Information processing device, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a virtual space that can accommodate a wider variety of communication topics. [Solution] The above problem is solved by providing an information processing device for processing a virtual space in which a user's avatar representing the user participates, comprising: a proxy avatar calling means that calls a proxy avatar that acts on behalf of the user's avatar and allows it to participate in the virtual space; and a proxy avatar control means that, when a request is received from a third-party user to the proxy avatar, executes processing in response to the request based on information about the processing to be performed by the proxy avatar set according to the attribute information of the third-party user.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a virtual space based on computer graphics technology, users participate with their respective avatars and communicate. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an avatar (hereinafter referred to as an automatic avatar) that has been changed from direct operation by the user to automatic operation being participated in a virtual space, and in response to an inquiry from another user, the automatic avatar responds without the user directly operating.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] By the way, communication in the real space varies widely depending on the relationship between oneself and the other party. Therefore, it is also required to support a wide variety of contents in communication in the virtual space. However, the virtual space in which the conventional automatic avatar participates has not been sufficient as a communication environment that can support a wide variety of contents.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a virtual space capable of supporting communication with a wider variety of contents.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device for processing a virtual space in which a user allows an avatar representing the user to participate, and the information processing device comprises: a proxy avatar calling means for calling a proxy avatar that acts on behalf of the user's avatar to participate in the virtual space; and a proxy avatar control means for receiving a request from a third-party user to the proxy avatar, and executing processing for the request based on processing information set according to the attribute information of the third-party user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a virtual space that can accommodate a wider variety of communication content. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of virtual space information. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating an example of avatar information. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative image of an example of a virtual space. [Figure 8] This is an example diagram illustrating the overview of a proxy avatar. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for setting scenario information. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting client attributes. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how to configure the processing content to be executed by a proxy avatar. [Figure 12]This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing steps for a proxy avatar that the user sets up. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting common items to be executed by a proxy avatar. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display message settings. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating an example of scenario information configuration, depending on whether the requester is an internal or external user. [Figure 16] This is an example diagram of scenario information that takes into account not only whether the requester is an internal or external user, but also the job title of the internal user. [Figure 17] This is an example diagram of scenario information that takes into account not only whether the requester is an internal or external user, but also the department of the internal user. [Figure 18] This is a diagram illustrating an example of scenario information that takes into account whether the requester is an internal or external user, as well as whether the external user is acquainted with the client. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing in a virtual space when a proxy avatar is invoked. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining attributes. [Figure 21] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining attributes. [Figure 22] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining attributes. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining attributes. [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how a proxy avatar is processed based on a specified scenario. [Figure 25] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how a proxy avatar is processed based on a specified scenario. [Figure 26] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how a proxy avatar is processed based on a specified scenario. [Figure 27] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of how a proxy avatar is processed based on a specified scenario. [Figure 28]It is an explanatory diagram of an example of processing of a proxy avatar based on a specific scenario. [Figure 29] It is a flowchart of an example of processing when the user avatar returns to the virtual space. [Figure 30] It is an image diagram of an example of a scenario execution result screen. [Figure 31] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of setting the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar. [Figure 32] It is a flowchart of an example of processing for performing attribute determination.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, one or more user terminals 12, and one or more user information providing apparatuses 14. The information processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 12, and the user information providing apparatus 14 communicate via a network 18. The network 18 is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0010] The information processing apparatus 10 performs processing for displaying a virtual space on the user terminal 12. The virtual space is a virtual space different from the real space constructed in a computer or a computer network. The virtual space in this embodiment is a space in which a plurality of users participate with avatars representing themselves and communicate with other users via the avatars.

[0011] The information processing apparatus 10 is a PC or a workstation or the like. The information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by a server apparatus, an ASP (Application Service Provider), or cloud computing or the like.

[0012] Furthermore, the user terminal 12 is an information processing terminal operated by the user. The user can operate the user terminal 12 to have their avatar participate in the virtual space and communicate with other users. The user terminal 12 can be a PC (Personal Computer), mobile phone, smartphone, tablet device, game console, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc.

[0013] Furthermore, the user information providing device 14 provides user information of users who are participating in the virtual space with their avatars. The user information providing device 14 is a device that provides user information used to determine the relationships between users. The user information used to determine the relationships between users includes user account information, personnel information, etc.

[0014] Note that the configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 is just one example. For example, at least some of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be provided on the user terminal 12 or the user information providing device 14. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 and the user information providing device 14 may be integrated into a single unit. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be implemented by distributing it across multiple computers.

[0015] <Hardware Configuration> "computer" The information processing device 10 and user information providing device 14 in Figure 1 are implemented, for example, by a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. Similarly, if the user terminal 12 in Figure 1 is implemented using a PC, it is implemented, for example, by a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment.

[0016] Computer 500 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0017] The CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer 500 according to the program. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

[0018] Display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. Display 506 may be, for example, an HMD (Head Mounted Display) or HUD (Head Up Display) device. External device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices may be, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0019] Network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using network 18. Data bus 510 is an address bus and data bus for electrically connecting various components such as CPU 501.

[0020] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving the cursor. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that it is not limited to DVD-RW, but may also be DVD-R, etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0021] Note that the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2 is just one example, and it is not necessary to include all the components shown in Figure 2, or to include components other than those shown in Figure 2. Hardware configuration diagrams for cases where the user terminal 12 in Figure 1 is not a PC vary, so they are omitted from the illustration.

[0022] <Functional Configuration> The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is realized by a functional configuration such as that shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Note that the functional configuration diagram in Figure 3 omits components that are not necessary for the explanation of this embodiment. The information processing device 10, user terminal 12A, user terminal 12B, and user information providing device 14 realize the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 by executing programs such as an OS and applications. Note that in the following explanation, user terminals 12A and 12B may be collectively referred to as user terminal 12.

[0023] The user terminal 12 has a configuration comprising a communication unit 70, an operation reception unit 72, and a display control unit 74. The communication unit 70 communicates with the information processing device 10. The operation reception unit 72 receives operations from the user and performs various processing according to the operations. The display control unit 74 displays the virtual space, described later, based on virtual space data received from the information processing device 10.

