in response to a gift offering operation from a user meets predetermined conditions set in advance. The predetermined conditions can be set by referring to data stored in the determination condition information database 2023 of the storage unit 202. The predetermined conditions are conditions set in advance to change the display manner of the displayed gift object. For example, the predetermined conditions can be set to change the display manner in a way that reduces the visibility of the displayed gift object. For example, the predetermined conditions can be when a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed. For example, the predetermined conditions can be when the total number of displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to offering operations from other users reaches a certain number. For example, the predetermined conditions can be when the area occupied by the displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to offering operations from other users reaches a certain percentage or more of the display screen. Note that the predetermined conditions to be set are not limited to one condition, but can also be a combination of multiple conditions. For example, if the predetermined conditions include a certain period of time having elapsed since the gift object was displayed, and a certain number being reached in total for the displayed gift objects and the gift objects displayed in response to actions provided by other users, then the determination module 2036 will determine that the gift object meets the predetermined conditions if the displayed gift object satisfies either of these conditions. In this case, the determination module 2036 can also determine that the gift object meets the predetermined conditions if the displayed gift object satisfies all of the set conditions.

[0052] The modification module 2037 controls a series of processes that change the display mode of a gift object based on a determination made by the judgment module 2036. For example, if the judgment module 2036 determines that the gift object meets predetermined conditions, the modification module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object. Specifically, if the judgment module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the judgment module 2025 meets predetermined conditions (if multiple predetermined conditions are set, the modification module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object in the second display mode changed by the modification module 2037 to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object corresponding to the received information (the gift object in the second display mode) on the display 1302. The gift object in the second display mode is a different display mode from the gift object in the first display mode, and includes the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object. In other words, the gift object in the second display mode is a gift object that has a different display mode from the gift object in the first display mode, while retaining the first part, which is the main part of the gift object. For example, the gift object in the second display mode can be displayed with a smaller object size than the gift object in the first display mode. For instance, if the gift object represents an animal, and the animal's face is designated as the first part, and the rest of the object (such as the body) is designated as the second part, the modification module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes the first part (the animal's face) but does not include the second part. Since the gift object in the second display mode does not include the second part, the overall size of the gift object in the second display mode is smaller than that of the gift object in the first display mode before the change. By changing to a display mode with a smaller object size in this way, the proportion of the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user is reduced, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, since the modified second gift object includes the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode can be a display mode that includes only the characteristic part (the first part) of the gift object. For example, if the gift object is an object representing a shooting star, and the star part of the object is the first part, and the parts other than the star part (such as the tail of light) are the second part, the modification module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes only the first part (the star part) (and does not include the second part). By changing to a gift object in the second display mode that includes only the first part in this way, the overall object size of the object is reduced, or the object is visually simplified, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Also, since the modified second gift object includes the first part, which is the characteristic part of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode may include the first part, while the second part, which is part of the object other than the first part, may be scaled down. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, and the animal's face is the first part, and the parts of the object other than the animal's face (such as the body) are the second part, the modification module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes the first part (the animal's face) without changing its size, while scaling down the second part. By changing the gift object in the second display mode in this way, while maintaining the first part as is and scaling down the second part, the overall object size of the object is reduced, or the object is visually simplified, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, since the modified second gift object includes the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode may include the first part, while the second part, which is included in the gift object in the first display mode, is made transparent. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, and the animal's face is the first part, and the parts of the object other than the animal's face (such as the body) are the second part, the modification module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode, which includes the first part (the animal's face) without changing its size, while making the second part visually transparent (so that the background of that part is visible through it). By changing the gift object in the second display mode to one that maintains the first part while making the second part transparent, the overall visibility of the object is reduced, thus improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, since the modified second gift object includes the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode may include the first part and a third part, which is the part other than the first part and replaces the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, and the part of the object where the animal's face is located is the first part, and the part of the object where the animal's face is located (such as the body) is the second part, the modification module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes the first part (the part where the animal's face is located) without changing its size, and also includes a third part that replaces the second part. The third part may include, for example, a part consisting of simple shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles; a part consisting of shapes with a different color scheme from the second part (for example, a color scheme in the second part that is not the same as the background on which the gift object is displayed, and a color scheme in the third part that is the same as the background on which the gift object is displayed); or a part consisting of shapes that are visually simplified versions of the second part. By maintaining the first part while changing the gift object to a second display mode that includes a third part that replaces the second part, it is possible to reduce the overall visibility of the object, for example, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, since the modified second gift object includes the first part, which is the characteristic part of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, if the determination module 2036 determines that a gift object no longer meets a predetermined condition, the change module 2037 can change the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode. The case in which a gift object no longer meets a predetermined condition is, for example, when the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user no longer affects the overall visibility of the event. For example, if the predetermined condition is a condition that the total number of displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number, then if a condition is set for a particular gift object, such as it disappearing from the display screen after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was displayed, then it is determined that the predetermined condition is not met if the total number of gift objects on the display screen does not reach a certain number. Another example is if the predetermined condition is a condition based on the content of a performance viewed by the user, then if it is determined that a predetermined condition set for one performance (e.g., a singing performance) is met, then it is determined that a predetermined condition set for another performance (e.g., a talking performance) is not met. In this case, the predetermined conditions for when the change module 2037 changes the display mode of a gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode can be the same as the predetermined conditions for when the display mode of a gift object changes from the first display mode to the second display mode, but it can also be different from the predetermined conditions for when the display mode of a gift object changes from the first display mode to the second display mode. For example, if the predetermined conditions for when the display mode of a gift object changes from the first display mode to the second display mode are conditions that indicate a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed, then the predetermined conditions for when the display mode of a gift object changes from the second display mode to the first display mode can be conditions that indicate the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to operations provided by other users has reached a certain number.

