Information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To allow interaction through dialogue between users via a mobile medium to be appropriately performed, in virtual reality.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a space drawing processing unit that draws a virtual space, a medium drawing processing unit that draws a plurality of mobile media that can move within the virtual space and that are associated with a plurality of users, and a dialogue processing unit that enables dialogue between the plurality of users via a communication network and through each of the plurality of mobile media, based on input from each of the plurality of users. The dialog processing unit determines users who can dialog with each other among the plurality of users based on the respective positions of the plurality of mobile media in the virtual space or the relationship between the plurality of mobile media.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology is known in which multiple areas (each area being a collection of multiple locations) are set within a virtual space, and a user who does not meet the entry criteria is denied access to the area that the user desires to access, even if the area is presented to the user as an adjacent area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-529792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With the conventional techniques described above, it is difficult for users to appropriately engage in conversational interaction in virtual reality.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to enable appropriate interaction between users through dialogue via a mobile medium in virtual reality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a space rendering processor that renders a virtual space; a medium rendering processing unit that renders a first moving medium associated with a first user in the virtual space; an activity limiting unit that limits an activity of the first moving medium related to content provided according to a content providing position in the virtual space based on status information that represents a status related to the activity, An information processing system is provided in which the activity restriction unit permits the first mobile medium to receive the content at the content provision location or permits the first mobile medium to move to the content provision location when the first user satisfies the content provision conditions. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, it becomes possible to appropriately facilitate interactive interaction between users via a moving medium in virtual reality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a virtual reality generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] An explanatory diagram of an example of virtual reality that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system. [Figure 2B] An explanatory diagram of another example of virtual reality that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system. [Figure 2C] An explanatory diagram of yet another example of virtual reality that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an image of a user avatar located in a virtual space. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of a server device related to a user assistance function; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device (a recipient terminal device) related to a user assistance function. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in a user database. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of data in an avatar database. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of data in a content information storage unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in a space state storage unit. [Figure 10] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of an operation related to a user assistance function. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in one scene. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in another scene. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of a virtual space section for providing contents at a certain point in time. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in yet another scene. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in yet another scene. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in yet another scene. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in yet another scene. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen in yet another scene. [Figure 19] An explanatory diagram of yet another example of virtual reality that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Overview of the Virtual Reality Generation System) An overview of a virtual reality generation system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the virtual reality generation system 1 according to this embodiment. The virtual reality generation system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are shown in Fig. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

[0011] The server device 10 is an information processing system such as a server managed by an operator that provides one or more virtual realities. The terminal device 20 is an information processing system used by a user such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a head-mounted display, or a game device. A plurality of terminal devices 20 can be connected to the server device 10 via the network 3, typically in a different manner for each user.

[0012] The terminal device 20 is capable of executing a virtual reality application according to this embodiment. The virtual reality application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be stored in advance in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicatively connected via the network 3. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to virtual reality.

[0013] The network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired network, or any combination of these.

[0014] Here, an overview of the virtual reality according to the present embodiment will be described. The virtual reality according to the present embodiment is a virtual reality for any reality, such as education, travel, role-playing, simulation, entertainment such as games and concerts, and a virtual reality medium such as an avatar is used in conjunction with the execution of the virtual reality. For example, the virtual reality according to the present embodiment is realized by a three-dimensional virtual space, various virtual reality media appearing in the virtual space, and various contents provided in the virtual space.

[0015] The virtual reality medium is electronic data used in virtual reality, and includes any medium, such as cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-virtual reality currency), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. The virtual reality medium may also be virtual reality-related information, such as level information, status information, parameter information (stamina value and attack power, etc.), or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). The virtual reality medium is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, or donated by a user in virtual reality, but the manner of use of the virtual reality medium is not limited to those explicitly described in this specification.

[0016] In this embodiment, the users include general users (an example of a first user) who act in the virtual space via a user avatar m1 (an example of a first moving medium) described later, and staff users (an example of a second user) who act in the virtual space via a staff avatar m2 (an example of a second moving medium) described later. General users are users who are not involved in the operation of the virtual reality generation system 1, and staff users are users who are involved in the operation of the virtual reality generation system 1. Staff users have a role (agent function) of supporting general users within the virtual reality. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the term "user" refers to both general users and staff users.

[0017] The users may further include guest users. The guest users may be artists, influencers, etc. who operate guest avatars that function as content (content provided by the server device 10) described later. Note that some of the staff users may be guest users, and the attributes of each user may not be clear.

[0018] The types and number of contents (contents provided in virtual reality) provided by the server device 10 are arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, as an example, the contents provided by the server device 10 may include digital contents such as various types of video. The video may be real-time video or non-real-time video. The video may be video based on a real image or video based on CG (Computer Graphics). The video may be video for providing information. In this case, the video may be related to an information providing service in a specific genre (information providing service related to travel, housing, food, fashion, health, beauty, etc.), a broadcasting service by a specific user (for example, Youtube (registered trademark)), etc.

