A system and method for providing a memorial service space using the metaverse.

Abstract

The objective is to provide a system and method for offering a memorial space using the metaverse, which allows users to preserve memories such as photos, videos, and messages as digital data, enabling them to remember the deceased anytime by accessing those memories from smartphones and other devices. [Solution] The system consists of an operator server 1 managed by the service operator and a user terminal 2 connected to the operator server 1 via the internet. The operator server 1 includes a control unit 11, a user information registration unit 12 that registers user information including the user's personal information and the user's deceased person's information for each user, a metaverse cemetery generation unit 13 that generates a metaverse cemetery for each user, and a visit permission unit 14 that determines whether to permit or deny visit requests to the metaverse cemetery. The deceased person's information includes photos, videos, audio recordings, items related to the deceased, and messages.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a place for memorial services using the metaverse. More specifically, it relates to a system and method for providing a place for memorial services using the metaverse, which leaves memories such as photos, videos, and messages of the deceased as digital data in the generated metaverse, and enables the opportunity to remember the deceased at any time from a smartphone or the like by touching the memories.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the nuclear family trend and urbanization in modern society, the conventional forms of funerals and memorial services are becoming untenable. As families live apart, the frequency of visiting graves has decreased, the awareness of memorial services is waning, and it is physically difficult for the elderly to visit graves alone. In addition, general funerals, which were mainstream before the COVID-19 pandemic, have decreased during the pandemic, and family funerals attended by a small number of mourners have become mainstream. Online funerals have been used due to restrictions on people's movement, which has led to the diversification of funeral and memorial service forms.

[0003] And graves that "do not require an heir," such as tree burials and columbaria, are becoming mainstream. While parents do not want to burden their children, the voices of the younger generation not wanting to inherit graves are in the minority, and a gap in perception has emerged between parents and children. The reason is thought to be the lack of opportunities for conversations about funerals and memorial services. In urban areas, there is a shortage of cemeteries and prices are soaring, while in rural areas, a polarization is progressing where maintenance and management are difficult due to depopulation.

[0004] In a hyper-aged society with an increasing number of deaths due to the aging population, it is difficult for elderly people living alone to make preparations assuming their own death before it occurs. Especially when the bereaved family is elderly, arranging funerals and handling administrative procedures after death can be a major burden, and new social issues have also arisen. As means of remembering the deceased, photos and videos are common, but their owners are limited, and there are limits even to sharing them. Also, since the actual items are required to view them, it is not possible to view them at any time and anywhere. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-2860 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This invention was made under the above-mentioned background circumstances, and aims to provide a system and method for providing a memorial space using the metaverse, which allows users to preserve memories of the deceased, such as photos, videos, and messages, as digital data, and to remember the deceased by accessing these memories anytime from a smartphone or other device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1, which solves the above problem, This is a metaverse-based memorial service provision system that includes an operator server managed by the service provider and user terminals owned and operated by users that are connected to the operator server via the internet. The operator server comprises a control unit that controls the entire system, a user information registration unit that registers user information for each user, including the personal information of system users and the information of deceased persons of the users, a metaverse cemetery generation unit that generates a metaverse cemetery for each user based on the user information, and a visit permission unit that makes a decision to permit or deny visit requests to the metaverse cemetery. This is a metaverse-based memorial service system characterized by the fact that the deceased's information includes photographs, videos, audio recordings, items associated with the deceased, and messages.

[0008] In one embodiment, the user information registration unit includes an inviter registration unit that registers information of invitees to the metaverse cemetery by the user. The metaverse cemetery generation unit also includes an avatar creation unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connection from the user terminal to the operator server is made via an agent terminal connected to the operator server via the internet.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5, which solves the above problem, A method for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse, which is carried out using a system for providing memorial service spaces via the metaverse as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, A user personal information registration step in which the user's personal information is registered from the user terminal to the operator server, A deceased person information registration step is performed by registering information of the deceased person of the user who is to be commemorated by the metaverse from the user terminal to the operator server, In the metaverse cemetery generation unit of the operator server, a metaverse cemetery generation step is performed in which a metaverse cemetery is generated for each user based on the user information, A visit request transmission step in which the user sends a visit request from the user terminal to the operator server to visit his own metaverse cemetery, The user who has received permission to visit in response to the visit request visits the metaverse cemetery from the user terminal in the metaverse cemetery visit memorial service step, This is a method of providing a memorial space through the metaverse, characterized by its inclusion of [something].