[0054] <2 Data Structure> Figure 4 shows the data structure of the user information database 2021 stored by server 20.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the user information database 2021 includes fields such as "User ID", "User Name", "Age", "Gender", "Contact Information", "Favorite Performer", "Past Gifts Provided", "Total Amount Spent", and "Remarks".

[0056] The "User ID" field is information that identifies the user viewing an event held in a virtual space.

[0057] The "User Name" field contains information indicating the user's name. In this case, the record may also hold information about the name (handle name) the user uses in the virtual space, in addition to the user's real name.

[0058] The "Age" field contains information indicating the user's age.

[0059] The "Gender" field indicates the user's gender.

[0060] The "Contact Information" field contains information that shows the user's contact details. This information includes the user's address, phone number, etc.

[0061] The item "Favorite Performers" is information indicating performers that the user has registered in advance. The performer information stored in this record is, for example, information about at least one performer selected by the user from among multiple performers that have been registered in advance (including performers who have appeared in events held in the virtual space in the past, as well as performers who may appear in the future). The performer information includes, for example, the performer's name and information about the performer's affiliation.

[0062] The item "Past Gifts Provided" contains information about gifts that users have provided to performers and others at past events held in the virtual space.

[0063] The item "Total Amount Spent" refers to the total amount of money a user has spent on past events held in the virtual space, including money spent on gifts to performers, money paid as participation fees for events, and money paid for purchasing items and goods related to events. The total gift amount may include not only money paid by the user but also means of payment that can be substituted for money (such as points).

[0064] The "Remarks" field is used to store information if there are any special notes or other important details in the user's information. Server 20 may, for example, record any other information that needs to be stored in the record.

[0065] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the gift information database 2022 stored by server 20.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the gift information database 2022 includes the following items: "Gift ID", "Gift Name", "Data Type", "Category", "Charging Price", "First Part", "Second Part", "Third Part", "Second Display Mode", and "Remarks".

[0067] The "Gift ID" field is information that identifies the gifts available for events held in the virtual space.

[0068] The item "Gift Name" contains information indicating the name of the gift.

[0069] The "Data Type" field indicates the type of data related to the gift content representing the gift. This data type information includes video data, image data, music / audio data, text data, etc.