[0024] The user information providing device 14 has a configuration comprising a communication unit 80 and an information providing unit 82. The communication unit 80 communicates with the information processing device 10. The information providing unit 82 provides user information, as described later, to the information processing device 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 has a configuration comprising a communication unit 20, a processing unit 22, and a storage unit 24. The communication unit 20 has a transmission unit 30 and a reception unit 32. The processing unit 22 has a virtual space control unit 40, a user avatar calling unit 42, a user avatar control unit 44, a proxy avatar calling unit 46, a proxy avatar control unit 48, a user avatar setting management unit 50, a proxy avatar setting management unit 52, and a scenario setting management unit 54. The storage unit 24 has a user information storage unit 60, a virtual space information storage unit 62, an avatar information storage unit 64, a scenario information storage unit 66, and a scenario execution result information storage unit 68.

[0026] The communication unit 20 controls communication with the user terminal 12 and the user information provision device 14. The transmission unit 30 of the communication unit 20 transmits information or data to the user terminal 12 and the user information provision device 14. For example, the transmission unit 30 transmits virtual space data for displaying a virtual space to the user terminal 12.

[0027] Furthermore, the receiving unit 32 receives information or data from the user terminal 12 and the user information provision device 14. For example, the receiving unit 32 receives information from the user terminal 12 regarding the user's operations on the virtual space avatar.

[0028] The processing unit 22 performs various processes related to the virtual space in which the user's avatar and proxy avatar, described later, participate. The user's avatar is the avatar that the user directly operates. The proxy avatar is an avatar that acts on behalf of the user's avatar and, after being summoned to the virtual space, is operated mechanically according to the scenario information described later. The proxy avatar is implemented using technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and bot (BOT) technologies.

[0029] The virtual space control unit 40 controls the virtual space displayed on the user terminal 12. The user's avatar calling unit 42 calls the user's avatar into the virtual space and controls the user's avatar to participate in the virtual space. The user's avatar control unit 44 controls the user's avatar that has been called into the virtual space. The proxy avatar calling unit 46 calls the user's proxy avatar into the virtual space and controls the proxy avatar to participate in the virtual space. The user's avatar control unit 44 controls the proxy avatar that has been called into the virtual space.

[0030] The user avatar setting management unit 50 manages the settings of avatar information related to the user's avatar. The proxy avatar setting management unit 52 manages the settings of avatar information related to the proxy avatar. The scenario setting management unit 54 manages the settings related to the scenario information described below.

[0031] The user information storage unit 60 of the storage unit 24 stores user information, for example, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. The user information in Figure 4(A) has the items "user" and "account". The user information in Figure 4(B) has the items "user", "account", "department", and "job title".

[0032] The item "User" is an example of identification information for a user operating the user terminal 12. The item "Account" is account information for a user operating the user terminal 12, and is an example of user attribute information. The item "Department" is department information for a user operating the user terminal 12, and is an example of user attribute information. The item "Job Title" is job title information for a user operating the user terminal 12, and is an example of user attribute information. Based on the user information in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 determines the relationships between users as described later.

[0033] The virtual space information storage unit 62 of the storage unit 24 stores, for example, the virtual space information shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of an example of virtual space information. The virtual space information in Figure 5 has the following items: user, destination virtual space, and image data. The item "user" is an example of identification information for a user operating the user terminal 12. The item "destination virtual space" is an example of identification information for a virtual space associated with the user identified by the item "user". The item "image data" is an example of virtual space data used to display the virtual space on the user terminal 12 of the user identified by the item "user". Based on the user information in Figure 5, the information processing device 10 identifies a virtual space corresponding to the user and displays it on the user terminal 12.

[0034] The avatar information storage unit 64 of the storage unit 24 stores avatar information, for example, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of avatar information. The avatar information in Figure 6 includes the following items: user, personal avatar ID, personal avatar image, proxy avatar ID, proxy avatar image, and scenario ID.

[0035] The item "User" is an example of identification information for the user operating the user terminal 12. The item "User Avatar ID" is an example of identification information for the user's avatar. The item "User Avatar Image" is an example of information showing image data of the user's avatar. The item "Proxy Avatar ID" is an example of identification information for the proxy avatar. The item "Proxy Avatar Image" is an example of information showing image data of the proxy avatar. The item "Scenario ID" is an example of identification information that identifies the scenario information of the proxy avatar. Based on the avatar information in Figure 6, the information processing device 10 identifies the user's avatar and proxy avatar according to the user, and also identifies the scenario information of the proxy avatar.

[0036] The scenario information storage unit 66 of the memory unit 24 stores the scenario information described below, which is associated with the scenario ID. In addition, the scenario execution result information storage unit 68 of the memory unit 24 stores the scenario execution result information described below for the proxy avatar that has been mechanically operated according to the scenario information described below.

[0037] <Processing> Figure 7 is an illustrative diagram of an example of a virtual space. Figure 7 is an example of a virtual space 1000 represented in two dimensions. The virtual space 1000 may also be represented in three dimensions. Below, we will describe an example of the virtual space 1000 in Figure 7, in which user A, who operates user terminal 12A, and user B, who operates user terminal 12B, can participate using avatars. User B is an example of a third-party user.

[0038] For example, users A and B can participate in the virtual space 1000 in Figure 7 using their own avatars or proxy avatars. Users A and B who participate in the virtual space 1000 in Figure 7 using their own avatars can communicate by directly operating their own avatars. In addition, users A and B can have proxy avatars participate in the virtual space 1000 in Figure 7 if their own avatars are not participating, for example, because they are away from their desk or have left work.

[0039] Here, we will explain an example in which user A has a proxy avatar 1004 participating in the virtual space 1000 shown in Figure 7, and user B has their own avatar 1002 participating. The designs of the main avatar 1002 and proxy avatar 1004 in Figure 7 are just examples. For example, the design of proxy avatar 1004 may be different from or the same as user A's main avatar.