[0011] In one embodiment, the user personal information registration step, or at any time thereafter, includes a step in which the information of the person invited by the user to the metaverse cemetery is registered in the user information registration unit, thereby enabling the invitee to visit the metaverse cemetery thereafter.

[0012] In one embodiment, an avatar is created in the metaverse cemetery generation step, a desired avatar is selected in the visit request transmission step, and that avatar visits the metaverse cemetery.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connection from the user terminal to the operator server is made via an agency terminal connected to the operator server via the Internet. The故人 information includes a photo, video, voice, item related to the故人, and a message of the故人. Further, in the metaverse cemetery, text, stamp, and voice chats between visitors including the user are possible.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] The metaverse-based offering place providing system and method according to the present invention are as described above, leaving memories such as photos, videos, and messages as digital data in the generated metaverse cemetery, enabling the user to recall the故人 at any time from a smartphone or the like, and also having the effect of being able to leave memories that will not disappear for important people or relatives yet to be met.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a metaverse-based offering place providing system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a functional configuration diagram of an operator server in a metaverse-based offering place providing system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the processing flow in a metaverse-based offering place providing method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an image diagram showing a metaverse cemetery in a metaverse-based offering place providing method according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an image diagram showing a metaverse cemetery in a metaverse-based offering place providing method according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an image diagram showing a chat between a user and an invitee by text, stamp, voice, etc. in a metaverse-based offering place providing method according to the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] A system and method for providing a place for memorial services using a metaverse according to the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. A system for providing a place for memorial services using a metaverse space according to the present invention includes an operator server 1 managed by a service operator, and a user terminal 2 owned and operated by a user, which is connected to the operator server 1 via the Internet 5. Further, as will be described later, an agency terminal 3 owned and operated by an agency may be interposed between the operator server 1 and the user terminal 2, and further, an invitee terminal 4 owned and operated by a person invited by the user is included (FIG. 1).

[0017] The operator server 1 is a server managed by a person who operates and manages this system, and includes a control unit 11 that controls the entire system, a user information registration unit 12 that registers user information including personal information of system users, information about the deceased of the user, and invitee information about a person invited by the user, and a metaverse cemetery generation unit 13 that generates a metaverse cemetery for each user based on each user information, and an access permission unit 14 that determines permission / non-permission for an access request to the metaverse cemetery (FIG. 2).

[0018] The personal information includes general personal information such as the user's name, address, e-mail address, etc., and also includes payment methods, etc. The information about the deceased includes a photo, video, audio, items related to the deceased, and messages of the deceased. Visitors to the metaverse cemetery provided in this system include, in addition to the user, invitees invited by the user. The invitees are designated in advance by the user, registered in the user information registration unit 12 as invitee information, and used as permission / non-permission determination information in the access permission unit 14 when the invitees visit.

[0019] The connection from the user terminal 2 to the operator server 1 can be made directly from the user terminal 2, but may also be made via an agency terminal 3 connected to the operator server 1 via the Internet 5.

[0020] A method for providing a place for memorial services using a metaverse according to the present invention is implemented using the above system, A user personal information registration step in which a user who wishes to use the system registers their personal information with the operator's server from the user terminal, A deceased person information registration step is performed by registering information of the deceased person of the user who is to be commemorated by the metaverse from the user terminal to the operator server, In the metaverse cemetery generation unit of the operator server, a metaverse cemetery generation step is performed in which a metaverse cemetery is generated for each user based on the user information, A visit request transmission step in which the user sends a visit request from the user terminal to the operator server to visit his own metaverse cemetery, The user who has received permission to visit in response to the visit request visits the metaverse cemetery from the user terminal in the metaverse cemetery visit memorial service step, It is characterized by containing the following.