[0070] The "Category" field contains information indicating the category of the gift. This information includes details about the type of gift (object-type gift, text-type gift, tip-type gift), the type of object if the gift is object-type (e.g., food, animal, plant, other), and the rank of the gift (e.g., A, B, C).

[0071] The "Charging Price" item contains information about the price charged to purchase the gifts necessary to provide them. This information includes not only the specific monetary amount charged, but also information corresponding to monetary amounts in the case of alternative means such as points. In the case of free gifts that do not require payment, this information includes indications such as "0 yen" or "free."

[0072] The item "First Part" is a portion included in a gift object representing a gift provided by the user, and is information that indicates the characteristic parts of that gift object. The First Part is a portion included in both the gift object in the first display mode and the gift object in the second display mode.

[0073] The item "Second Part" is the portion included in the gift object representing the gift provided by the user, and is information indicating the portion of the gift object other than its characteristic features. The second part is the portion included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0074] The item "Third Part" is information that represents the part included in the gift object in the second display mode, replacing the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode. Information regarding the third part is not required for all gifts, but is required if the gift object in the second display mode includes a third part.

[0075] The item "Second Display Mode" is information indicating the requirements for the gift object in the second display mode. Information indicating the requirements for the gift object in the second display mode includes, for example, information indicating that the display mode has a smaller object size than the gift object in the first display mode; information indicating that the display mode includes only the first part; information indicating that the display mode includes the first part and the part other than the first part, which is a reduced version of the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode (e.g., a reduction ratio of 50%); information indicating that the display mode includes the first part and the part other than the first part, which is a transparent version of the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode (e.g., a transparency ratio of 60%); and information indicating that the display mode includes the first part and the part other than the first part, which is a third part that replaces the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0076] The "Remarks" field is used to store information if there are any special notes or other details in the gift information. Server 20 may, for example, record any other information that needs to be stored in the record.

[0077] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the judgment condition information database 2023 stored by server 20.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, the judgment condition information database 2023 includes items such as "Judgment Condition," "Applicable Event," "Applicable Performance," and "Remarks."

[0079] The item "Judgment Conditions" is information that indicates the predetermined conditions that serve as the basis for the judgment performed by Judgment Module 2036.

[0080] The item "Applicable Event" contains information indicating the event to which the judgment criteria apply. This information includes, for example, live music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion show events, conference events, exhibition events, etc.

[0081] The item "Applicable Performance" contains information indicating the content of the performance in the event to which the judgment criteria are applied. This information includes, for example, singing performances, dance performances, talk performances, etc.

[0082] The "Remarks" field is information that is retained if there are any special notes in the judgment condition information. Server 20 may, for example, record any other information that needs to be retained in the record.

[0083] <3 Example of operation of the first embodiment> The following describes a series of processes performed when System 1 provides gifts to performers of an event held in a virtual space, based on user input from users watching the event.

[0084] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes when a user viewing an event held in a virtual space provides a gift to the event's performers. However, the operation flow is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform all of the processes, or the server 20 may perform all of the processes.

[0085] In step S601, the system receives an operation from the user to provide a gift. For example, the gift provision operation reception module 2034 receives an operation from a user viewing the event to specify a gift for a performer who is the recipient of the gift, via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives an operation to specify a gift for a performer who is the recipient of the gift on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the gift provision operation received from the user to the server 20. The gift provision operation reception module 2034 receives this information from the terminal device 10.

[0086] In step S651, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays a gift object representing a gift on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in a first display mode, in response to an operation to provide a received gift. For example, the gift display module 2035 displays a gift object representing a gift on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in a first display mode, in response to an operation to provide a gift received by the gift provision operation reception module 2034. Specifically, for example, the gift display module 2035 displays a gift object on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in a first display mode, in response to an operation to provide a gift received from the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object (the gift object in the first display mode) corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0087] In step S652, the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines whether the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in step S651 satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, the determination module 2036 determines whether the gift object displayed by the gift display module 2035 satisfies predetermined conditions. Specifically, the determination module 2036 determines whether the gift object displayed in response to the user's gift offering operation satisfies predetermined conditions set in advance.

