Programs and Information Processing Systems

Abstract

To improve user convenience. [Solution] The program causes the computer to place a second virtual space in a part of a first virtual space where user-operated objects can move, and which has a limit on the number of objects that can enter and exit. The program allows objects existing in the second virtual space to communicate with each other, and restricts other objects existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space from obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space and providing information about communication to objects existing in the second virtual space, at least one of the above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to programs and information processing systems.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for moving a user object in a virtual space based on a user's operation input and generating a virtual space image based on a virtual camera that moves in accordance with the movement of the user object. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for generating a virtual space image when a virtual space is shared by a plurality of users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This disclosure aims to improve user convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A program according to an embodiment shown in this disclosure causes a computer to arrange a second virtual space that can be arranged in a part of a first virtual space where an object operated by a user can move and has a limit on the number of objects that can be entered and exited, enable communication between objects existing in the second virtual space, and restrict at least one of acquisition of information regarding communication in the second virtual space and provision of information regarding communication to objects existing in the second virtual space for other objects existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space. ​[Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This disclosure can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows another example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the restriction of communication information by the communication control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates another example of the restriction of communication information by the communication control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the silent zone established at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space shown in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this technical concept will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed explanations of them will not be repeated.

[0009] [Configuration of the Information Processing System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes one or more terminal devices 10 and a server 20, and these devices are connected to each other via a network 13 so as to be able to communicate with each other. In Figure 1, terminal devices 10A and 10B used by multiple users are shown.

[0010] The terminal device 10 connects to the network 13 by communicating with a wireless router 14 installed in a facility such as a house. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be configured to connect to the network 13 via wired communication.

[0011] Terminal device 10 is a computer (information processing device) used by the user. Terminal device 10 is, for example, an HMD (Head-Mounted Device) or PC (Personal Computer) including a smartphone, tablet, phablet, VR (Virtual Reality) glasses, AR (Augmented Reality) glasses, MR (Mixed Reality) glasses, etc. Terminal device 10 may also be a contact-type device that can be worn on the eye, like a contact lens.

[0012] Terminal device 10 executes an application program installed via a platform that distributes apps, etc. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may execute a program obtained via website browsing software, i.e., a web browser, instead of an application program. By executing the program, terminal device 10 generates a virtual space image and displays the virtual space image. In generating the virtual space image, terminal device 10 sends and receives various data with server 20 as needed.

[0013] The virtual space is generated using XR technologies such as VR, AR, MR, or SR (Substitutional Reality). The virtual space may be common to multiple users or may be different for each user. That is, a plurality of objects (hereinafter also referred to as "user objects") that are respectively operated by a plurality of users may exist in one virtual space, or one user object may exist in one virtual space.

[0014] The server 20 receives information regarding the user's operation input from the terminal device 10, and in response to the received information, transmits virtual space information and the like necessary for generating the virtual space to the terminal device 10. The virtual space information includes information for generating various objects such as virtual cameras, user objects, and objects operated by other users (hereinafter also referred to as "other user objects") arranged in the virtual space.

[0015] For example, assume that the user performs an operation on the terminal device 10 to place a user object in the virtual space. In this case, the server 20 transmits information for generating the user object, specifically virtual space information indicating the placement position of the user object, to the terminal devices 10 of each user sharing the virtual space. Thereby, in each terminal device 10 of a plurality of users sharing the same virtual space, a virtual space image including the user object can be displayed.

[0016] [Configuration of Terminal Device] (Configuration Overview) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a memory 24, a display unit 25, and an operation reception unit 26.

[0017] The communication unit 21 functions as an interface for the terminal device 10 to communicate with an external device such as the server 20 (see FIG. 1). For example, when virtual space information is transmitted from the server 20 to the terminal device 10, the communication unit 21 receives the virtual space information and outputs it to the control unit 22.

[0018] The storage unit 23 includes a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory. Specifically, the program 41, user information 42, etc. are stored in the storage unit 23. The program 41 is a program for the terminal device 10 to execute various processes. The user information 42 includes information related to the user, such as the identification information of the terminal device 10.

[0019] The memory 24 includes a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). Various data generated along with the operation of the control unit 22, such as information related to user objects operated by the user, are temporarily stored in the memory 24.