[0021] The metaverse cemetery allows visits from those invited by the user, and the user information includes information about invitees whose visits to the metaverse cemetery the user has approved. Furthermore, the metaverse cemetery generation unit 13 includes an avatar creation unit, and the user information includes avatars selected from those created by the avatar creation unit. While users generally select avatars from those created by the avatar creation unit, it is also possible for users to create their own avatars.

[0022] Within the metaverse cemetery, users and visitors will be able to chat with each other using text, stamps, and voice.

[0023] Figure 3 shows the processing flow of the method for providing memorial services in a metaverse space according to the present invention. The method will be described in more detail step by step below.

[0024] User information registration step (S1) First, a user who wishes to use the metaverse-based memorial service provision service according to the present invention accesses the operator server 1 directly from the user terminal 2, or via the agent terminal 3 if an agent is involved (the same applies in the following steps), and registers information about the user in the user information registration unit 11.

[0025] Specifically, when you access the operator server 1 (official website), a shared metaverse space pre-prepared within operator server 1 will appear on the screen of user terminal 2, and a "Create My Room" button will be displayed. Click (tap) this button and enter your personal information according to the instructions displayed (see Figure 4). The user's personal information includes general personal information such as the user's name, address, and email address, as well as payment method information. The entered information is registered as the user's personal information in the user registration section 11 of operator server 1.

[0026] Deceased person information registration step (S2) Next, the operator server 1 requests users who have completed user registration to input information about the deceased. This information includes, for example, photos, videos, audio recordings, personal belongings, and messages related to the deceased, as well as personal preferences such as religious affiliation and favorite colors. Once the user has finished inputting the information about the deceased, it is registered in the user information registration section 11 on the operator server 1. The user may digitize the information about the deceased themselves and send it to the operator server 1, or the operator or their agent may digitize it.

[0027] Invitee information registration step (S3) As described above, the Metaverse Cemetery is open to visitors invited by users. However, the invited visitors are designated in advance by the user and registered as inviter information in the user information registration section 11 of the operator server 1. The user's personal information, the deceased's information, and the inviter information are updated sequentially upon request from the user.

[0028] Metaverse cemetery generation step (S4) This step involves the creation of a metaverse cemetery in the metaverse cemetery generation unit 13 of the operator server 1, based on information from the user, specifically reflecting the deceased's information. The cemetery created here is unique to each user, but it can be made to change seasonally, for example, and can be updated at any time based on changes or additions to the deceased's information. This metaverse cemetery generation can be performed by the user themselves, or it can be automatically generated by the artificial intelligence and automatic generation function incorporated into the metaverse cemetery generation unit 13 based on the deceased's information registered in step S2.

[0029] Avatar selection step (S5) Registered users and registered inviters select their own avatars when visiting the metaverse cemetery (see Figure 5). As mentioned above, multiple avatars are pre-generated in the metaverse cemetery generation unit 13 and are displayed along with the metaverse cemetery, from which users can select one. Alternatively, users can create their own avatars.

[0030] Metaverse Cemetery Visit Request Step (S6) If a registered user or a registered inviter wishes to visit the Metaverse Cemetery to commemorate a deceased person, they can send a visit request specifying the date and time to the operator server 1 from user terminal 2 or inviter terminal 4. Upon receiving the visit request, the operator server 1 uses its visit permission unit 14 to determine whether the request is appropriate by referring to the personal information in the user information registration unit 11 or the inviter information. If permission is granted, the operator server 1 sends a visit invitation to user terminal 2 or inviter terminal 4.

[0031] Metaverse Cemetery Visit and Memorial Service Steps (S7) Users or inviters who have received permission to visit in response to a visit request can select an avatar and move freely around the metaverse cemetery, viewing the displayed photos and videos while remembering and paying respects to the deceased (see Figure 5). Multiple people can visit the metaverse cemetery simultaneously, and users and inviters can chat with each other using text, stamps, voice, etc. (see Figure 6).

[0032] In the metaverse-based memorial service provision system and method according to the present invention, by registering anniversaries related to the deceased in the deceased's information, the operator server 1 can transmit this information to the user terminal 2 and the inviter terminal 4 before the anniversary.