[0088] In step S653, if the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines in step S652 that the gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, it changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object. For example, if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object. Specifically, if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the determination module 2025 satisfies predetermined conditions (for example, if multiple predetermined conditions are set, it is determined that all conditions are satisfied), the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode.

[0089] In step S653, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays the gift object with the changed display mode in a second display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. Specifically, for example, the gift display module 2035 displays in a second display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object corresponding to the received information (the gift object in the second display mode) on the display 1302.

[0090] Through this process, if it is determined that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user meets predetermined conditions, the display mode of the gift object can be changed from the first display mode to the second display mode, which includes the first part that is a characteristic part of the gift object, thereby reducing the overall visibility of the gift object. As a result, users viewing the event can maintain the visibility of the entire event while still being able to see the gift object they provided.

[0091] In a given scenario, the server 20 may, using the gift display module 2035, display a gift module representing a gift in a first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user providing the gift, and also display it in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by other users who do not provide the gift. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user providing the gift and other users who do not provide the gift. The terminal device 10 used by each user displays the gift object (the gift object in the first display mode) corresponding to the received information on the display 1302. Through this process, each user can see the gift object representing the gift provided by other users, which can foster a sense of competition among users to provide gifts and, as a result, increase the users' desire to gift.

[0092] In a certain scenario, when the server 20 receives a gift provision operation from a user viewing the event via the gift provision operation reception module 2034, it may present the user with information about the gift object in a first display mode and information about the gift object in a second display mode, as display modes for the gift object representing the gift. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 transmits the information about the gift object in the first display mode and the information about the gift object in the second display mode to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 used by the user displays the received gift object in the first display mode and the gift object in the second display mode on the display 1302. Through this process, the user can understand in advance that the display mode of the gift object representing the gift they are providing will change under predetermined conditions, and what the display mode of the gift object will be after the change, thus providing the user with the opportunity to select a gift based on the changed display mode.

[0093] In certain situations, if the gift object representing a gift provided by the user consists only of a first characteristic part in the first display mode (initial display mode when the gift is provided), the server 20 may refrain from changing the display mode of the gift object using the modification module 2037. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 maintains the first display mode without changing the display mode of the gift object, even if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies predetermined conditions in response to the user's operation to provide a gift. Through this process, even simple gifts consisting only of a first part can be applied to the system 1 according to this embodiment, thereby increasing the variety of gifts that the user can choose from and enhancing the user's desire to gift.

[0094] <4. Screen example of the first embodiment> Figures 8-12 show examples of various screens displayed during a series of processes that use System 1 disclosed in the present invention to provide gifts to performers of an event held in a virtual space, based on user input from a user watching the event.

[0095] Figure 8 shows an example screen for when a user watching an event selects an event performer to whom they will offer a gift.

[0096] In Figure 8, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a list of performers 801, a performer selection operation display area 802, etc., on the display 1302. This screen does not need to be displayed across the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, it can be displayed on only a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, it can be displayed on the display 1302 semi-transparently, allowing the live event or other event to be visible. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying the live event or other event.

[0097] The performer list display area 801 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 8011 and performer names 8012 of all performers appearing in the event in the performer list display area 801. The information for each performer's image 8011 and performer name 8012 functions as a button that accepts user input, such as pressing it. When the control unit 190 receives user input, such as pressing the image, it executes a process to select the performer who will provide the gift.

[0098] The performer selection operation display area 802 displays information for the user to select and confirm the performer to whom they will provide a gift. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer selection list 8021, the gift provision button 8022, etc. in the performer selection operation display area 802.

[0099] The performer selection list 8021 displays information about the performers the user can select as recipients of gifts in a pull-down format. The method of displaying the performer information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives an input from the user to select a performer from the list, it executes a process to select the performer to whom the gift will be provided. The performer selection operation display area 802 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the process of selecting the performer to whom the gift will be provided can also be executed by inputting an operation such as clicking on the image 8011 and performer name 8012 of each performer as described above.

