Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing program to offer users who perform remote ensemble music a new way to enjoy it. [Solution] The information processing method includes a reception step of accepting the setting of participation conditions for a first user to participate in an online room where remote ensemble performances are conducted, a permission step of granting permission for a second user to participate in the room if the second user who requested to participate in the room meets the participation conditions, and a provision step of providing at least a performance by the first user to the second user who has been granted permission to participate in the room.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for enabling remote ensemble (online music session) in an online room (room) entered by a plurality of users via a network such as the Internet has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the functions of conventional rooms are limited to the basic function of providing a place for remote ensemble, and users cannot be provided with ways of enjoyment beyond the basic functions of the rooms.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present application provides an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program for providing a new way of enjoyment to users who perform remote ensemble.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present application is an information processing method realized by a computer, including: a reception step of receiving a setting of participation conditions for a first user to participate in an online room where remote ensemble is performed; a permission step of permitting the second user who has requested participation in the room to participate in the room when the second user satisfies the participation conditions; and a provision step of providing at least a performance by the first user to the second user whose participation in the room has been permitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the room creation process in an information processing system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the remote ensemble application screen displayed on user terminal 10. [Figure 4] This figure shows another example of the remote ensemble application screen displayed on user terminal 10. [Figure 5] This is a sequence chart illustrating an example of room billing processing in an information processing system. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a processing operation performed by an information processing device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of processing performed by an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0009] [1. Embodiments] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 1.

[0010] Information processing system 1 includes multiple user terminals 10 (an example of terminal devices) and a server 20. The components included in information processing system 1 are connected to each other via a network (NW) 30 so that they can communicate with one another. User terminals 10 are computers such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs (Personal Computers) used by users. Server 20 is a computer that provides predetermined services and applications to the user terminals 10.

[0011] The user terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, a shooting unit 16, and an audio input / output unit 17. The control unit 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs various processes and controls according to a program. The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a storage device, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various programs and data. The communication unit 13 includes a communication interface and communicates with other devices such as a server 20 via a network 30. The display unit 14 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and displays a screen including various information and images. The operation unit 15 includes, for example, physical keys or a touch panel integrated with the display unit 14, and is operated by the user. The shooting unit 16 includes a camera and captures images, including video. The audio input / output unit 17 includes a microphone, speaker, etc., and performs sound input and output.

[0012] The server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. Since the components of the server 20 are the same as those of the user terminal 10, their description is omitted.

[0013] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a remote ensemble application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "remote ensemble app") that enables remote ensemble performance among multiple users is pre-installed on multiple user terminals 10. The remote ensemble app may be downloaded and installed on the user terminals 10 via the network 30 from a server 20 that manages an app store or from an external server or other device. The control unit 11 of the user terminal 10 executes processing according to the program contained in the remote ensemble app stored in the storage unit 12 to realize remote ensemble performance. Specifically, the control unit 11 realizes remote ensemble performance by controlling the shooting unit 16 to shoot a video of the user's performance and controlling the sound input / output unit 17 to input the sound of the user's performance and output the sound of other users' performances who are remotely located.

[0014] In this embodiment, the server 20 works in conjunction with the user terminal 10 to manage a room into which multiple users can enter and perform remote ensemble music. The control unit 11 of the user terminal 10 executes room creation processing and billing processing according to a program stored in the storage unit 12, and the control unit 21 of the server 20 executes room creation processing and billing processing according to a program stored in the storage unit 22. For convenience in this embodiment, the user who creates a room is referred to as the "host" or "first user," and users other than the host who enter a room created by the host are referred to as "guests" or "second users." The host may be, for example, a famous musician. Furthermore, the user terminal 10 used by the host is referred to as the "host terminal 10a," and the user terminal 10 used by the guest is referred to as the "guest terminal 10b." Components included in the host terminal 10a are referred to as the control unit 11a, etc., and components included in the guest terminal 10b are referred to as the control unit 11b, etc.

[0015] [1-1. Room creation process] Figure 2 is a sequence chart showing an example of the room creation process in information processing system 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the remote ensemble application screen displayed on user terminal 10. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of the remote ensemble application screen displayed on user terminal 10.

[0016] First, the control unit 11a of the host terminal 10a acquires information related to the host using the host terminal 10a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "related information") (step S11). The related information may be information indicating the attributes of the host, and for example, may be information indicating that the host is a paid member or a free member, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 11a may acquire the related information from the server 20, or may acquire the related information included in the data of the remote ensemble application stored in the storage unit 12a of the host terminal 10a.

[0017] The control unit 11a receives, via the operation unit 15a, an operation of the host to open the room editing (setting) screen in the remote ensemble application (step S12). Then, the control unit 11a causes the display unit 14a to display a room editing screen corresponding to the related information acquired in step S11 (step S13). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the room editing screen includes an object (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "selection object") for selecting whether to make the created room paid (to make it paid or free), and an input field for the room fee (hereinafter also referred to as "usage fee" or "entrance fee"). The selection object is shown in the form of a toggle switch in the example of FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto, and may be in various forms such as a radio button or a pull-down.

[0018] Regarding step S13, a more specific process will be described. First, the control unit 11 determines whether the related information acquired in step S11 satisfies a predetermined condition. Then, when the related information satisfies the predetermined condition, the operation of the selection object on the room editing screen is enabled.

[0019] On the other hand, when the related information does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the operation of the selection object on the room editing screen is disabled. In addition to the operation of the selection object, the input operation of the room fee may also be enabled or disabled. Further, when the operation of the selection object is disabled, the display of the selection object may be grayed out.

[0020] If the related information indicates whether the user is a paid member or a free member, the specified condition may be, for example, "being a paid member." That is, the control unit 11 may enable the operation of the selected object if the related information indicates "being a paid member" (the host is a paid member), and disable the operation of the selected object if the related information indicates "being a free member" (the host is a free member).

[0021] In step S13, the control unit 11a receives the operation of the host creating the room via the operation unit 15a on the room editing screen displayed (step S14). For example, in the screen illustrated in Figure 3, the control unit 11a receives the operation of the host pressing the "Create Room" button. The control unit 11a then sends the room creation instruction and the information set on the room editing screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "setting information") to the server 20 via the communication unit 13a (step S15). The room setting information includes information indicating whether or not the room will be charged, and information on the room fee.

[0022] The control unit 11a may display different room editing screens depending on the relevant information and accept operations from the host. For example, if the relevant information does not meet predetermined conditions, such as the host being a free member, the control unit 11a will gray out the display of the selection object for making the room paid, as illustrated in Figure 4, and display the room editing screen in a state where it cannot be operated. Similarly, the control unit 11a will gray out the room fee input field and display the room editing screen in a state where it cannot be operated.