[0020] The display unit 25 is a monitor or the like on which a virtual space image is displayed. For example, when the terminal device 10 is an HMD, the display unit 25 is provided at a position included in the user's field of view when the user wears the terminal device 10.

[0021] The operation reception unit 26 receives an operation by the user on the terminal device 10 and outputs operation information indicating the operation content to the communication unit 21 or the control unit 22.

[0022] The control unit 22 is a processor including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). By operating according to the program 41, the control unit 22 exhibits functions as a space generation unit 31, an arrangement unit 32, a communication control unit 33, and an image processing unit 34.

[0023] The space generation unit 31 generates a virtual space and objects to be placed in that virtual space based on virtual space information transmitted from the server 20 (see Figure 1). The objects generated by the space generation unit 31 include virtual cameras, user objects, other user objects, and building objects.

[0024] The placement unit 32 places various objects in the virtual space. The image processing unit 34 generates a virtual space image, which is an image captured from a virtual camera within the virtual space, and displays the generated virtual space image on the display unit 25.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 shown in Figure 2. For example, as shown in Figure 3, if a virtual camera is positioned behind the user object 601, a third-person view virtual space image including at least a portion of the user object 601 is displayed on the display unit 25 (see Figure 2).

[0026] [Controlling communication inside and outside booth objects] (overview) Figure 4 shows another example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the space generation unit 31 can place booth objects 701 that demarcate the virtual space.

[0027] User object 601 and other user object 602 can enter the space inside booth object 701. Hereinafter, the virtual space outside booth object 701 will be referred to as the "first virtual space," and the virtual space inside booth object 701 will be referred to as the "second virtual space." Figure 4 shows a state where user object 601 is located in the first virtual space and other user object 602 is located in the second virtual space.

[0028] Figure 5 shows another example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 5, the user object 601 and another user object 602 are located in the second virtual space, which is inside the booth object 701. In this state, the communication control unit 33 shown in Figure 2 controls the system to enable communication between the user object 601 and the other user object 602.

[0029] For example, suppose that in the state shown in Figure 5, user A, who is operating user object 601, selects the microphone button 702 displayed on the display unit 25. In this case, the operation reception unit 26 shown in Figure 2 outputs operation information indicating the operation performed by user A to the control unit 22.

[0030] When the communication control unit 33 in the control unit 22 acquires the operation information, it switches the voice chat function from off to on. This allows user A, who is operating user object 601, and user B, who is operating another user object 602, to have a voice chat conversation. Alternatively, the voice chat function may be configured to automatically switch from off to on when user object 601 enters the second virtual space, or when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since entry.

[0031] In the second virtual space, it is possible for multiple other user objects 602 to exist besides user object 601. In such a case, user A, who is operating user object 601, can converse with multiple users who are each operating these other user objects 602. On the other hand, user A cannot converse with any one of these users individually.

[0032] Furthermore, if the user object 601 is located in the first virtual space, the communication control unit 33 restricts communication between the user A operating the user object 601 and the second virtual space.

[0033] For example, as shown in Figure 4, suppose user object 601 is located in the first virtual space and other user object 602 is located in the second virtual space. In this case, even if user A switches on the voice chat function, user A cannot converse with user B, who is operating other user object 602.

[0034] In other words, the communication control unit 33 restricts user A from acquiring voice information in the second virtual space and providing voice information to the second virtual space. This control allows multiple user objects in the second virtual space to conduct confidential conversations, such as business negotiations, without being overheard by user objects in the first virtual space.

[0035] (A variation of communication restriction) (a) Example 1 The communication control unit 33 is not limited to a configuration that restricts conversations between users of user objects in the first virtual space and users of user objects in the second virtual space. For example, the communication control unit 33 may restrict the acquisition and provision of information related to communication other than voice information between users of user objects in the first virtual space and users of user objects in the second virtual space.