[0040] The user's avatar 1002 and proxy avatar 1004 can join virtual space 1000 by dropping their icons into virtual space 1000, by using menus, or by setting a time for them to join virtual space 1000.

[0041] User A's proxy avatar 1004 responds to requests from User B's real avatar 1002 according to the scenario information described below, enabling a wide variety of communication depending on the relationship between User A and User B. The relationship between User A and User B, based on User A, can be identified according to attribute information such as whether they are internal users, external users, users with the same or lower job titles, users with higher job titles, users in the same department, users in different departments, users who know each other, and users who do not know each other. Furthermore, the scenario information is an example of the processing that User A's proxy avatar 1004 is instructed to perform according to the attribute information of User B, a third party other than User A.

[0042] User A can, for example, have a proxy avatar 1004 participate in virtual space 1000 when away from their desk or outside of business hours, thereby creating an environment where they can respond to requests from User B even when they are unable to do so themselves.

[0043] User B can move their own avatar 1002, which is participating in the virtual space 1000, by operating user terminal 12B. User B, who wants to make a request to User A, moves their own avatar 1002 so that it approaches or touches User A's proxy avatar 1004, for example, as shown in Figure 8. Note that the operation of User B moving their own avatar 1002 closer to or touching User A's proxy avatar 1004 is just one example, and other operations may also be performed.

[0044] Figure 8 is an example diagram illustrating the overview of a proxy avatar. When User A's proxy avatar 1004 detects the approach or contact of User B's real avatar 1002, it performs different processes according to the relationship between User A and User B, for example, as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B).

[0045] Figure 8(A) shows an example where proxy avatar 1004 receives a message from user B, who is operating the real avatar 1002, according to the relationship between user A and user B. Figure 8(A) is an example where the relationship between user B and user A is selected when the user is an external user, and the message displayed in the proxy avatar 1004's speech bubble is intended for an external user.

[0046] Figure 8(B) shows an example where proxy avatar 1004 receives messages, schedules, information sharing, or document creation from user B, who is operating the original avatar 1002, according to the relationship between user A and user B. Figure 8(B) is an example where the relationship between user A and user B is selected when the user is an internal company employee, and the message displayed in the proxy avatar 1004's speech bubble is intended for internal company employees.

[0047] In this way, the proxy avatar 1004 of user A, which responds to requests from user B, can display different messages in its speech bubbles and process differently depending on the relationship between user A and user B. For example, the behavior of the proxy avatar 1004 of user A can be set to reproduce as closely as possible user A's usual behavior towards user B.

[0048] Furthermore, the details of the request received by User B from User B's proxy avatar 1004 will be transferred from User A's proxy avatar 1004 to User A after User A returns to virtual space 1000 with their own avatar, as described below.

[0049] Furthermore, the processes to be performed by user A's proxy avatar 1004 are pre-configured as scenario information. Scenario information is configured using the flowchart shown in Figure 9, for example. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for configuring scenario information. While this example describes user A configuring the scenario information for user A's proxy avatar 1004, an administrator or other person may also configure it.

[0050] In step S10, user A sets the attributes of the requester, such as user B, who will make a request to the proxy avatar 1004. The setting of the requester's attributes is performed by the scenario setting management unit 54, for example, in the procedure shown in Figure 10.

[0051] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the attributes of a requester. In the example in Figure 10, selecting the "Attribute Settings" button from the proxy avatar settings top screen interactively displays options for the requester's attributes. For example, in the example in Figure 10, the user is asked to select whether they are an internal employee or a guest (e.g., an external customer), thereby setting whether the requester is an internal user or an external user such as an external customer. Furthermore, in the example in Figure 10, if the requester is an internal user, the user is asked to further specify whether the requester is a colleague or a superior, or whether the requester is in the same department or another department. If the requester is an external user, in the example in Figure 10, the user is asked to further specify whether the requester is someone the user knows or someone the user does not know.

[0052] Note that Figure 10 is just one example, and the processing after prompting the user to select whether they are an internal employee or a guest (external customer) may be omitted. For example, if the processing after prompting the user to select whether they are an internal employee or a guest (external customer) is omitted, the user can be set to be either an internal user or an external user.

[0053] Returning to step S12 in Figure 9, user A sets the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004. The setting of the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004 is performed by the scenario setting management unit 54, for example, using the procedure shown in Figure 11.

[0054] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar. In the example in Figure 11, by selecting the "Processing Content Settings" button from the proxy avatar settings top screen, the options for the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004 are displayed interactively.

[0055] For example, in the example shown in Figure 11, the options for the process to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004 are displayed, and user A is allowed to select the setting item, the configurable execution content, the next action content, and other setting items, thereby setting the process to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004. In Figure 11, the configurable execution content "Tentative schedule reservation" may refer to an application or service that will perform the schedule registration operation on the proxy avatar 1004, either predetermined or set by user A. In addition, the other setting item "Notification method of execution results" in Figure 11 may be set to, for example, a method of notification by email, or a method in which the proxy avatar 1004 notifies user A when user A returns to the virtual space 1000 with their own avatar.

[0056] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of a proxy avatar that users are asked to configure. As shown in Figure 12, the configuration items, configurable execution content, and next action content options are set in correspondence with the processing options.

[0057] For each processing option, one or more items (reception details) to be provided to the requester are registered as options in the settings. For example, in Figure 12, the processing option "Message" has the settings items "Text Input Field" and "Recording Start Object" registered as options.

[0058] The configurable execution options are registered as choices for each setting item, allowing the proxy avatar 1004 to perform one or more actions. For example, in Figure 12, the configurable execution options registered are "Save text and notify the absent person" and "Save audio and notify the absent person."

[0059] The "Next Action" option registers the actions to be presented to user A when user A returns to virtual space 1000 with their avatar. Registering the "Next Action" option is not mandatory. For example, in Figure 12, no "Next Action" options are registered for the "Message" option. Also, Figure 12 shows an example where "Schedule Confirmation Request" and "Schedule Confirmation Request" are registered as options for the "Schedule" option. In addition to displaying a message, the "Next Action" option may also allow registration of links to the processing content (e.g., URLs, buttons, icons, or other objects).