[0023] The control unit 21 of the server 20 receives the room creation instruction and configuration information transmitted in step S15 via the communication unit 23 (step S16). Then, based on the room creation instruction and configuration information received in step S16, the control unit 21 creates a paid room or a free room (step S17).

[0024] [1-2. Room billing process] Figure 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of room billing processing in Information Processing System 1. In the room billing processing shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that a paid room is created in step S17 of the room creation processing in Figure 2.

[0025] The control unit 11b of the guest terminal 10b receives an operation from a guest who wishes to enter a paid room via the operation unit 15b (step S21). The control unit 11b then sends a notification to the server 20 via the communication unit 13b indicating the guest's wish to enter a paid room (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "entry request notification") (step S22).

[0026] The control unit 21 of the server 20 receives the room entry request notification sent in step S22 via the communication unit 23 (step S23). The control unit 21 then sends a notification to the guest terminal 10b, the source of the room entry request notification, requesting payment of the fee for using the paid room (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "payment request notification") (step S24). The control unit 11 sets the room fee included in the room configuration information received in step S16 as the fee for using the paid room.

[0027] The control unit 11b of the guest terminal 10b receives the payment request notification transmitted in step S24 via the communication unit 13b (step S25). The control unit 11b then displays an arbitrary payment screen based on the payment request notification on the display unit 14b and accepts the guest's operation to pay the usage fee via the operation unit 15b (step S26). Furthermore, the control unit 11b sends a notification that the payment of the usage fee has been completed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "payment completion notification") to the server 20 via the communication unit 13b (step S27).

[0028] Furthermore, the payment request notification in step S24 may not be sent directly from server 20, but rather from a server of an external payment platform that has received instructions from server 20. Similarly, the payment completion notification in step S27 may not be sent directly to server 20, but rather to server 20 via a server of an external payment platform.

[0029] The control unit 21 of the server 20 receives the payment completion notification sent in step S27 via the communication unit 23 (step S28). The control unit 21 then allows the guest terminal 10b to enter the paid room (step S29), and the control unit 11 of the guest terminal 10b executes the process of entering the paid room (step S30). As a result, the guest can enjoy playing music remotely with the host in the paid room created by the host.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 21 performs a payment process to pay a portion of the usage fee paid by the guest (for example, a predetermined percentage) to the host who created the paid room (step S31). For example, as part of the payment process, the control unit 21 may perform a process to instruct the host's account, which has been created in advance on the server of an external payment platform, to pay a predetermined percentage of the usage fee. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may set a payment required flag in the host's account stored in the storage unit 22 to indicate that payment is required, and provide the information of multiple flags to the server of an external payment platform at predetermined intervals.

[0031] As described above, in this embodiment, a host whose relevant information meets certain conditions (e.g., a paid member) is given the option to choose whether or not to make the room where remote ensemble performances take place a paid room. If a paid room is created, guests entering the paid room are required to pay a usage fee. This provides users of the paid room with opportunities to earn revenue and, for example, to enjoy remote ensemble performances with famous musicians. In other words, hosts can be provided with the opportunity to earn revenue while enjoying remote ensemble performances with guests by creating a paid room and having guests enter it. Guests can be provided with the opportunity to easily enjoy remote ensemble performances with famous musicians by entering a paid room created by a famous musician or other host. Therefore, it is possible to provide users with a new way to enjoy rooms that goes beyond the basic function of conventional rooms, which is to provide a place to perform remote ensemble performances.

[0032] Guests do not necessarily have to be performers participating in the remote ensemble; they may also be viewers who enjoy watching the remote ensemble performances by the host and other guests. The usage fee may vary depending on the guest's attributes (e.g., performer or viewer).

[0033] Furthermore, the usage fee for a paid room may be an amount set on the server 20 (e.g., a fixed amount), rather than an amount set on the host terminal 10a. Also, the usage fee required of a guest may be adjusted based on the guest's conditions (rank, skill, evaluation, or instrument part played, etc.). Additionally, the timing of requesting payment of the usage fee from a guest is not limited to before the guest enters the room; it may also occur during or after entry. Furthermore, the usage fee may be adjusted or requested after the guest leaves the room based on their length of stay (from entry to exit). This allows for the provision of user-friendly paid rooms for guests.

[0034] Furthermore, the maximum number of people allowed to enter a paid room, the length of time the paid room is open, the range of guests who can access the paid room (for example, the range of countries from which they are accessing), and the conditions for guests who can enter the paid room (rank, skill, evaluation, or instrument part they play, etc.) may be set on the host terminal 10a. The server 20 may also query the host terminal 10a that created the paid room to decide whether or not to allow guests who wish to enter the paid room to do so. This makes it possible to provide paid rooms that are easy for hosts to use.

[0035] Furthermore, even if a guest is permitted to enter a paid room, it is conceivable that the guest may be unable to connect to the paid room due to network problems or other reasons. In this case, the usage fee requested of the guest may be reduced, or at least a portion of the usage fee that has already been paid may be refunded to the guest. Although a technology for connecting multiple user terminals 10 via peer-to-peer (P2P) without going through the server 20 has been known for some time, even in this case, when a notification of connection failure to the paid room is sent from the guest terminal 10b to the server 20, the usage fee may be reduced or a refund may be given. Alternatively, the server 20 may send a payment request notification to the guest terminal 10b after the guest terminal 10b has left the paid room, only if a notification of connection failure to the paid room is not sent from the guest terminal 10b to the server 20. This can resolve guest dissatisfaction that arises when a guest is unable to connect to a paid room despite having paid the usage fee.

[0036] [2. Specific Examples of Embodiments] [2-1. An example of a processing method performed by an information processing device] The following describes in detail the services provided by the information processing device 100, which is an example of a server 20, and the content of the processing performed in such services. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the processing performed by the information processing device 100. Figure 6 describes an example of an information processing system 1a having the information processing device 100.

[0037] [2-1-1. Information Processing Systems] As shown in Figure 6, the information processing system 1a includes a host terminal 10a, a guest terminal 10b, an information processing device 100, and a payment server 200. The host terminal 10a, guest terminal 10b, information processing device 100, and payment server 200 are connected to each other via wired or wireless connections, for example, via the Internet as an example of a network 30. Note that the information processing system 1a shown in Figure 6 may include multiple host terminals 10a, multiple guest terminals 10b, multiple information processing devices 100, and multiple payment servers 200.