[0036] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the restriction of communication information by the communication control unit 33 shown in Figure 2. For example, suppose that a user object 601 exists in the second virtual space, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the display unit 25 of the terminal device 10 of user A, which operates the user object 601, will display characters etc. (in the example shown in Figure 5, the characters "AAAAA") of the monitor object 703 located in the second virtual space in a recognizable manner.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, suppose that user object 601 exists in the first virtual space. In this case, the communication control unit 33 controls, for example, the display unit 25 of user A's terminal device 10 so that the characters of monitor object 703 cannot be recognized.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication control unit 33 may be configured to restrict not only the acquisition of text information in the second virtual space to user A, but also the acquisition of image information such as posters and pictures displayed in the second virtual space.

[0039] Furthermore, the communication control unit 33 may be configured to restrict conversations via text chat. For example, suppose user object 601 exists in the second virtual space. In this case, user A, who operates user object 601, can have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects existing in the second virtual space. On the other hand, user A cannot have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects existing in the first virtual space.

[0040] For example, suppose user object 601 exists in the first virtual space. In this case, user A, who operates user object 601, can have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects existing in the first virtual space. On the other hand, user A cannot have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects existing in the second virtual space.

[0041] (b) Example 2 Figure 7 illustrates another example of the restriction of communication information by the communication control unit 33 shown in Figure 2. For example, suppose that user object 601 exists in the second virtual space, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, user A, who is operating user object 601, can see the facial expressions and actions of other user objects 602 that exist in the second virtual space in the virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 10.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, suppose that user object 601 exists in the first virtual space. In this case, the communication control unit 33 controls the virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 of user A's terminal device 10 so that the facial expressions and actions of other user objects 602 existing in the second virtual space cannot be seen. In the virtual space image shown in Figure 7, as an example, the figure of other user object 602 is displayed as a shadow.

[0043] (c) Example 3 Furthermore, the communication control unit 33 may be configured to restrict only the provision of information to the second virtual space to user A who is operating the user object 601, when the user object 601 exists in the first virtual space, and not restrict the acquisition of information from the second virtual space.

[0044] For example, if user object 601 exists in the first virtual space, the communication control unit 33 enables user A to acquire communication-related information such as voice information, text information, or image information in the second virtual space. On the other hand, the communication control unit 33 restricts user A from providing voice information, etc., to user B, who is operating another user object 602 existing in the second virtual space. In other words, in this case, user A can hear user B's voice, but cannot speak to user B.

[0045] (Setting up subspaces in the second virtual space) Referring again to Figure 2, the arrangement unit 32 can set up multiple subspaces within the booth object 701 in response to an operation input from a user operating a user object that has entered the second virtual space, or from the management side providing the virtual space. These subspaces allow some of the user objects among the multiple user objects currently in the booth object 701 to enter, and communication with other spaces is restricted.

[0046] The user objects that can enter each subspace can be specified by the user operating the user objects that are in the second virtual space, or by the administrator. Alternatively, multiple user objects that are currently in the second virtual space may be randomly assigned to each subspace.

[0047] Furthermore, the number of objects that can enter each subspace may be set according to the actions of a user or administrator manipulating a user object that is currently in the second virtual space. Also, the set subspaces may be released according to the actions of a user or administrator manipulating a user object that is currently in the second virtual space.

[0048] The communication control unit 33 controls communication between a user object that has entered one of the multiple subspaces and a user object that has entered another subspace. In other words, the communication control unit 33 restricts at least one of the acquisition and provision of communication-related information between different subspaces.

[0049] For example, suppose user object 601 and other user object 602 enter the same second virtual space, and user object 601 and other user object 602 enter the same subspace. In this case, user A, who is operating user object 601, and user B, who is operating other user object 602, can communicate using that subspace.

[0050] On the other hand, suppose user object 601 and other user object 602 are in the same second virtual space, but user object 601 and other user object 602 are in different subspaces. In this case, user A and user B cannot converse. By setting up such subspaces, only some of the multiple users who are operating multiple user objects in the second virtual space can converse with each other.

[0051] [Setting up the second virtual space] (Setting of placement location and usage time) Referring again to Figure 2, the operation reception unit 26 accepts setting operations related to the second virtual space from the user. For example, the user can pre-set the location and usage time of the second virtual space by inputting to the terminal device 10.