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 11, "urgency," "recording / video recording in response to the request," and "notification method of execution results" are registered as options for other setting items. However, other setting items may be set as common items, for example, as shown in Figure 13.

[0061] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting common items to be executed by a proxy avatar. In the example in Figure 13, selecting the "Common Item Settings" button from the proxy avatar settings top screen interactively displays the options for common items to be executed by proxy avatar 1004.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 13, common items such as urgency, recording / video recording of the request, and method of notifying the execution result can be registered as options. For example, by selecting "recording / video recording of the request" as a common item, user A can record / video the situation when proxy avatar 1004 receives a request from user B.

[0063] By reviewing the audio and video recordings of the situation in which Avatar 1004 received a request from User B, User A can learn that the requester had companions (new employee, successor, supervisor, referred client, etc.), and become aware of the need for other actions not included in the next action plan. Note that recording and video recording of the request may not be a configurable item, but rather an item that is always performed.

[0064] Returning to step S14 in Figure 9, user A sets the display message for the proxy avatar 1004. The setting of the display message for the proxy avatar 1004 is performed by the scenario setting management unit 54, for example, using the procedure shown in Figure 14.

[0065] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display message settings. In the example in Figure 14, by selecting the "Display Message Settings" button from the proxy avatar settings top screen, the options for messages to be displayed in the speech bubbles, etc., of proxy avatar 1004 are displayed interactively.

[0066] For example, Figure 14 shows an example where the system accepts the settings of a display message to be shown when the request is initiated and when the request is completed. User A selects a display message to be shown when the request is initiated or completed, and sets the display message by creating it from an input field or selecting from a set of predefined text. In Figure 14, the system selects a display message to be shown when the request is initiated or completed, but it is also possible to set the display messages to be shown when the request is initiated and when the request is completed consecutively.

[0067] The proxy avatar settings top screens shown in Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14 are examples of selecting attribute settings, processing content settings, display message settings, or common item settings from the proxy avatar settings top screen, but are not limited to these examples.

[0068] For example, the "Attribute Settings" button may be omitted from the proxy avatar settings top screen. After user A selects the "Processing Content Settings" button or the "Display Message Settings" button, the attribute settings process shown in Figure 10 may be performed, followed by the processing content settings process in Figure 11 or the display message settings process in Figure 14. Alternatively, the scenario information set using the flowchart in Figure 9 may be restricted based on the client's attributes, limiting the selectable processing options, settings items, configurable execution content, and next action content. For example, the client attributes for whom scenario information can be set using the flowchart in Figure 9 may be limited to internal users. Furthermore, the scenario information that can be set using the flowchart in Figure 9 may be more restrictive for external clients than for internal clients.

[0069] The scenario information set according to the steps in the flowchart of Figure 9 is stored in the scenario information storage unit 66, for example, on a per-user basis for operating the proxy avatar. The scenario information can be defined according to the attributes of the requester, for example, as shown in Figures 15 to 18.

[0070] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of scenario information depending on whether the requester is an internal or external user. The scenario information in Figure 15 is defined according to whether the requester is an internal or external user. For example, if the requester is an internal user, the scenario information in Figure 15 is defined so that proxy avatar 1004 accepts requests for messages, schedules, information sharing, or document creation. Also, if the requester is an external user, the scenario information in Figure 15 is defined so that proxy avatar 1004 accepts requests for messages.

[0071] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of scenario information that takes into account not only whether the requester is an internal or external user, but also the job title of the internal user. The scenario information in Figure 16 is an example where the attributes of the requester are defined by "Attribute 1," which represents the requester's organization, and "Attribute 2," which represents the requester's job title. The scenario information in Figure 16 is defined by dividing the attributes of the requester into internal users with the same or lower job title as the user, internal users with a higher job title than the user, and external users. For example, the scenario information in Figure 16 is defined so that if the requester is an internal user with the same or lower job title as the user, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept the message or schedule request. Also, the scenario information in Figure 16 is defined so that if the requester is an internal user with a higher job title than the user, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept the message, schedule, information sharing, or document creation request. Furthermore, the scenario information in Figure 16 is defined so that if the requester is an external user, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept the message request.

[0072] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of scenario information that takes into account not only whether the requester is an internal or external user, but also the department of the internal user. The scenario information in Figure 17 is an example where the attributes of the requester are defined by "Attribute 1," which represents the requester's organization, and "Attribute 2," which represents the requester's department. The scenario information in Figure 17 is defined by dividing the attributes of the requester into internal users in the same department as the person, internal users in different departments, and external users. For example, the scenario information in Figure 17 is defined so that if the requester is an internal user in the same department as the person, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept requests for messages, schedules, information sharing, or document creation. Also, the scenario information in Figure 17 is defined so that if the requester is an internal user in a different department, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept requests for messages or schedules. Furthermore, the scenario information in Figure 17 is defined so that if the requester is an external user, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept requests for messages.

[0073] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of scenario information that takes into account not only whether the requester is an internal or external user, but also whether the external user is acquainted with the company. The scenario information in Figure 18 is an example in which the attributes of the requester are defined by "Attribute 1," which represents the requester's organization, and "Attribute 2," which represents whether the requester is acquainted with the company. The scenario information in Figure 18 is defined by separating the attributes of the requester into internal users, external users with whom the company is acquainted, and external users with whom the company is acquainted.

[0074] The scenario information in Figure 18 defines that if the requester is an internal user, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept requests for messages, schedules, information sharing, or document creation. Furthermore, the scenario information in Figure 18 defines that if the requester is an external user with whom the user has no prior acquaintance, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept requests for messages. Additionally, the scenario information in Figure 18 defines that if the requester is an external user with whom the user has a prior acquaintance, the proxy avatar 1004 will accept requests for messages or information sharing.

[0075] While there are various methods for determining whether or not someone is acquainted with another person, it can be done by referring to user information that includes details such as whether or not business cards have been exchanged, whether or not online meetings have taken place, whether or not offline meetings have taken place, and whether or not there is any private relationship between the two individuals.