[0038] The host terminal 10a and guest terminal 10b correspond to the user terminal 10. For example, the host terminal 10a is a terminal device used by host U1 (the host user) to access web pages or application content displayed in a browser. The guest terminal 10b is a terminal device used by guest U2 (the guest user) to access web pages or application content displayed in a browser. To give a more specific example, the host terminal 10a and guest terminal 10b are mobile phones such as smartphones, tablet devices, desktop PCs, notebook PCs, or PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). In the example in Figure 6, the host terminal 10a and guest terminal 10b are smartphones. Furthermore, the host terminal 10a and guest terminal 10b are assumed to have camera and microphone functions.

[0039] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device capable of communicating with various devices, and is implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the information processing device 100 accepts the setting of participation conditions for joining an online room where host U1 performs a remote ensemble. Subsequently, the information processing device 100 allows guest U2, who has requested to join the room, to join the room if the guest U2 meets the participation conditions. Then, the information processing device 100 provides guest U2, who has been permitted to join the room, with at least a performance by host U1.

[0040] The payment server 200 is an information processing device that performs payment processing, and can be implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, when the payment server 200 receives the payment amount and guest information from the information processing device 100, it requests the guest to perform payment processing (for example, registering a credit card), and when payment processing is performed, it provides a notification to the information processing device 100 that the payment has been completed. The payment server 200 also provides rewards to the host. For example, the payment server 200 performs the reward deposit process to an account that the host has registered in advance.

[0041] [2-1-2. An example of the processing method] Next, an example of the flow of the provision process executed by the information processing device 100 will be described. First, the information processing device 100 receives a room setting request from the host terminal 10a (step S101). In such a case, the information processing device 100 determines whether the related information of user U1 satisfies predetermined conditions (step S102).

[0042] For example, the information processing device 100 determines whether the membership type indicated by the pre-registered user U1's related information meets predetermined conditions. To explain with a more specific example, if user U1 is a free member, the information processing device 100 determines that the membership type does not meet the predetermined conditions. On the other hand, if host U1 is a paid member, the information processing device 100 determines that the membership type meets the predetermined conditions.

[0043] Next, the information processing device 100 provides the host terminal 10a with an editing screen (an example of a settings screen or settings content) for setting up a room (step S103). More specifically, the information processing device 100 provides different editing screens depending on whether the host U1's related information meets predetermined conditions. For example, if the information processing device 100 determines that the host U1's related information meets predetermined conditions, it provides an editing screen, as shown in Figure 3, that allows setting whether or not to charge a fee for the room and setting the participation fee (room fee). On the other hand, if the information processing device 100 determines that the host U1's related information does not meet predetermined conditions, it provides an editing screen, as shown in Figure 4, that does not allow setting whether or not to charge a fee for the room or setting the participation fee (room fee). Through this editing screen, the host U1 inputs whether or not to charge a fee for the room and, if so, the participation fee (room fee) for joining the room. As a result of this processing, if the host U1's related information meets predetermined conditions, the information processing device 100 can accept the setting of participation conditions for joining an online room for remote ensemble playing.

[0044] Then, the information processing device 100 receives the room settings from the host terminal 10a (step S104). Next, the information processing device 100 opens the room (step S105). Then, the information processing device 100 provides the host terminal 10a with an access URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the room (step S106).

[0045] Next, host U1 publishes the access URL or provides it to guest U2, whom they want to invite as a guest (step S107). For example, host U1 publishes the access URL on their SNS (Social Networking Service), etc., and provides the access URL to guest U2.

[0046] Then, guest U2 accesses the access URL by operating guest terminal 10b (step S108). In this case, the information processing device 100 accepts the access from guest U2. That is, the information processing device 100 accepts the request to enter the room.

[0047] Next, the information processing device 100 determines whether guest U2 meets the conditions for joining the room (step S109). For example, if the room is paid, the information processing device 100 determines whether guest U2 has performed the operation to pay the participation fee. If guest U2 has not performed the operation to pay the participation fee, the information processing device 100 requests guest U2 to perform that operation.

[0048] The following describes an example of an operation that the information processing device 100 requests from guest U2 who has not performed an operation to pay the participation fee. If guest U2 has not performed an operation to pay the participation fee, the information processing device 100 sends, for example, information about guest terminal 10b and the participation fee to the payment server 200 (step S110). In such a case, the payment server 200 sends a request to guest terminal 10b to perform an operation to pay the participation fee (step S111). Specifically, the payment server 200 sends a payment request notification to guest terminal 10b. In this case, guest U2 performs an operation to pay the participation fee by operating guest terminal 10b (step S112). For example, guest U2 registers a credit card or payment account with the payment server 200 and performs an operation to approve the payment. In such a case, the payment server 200 sends a payment notification to the information processing device 100 (step S113). That is, the payment server 200 sends a payment completion notification to the information processing device 100.

[0049] Here, the payment server 200 sends a payment notification at a timing appropriate to the payment method. For example, if it is a prepaid system where payment is made before entering the room, the payment server 200 sends a payment notification to the information processing device 100 at the time the payment is actually made. On the other hand, if it is a postpaid system where payment is made after leaving the room (for example, a postpaid system where the payment amount changes depending on the length of stay in the room), the payment server 200 sends a payment notification to the information processing device 100 at the time when the guest U2 gives prior approval for the subsequent payment. For example, the payment server 200 sends a payment notification to the information processing device 100 when the guest U2's credit limit is secured, or when the guest U2's credit card is registered and prior approval is obtained from the guest U2 for a charge to the registered credit card for an amount determined after leaving the room. Then, when the guest U2 leaves the room, the payment server 200 receives a notification of the payment amount from the information processing device 100 again and makes the payment for the received amount. Furthermore, if the payment server 200 performs a payment retrospectively, it does not need to obtain further approval from guest U2.

[0050] Next, when the information processing device 100 receives a payment notification from the payment server 200, it permits guest U2 to join the room (step S114). That is, the information processing device 100 permits guest U2 to join the room if guest U2 has paid the room participation fee, or is able to pay the participation fee (in other words, if guest U2 has performed an operation to pay the participation fee).

[0051] Next, when guest U2 joins the room, the performance is shared between host U1 and guest U2. For example, host terminal 10a provides sound data of the sound produced by the performance (e.g., sound data such as WAV (Waveform Audio File Format)) to information processing device 100 (step S115). In this case, information processing device 100 provides the sound data received from host terminal 10a to guest terminal 10b of guest U2, who is participating in the room (step S116). As a result, guest terminal 10b can provide host U1's performance to guest U2. Similarly, guest terminal 10b provides sound data of the sound produced by guest U2's performance in sync with host U1's performance to information processing device 100. In this case, information processing device 100 provides the sound data received from guest terminal 10b to host terminal 10a of host U1. As a result, information processing device 100 can realize remote ensemble performance between host U1 and guest U2.