[0100] The gift provision button 8022 is a button used by the user to identify the performer to whom a gift will be provided and to perform the operation to provide the gift. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, it executes the operation to provide the gift.

[0101] Figure 9 shows an example screen for when a user watching an event offers a gift to a performer.

[0102] In Figure 9, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays an explanatory text display area 901, a gift list display area 902, a gift selection operation display area 903, etc., on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed across the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on only a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that events such as live performances are visible. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying events such as live performances.

[0103] The explanatory text display area 901 displays explanatory text and other information that the user can refer to to confirm the judgment result. For example, the explanatory text display area 901 displays information about the performer to whom the user has selected as the recipient of the gift.

[0104] The gift list display area 902 displays a list of gifts offered at the event the user is viewing. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, images (gift objects) 9021, 9022, 9023, 9024 and gift names 9025 of all gifts that can be offered at the event the user is viewing in the gift list display area 902. The information for each gift object 9021, 9022, 9023, 9024 and gift name 9025 functions as a button that accepts user input such as pressing. Each gift object 9021, 9022, 9023, 9024 may include a first part 9021A, 9022A, 9023A, 9024A which is a characteristic part of the gift object, and a second part 9021B, 9022B, 9023B, 9024B which is a part other than the first part. For example, in gift object 9021 representing an animal, the animal's head becomes the first part 9021A, and the rest of the body becomes the second part 9021B. Similarly, in gift object 9022 representing a shooting star, the star becomes the first part 9022A, and the rest of the light (the tail) becomes the second part 9022B. Similarly, in gift object 9023 representing a collection of heart-shaped objects, the largest heart object becomes the first part 9023A, and the other objects (multiple objects) become the second part 9023B. Similarly, in gift object 9024 representing a plant, the flower becomes the first part 9024A, and the rest of the plant (stem and leaves) becomes the second part 9024B. When the control unit 190 receives input from the user, such as pressing an image, it executes a process to select a gift.

[0105] The gift selection operation display area 903 displays information for the user to confirm the gift they have selected. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the gift selection list 9031, the confirmation button 9032, etc., in the gift selection operation display area 903.

[0106] The gift selection list 9031 displays information about gifts provided by the user in a pull-down format. The method of displaying the gift information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives an input from the user to select a gift from the list, it executes the process of selecting the gift. The gift selection operation display area 903 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the process of selecting a gift can also be executed by inputting an operation such as clicking on the image and gift name 9025 of each of the above-mentioned gift objects (gift objects 9021, 9022, 9023, 9024).

[0107] The confirmation button 9032 is a button used to confirm the gift selected by the user. When the control unit 190 receives an input from the user, such as pressing this button, it executes a process to confirm (specify) the selected gift.

[0108] Figure 10 shows an example of a gift object screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by a user in response to an operation by a user who is viewing an event to provide a gift. This example screen describes the case in which a gift object representing a gift is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in a first display mode in response to an operation by a user to provide a gift.

[0109] In Figure 10, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1001, etc., on the display 1302.

[0110] The performer display area 1101 displays performances and other content by performers participating in an event held in the virtual space. In this example screen, four performers are displayed, with avatar object 10011A corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 10012) from one user, and avatar object 10011B corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 10013) from another user. For example, in response to an operation by the server 20's gift display module 2035 to provide a gift from a user, gift objects 10012 and 10013 representing the gifts are displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. Both gift objects 10012 and 10013 are displayed as gift objects in the first display mode.

[0111] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen display of a gift object shown 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 describes the case in which the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user is displayed in a second display mode in response to an operation to provide a gift from a user.

[0112] In Figure 11, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1101, etc., on the display 1302.