[0076] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, by using the defined scenario information, the proxy avatar 1004 of this embodiment is able to communicate with a wide variety of content according to the attributes of the client.

[0077] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an example of the processing in a virtual space when a proxy avatar is invoked. Here, we will explain the example of virtual space 1000 in Figure 7. In step S30, the proxy avatar invocation unit 46 of the information processing device 10 performs the process of invoking user A's proxy avatar 1004 into virtual space 1000. User A's proxy avatar 1004 then enters the virtual space 1000.

[0078] In step S32, the proxy avatar control unit 48 of the information processing device 10 determines whether or not user B's real avatar 1002 has made contact (or approached within a predetermined range) with user A's proxy avatar 1004. If user B's real avatar 1002 has made contact (or approached within a predetermined range) with user A's proxy avatar 1004, the proxy avatar control unit 48 performs the process in step S34.

[0079] In step S34, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines the attributes of user B, who has made contact (or approached within a predetermined range) with user A's proxy avatar 1004 using user B's own avatar 1002, as follows. The attribute determination in step S34 is performed according to the definition of the scenario information shown in Figures 15 to 18, for example, as shown in Figures 20 to 23. Figures 20 to 23 are flowcharts of an example of the process for determining attributes.

[0080] For example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 15, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines the attributes of user B using the procedure shown in Figure 20. In step S50, the proxy avatar control unit 48 reads the user information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 and user B of the real avatar 1002 from the user information storage unit 60. The proxy avatar control unit 48 may also request an account from user B's real avatar 1002. User B's real avatar 1002, upon receiving the account request, may, for example, provide the proxy avatar control unit 48 with the account entered by user B.

[0081] In step S52, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies the domain of user A from the account of user A's user information read in step S50. The proxy avatar control unit 48 also identifies the domain of user B from the account of user B's user information read in step S50. The proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 with the domain of user B, the requester.

[0082] In step S54, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the domain of user B, the requester. If the domains are the same, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S56 and determines the requester's attribute to "Internal" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 15. If the domains are not the same, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S58 and determines the requester's attribute to "External" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 15.

[0083] For example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 16, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines the attributes of user B using the procedure shown in Figure 21. In step S70, the proxy avatar control unit 48 reads the user information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 and user B of the real avatar 1002 from the user information storage unit 60. The proxy avatar control unit 48 may also request an account from user B's real avatar 1002. User B's real avatar 1002, upon receiving the account request, may, for example, provide the proxy avatar control unit 48 with the account entered by user B.

[0084] In step S72, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies the domain of user A from the user information account of user A read in step S70. The proxy avatar control unit 48 also identifies the domain of user B from the user information account of user B read in step S70. The proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 with the domain of user B, the requester.

[0085] In step S74, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the domain of user B, the requester. If the domains are the same, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S78 and determines the requester's attribute to "Internal" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 16. If the domains are not the same, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S76 and determines the requester's attribute to "External" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 16.

[0086] Furthermore, after determining in step S78 that the client's attribute is "Internal" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 16, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to the process in step S80. In step S80, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies the job title of user A from the user information of user A read in step S70. The proxy avatar control unit 48 also identifies the job title of user B from the user information of user B read in step S70. The proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the job title of user A in the proxy avatar 1004 with the job title of user B, who is the client.

[0087] In step S82, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the job position of the requesting user B is higher than that of user A of the proxy avatar 1004. If the job position of the requesting user B is higher than that of user A of the proxy avatar 1004, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S84 and determines that the requesting user's attribute is "higher in job position than the original user," as shown in "Attribute 2" of the scenario information in Figure 16.

[0088] If the job title of the requesting user B is not higher than that of user A of the proxy avatar 1004, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S86 and determines that the requesting user's attribute is "the same or lower job title as the real person" as shown in "Attribute 2" of the scenario information in Figure 16.

[0089] For example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 17, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines the attributes of user B using the procedure shown in Figure 22. In step S90, the proxy avatar control unit 48 reads the user information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 and user B of the real avatar 1002 from the user information storage unit 60. The proxy avatar control unit 48 may also request an account from user B's real avatar 1002. User B's real avatar 1002, upon receiving the account request, may, for example, provide the proxy avatar control unit 48 with the account entered by user B.

[0090] In step S92, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies the domain of user A from the account information of user A read in step S90. The proxy avatar control unit 48 also identifies the domain of user B from the account information of user B read in step S90. The proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 with the domain of user B, the requester.

[0091] In step S94, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the domain of user B, the requester. If the domains are the same, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S98 and determines the requester's attribute to "Internal" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 17. If the domains are not the same, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S96 and determines the requester's attribute to "External" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 17.

[0092] Furthermore, after determining in step S98 that the client's attribute is "Internal" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 17, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to the process in step S100. In step S100, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies the department of user A from the user information of user A read in step S90. The proxy avatar control unit 48 also identifies the department of user B from the user information of user B read in step S90. The proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the department of user A in the proxy avatar 1004 with the department of user B, who is the client.

[0093] In step S102, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the department of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the department of user B, the requester. If the department of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the department of user B, the process proceeds to step S104, where the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines that the requester's attribute is "same department as the person" as shown in "Attribute 2" of the scenario information in Figure 17.

[0094] If the department of user A of proxy avatar 1004 is not the same as the department of user B, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S106 and determines that the requester's attribute is "different department" as shown in "Attribute 2" of the scenario information in Figure 17.

[0095] For example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 18, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines the attributes of user B using the procedure shown in Figure 23. In step S110, the proxy avatar control unit 48 reads the user information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 and user B of the real avatar 1002 from the user information storage unit 60. The proxy avatar control unit 48 may also request an account from user B's real avatar 1002. User B's real avatar 1002, upon receiving the account request, may, for example, provide the proxy avatar control unit 48 with the account entered by user B.

[0096] In step S112, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies the domain of user A from the user information account of user A read in step S110. The proxy avatar control unit 48 also identifies the domain of user B from the user information account of user B read in step S110. The proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 with the domain of user B, the requester.