[0052] The placement unit 32 places the booth object 701 in the first virtual space according to the user's operation content received by the operation reception unit 26. In this way, the placement location and usage time in the second virtual space can be reserved in advance, allowing communication between user objects in the second virtual space to begin smoothly.

[0053] Furthermore, the location and usage time of the second virtual space may be set by the administrator. Also, there may be areas or time periods within the first virtual space where the second virtual space cannot be placed.

[0054] Furthermore, users or administrators can select a booth object 701 to be used from among several already placed booth objects 701. For example, the first virtual space has a dedicated placement area for placing multiple booth objects 701. The user or administrator can then select one booth object 701 from among several private booths placed in the dedicated placement area, and further set the usage time for the selected booth object 701.

[0055] Furthermore, if a user configures a second virtual space, the administrator may charge a fee for using that second virtual space. In such cases, the fee may vary depending on factors such as the location and duration of use of the second virtual space.

[0056] Furthermore, users or administrators can configure the second virtual space immediately before the user uses it, not limited to prior reservations. For example, suppose all of the multiple second virtual spaces corresponding to multiple booth objects 701 already placed in the first virtual space are in use. In such a case, the user can configure a new second virtual space immediately before use.

[0057] Furthermore, limits may be set on the number of times and duration of use of the second virtual space for each user. This prevents the same user from continuously using the second virtual space and provides opportunities for many users to use the second virtual space.

[0058] Furthermore, the system may be configured to accept advance reservations or immediate settings for the second virtual space by a user operating the user object 601, but only if the user object 601 exists in a predetermined area of ​​the first virtual space.

[0059] (Setting the number of people allowed to enter the room) The second virtual space has a limit on the number of objects that can enter it (hereinafter referred to as the "entry limit"). The entry limit may be set by the user or administrator, for example, when setting up the second virtual space, or it may be set automatically.

[0060] Furthermore, the virtual space image displays the number of entries possible in the second virtual space. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the virtual space image displays a display area 704 near the booth object 701 that shows the number of entries possible. In the example shown in Figure 4, it is shown that the number of entries possible in the second virtual space, which is inside the booth object 701, is "5", and the number of objects currently inside is "1".

[0061] The number of people allowed to enter the room may be changed depending on user or administrator actions. For example, by setting the number of allowed participants to "2," a user can use the second virtual space to converse individually with other users.

[0062] Furthermore, if the management or other entity charges users a fee for using the second virtual space, the fee may be changed according to the number of users who can enter the second virtual space.

[0063] Furthermore, the space generation unit 31 shown in Figure 2 can change the size of the second virtual space, i.e., the size of the booth object 701, according to the number of people allowed to enter the second virtual space. This makes it possible to provide a second virtual space of an appropriate size for the number of objects in the second virtual space.

[0064] (Setting user objects that can enter the room) The operation reception unit 26 shown in Figure 2 may be configured to accept pre-configurations regarding user objects that can enter the second virtual space.

[0065] For example, suppose user A, who is operating user object 601, performs an input operation on terminal device 10 to pre-set other user objects 602 that can enter the second virtual space, the date and time of entry into the second virtual space, and the date and time of exit from the second virtual space. In this case, the server 20 shown in Figure 1 can send a notification to the terminal device 10 of user B, who is operating the other user object 602, a predetermined time before each of the entry and exit dates and times set by user A. This allows user B to be informed of the entry and exit dates and times for the second virtual space.

[0066] Furthermore, Server 20 may move the other user object 602 from outside the second virtual space to inside the second virtual space at a predetermined time before the pre-set entry date and time. Also, Server 20 may move the other user object 602 from inside the second virtual space to outside the second virtual space at a predetermined time before the pre-set exit date and time. This allows the other user object 602 to enter and exit the second virtual space automatically, even if User B does not perform a move operation on the other user object 602.

[0067] (Settings related to the booth object) Referring again to Figure 4, the booth object 701 may be semi-transparent or opaque. If the booth object 701 is semi-transparent, as shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 10 of user A, which operates the user object 601 in the first virtual space, can grasp the situation in the second virtual space, such as the number of other user objects 602 in the second virtual space. This can reduce the difficulty for user A to enter the second virtual space.