[0019] In the present embodiment, as an example, the content provided by the server device 10 may include guidance, advice, etc. from staff users, which will be described later. For example, content provided in virtual reality related to dance lessons may include guidance, advice, etc. from a dance teacher. In this case, the dance teacher becomes a staff user, and the students become general users, and the students can receive individual guidance from the teacher in the virtual reality.

[0020] In another embodiment, the content provided by the server device 10 may be various performances, talk shows, meetings, gatherings, etc., by one or more staff users or guest users via their respective staff avatars m2 and guest avatars.

[0021] The manner in which content is provided in virtual reality is arbitrary, and for example, when the content is a video, the content may be provided by drawing the video on a display of a display device (virtual reality medium) in the virtual space. The display device in the virtual space may be in any form, and may be a screen installed in the virtual space, a large screen display installed in the virtual space, a display of a mobile terminal in the virtual space, or the like.

[0022] (Server device configuration) The configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is composed of a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers working together. For example, the server device 10 may be realized by a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, and the like working together. The server device 10 may also include a Web server. In this case, some of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by a browser processing an HTML document received from the Web server and various programs (Javascript) associated therewith.

[0023] The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

[0024] The server communication unit 11 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmitting and receiving information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3.

[0025] The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs necessary for various processes related to virtual reality. For example, the server storage unit 12 stores a virtual reality application.

[0026] The server storage unit 12 also stores data for rendering virtual spaces, such as images of indoor spaces such as buildings and outdoor spaces. Note that multiple types of data for rendering virtual spaces may be prepared for each virtual space and used separately.

[0027] The server storage unit 12 also stores various images (texture images) to be projected (texture mapping) onto various objects placed in the three-dimensional virtual space.

[0028] For example, the server storage unit 12 stores drawing information of a user avatar m1 as a virtual reality medium associated with each user. The user avatar m1 is drawn in the virtual space based on the drawing information of the user avatar m1.

[0029] The server storage unit 12 also stores drawing information of a staff avatar m2 as a virtual reality medium associated with each staff user. The staff avatar m2 is drawn in the virtual space based on the drawing information of the staff avatar m2.

[0030] The server storage unit 12 also stores drawing information related to various objects different from the user avatar m1 and the staff avatar m2, such as buildings, walls, trees, NPCs (Non Player Characters), etc. Various objects in the virtual space are drawn based on the drawing information.

[0031] Hereinafter, an object corresponding to any virtual reality medium (e.g., a building, a wall, a tree, or an NPC, etc.) different from the user avatar m1 or the staff avatar m2 and drawn in the virtual space will also be referred to as a second object m3. In this embodiment, the second object may include an object fixed in the virtual space, an object movable in the virtual space, etc. Furthermore, the second object may include an object that is always placed in the virtual space, an object that is placed only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, etc.

[0032] The server control unit 13 may include a dedicated microprocessor or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that realizes a specific function by reading a specific program, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. For example, the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to execute a virtual reality application in response to a user operation on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20. The server control unit 13 also executes various processes related to virtual reality.

[0033] For example, the server control unit 13 draws the user avatar m1, staff avatar m2, etc. together with the virtual space (image) and displays them on the display unit 23. In addition, the server control unit 13 moves the user avatar m1 and staff avatar m2 within the virtual space in response to a predetermined user operation. Specific details of the processing by the server control unit 13 will be described later.

[0034] (Terminal Device Configuration) The following describes the configuration of the terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

[0035] The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmitting and receiving information. The terminal communication unit 21 may include a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module that supports mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), a fifth generation mobile communication system, and UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). The terminal communication unit 21 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3.

[0036] The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used in the processing of virtual reality received from the server device 10. The information and programs used in the processing of virtual reality may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a virtual reality application program may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program may also be simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-mentioned information about the user and information about the virtual reality media of other users may be acquired from the server device 10.

[0037] The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 is capable of displaying a variety of images. The display unit 23 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects a variety of user operations. The display unit 23 may be in the form of a head-mounted display.

[0038] The input unit 24 includes an input interface including a touch panel that is provided integrally with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 can accept user input to the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may include physical keys, or may further include any input interface including a pointing device such as a mouse. The input unit 24 may also be capable of accepting non-contact user input such as voice input or gesture input. For gesture input, a sensor for detecting the user's body movement (such as an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, a dedicated motion capture device that integrates sensor technology and a camera, or a controller such as a joypad) may be used.

[0039] The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20.

[0040] The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used for various processes related to virtual reality from at least one of the server device 10 and another external server. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may store a browser (Internet browser) for connecting to a Web server.

[0041] The terminal control unit 25 starts a virtual reality application in response to a user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute various processes related to virtual reality. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display an image of a virtual space. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for detecting a user operation may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation on the screen via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect a user's tap operation, a long tap operation, a flick operation, a swipe operation, and the like. A tap operation is an operation in which a user touches the display unit 23 with a finger and then releases the finger. The terminal control unit 25 transmits operation information to the server device 10.

[0042] (Virtual reality example) The server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to display an image of the virtual space on the display unit 23, and updates the image of the virtual space in response to the progress of the virtual reality and the user's operations. In this embodiment, the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to render objects placed in the three-dimensional virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space.