[0097] In step S114, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the domain of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the domain of user B, the requester. If they are not the same domain, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S118 and determines the requester's attribute to be "external" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 18. If they are the same domain, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S116 and determines the requester's attribute to be "internal" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 18. After determining the requester's attribute to be "external" as shown in "Attribute 1" of the scenario information in Figure 18 in step S118, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S120.

[0098] In step S120, the proxy avatar control unit 48 refers to the customer information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004. The customer information refers to, for example, a customer information management destination that user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is permitted to access. In step S122, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether or not the requester's information is included in the customer information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 that was referred to in step S120.

[0099] In step S122, if the proxy avatar control unit 48 finds the client's information in the customer information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 referenced in step S120, it proceeds to the process in step S124 and determines that the client's attribute is "acquainted" as shown in "Attribute 2" of the scenario information in Figure 18.

[0100] If the customer information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 referenced in step S120 does not contain the client's information, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S126 and determines the client's attribute to "No prior acquaintance" as shown in "Attribute 2" of the scenario information in Figure 18.

[0101] Returning to Figure 19, in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies a scenario corresponding to the client's attributes. In the case of the scenario information in Figure 15, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies different scenarios depending on whether the client's attributes, determined in step S34, are "internal" or "external."

[0102] Furthermore, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 16, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies different scenarios depending on whether the client's attributes determined in step S34 are "external," "internal" and "same or lower position as the person," or "internal" and "higher position than the person."

[0103] Furthermore, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 17, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies different scenarios depending on whether the client's attributes determined in step S34 are "outside the company," "inside the company" and "in the same department as the person," or "inside the company" and "in a different department."

[0104] Furthermore, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 18, the proxy avatar control unit 48 identifies different scenarios depending on whether the client's attributes determined in step S34 are "internal," "external" and "unknown," or "external" and "known."

[0105] In step S38, the proxy avatar control unit 48 causes the proxy avatar 1004 to perform the following processing based on the scenario identified in step S36.

[0106] For example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 15, if a scenario with the attribute "internal" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 executes processing according to the procedure shown in Figure 24. Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram of an example of proxy avatar processing based on the identified scenario. Based on the scenario identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept requests such as messages, schedules, information sharing, document creation, and deadline / urgent requests, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. Furthermore, when the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing displayed on the processing selection screen, it executes processing according to the accepted processing, for example, as shown in Figure 24.

[0107] For example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 15, if a scenario with the attribute "external" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 executes processing according to the procedure shown in Figure 25. Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram of an example of proxy avatar processing based on the identified scenario. Based on the scenario identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen where it can accept, for example, a message request, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. Furthermore, when the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing displayed on the processing selection screen, it executes processing according to the accepted processing, for example, as shown in Figure 25.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 16, the proxy avatar control unit 48 executes processing according to the procedure shown in Figure 26. Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram of an example of proxy avatar processing based on the identified scenario.

[0109] If a scenario with the attribute "external" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept, for example, a message request, based on the identified scenario, and accepts a processing selection from the requester. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives a processing selection from the requester on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0110] If a scenario with the attribute combination "internal" and "higher in rank than the person" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept requests for, for example, messages, schedules, information sharing, and document creation, based on the identified scenario, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. Once the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing from the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0111] If a scenario is identified in step S36 where the attributes are "internal" and "same or lower job title as the person," the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept requests such as messages and schedules based on the identified scenario, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. Once the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing displayed on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 17, the proxy avatar control unit 48 executes processing according to the procedure shown in Figure 27. Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram of an example of proxy avatar processing based on the identified scenario.

[0113] If a scenario with the attribute "external" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept, for example, a message request, based on the identified scenario, and accepts a processing selection from the requester. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives a processing selection from the requester on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0114] If a scenario with the attribute combination "internal" and "same department as the person" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept requests for, for example, messages, schedules, information sharing, and document creation, based on the identified scenario, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing displayed on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0115] If a scenario with the attribute combination "internal" and "another department" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept requests such as messages and schedules based on the identified scenario, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing displayed on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the scenario information in Figure 18, the proxy avatar control unit 48 executes processing according to the procedure shown in Figure 28. Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram of an example of proxy avatar processing based on the identified scenario.

[0117] If a scenario with the attribute "internal" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen based on the identified scenario, allowing it to accept requests for things like messages, schedules, information sharing, and document creation, and accepts the requester's selection of a processing task. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of a processing task from the processing selection screen, it executes the processing task according to the accepted task.

[0118] If a scenario with the attributes "external" and "acquainted" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept requests such as messages and schedules based on the identified scenario, and accepts the requester's selection of processing. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives the requester's selection of processing displayed on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0119] If a scenario with the attribute combination "internal" and "no prior acquaintance" is identified in step S36, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays a processing selection screen that can accept, for example, a message request, based on the identified scenario, and accepts a processing selection from the requester. When the proxy avatar control unit 48 receives a processing selection from the requester on the processing selection screen, it executes the processing according to the accepted processing.

[0120] Returning to Figure 19, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines in step S40 whether the request from the client to the proxy avatar 1004 has been completed. The proxy avatar control unit 48 repeats the process in step S38 until it determines that the request from the client to the proxy avatar 1004 has been completed.

[0121] If the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines that the request from the client to the proxy avatar 1004 has been completed, it returns to the process in step S32. In step S32, if there is no contact (or approach within a predetermined range) of user B's real avatar 1002 with user A's proxy avatar 1004, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to the process in step S42.

[0122] In step S42, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the proxy avatar 1004 has left the virtual space 1000. If the proxy avatar 1004 has not left the virtual space 1000, the proxy avatar control unit 48 returns to the process in step S32. If the proxy avatar 1004 has left the virtual space 1000, the proxy avatar control unit 48 terminates the process shown in Figure 19.