[0068] Furthermore, the booth object 701 forming the second virtual space may be configured to switch from semi-transparent to opaque when the number of user objects in the second virtual space reaches the maximum number of users allowed to enter.

[0069] Furthermore, in the terminal device 10 of user A, which operates the user object 601 existing in the first virtual space, the booth object 701 may be transparent (i.e., invisible). In this case, only if the user object 601 is a user object permitted to enter the second virtual space, the booth object 701 may be displayed semi-transparently or opaquely in user A's terminal device 10.

[0070] Furthermore, whether booth object 701 is transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque can be configured by the user or administrator.

[0071] (Setting a silent zone) Here, if user object 601 exists in the first virtual space, user A, who is operating user object 601, can have a voice chat conversation with user B, who is another user object 602, also existing in the first virtual space.

[0072] Furthermore, suppose user object 601 is located near the boundary between the second virtual space and the outside of the second virtual space. In this case, user A, who is operating user object 601, may frequently switch between a state where user A can participate in voice chat within the second virtual space and a state where user A can participate in voice chat within the first virtual space. This could potentially cause errors in the processing related to voice chat between users.

[0073] Therefore, a space (hereinafter referred to as the "silent zone") may be provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space in which user A cannot participate in any voice chat. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the silent zone 705 provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space shown in Figure 4. The silent zone 705 includes, for example, a predetermined area including the boundary between the first virtual space and the second virtual space.

[0074] If user object 601 is located inside the silent zone 705, user A, who is operating user object 601, cannot participate in conversations with user B, who is operating another user object 602 in the second virtual space, nor can they participate in conversations with other users of other user objects in the first virtual space.

[0075] Because of the presence of this silent zone 705, when user object 601 enters the second virtual space and when it leaves the second virtual space, user A goes through a state where it cannot participate in either the conversation in the second virtual space or the conversation in the first virtual space. Therefore, the conversation processing between users can be changed in stages, and the occurrence of errors can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, if user object 601 is located inside the silent zone 705, user A may be controlled not only so as not to be able to participate in any conversation, but also so as not to be able to hear any of the sounds output in the first virtual space or the second virtual space.

[0077] Alternatively, instead of providing a silent zone 705, user A may be controlled to participate in a conversation in the second virtual space if user object 601 stays in the second virtual space for a predetermined amount of time or longer. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent frequent switching between user A being able to participate in a conversation in the second virtual space and being able to participate in a conversation in the first virtual space. In other words, the same effect as when a silent zone 705 is provided can be obtained.

[0078] [Additional Notes] The contents of the embodiments of this disclosure are listed below. [assignment] The aim is to improve convenience.

[0079] [Solution] (Item 1) On the computer, A second virtual space is set up where the number of objects that can enter and exit is limited, and where objects manipulated by the user can be placed in a portion of the first virtual space where objects can be moved. Objects existing within the second virtual space are enabled to communicate with each other. Other objects existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space are restricted from obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space, and from providing information about communication to objects existing within the second virtual space. program.

[0080] This configuration allows for communication between multiple objects within the second virtual space, such as confidential conversations during business negotiations, without being overheard by objects outside the second virtual space. This enhances user engagement.

[0081] (Item 2) The program described in item 1, which changes the size of the second virtual space according to the number of objects that can enter the second virtual space.

[0082] This configuration prevents the second virtual space from being too large or too small relative to the number of objects in it, allowing for the creation of a second virtual space of appropriate size.

[0083] (Item 3) The program described in item 1 or item 2, wherein an upper limit is set on at least one of the usage time and the number of uses of the second virtual space.

[0084] This configuration, for example, prevents the same user from continuously using the second virtual space, thereby providing many users with the opportunity to use the second virtual space.

[0085] (Item 4) A program according to any one of items 1 to 3, which accepts the pre-configuration of the location of the second virtual space, the date and time of use, and at least one of the objects that can be entered.

[0086] This configuration allows for smooth communication between objects in the second virtual space.

[0087] (Item 5) The system accepts the pre-configuration of the date and time of use of the second virtual space and the objects that can be entered. A program described in any one of items 1 to 4, which moves a pre-configured object between the second virtual space and the area outside the second virtual space based on a pre-configured usage date and time.