[0033] The metaverse cemetery generated by the method according to the present invention is a place that provides a new opportunity to remember the deceased, increasing opportunities to pay respects to ancestors and preventing a second death, that is, becoming estranged. In other words, according to the method according to the present invention, the evidence of the deceased's life and memories of them can be preserved as digital data, allowing people to visit and pay their respects anytime, anywhere without difficulty. Taking into account not only physical constraints and distance, but also the future expansion of human relationships and communities beyond the internet and real world, a place is provided where people can pay their respects beyond the boundaries of relatives and friends. Furthermore, in an era facing social issues such as families living alone and the closing of family graves, and in an age where the values ​​of young people are changing, death can be made more accessible, and the values ​​and culture of funerals and memorial services can be passed on in a new form. [Industrial applicability]

[0034] The metaverse-based memorial service system and method according to the present invention are as described above. Memories such as photos, videos, and messages are left as digital data in the generated metaverse cemetery, allowing people to remember the deceased anytime by accessing these memories from their smartphones, etc. Furthermore, it has the effect of leaving indelible memories for loved ones and relatives they have not yet met, and has great potential for industrial application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1. Operator Server 2. User terminals 3. Distributor terminals 4. Invitee's device 5. Internet 11 Control Unit 12. User Information Registration Section 13 Metaverse Cemetery Generation Department 14 Visit Permit Department

Claims

1. This is a metaverse-based memorial service provision system that includes an operator server managed by the service provider and user terminals owned and operated by users that are connected to the operator server via the internet. The operator server comprises a control unit that controls the entire system, a user information registration unit that registers user information for each user, including the personal information of the system user and the information of the user's deceased relatives, a metaverse cemetery generation unit that generates a metaverse cemetery for each user based on the user information, and a visit permission unit that determines whether to permit or deny visit requests to the metaverse cemetery. The aforementioned information about the deceased includes photographs, videos, audio recordings, items associated with the deceased, and messages, and is a metaverse-based system for providing a place for memorial services.

2. The system for providing a memorial service venue via the metaverse according to claim 1, wherein the user information registration unit includes an invitee registration unit for registering information of invitees to the metaverse cemetery by the user.

3. The metaverse cemetery generation unit includes an avatar creation unit, the metaverse-based memorial service provision system according to claim 1.

4. The system for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection from the user terminal to the operator server is made via an agent terminal connected to the operator server via the internet.

5. A method for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse, which is carried out using a system for providing memorial service spaces via the metaverse as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, A user personal information registration step in which the user's personal information is registered from the user terminal to the operator server, A deceased person information registration step is performed by registering information of the deceased person of the user who is to be commemorated by the metaverse from the user terminal to the operator server, In the metaverse cemetery generation unit of the operator server, a metaverse cemetery generation step is performed in which a metaverse cemetery is generated for each user based on the user information, A visit request transmission step in which the user sends a visit request from the user terminal to the operator server to visit his own metaverse cemetery, The user who has received permission to visit in response to the visit request visits the metaverse cemetery from the user terminal in the metaverse cemetery visit memorial service step, A method for providing a memorial service space using the metaverse, characterized by including [something].

6. The method for providing a place for memorial services via the metaverse according to claim 5, further comprising the step of registering information of a person invited by the user to the metaverse cemetery in the user information registration unit, or at any time thereafter, thereby enabling the invitee to visit the metaverse cemetery.

7. The method for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse according to claim 5 or 6, wherein multiple avatars are created in the metaverse cemetery generation step.

8. The method for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the connection from the user terminal to the operator server is made via an agent terminal connected to the operator server via the internet.

9. A method for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a desired avatar is selected in the step of sending a visit request, and that avatar visits the metaverse cemetery.

10. The method for providing a memorial space via the metaverse according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the deceased information includes a photograph, video, audio, items associated with the deceased, and a message.

11. The method for providing a memorial service space via the metaverse according to claim 6, wherein visitors, including the user, can chat with each other using text, stamps, and voice within the metaverse cemetery.

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