[0123] The proxy avatar control unit 48 performs the processing shown in Figure 29, for example, when the real avatar of user A, who had left the virtual space 1000, returns to the virtual space 1000. Figure 29 is a flowchart of an example of the processing when the real avatar returns to the virtual space.

[0124] In step S200, the proxy avatar control unit 48 obtains scenario execution result information from the scenario execution result information storage unit 68. The scenario execution result information obtained in step S200 is information about the execution processes that user A's proxy avatar 1004 processed according to the scenario while user A's real avatar was away from the virtual space 1000.

[0125] In step S202, the proxy avatar control unit 48 displays, for example, the scenario execution result screen 2000 shown in Figure 30 on the user terminal 12A, according to the scenario execution result information obtained in step S200.

[0126] Figure 30 is an illustrative image of an example of a scenario execution results screen. The scenario execution results screen 2000 displays information about the execution processes that User A's proxy avatar 1004 processed according to the scenario, for example, as an agent task table. The agent task table displays requests received by User A's proxy avatar 1004 from clients as tasks. For each request (task) received from a client, the agent task table includes information such as the time of receipt, the client, the item, the status, the urgency, and the next action.

[0127] The reception time represents the time when user A's proxy avatar 1004 received the request from the requester. The requester is an example of information that identifies the user who made the request to user A's proxy avatar 1004. The items represent the items of the request from the requester (e.g., message, schedule, information sharing, document creation).

[0128] The "Status" field indicates the status of the request from the client (e.g., completed, not yet addressed, instructions given). The "Urgency" field indicates the importance of the request from the client. The "Next Action" field indicates the action that user A needs to take in response to the request from the client.

[0129] Furthermore, the scenario execution results screen 2000 may include buttons to sort the tasks in the agent task table, which is sorted by reception time, by priority, by urgency, and by requester. The scenario execution results screen 2000 may also display the agent task table using tabs (for example, by requester).

[0130] Furthermore, the scenario execution results screen 2000 displays a details button 2002, an action button 2004, and a play button 2006 for each task in the agent task table. The details button 2002 accepts a request from user A to display detailed task information. The action button 2004 accepts a request from user A to execute the action content indicated in the next action, and launches an application or the like corresponding to the content of the action. The play button 2006 accepts a request from the requester to play back the audio or video recording of the situation in which the request was received. Figure 30 shows an example of the scenario execution results screen 2000 with a play button 2006 for each task, but a single play button that plays multiple tasks in the agent task table consecutively may also be provided.

[0131] According to the scenario execution result screen 2000 in Figure 30, user A, who had left virtual space 1000 by having a proxy avatar 1004 participate in virtual space 1000, can efficiently handle tasks received by the requester through the proxy avatar 1004 after returning their own avatar to virtual space 1000.

[0132] Note that the scenario execution result screen 2000 in Figure 30 is just an example; the agent task table could be sent to user A's email address and provided to user A, or it could be displayed to user A in the virtual space 1000 via a pop-up or similar method.

[0133] Returning to Figure 29, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines in step S204 whether the details button 2002 on the scenario execution result screen 2000 was pressed. If it determines that the details button 2002 was pressed, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to the process in step S206. After displaying the details of the task corresponding to the pressed details button 2002, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds from step S206 to step S216.

[0134] If the details button 2002 is not pressed, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines in step S208 whether or not the action button 2004 on the scenario execution result screen 2000 was pressed. If it determines that the action button 2004 was pressed, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to the process in step S210. After the proxy avatar control unit 48 accepts the execution of the action content indicated in the next action of the task corresponding to the pressed action button 2004, it proceeds from step S210 to step S216.

[0135] If the action button 2004 is not pressed, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines in step S212 whether the play button 2006 on the scenario execution result screen 2000 has been pressed. If it determines that the play button 2006 has been pressed, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to the process in step S214. The proxy avatar control unit 48 plays back the audio / video recording of the situation in which the task corresponding to the pressed play button 2006 was received from the client, and proceeds from step S214 to step S216.

[0136] In step S216, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the display of the scenario execution result screen 2000 has finished. If the display of the scenario execution result screen 2000 has not finished, the proxy avatar control unit 48 returns to the process in step S204. If the display of the scenario execution result screen 2000 has finished, the proxy avatar control unit 48 terminates the process shown in Figure 29.

[0137] According to the first embodiment, the proxy avatar 1004 can be configured to respond in accordance with the relationship between user A, who has placed a proxy avatar 1004 in the virtual space 1000, and user B, who has made a request to user A's proxy avatar 1004. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a virtual space 1000 capable of handling a wide variety of communication content can be provided.

[0138] [Second Embodiment] The first embodiment is an example in which user B, a third party other than user A, makes a request to user A's proxy avatar 1004. The second embodiment is an example in which user A makes a request to user A's proxy avatar 1004.

[0139] For example, when user A leaves the virtual space 1000, they may request their proxy avatar 1004 to perform tasks such as information gathering. Furthermore, even when user A's own avatar is participating in the virtual space 1000, user A may also request information gathering and other tasks in parallel. Note that if both user A's own avatar and virtual avatar 1004 are participating in the virtual space 1000, the user avatar control unit 44 does not necessarily have to display both user A's own avatar and virtual avatar 1004 in the virtual space 1000 displayed by user terminals 12 other than user A. For example, if user A, participating in the virtual space 1000 with their own avatar, wants to concentrate on their work, the user avatar control unit 44 may hide user A's own avatar and display user A's proxy avatar 1004 in the virtual space 1000 displayed by user terminals 12 other than user A.

[0140] In the second embodiment, user A also sets the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004, for example, as shown in Figure 31. The setting of the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004 is controlled by the scenario setting management unit 54.

[0141] Figure 31 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar. In the example in Figure 31, by selecting the "Processing Content Settings" button from the proxy avatar settings top screen, the options for the processing content to be executed by the proxy avatar 1004 are displayed interactively.

[0142] For example, in the example shown in Figure 31, the options for processing to be performed by the proxy avatar 1004, including information collection, are displayed, and user A is allowed to select the information collection settings, the configurable execution content, and the next action content, thereby setting the processing content to be performed by the proxy avatar 1004.