[0052] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may share the performances of hosts U1 and U2 via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) messages (an example of sound generation control data or MIDI data), taking delay into consideration. For example, when host terminal 10a receives a MIDI message from an instrument (e.g., an electronic instrument) played by host U1, it sends the received MIDI message to the information processing device 100. In this case, the information processing device 100 sends the MIDI message to guest terminal 10b. Meanwhile, guest terminal 10b may use an instrument (e.g., an electronic instrument) connected to it or an application capable of playing MIDI messages to reproduce the performance by host U1 using MIDI messages. Similarly, guest terminal 10b may receive a MIDI message from an instrument played by guest U2 and provide the received MIDI message to host terminal 10a via the information processing device 100. In this case, host terminal 10a may reproduce the performance of guest U2 by the same means as guest terminal 10b.

[0053] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may not only share the sound data of the sounds produced by the performances of host U1 and guest U2, but may also share video footage of host U1 performing and video footage of guest U2 performing. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may share only one of the video footage of host U1 performing or video footage of guest U2 performing. Also, for example, if the information processing device 100 does not share video footage of host U1 or guest U2, it may display an icon representing host U1 or guest U2 on the screen of guest terminal 10b or host terminal 10a. Furthermore, when host terminal 10a and guest terminal 10b share video footage and MIDI messages, they may control the playback timing of MIDI messages, taking into account the latency of the video footage and MIDI messages, respectively.

[0054] Next, the settlement server 200 provides a reward to host U1 after the remote ensemble performance (step S117). For example, the information processing device 100 performs a payment process to pay host U1 a reward of at least a portion of the participation fee paid by guest U2. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the amount of reward to be paid to host U1 and notifies the settlement server 200 of the calculated reward amount. In this case, the settlement server 200 performs a transfer process to transfer the reward amount notified by the information processing device 100 to the account of host U1 that has been registered in advance, and also provides a notification to the host terminal 10a that the transfer has been made.

[0055] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 or the payment server 200 may provide rewards by any means other than the transfer of rewards described above. For example, the information processing device 100 may record points corresponding to the reward amount in association with host U1. Such points may be points that can be used for various invoices in the remote ensemble service, or points that can be exchanged for money, gift certificates, or various goods. In addition, the information processing device 100 or the payment server 200 may transfer rewards not only to a bank account as the account of host U1, but also to various code payment accounts.

[0056] In this way, the information processing device 100 accepts the setting of participation conditions for host U1 (an example of a first user; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "host") to join an online room where a remote ensemble performance is taking place. The information processing device 100 also allows guest U2 (an example of a second user; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "guest") who has requested to join the room to join the room to join the guest U2 if the guest U2 meets the participation conditions. The information processing device 100 then provides guest U2, who has been permitted to join the room, with at least a performance by host U1. Therefore, if host U1 is a famous musician, for example, the information processing device 100 can provide guest U2 with the opportunity to easily enjoy a remote ensemble performance with a famous musician.

[0057] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 accepts the setting of participation conditions when the relevant information of host U1 meets predetermined conditions. For example, the information processing device 100 accepts the setting of participation conditions when the membership type indicated by the relevant information of host U1 is a paid member, or when other predetermined conditions are met. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can prompt host U1 to change its membership type to a paid member, or otherwise ensure that its relevant information meets predetermined conditions.

[0058] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 provides the host U1 with configuration content that accepts the setting of participation conditions, and accepts the setting of participation conditions entered by the host U1 via said configuration content. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can easily allow the host U1 to set the participation conditions via pre-prepared configuration content.

[0059] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 accepts the setting of a participation fee for guest U2 from host U1 as a condition for participation, and allows guest U2 to join the room if guest U2 performs the operation to pay the set participation fee. In this way, the information processing device 100 allows host U1 to freely set the participation fee for guest U2. For example, the information processing device 100 can allow host U1 to set a participation fee of an amount desired by host U1, depending on host U1's performance level (performance skill) and fame.

[0060] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 receives a setting from host U1 regarding whether or not to require guest U2 to pay a participation fee (setting whether or not to make the room a paid room), and if guest U2 performs the operation to pay the participation fee, it allows guest U2 to join the room. In this way, the information processing device 100 can allow host U1 to use paid rooms and free rooms depending on the purpose and usage status of the room.

[0061] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 performs payment processing to pay at least a portion of the participation fee paid by guest U2 to host U1. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can pay host U1, who set up the paid room, a portion of guest U2's participation fee as compensation.

[0062] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 provides the terminal device of the guest U2 with sound control data indicating performance by the host U1, which is provided from the terminal device of the host U1. As a result, the information processing device 100 can realize the sharing of performance using sound control data such as MIDI messages, thereby reducing latency compared to sound data such as WAV, and enabling appropriate remote ensemble performance.

[0063] [2-2. Configuration of Information Processing Device] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100. As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0064] (Regarding Communications Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is connected to the network by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with various other devices such as user terminals (host terminal 10a and guest terminal 10b).

[0065] (Regarding memory unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The storage unit 120 also includes a user information database 121 and a room information database 122.

[0066] (Regarding User Information Database 121) The user information database 121 stores various information about users who are either host U1 or guest U2. For example, the user information database 121 stores at least one of the following as related information: information obtained from the user and information previously registered by the user. For example, the user information database 121 includes attribute information indicating various attributes of the user, and skill information indicating the user's skills in playing instruments, as related information. For example, skill information is information about the user's level of playing an instrument, indicating how well the user can play each instrument. Attribute information is information indicating the user's attributes, such as demographic attributes and psychographic attributes, or information indicating the user's membership type. Here, the membership type may be information indicating the user's rank according to the membership fee, in addition to free members or paid members.

[0067] (Regarding Room Information Database 122) The room information database 122 stores various information about the room. For example, the room information database 122 may store record information that associates an identifier for host U1, an identifier for the room, a URL for accessing the room, room configuration information, and an identifier for guest U2 who is permitted to join the room. Here, the configuration information includes information indicating the conditions for joining the room set by host U1. For example, the configuration information may include information indicating whether or not the room is paid, and information on the participation fee (room fee), etc. The configuration information may also include information indicating the room name, room description, room tag settings, and custom tag additions entered via Figures 3 and 4.

[0068] (Regarding the control unit 130) The control unit 130 is implemented, for example, by a CPU, MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which executes various programs (an example of an information processing program) stored in a memory device (e.g., memory unit 120) inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 130 includes a reception unit 131, an authorization unit 132, a provision unit 133, a payment unit 134, and a return unit 135, and realizes or executes the information processing functions or operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7, and other configurations are also possible as long as they perform the information processing described later. Furthermore, the connection relationships of the various processing units in the control unit 130 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 7, and other connection relationships are also possible.