[0088] With this configuration, even if a user does not perform a movement operation on an object that is set as an object that can enter the second virtual space, the entry and exit of that object from the second virtual space can be performed automatically.

[0089] (Item 6) Multiple subspaces are set up in the second virtual space, A program described in any one of items 1 through 5 that restricts an object residing in one of several subspaces from obtaining information about communications in other subspaces, and from providing information about communications to other objects residing in other subspaces, at least one of the above.

[0090] This configuration allows only some of the multiple objects existing in the second virtual space to communicate with each other.

[0091] (Item 7) Objects existing in the second virtual space can participate in conversations with other objects existing in the second virtual space. An object existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space can participate in conversations with other objects existing in the first virtual space. The program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein a space is provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space in which an object cannot participate in conversations with other objects in the second virtual space, nor in conversations with other objects in the first virtual space.

[0092] Now, let's assume an object exists near the boundary between the second virtual space and the outside of the second virtual space. In this case, the object may frequently switch between a state where it can participate in conversations within the second virtual space and a state where it can participate in conversations within the first virtual space. This can potentially lead to errors in the communication process between objects.

[0093] In contrast, with the configuration described above, when an object enters or leaves the second virtual space, it goes through a state where it cannot participate in either the conversation in the second virtual space or the conversation in the first virtual space. Therefore, the conversation processing between objects can be changed in stages, and the occurrence of errors can be suppressed.

[0094] Furthermore, the solutions constructed in the above program may be adapted to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media as appropriate.

[0095] Furthermore, the operations performed by the control unit 22 (see Figure 2) in the terminal device 10 of each of the above embodiments may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. For example, some or all of the operations performed by the control unit 22 may be performed by the server 20 shown in Figure 1.

[0096] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention may be modified, improved, or have parts of its embodiments deleted without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1: Information processing system, 10, 10A, 10B: Terminal device, 13: Network, 14: Wireless router, 20: Server, 21: Communication unit, 22: Control unit, 23: Storage unit, 24: Memory, 25: Display unit, 26: Operation reception unit, 31: Space generation unit, 32: Layout unit, 33: Communication control unit, 34: Image processing unit, 41: Program, 42: User information, 601: User object, 602: Other user object, 701: Booth object, 702: Microphone button, 703: Monitor object, 704: Display area, 705: Silent zone

Claims

1. On the computer, A second virtual space is set up where the number of objects that can enter and exit is limited, and where objects manipulated by the user can be placed in a portion of the first virtual space where objects can be moved. Objects existing within the second virtual space are enabled to communicate with each other. Other objects existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space are restricted from obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space, and from providing information about communication to objects existing within the second virtual space. program.

2. The program according to claim 1, which changes the size of the second virtual space according to the number of objects that can enter the second virtual space.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein an upper limit is set on at least one of the usage time and the number of uses of the second virtual space.

4. The program according to claim 1, which allows the program to accept pre-configurations of the location of the second virtual space, the date and time of use, and at least one of the objects that can be entered.

5. The system accepts the pre-configuration of the date and time of use of the second virtual space and the objects that can be entered. The program according to claim 1, which moves a pre-configured object between the second virtual space and the area outside the second virtual space based on a pre-configured usage date and time.

6. Multiple subspaces are set up in the second virtual space, The program according to claim 1, wherein an object residing in one of a plurality of subspaces is restricted from obtaining information about communications in other subspaces and from providing information about communications to other objects residing in other subspaces, at least one of the above.

7. An object existing in the second virtual space can participate in conversations with other objects existing in the second virtual space. An object existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space can participate in conversations with other objects existing in the first virtual space. The program according to claim 1, wherein a space is provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space in which an object cannot participate in conversations with other objects present in the second virtual space, nor in conversations with other objects present in the first virtual space.

8. An information processing system comprising one or more information processing devices, A second virtual space is set up where user-operated objects can be placed in a portion of the first virtual space where objects can move, and where there is a limit to the number of objects that can enter and exit. Objects existing within the second virtual space can communicate with each other. An information processing system that restricts other objects existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space from obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space and providing information about communication to objects existing in the second virtual space, at least one of the above.

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