[0143] For example, in the second embodiment, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the user is the real person or someone other than the real person using the procedure shown in Figure 32. In step S220, the proxy avatar control unit 48 reads the user information of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 and the user information of the requester who made the request to the proxy avatar 1004 from the user information storage unit 60.

[0144] In step S222, the proxy avatar control unit 48 compares the user information account of user A read in step S220 with the user information account of the requester who made the request to the proxy avatar 1004.

[0145] In step S224, the proxy avatar control unit 48 determines whether the account of user A of the proxy avatar 1004 is the same as the account of the requester who made the request to the proxy avatar 1004. If they are the same account, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S226 and determines the requester's attribute to be "the principal". If they are not the same account, the proxy avatar control unit 48 proceeds to step S228 and determines the requester's attribute to be "someone other than the principal".

[0146] As described above, according to the second embodiment, user A, who has placed a proxy avatar 1004 in the virtual space 1000, can make requests to their proxy avatar 1004. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a virtual space 1000 capable of handling a wide variety of communication content can be provided.

[0147] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0148] The apparatus described in the examples represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments, and the components in these embodiments include those readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, substantially identical components, and so-called equivalent components. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components are possible without departing from the spirit of these embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0149] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 12, 12A, 12B User Terminals 14 User information provision device 18 Network 20 Communications Department 22 Processing Units 24 Memory section 40 Virtual Space Control Unit 46 Proxy avatar calling unit 48 Proxy Avatar Control Unit 50 Personal avatar settings management department 52 Surrogate avatar setting management section 54 Scenario Setting Management Department 1000 virtual spaces 1002 The person's avatar 1004 Proxy Avatar 2000 Scenario Execution Results Screen [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0150] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3627521

Claims

1. An information processing device that processes a virtual space in which a user participates with an avatar representing the user, A proxy avatar summoning means that summons a proxy avatar to act on behalf of the aforementioned avatar and allows it to participate in the virtual space, When a request is received from a third-party user to the proxy avatar, the proxy avatar control means executes the processing for the request based on the processing information to be performed by the proxy avatar, which is set according to the attribute information of the third-party user. An information processing device having

2. The proxy avatar control means provides the user terminal of the proxy avatar user with data for displaying a screen that associates the content of the request received by the proxy avatar while the original avatar is not participating in the virtual space with the content of the actions that the user of the proxy avatar needs to perform. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The proxy avatar control means records the circumstances when it receives a request from the third-party user to the proxy avatar, and accepts an operation from the screen to play back the record. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The information regarding the processing to be performed by the proxy avatar is set through a screen that allows the user to interactively select the items of processing to be performed by the proxy avatar in accordance with the attribute information of the third-party user, in the order in which the proxy avatar will perform the processing. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The information to be performed by the proxy avatar includes display content corresponding to the attribute information of the third-party user, and the system accepts settings for the display content corresponding to the attribute information of the third-party user from a screen that allows the user to input arbitrary text or select from predefined texts. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The attribute information of the third-party user includes information about the organization to which the third-party user belongs, information about their position within the organization, or information about their department within the organization. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The proxy avatar control means identifies the attribute information of the third-party user based on information about their position within the organization or information about their department within the organization, when the user of the proxy avatar and the third-party user have the same domain information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The proxy avatar control means identifies the attribute information of the third-party user based on the customer information of the third-party user when the user of the proxy avatar and the third-party user have different domain information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The proxy avatar calling means allows the proxy avatar to participate in the virtual space according to the user's actions to allow the proxy avatar to participate in the virtual space, the user's actions to allow the original avatar to leave the virtual space, or the set time for the proxy avatar to participate in the virtual space. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An information processing device that processes a virtual space in which a user participates with an avatar representing the user, A proxy avatar summoning means that summons a proxy avatar to act on behalf of the aforementioned avatar and allows it to participate in the virtual space, When a request is received for the proxy avatar, if the attribute information of the user who made the request indicates the user of the proxy avatar, the proxy avatar control means executes the processing for the request based on the processing information to be performed by the proxy avatar, which is set according to the attribute information of the user of the proxy avatar. An information processing device having

11. When the aforementioned principal avatar and the aforementioned proxy avatar are participating in the virtual space, the principal avatar of the proxy avatar user is displayed in the virtual space displayed on the user terminal of the proxy avatar user, and the principal avatar of the proxy avatar user is hidden in the virtual space displayed on the user terminal of a third-party user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising the above.

12. An information processing system comprising an information processing device that processes a virtual space in which a user participates with an avatar representing the user, and a user terminal operated by the user, which are connected in a manner that allows communication between them, The aforementioned information processing device is A proxy avatar summoning means that summons a proxy avatar to act on behalf of the aforementioned avatar and allows it to participate in the virtual space, When a request is received from a third-party user to the proxy avatar, the proxy avatar control means executes the processing for the request based on the processing information to be performed by the proxy avatar, which is set according to the attribute information of the third-party user. It has, The aforementioned user terminal is Display control means for displaying the virtual space in which the aforementioned avatar and the aforementioned proxy avatar participate on a display device, An operation receiving means for receiving operations from the user on the user's avatar and the proxy avatar, An information processing system having [a certain feature].

13. An information processing device that processes a virtual space in which a user participates with an avatar representing the user, A procedure for calling a proxy avatar to act on behalf of the aforementioned person's avatar and to allow it to participate in the virtual space. A proxy avatar control procedure that, upon receiving a request from a third-party user to the proxy avatar, executes the processing for the request based on the processing information to be performed by the proxy avatar, which is set according to the attribute information of the third-party user. A program to execute.

14. An information processing method for an information processing device that processes a virtual space in which a user participates with an avatar representing the user, A proxy avatar summoning step involves summoning a proxy avatar to act on behalf of the aforementioned avatar and allowing it to participate in the virtual space. When a request is received from a third-party user to the proxy avatar, the proxy avatar control step executes the processing for the request based on the processing information to be performed by the proxy avatar, which is set according to the attribute information of the third-party user. An information processing method having

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