[0070] (Regarding reception desk 131) The reception unit 131 implements a reception process for receiving various types of information. For example, the reception unit 131 provides the host terminal 10a of host U1 with a room editing screen and accepts the setting of participation conditions from host U1 for guest U2 to participate in an online room where they will perform a remote ensemble. For example, the reception unit 131 accepts the setting of a participation fee for guest U2 from host terminal 10a as a participation condition. The reception unit 131 then generates record information including these participation conditions and stores it in the room information database 122. For example, when the reception unit 131 accepts the setting of participation conditions, it issues a room URL and provides the URL to host terminal 10a, and generates record information linking an identifier to identify host U1, an identifier to identify the room, a URL to access the room, and room setting information, and stores it in the room information database 122.

[0071] The reception unit 131 accepts the setting of participation conditions, for example, when the relevant information of host U1 meets predetermined conditions. The reception unit 131 refers to the user information database 121 and provides different room editing screens depending on whether the membership type indicated by the relevant information of host U1 meets predetermined conditions. For example, if host U1 is a free member, the reception unit 131 determines that the membership type does not meet the predetermined conditions and provides an editing screen where it is not possible to set whether the room is paid or not, or to set the participation fee for the room. On the other hand, if host U1 is a paid member, the reception unit 131 determines that the membership type meets predetermined conditions and provides an editing screen where it is possible to set whether the room is paid or not, and to set the participation fee for the room. In this way, the reception unit 131 accepts settings related to paid rooms when host U1 is a paid member.

[0072] (Regarding Permit Section 132) The authorization unit 132 grants guest U2 permission to join a room stored in the room information database 122 if the guest U2 who requested to join the room meets the participation conditions. For example, when the authorization unit 132 receives access from the guest terminal 10b used by guest U2, it identifies the room corresponding to the accessed URL from the room information database 122. Next, the authorization unit 132 refers to the settings information of the identified room and determines whether the room is paid or not. If the authorization unit 132 determines that the room is paid, it notifies the payment server 200 of guest U2's information and the participation fee set for the room.

[0073] On the other hand, if the authorization unit 132 receives a payment notification from the payment server 200, that is, if guest U2 performs the operation to pay the participation fee, it allows guest U2 to join the room. In such a case, the authorization unit 132 registers the identifier of guest U2 who has been allowed to join in the room information database 122.

[0074] Furthermore, if the participation fee varies depending on the length of stay in the room, or if the payment of the participation fee from guest U2 is to be made later, the authorization unit 132 will perform the following process, for example. First, when guest U2 leaves the room, or when host U1 closes the room, the authorization unit 132 calculates the participation fee based on the time guest U2 participated in the room. Then, the authorization unit 132 sends the calculated participation fee and guest U2's information to the settlement server 200 to settle the participation fee.

[0075] (Regarding Section 133) The service provider 133 provides at least one of the performances by host U1 to guests U2 who are permitted to join a room stored in the room information database 122. For example, the service provider 133 receives at least one of sound data or a MIDI message indicating a performance by host U1 from the host terminal 10a of host U1. In such a case, the service provider 133 refers to the room information database 122 and identifies all guests U2 associated with the identifier of host U1. The service provider 133 then provides at least one of the sound data or MIDI message received from host U1 to the guest terminals 10b of all identified guests U2. When the service provider 133 receives at least one of the sound data or a MIDI message indicating a performance by guest U2, it refers to the room information database 122 and identifies the host U1 and other guests U2 associated with the room in which guest U2 is participating. The service provider 133 then provides at least one of the sound data or a MIDI message to the host terminal 10a of the identified host U1 and the guest terminal 10b of the identified guests U2.

[0076] (Regarding Payment Section 134) The payment unit 134 executes a payment process to pay at least a portion of the participation fee paid by guest U2 to host U1. For example, if host U1 performs an operation to end the room, the payment unit 134 refers to the room information database 122 and calculates the total amount of participation fees paid by guest U2 from the number of participating guests U2 and the participation fees. The payment unit 134 then sets a predetermined percentage of the calculated total amount as the reward amount to be provided to host U1. Subsequently, the payment unit 134 notifies the settlement server 200 of the reward amount and host U1's information and causes the settlement server 200 to transfer the reward to host U1's account. As a result, the payment unit 134 realizes the provision of reward to host U1 for the ensemble performance. The payment unit 134 may also execute a payment process to pay a predetermined reward amount to host U1 regardless of the number of participating guests U2 and the participation fees. For example, the predetermined reward amount here may be an amount set in the host terminal 10a, or an amount set in the information processing device 100, etc.

[0077] (Regarding item 135 of the return section) The refund unit 135 performs a process to reduce the participation fee paid by guest U2, or a process to refund at least a portion of the participation fee paid by guest U2, if predetermined conditions are met. For example, the predetermined conditions may include the guest U2 being unable to connect to the room for a predetermined amount of time or longer due to reasons such as network problems. The refund unit 135 determines whether the above conditions are met for each guest U2 participating in the room, and if it determines that the above conditions are met, it performs a process to reduce the participation fee paid by guest U2, or a process to refund at least a portion of the participation fee paid by guest U2.

[0078] For example, the refund unit 135 calculates a predetermined percentage of the participation fee paid by guest U2 as the amount to be deducted, sends the calculated amount and guest U2's information to the settlement server 200, and causes it to execute the process of paying the calculated amount of the participation fee to guest U2. As a result of this process, the information processing device 100 can reduce or refund guest U2's participation fee, for example, if guest U2 is unable to access the paid room, making it easier for guest U2 who is unsure whether they can access the room due to problems with the internet connection, etc., to participate in the paid room.

[0079] [2-3. Processing Procedure] Next, the procedure for the provisioning process performed by the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provisioning process performed by the information processing device 100.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the reception unit 131 receives a room configuration request from host U1 (step S1001). Specifically, if the reception unit 131 has not received a room configuration request from host U1 (step S1001; No), it waits until it receives a room configuration request from host U1.

[0081] Meanwhile, if the reception unit 131 receives a room configuration request from host U1 (step S1001; Yes), it accepts the configuration of the room participation conditions from host U1 (step S1002). Subsequently, the provision unit 133 provides host U1 with an access URL (step S1003).

[0082] Then, the reception unit 131 receives a request from guest U2 to join the room (step S1004). Specifically, if the reception unit 131 has not received a request from guest U2 to join the room (step S1004; No), it waits until it receives a request from guest U2 to join the room.