[0113] The performer display area 1101 displays performances and other actions by performers participating in an event held in the virtual space. In this example screen, four performers are displayed, with avatar object 11011A corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 11012) from one user, and avatar object 11011B corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 11013) from another user. For example, if the change module 2037 of the server 20 determines, by the determination module 2036, that a gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user meets predetermined conditions, the display mode of the gift object is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode. In this case, for example, a gift object representing an animal is changed from a gift object in the first display mode that represents the entire animal (gift object 10012 in Figure 10) to a gift object 11012 in the second display mode that represents only the head of the animal, which is the characteristic part (first part) of the gift object. For example, a gift object representing a shooting star is changed and displayed from a gift object in a first display mode that represents the entire shooting star (gift object 10013 in Figure 10) to a gift object in a second display mode that represents only the star portion, which is the characteristic part (first part) of the gift object.

[0114] Figure 12 shows an example of a gift object screen 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 describes a case in which the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user is displayed in both a first display mode and a second display mode simultaneously in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user. Specifically, it describes a case in which the gift object is displayed in the second display mode, and then, in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user, the gift object is newly displayed in the first display mode.

[0115] In Figure 12, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1201, etc., on the display 1302.

[0116] The performer display area 1201 displays performances and other content by performers participating in an event held in the virtual space. In this example screen, four performers are displayed, with avatar object 12011A corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift objects 12013, 12014) from one user, and avatar object 12011B corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 12013) from another user. For example, when gift objects 12012 and 12013 in the second display mode are displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the gift display module 2035 of the server 20 displays a new gift object 12014 representing the gift on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the user's operation to provide a gift. For example, if the predetermined condition is that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed, the already displayed gift objects 12012 and 12013 are determined to satisfy the predetermined condition (a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift objects 12012 and 12013 were displayed) and are therefore displayed in the second display mode (a display mode consisting only of the first part, which is the characteristic part of the gift object). However, the newly displayed gift object 12014 is not determined to satisfy the predetermined condition (a certain period of time has not elapsed since the gift object 12014 was displayed) and is therefore displayed in the first display mode.

[0117] Figure 13 shows an example of a gift object 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. In this example, the case in which the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user is displayed in a second display mode in which the second part, which is the part of the gift object other than the characteristic part (first part), is made transparent, will be explained.

[0118] In Figure 13, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1311, etc., on the display 1302.

[0119] The performer display area 1311 displays performances and other content by performers participating in an event held in the virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed: avatar object 13111A corresponds to the performer receiving a gift (gift object 13112) from one user, and avatar object 13111B corresponds to the performer receiving a gift (gift object 13113) from another user. For example, if the change module 2037 of the server 20 determines, by the determination module 2036, that a gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user meets predetermined conditions, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode. In this case, for example, if the gift object represents an animal, the first display mode representing the entire animal is replaced by a second display mode that includes the animal's head 13112A, which is the characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and the part of the gift object other than the head (the animal's body) (the second part), and the display mode in which the part of the gift object other than the head (the animal's body) (the second part) is transparent (in which part the background of that part is visible).

[0120] Figure 14 shows an example of a gift object screen 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. In this example, the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift is shown in a second display mode, and the case described below is when the gift object in the second display mode includes a characteristic part of the gift object (the first part), as well as a third part which is a part other than the first part and replaces the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0121] In Figure 14, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1401, etc., on the display 1302. Figure 14 also provides a detailed explanation of how the gift objects displayed in the performer display area 1401 are displayed.

[0122] The performer display area 1401 displays performances and other content by performers participating in an event held in the virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed: avatar object 13111A corresponds to the performer receiving a gift (gift object 1402) from one user, and avatar object 13111B corresponds to the performer receiving a gift (gift object 1403) from another user. For example, if the change module 2037 of the server 20 determines, by the determination module 2036, that a gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user meets predetermined conditions, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode. In this case, for example, if the gift object represents an animal, the gift object 1402 in the first display mode, which represents the entire animal, is changed and displayed as a gift object 1402F in the second display mode, which includes the animal's head 1402A, which is the characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and a third part 1402C that replaces the part other than the head (the animal's body) 1402B included in the gift object in the first display mode. Similarly, for example, if the gift object represents a shooting star, the gift object 1403 in the first display mode, which represents the entire shooting star, is changed and displayed as a gift object 1403F in the second display mode, which includes the star part 1403A, which is the characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and a third part 1403C that replaces the part other than the star (the tail of light) 1403B included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0123] <Second Embodiment> In the following embodiment, a technique is described for changing the display mode of a gift object from the second display mode back to the first display mode if, after it has been determined that the gift object satisfies predetermined conditions and the display mode of the gift object has been changed from the first display mode to the second display mode, it is determined that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined conditions. Note that descriptions of parts with common configurations to the first embodiment (e.g., terminal device 10, server 20, etc.) will be omitted, and only configurations and processes specific to the second embodiment will be described.

[0124] <5. Example of operation in the second embodiment> The following describes a series of processes that System 1 performs when it determines that a gift object does not meet a predetermined condition after it has determined that the gift object does meet that condition, and then changes the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0125] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes for changing the display mode of a gift object from a second display mode to a first display mode when it is determined that the gift object does not meet the predetermined conditions after it has been determined that the gift object does meet the predetermined conditions. In this flowchart, an example is disclosed in which the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user and the server 20 exchange information to perform the series of processes, but this is not the only example.

[0126] In step S1551, if the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines that the gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, it changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes the first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object. In this step, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays the gift object in the second display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. This step is the same as the process in step S653 in the first embodiment.

[0127] In step S1552, the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines whether the gift object (the gift object in the second display mode) displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies predetermined conditions. Specifically, the determination module 2036 determines whether the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies predetermined conditions for maintaining the second display mode.

[0128] In step S1553, if the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines that the gift object does not meet predetermined conditions, it changes the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode. For example, if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object does not meet predetermined conditions after the display mode of the gift object has been changed from the first display mode to the second display mode, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode back to the first display mode, which is the display mode of the gift object before the change.

[0129] In step S1553, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays the gift object, whose display mode has been changed, in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. Specifically, for example, the gift display module 2035 is displayed in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object (the gift object in the second display mode) corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0130] Through this process, for example, if the display mode of a gift object is changed from a first display mode to a second display mode that includes a first characteristic part of the gift object in order to reduce the overall visibility of the gift object, and then the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user no longer meets predetermined conditions, the display mode of the gift object can be changed back to the first display mode, thereby improving the overall visibility of the gift object. As a result, users viewing the event can more clearly see the gift object they have provided on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, thereby increasing the user's desire to give gifts.

[0131] In certain situations, the server 20 may set a predetermined condition for when the change module 2037 changes the display mode of a gift object from a second display mode to a first display mode, which is different from the predetermined condition for when the display mode of a gift object changes from a first display mode to a second display mode. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 may set the predetermined condition for when the display mode of a gift object changes from a first display mode to a second display mode as a condition indicating that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed, while setting the predetermined condition for when the display mode of a gift object changes from a second display mode to a first display mode as a condition indicating that the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to operations provided by other users has reached a certain number. For example, the control unit 203 of server 20 can set a predetermined condition for changing the display mode of a gift object from a first display mode to a second display mode by satisfying all of several conditions, while setting a predetermined condition for changing the display mode of a gift object from a second display mode to a first display mode by satisfying one of these several conditions. This processing allows for flexible setting of the conditions for changing the display mode of a gift object, thereby ensuring appropriate visibility of the entire event.

[0132] <8 Variations> Modifications of this embodiment will now be described. That is, the following embodiments may be adopted. (1) An information processing device, which may have this program pre-installed, or may install it afterward, or may store such a program on an external non-temporary storage medium, or may run on cloud computing. (2) A method in which a computer is made to function as an information processing device, and the program may be pre-installed on the information processing device or installed thereafter, or such program may be stored on an external non-temporary storage medium or run on cloud computing.

[0133] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0134] (Note 1) A program executed by a computer equipped with a processor 29, the program causing the processor to perform the following steps: receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user who is viewing an event taking place in a virtual space (S601); displaying a gift object representing a gift on the display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part, in response to the received operation to provide a gift (S651); determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions (S652); and, if it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode which includes the first part (S653).