[0083] On the other hand, if the reception unit 131 receives a participation request from guest U2 (step S1004; Yes), the permission unit 132 determines whether guest U2 meets the participation conditions (step S1005). Specifically, if the permission unit 132 determines that guest U2 does not meet the participation conditions (step S1005; No), the provision unit 133 notifies guest U2 that their participation in the room has been denied (step S1008).

[0084] On the other hand, if the permission unit 132 determines that guest U2 meets the participation conditions (step S1005; Yes), it permits guest U2 to join the room (step S1006). The provision unit 133 then provides at least the host U1's performance data to guest U2 who has been permitted to join the room (step S1007). The information processing device 100 then repeatedly executes the processes in steps S1004 to S1008 each time it receives a participation request from another guest U2. The information processing device 100 terminates the provision process illustrated in Figure 8 if host U1 ends the room.

[0085] [2-4. Variations] The information processing device 100 described above may be implemented in various other forms besides the embodiment described above. Therefore, other embodiments of the information processing device 100 will be described below. In the following description, host U1 will be collectively referred to as "host" and guest U2 as "guest".

[0086] [2-4-1. Regarding participation fees] In the example described above, the information processing device 100 received a setting for whether or not to charge a fee for the room, and a setting for the participation fee for the room. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0087] For example, the reception unit 131 may accept from the host the setting of conditions regarding the guest's performance as a condition for participation. For example, the conditions regarding the guest's performance may be at least one of the following: rank, skill, evaluation, and the instrument part to be played. For example, the permission unit 132 will allow the guest to join the room if the guest who meets the performance conditions has performed the operation to pay the participation fee corresponding to the performance conditions.

[0088] To give a more specific example, the reception unit 131 receives from the host the conditions for the guest's performance, such as setting the performance part (instrument to be played) to "guitar" and the performance level to "intermediate". In such a case, the permission unit 132 inquires with the guest about the instruments they can play and their performance level. If the guest can play "guitar" and their performance level is "intermediate" or higher, the permission unit 132 presents the guest with the predetermined participation fee, and if the guest performs the operation to pay the participation fee, permission is granted to join the room.

[0089] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may automatically determine the participation fee based on the conditions set by the host. For example, the reception unit 131 receives from the host the conditions for the guest's performance, such as the setting of the performance part "guitar" and the performance level "intermediate". In such a case, the reception unit 131 (or any other functional configuration) determines the participation fee that is pre-associated with the instrument "guitar" and the performance level "intermediate" based on rules. For example, the reception unit 131 may determine a higher participation fee for instruments that are more difficult to play, or for performances at a higher level.

[0090] The reception unit 131 may also determine the participation fee by considering the host's relevant information. For example, the reception unit 131 may determine the participation fee according to the types of instruments the host can play and the host's playing level, as indicated by the host's relevant information. For example, the reception unit 131 may determine a higher participation fee the higher the host's playing level. The permission unit 132 then inquires with the guest about the instruments they can play and their playing level. If the guest can play a "guitar" and their playing level is "intermediate" or higher, the permission unit 132 presents the guest with the automatically determined participation fee and allows them to join the room if they perform the operation to pay the participation fee. On the other hand, the permission unit 132 does not have to allow participation if the guest cannot play a "guitar" or their playing level is "beginner". As a result of this processing, the information processing device 100 can inquire with the guest about their playing part and playing level, efficiently find guests who respond that they have reached the required playing level for the playing part required for the remote ensemble, and actively encourage them to join the room. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can permit guests who meet the conditions required by the host to join the room, based on the guest's performance part or performance level, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, the reception unit 131 may accept only the setting of the performance part "guitar" from the host as a condition for the guest's performance, and automatically determine the participation fee for each performance level. For example, the reception unit 131 may automatically determine the participation fee for each of the performance levels "beginner," "intermediate," and "advanced." Here, the reception unit 131 may set a higher participation fee for guests with higher performance levels, or conversely, a higher participation fee for guests with lower performance levels. The reception unit 131 may also accept from the host whether to set a higher participation fee for guests with higher performance levels or a higher participation fee for guests with lower performance levels. As a result of this processing, the information processing device 100 can automatically set the participation fee according to the performance level simply by the host setting the performance level requested from the guest. The reception unit 131 may also automatically determine the participation fee for guests who "do not perform (only watch performances by the host or other guests)."

[0092] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept from the host a set of conditions for participation, such as a combination of conditions for the guest's performance and a participation fee. For example, the reception unit 131 may accept settings such as instrument "guitar", performance level "beginner", and participation fee "500 yen", or instrument "guitar", performance level "intermediate", and participation fee "1000 yen". In this case, the permission unit 132 may inquire with the guest about the instruments they can play and their performance level. If the guest replies that they can play "guitar" and their performance level is "beginner", the permission unit 132 may set the guest's participation fee to "500 yen". Alternatively, if the guest replies that they can play "guitar" and their performance level is "intermediate", the permission unit 132 may set the guest's participation fee to "1000 yen". As a result of this processing, the information processing device 100 can efficiently find guests who meet the performance level required by the host and perform the operation to pay the participation fee corresponding to that performance level, and allow them to participate in the paid room.

[0093] The reception unit 131 may accept settings for whether the participation fee is to be paid in advance or afterward. The permission unit 132 may, if the participation fee is to be paid in advance, grant participation when the guest has made the payment. On the other hand, if the participation fee is to be paid afterward, the permission unit 132 may grant participation when the guest has registered a credit card or bank account with the payment server 200 or has approved the payment afterward, and may notify the payment server 200 of the participation fee and collect the participation fee when the guest leaves the room or the host ends the room.

[0094] Furthermore, the reception unit 131 may accept the setting of participation fees according to the guest's length of stay. In this case, the authorization unit 132 will allow the guest to join the room if the guest has performed an operation to pay the participation fee according to the length of stay after joining the room, such as registering a credit card. The authorization unit 132 will also identify the time the guest was in the room when the guest leaves the room or the host ends the room, and calculate the participation fee according to the identified time. The authorization unit 142 will then notify the payment server 200 of the calculated participation fee amount and collect the participation fee from the guest. As a result of this processing, the information processing device 100 can set participation fees according to the guest's length of stay, making it easier for guests who can only participate for a short time to join paid rooms.

[0095] [2-4-2. Participation Requirements] The information processing device 100 can accept settings for any participation conditions in addition to the settings for participation fees described above. For example, the information processing device 100 may accept settings for guest-related information, such as guest attributes, as participation conditions, in addition to the setting of whether or not to charge a fee for participating in the room, as described above. For example, the reception unit 131 may accept settings for membership type, such as whether the guest is a free member or a paid member, as a participation condition. In such a case, the information processing device 100 may allow participation in the room if the related information registered by the guest in advance, or the answer to the inquiry to the guest, satisfies the participation conditions. More specifically, if there is no fee to participate in the room, the information processing device 100 will allow the guest to participate if the guest's related information satisfies the participation conditions. Also, if there is a fee to participate in the room, the information processing device 100 will allow the guest to participate if the guest's related information satisfies the participation conditions and an operation to pay the participation fee has been performed. . .

[0096] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept the setting of the guest's musical preferences as a condition for participation, inquire about the guest's musical preferences, and if the guest's preferences match the set preferences, allow the guest to join the room. For example, the reception unit 131 receives the setting of "rock" as the guest's musical preference from the host. Then, the permission unit 132 inquires about the guest's musical preferences, and if the guest answers "rock" as their preference, allows the guest to join the room. As a result of this processing, the information processing device 100 can inquire about the guest's musical preferences, efficiently find guests who answer that they have preferences that match (or are similar to) the preferences requested by the host for remote ensemble playing, and actively encourage them to join the room.

[0097] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 accepts the setting of an upper limit on the number of people who can participate in the room as a condition for participation, and if the number of participants in the room, after the guest's participation, is compared with the set upper limit and a predetermined condition is met, the device allows the guest to participate in the room. For example, the reception unit 131 accepts the setting of an upper limit of "5 people" for the number of people who can participate in the room as a condition for participation. In this case, the permission unit 132 allows the guest to participate if the number of participants in the room becomes "5 people" or less after the guest's participation, but does not allow the guest to participate if the number of participants becomes "6 people" or more. As a result of this processing, the information processing device 100 can set an upper limit on the number of participants in the room.

[0098] The information processing device 100 may also accept settings for combinations of guest-related information and the number of people who can participate. For example, the reception unit 131 accepts settings for the instrument parts of guests who can participate, and the number of participants for each instrument part. In such cases, the permission unit 132 inquires about the instrument parts of guests who wish to participate. The permission unit 132 then grants permission for guests to participate if the number of participants in the instrument part that the guest has indicated falls below the maximum number of people who can participate, but does not grant permission for guests to join the room if the number of participants in the instrument part that the guest has indicated exceeds the maximum number of people who can participate.

[0099] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept the setting of an upper limit on the number of guests (viewers) who will only be watching (not performing). In addition, the information processing device 100 may accept the setting of an upper limit on the number of participants for each type of guest membership and each attribute of the guest.

[0100] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept the setting of a period for which the room will be made public as a condition for participation, and may allow the guest to join the room if the time when the guest requests to join the room falls within the set period. For example, the reception unit 131 accepts a setting of 3 hours as the period for which the room will be made public from the host. Then, the permission unit 132 may allow the guest to join the room if the timing of the guest's participation is within 3 hours of the room's creation. In this way, the information processing device 100 can set the period for which the room will be made public. In addition to the period for which the room will be made public, there may also be a period during which the room can be joined. For example, if the period for which the room will be made public is 3 hours, and the period during which the room can be joined is 2.5 hours after it is made public, the information processing device 100 may not allow new guests to join after 2.5 hours have passed since the room was made public.

[0101] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept password setting as a condition for participation. For example, the reception unit 131 accepts the password set by the host. In this case, the host notifies the guest of the URL and password. The permission unit 132 then accepts the password from the guest and may allow the guest to join the room if the password received from the guest matches the password set by the host. This allows the information processing device 100 to allow only guests who know the password to join the room.

[0102] [2-4-3. Regarding host-related information] In the example described above, the information processing device 100 received a request to set whether or not to charge a fee for the room, and to set the participation fee for the room, as an example of whether or not the host's related information satisfies predetermined conditions, specifically when the membership type indicated by the host's related information is a paid member. However, the embodiments are not limited to this.

[0103] For example, the information processing device 100 may accept settings for whether or not to charge a room and setting a participation fee for a room, even if the user is a free member. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may accept settings for whether or not to charge a room and setting a participation fee for a room, not based on whether or not the user is a free member, but based on which of the predetermined membership types the user is (for example, a paid premium member, or a paid regular member with a lower membership fee than a premium member). Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may change the configurable information depending on the host's relevant information. For example, if the host is a paid member and the host's guitar playing level is below a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 100 may accept settings for whether or not to charge a room, but may not allow the setting of a participation fee. Alternatively, if the host is a paid member and the host's guitar skill level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 100 may accept settings for whether or not to charge a room and setting a participation fee.

[0104] Furthermore, if the remote ensemble service invites famous musicians or others to act as hosts for a limited time, the information processing device 100 may accept settings such as charging a fee for the room. Also, the information processing device 100 may accept settings such as charging a fee for the room if the host has received a predetermined rating from other users. For example, the information processing device 100 may accept settings such as charging a fee for the room if the number of participants in a room previously opened by the host exceeds a predetermined threshold, or if the ratings given by each guest to the host after the room has ended exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0105] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept setting of participation fees according to conditions related to the host's performance. For example, the information processing device 100 may set a higher upper limit for the configurable participation fee the higher the host's performance level, and a lower upper limit for the configurable participation fee the lower the host's performance level. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may automatically determine a higher participation fee the higher the host's performance level.

[0106] [2-4-4. Room Settings] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 does not need to accept room settings from the host itself. For example, if the host is a famous artist, the room settings may be made by a user other than the host performing, such as a pre-registered advertising agency, manager, the artist's agency, or a service provider offering remote ensemble room services.

[0107] [2-4-5. Information about hosts and guests] The information processing device 100 may provide the guest with host-related information and the host with guest-related information. For example, the information processing device 100 may provide the host's performance level information to a guest who has requested to join a room, and after the guest has confirmed the host's performance level information, it may accept a request from the guest to decide whether or not to join the room. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may provide the host with the performance level information of a guest who has requested to join a room, and if the host has confirmed the guest's performance level information and has given an instruction to allow the guest to join, it may allow the guest to join.

[0108] [2-4-6. Regarding performers and audience] The information processing device 100 may distinguish between performers who will perform and viewers who will not perform (only watch). For example, the content displayed to performers and viewers when they join a room may differ. For example, the host's image, the room description, or the toggle button for the participation fee (room fee) included in the content may differ between performers and viewers. The information processing device 100 may also accept settings for the maximum number of participants allowed for each of the performers and viewers. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may accept settings for whether or not to allow participation based on the attributes of the guest, such as performer or viewer.