[0135] (Note 2) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode is a display mode in which the object size is smaller than that of the gift object in the first display mode.

[0136] (Note 3) The gift object in the second display mode is the program described in Appendix 1, which is a display mode that includes only the first part.

[0137] (Note 4) The program as described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first part, and the parts other than the first part are a reduced display mode of the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0138] (Note 5) The program as described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first part, and the part other than the first part is displayed in a transparent state, the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0139] (Note 6) The program as described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first part and a third part which is a part other than the first part and replaces the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0140] (Note 7) The program described in Appendix 1, where the specified condition represents the case where a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed.

[0141] (Note 8) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and gift objects displayed on the display screen in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number.

[0142] (Note 9) The program described in Appendix 1, where the specified conditions are based on the content of the event.

[0143] (Note 10) The program described in Appendix 1, where the specified conditions are based on the content of the performance to be held at the event.

[0144] (Note 11) The program is the program described in Appendix 1, which further causes the processor to perform the step (S1553) of changing the display mode of the gift object from a second display mode to a first display mode if it is determined that the gift object does not meet the predetermined conditions after it has been determined that the gift object does meet the predetermined conditions.

[0145] (Note 12) A method performed by a computer equipped with a processor 29, wherein the processor 29 performs the following steps: receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user viewing an event taking place in a virtual space (S601); displaying a gift object representing a gift on the display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is a part other than the first part, in response to the received operation to provide a gift (S651); determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions (S652); and, if it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode which includes the first part (S653).

[0146] (Note 13) Information processing device comprising a control unit 203, the control unit 203 having a function (S601) to receive an operation to provide a gift from a user viewing an event conducted in a virtual space; a function (S651) to display a gift object representing a gift on the display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part, in response to the received operation to provide a gift; a function (S652) to determine whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions; and a function (S653) to change the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode which includes the first part, if it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0147] 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, 1801 User information, 1901 Input operation reception unit, 1902 Transmit / receive unit, 1903 Data processing unit, 1904 Notification control unit, 1302 Display, 140 Audio processing unit, 141 Microphone, 142 Speaker, 150 Location information sensor, 160 Camera, 170 Motion sensor, 2021 User information database, 2022 Gift information database, 2023 Judgment condition information database, 2031 Receiving control module, 2032 Transmitting control module, 2033 User information acquisition module, 2034 Gift provision operation reception module, 2035 Gift display module, 2036 Judgment module, 2037 change module

Claims

1. A program that is executed by a computer having a processor, wherein the program is executed by the processor, The process involves accepting requests from users who are watching an event held in a virtual space to offer gifts, and In response to an operation to provide the received gift, the gift object representing the gift is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part. The steps include determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, A program that, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions, causes the program to perform the step of changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode that includes the first part.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode has a smaller object size than the gift object in the first display mode.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode is a display mode that includes only the first portion.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first portion and is a display mode in which the second portion is reduced.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first portion and the second portion is transparent.

6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode is a display mode that includes the first part and a third part that replaces the second part.

7. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that represents the case where a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed.

8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that indicates when the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition based on the content of the event.

10. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions are conditions based on the content of the performance performed at the event.

11. The program further provides the processor with: The program according to claim 1, which, after it has been determined that the gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions, is determined to no longer satisfy the predetermined conditions, causes the program to perform the step of changing the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode.

12. A method performed by a computer having a processor, wherein the processor is The process involves accepting requests from users who are watching an event held in a virtual space to offer gifts, and In response to an operation to provide the received gift, the gift object representing the gift is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part. The steps include determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies predetermined conditions, A method for performing the steps of: changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode that includes the first part, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions.

13. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is A function that allows users watching events held in a virtual space to offer gifts, A function that, in response to an operation to provide the received gift, displays a gift object representing the gift on the display screen of the terminal device used by the user in a first display mode that includes a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is the part other than the first part, A function to determine whether the displayed gift object meets predetermined conditions, An information processing device having a function to change the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode that includes the first part, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions.

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