[0109] [2-4-7. Procedures for paying participation fees] The information processing device 100 allows the guest to participate when an operation to pay the participation fee is performed, such as when a payment for a prepaid participation fee is made, or when a credit card or bank account is registered to pay a postpaid participation fee. Here, the information processing device 100 may also allow the guest to participate when any operation is performed as an operation to pay the participation fee. For example, the information processing device 100 may allow the guest to participate when the guest pays the participation fee using various code payment methods, or when an authentication operation is performed to make a postpaid payment for the participation fee using code payment. The information processing device 100 may also allow the guest to participate when an advance ticket has been purchased in advance, or when there are points or other items that have been purchased in advance using a prepaid method. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may have the guest make a payment each time they participate, or it may have the guest make a payment for the total amount of participation fees they have paid at the end of the month.

[0110] [2-4-8. Room Information] The information processing device 100 may accept settings for various room information via the remote ensemble application screen shown in Figures 3 and 4. For example, the information processing device 100 will manage the information entered as room name, room description, room tag, and custom tag as room setting information. For example, the information processing device 100 may use the information entered in the room name, room description, room tag setting, and custom tag addition fields when a guest searches for a room. For example, when the information processing device 100 receives a search query from a guest, it searches for room names, room descriptions, room tags, and custom tags that match the search query, and provides the guest with search results sorted by room name, room description, etc., in descending order of matching degree. The information processing device 100 may then decide whether to allow the guest to join the room selected by the guest. With this functionality, the information processing device 100 can allow guests to join rooms of their choice without sharing a URL.

[0111] [2-5. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 100, etc., according to the embodiments described above, is implemented by a computer. For example, the information processing device 100, etc., is implemented by a computer having a processor, main memory, storage, communication interface, input / output interface, and media interface, etc.

[0112] The processor includes, for example, one or more CPUs, MPUs, or GPUs. The main memory includes RAM. The storage includes, for example, flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The control unit 130 described above is implemented by executing an information processing program stored in the storage, using the main memory as a working area. The control unit 130 may be partially or entirely implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The storage unit 120 described above is implemented by storage, and the communication unit 110 is implemented by a communication interface, etc.

[0113] The processor controls output devices such as displays or printers, and input devices such as keyboards or mice, for example, via input / output interfaces (I / F). The processor also acquires data from input devices and outputs data generated via I / F to output devices. The media interface reads information processing programs stored on a storage medium. The processor loads the information processing program acquired from the storage medium via the media interface into main memory and executes the loaded program. The aforementioned storage medium is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or semiconductor memory, but is not limited to these examples.

[0114] [3. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above document or drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0115] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads or usage conditions.

[0116] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0117] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a "providing section" can be replaced with a "providing means" or a "providing circuit."

[0118] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1. Information Processing System 10 User terminals 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Display section 15 Control section 16. Photography Department 17. Audio Input / Output Section 20 servers 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Networks 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User Information Database 122 Room Information Database 130 Control Unit 131 Reception Department 132 Permit Department 133 Provision Department 134 Payment Department 135 Return Department 200 Payment Servers

Claims

1. A method of information processing implemented by a computer, The first step is to accept the setting of participation conditions for the first user to join an online room where they will perform a remote ensemble, A permission step is to grant permission for a second user to join the room if the second user who requested to join the room meets the participation conditions, A provision process to provide at least one performance by the first user to the second user who has been permitted to participate in the room, and Information processing methods including

2. The aforementioned reception process accepts the setting of the participation conditions if the relevant information of the first user meets the predetermined conditions. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned reception process accepts the setting of the participation conditions if the membership type indicated by the relevant information of the first user meets the predetermined conditions. The information processing method according to claim 2.

4. The reception process provides the first user with setting content that accepts the setting of the participation conditions, and accepts the setting of the participation conditions entered by the first user through said setting content. The information processing method according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned registration process involves receiving the setting of the participation fee for the second user from the first user as a condition for participation. The aforementioned authorization process grants the second user access to the room if the second user performs the operation to pay the set participation fee. The information processing method according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned registration process involves receiving from the first user the conditions for the second user's performance as a condition for participation. The permission process grants the second user access to the room if the second user performs the operation to pay the participation fee in accordance with the conditions for the performance. The information processing method according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned registration process involves receiving from the first user the setting of a pair of conditions regarding the second user's performance and the participation fee as the conditions for participation. The permission process grants the second user access to the room if the second user, who meets the performance conditions, performs the operation to pay the participation fee corresponding to the performance conditions. The information processing method according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned registration process accepts the setting of the participation fee according to the length of stay of the second user, The permission process grants the second user permission to join the room if the second user has taken the action to pay the participation fee corresponding to the length of stay after joining the room. The information processing method according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned registration process involves receiving from the first user whether or not to require the second user to pay a participation fee as a condition for participation. The permission process grants the second user access to the room if the second user performs the operation to pay the participation fee. The information processing method according to claim 1.

10. A payment process that performs a payment process to pay the first user at least a portion of the participation fee paid by the second user. An information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, including the following:

11. A refund process that, when certain conditions are met, performs a process to reduce the participation fee paid by the second user, or a process to refund at least a portion of the participation fee paid by the second user to the second user. An information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, including the following:

12. The aforementioned registration process accepts the setting of conditions regarding the performance of the second user as a condition for participation. The permission process involves inquiring with the second user about the conditions for the performance, and if the second user's response satisfies the conditions for the performance, the permission is granted for the second user to join the room. The information processing method according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned registration process involves accepting the setting of the second user's preferences regarding performance as a condition for participation. The permission process involves inquiring with the second user about their preferences regarding the performance, and if the second user's preferences match the set preferences, the second user is permitted to join the room. The information processing method according to claim 1.

14. The aforementioned registration process accepts the setting of the maximum number of people who can participate in the room as a condition for participation. The permission process grants the second user permission to join the room if the second user's participation satisfies the predetermined conditions based on the set upper limit for the number of participants in the room. The information processing method according to claim 1.

15. The aforementioned registration process accepts the setting of the period for which the room will be made public as a condition for participation. The permission process grants the second user access to the room if the time the second user requested to join the room falls within the set period. The information processing method according to claim 1.

16. The aforementioned provisioning process involves providing the terminal device owned by the first user, which provides sound control data indicating a performance by the first user, to the terminal device owned by the second user. The information processing method according to claim 1.

17. The reception desk accepts the setting of participation conditions for the first user to join an online room where remote ensemble performances will take place, A permission unit grants permission for a second user to join the room if the second user who requested to join the room meets the participation conditions, A providing unit that provides at least the first user with a performance to the second user who has been permitted to participate in the room. Information processing device including

18. The first user accepts the setting of participation conditions for joining an online room where remote ensemble performances will be held, and A permission procedure to allow a second user to join the room if the second user who requested to join the room meets the participation conditions, A provision procedure to provide at least one performance by the first user to the second user who has been permitted to participate in the room, and An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.

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