[0043] The drawing process described below is realized by the server control unit 13, but in other embodiments, a part or all of the drawing process described below may be realized by the server control unit 13. For example, in the following description, at least a part of the image of the virtual space displayed on the terminal device 20 may be a web display displayed on the terminal device 20 based on data generated by the server device 10, and at least a part of the screen may be a native display displayed by a native application installed on the terminal device 20.

[0044] 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams of some examples of virtual reality that can be generated by the virtual reality generation system 1.

[0045] FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of virtual reality related to travel, and is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space in a plan view. In this case, a position SP1 for viewing the entrance tutorial content and a position SP2 near the gate are set in the virtual space. FIG. 2A shows a user avatar m1 associated with two different users. FIG. 2A (similarly applies to FIG. 2B and subsequent figures) also shows a staff avatar m2.

[0046] The two users decide to go on a trip together in virtual reality, and enter the virtual space through their respective user avatars m1. Then, the two users view the contents of the entrance tutorial at position SP1 through their respective user avatars m1 (see arrow R1), reach position SP2 (see arrow R2), and then pass through the gate (see arrow R3) and board the airplane (second object m3). The contents of the entrance tutorial may include an entrance method and precautions for using the virtual space. Then, the airplane takes off and arrives at the desired destination (see arrow R4). During this time, the two users can experience the virtual reality through the display unit 23 of each of the terminal devices 20. For example, FIG. 3 shows an image G300 of the user avatar m1 located in the virtual space related to the desired destination. Such an image G300 may be displayed on the terminal device 20 of the user related to the user avatar m1. In this case, the user can move around the virtual space via the user avatar m1 (given the user name "fuj") and do sightseeing or the like.

[0047] FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of virtual reality related to education, and is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space in a plan view. In this case, a position SP1 for viewing the entrance tutorial content and a position SP2 near the gate are set in the virtual space. FIG. 2B shows user avatars m1 associated with two different users.

[0048] The two users decide to receive a specific education together in virtual reality, and enter the virtual space through their respective user avatars m1. Then, the two users view the contents of the entrance tutorial at position SP1 through their respective user avatars m1 (see arrow R11), reach position SP2 (see arrow R12), and then pass through a gate (see arrow R13) to reach the first position SP11. At the first position SP11, the specific first content is provided. Next, the two users reach the second position SP12 (see arrow R14) through their respective user avatars m1, and are provided with the specific second content, and then reach the third position SP13 (see arrow R15), and are provided with the specific third content, and so on. The learning effect of the specific second content is higher when it is provided after the specific first content is provided, and the learning effect of the specific third content is higher when it is provided after the specific second content is provided, and so on.

[0049] For example, if the education is related to a certain 3D modeling software, the first content may include an installation link image of the software, the second content may include an installation link video of an add-on, the third content may include a video for initial settings, and the fourth content may include a video for basic operations. In addition, when multiple users are in the same room, the same video content may be played at the same time (the playback time code is sent to both client sides). Also, it is possible to have different video seek states for each user without synchronous playback. Each user can send a face image in real time using a camera connected to the terminal. Also, it is possible to display the desktop of one's computer or distribute the screen of another application to each other (it is possible to help each other learn the app by arranging them side by side).

[0050] In the example shown in Fig. 2B, each user (e.g., a student) moves from the first position SP11 to the eighth position SP18 in order via the user avatar m1, and is provided with various contents in order, thereby receiving a specific education in a manner that provides a high learning effect. Alternatively, the various contents may be tasks such as quizzes, in which case, in the example shown in Fig. 2B, a game such as a backgammon or an escape game can be provided.

[0051] FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram of virtual reality related to a lesson, and is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space in a plan view. In this case, a position SP1 for viewing the entrance tutorial content and a position SP2 near the gate are set in the virtual space. FIG. 2C shows user avatars m1 associated with two different users.

[0052] Two users decide to take a particular lesson together in virtual reality and enter the virtual space via their respective user avatars m1. Then, the two users view the contents of the entrance tutorial at position SP1 via their respective user avatars m1 (see arrow R21), reach position SP2 (see arrow R22), and then pass through a gate (see arrow R23) to reach position SP20. Position SP20 corresponds to each position in a free space, for example, in an area surrounded by a circular peripheral wall W2, excluding positions SP21, SP22, SP23, etc. corresponding to each stage. When the users reach the first position SP21 corresponding to the first stage via their respective user avatars m1 (see arrow R24), they are provided with the first content for the lesson at the first position SP21. Similarly, when the user reaches a second position SP22 corresponding to the second stage (see arrow R25) via each user avatar m1, the user can be provided with second content for the lesson at the second position SP22, and when the user reaches a third position SP23 corresponding to the third stage (see arrow R26), the user can be provided with third content for the lesson at the third position SP23.

[0053] For example, if the lesson is a golf lesson, the first content for the lesson may be a video for explaining how to improve the user's swing, the second content for the lesson may be a demonstration of a sample swing by a staff user who is a professional golfer, and the third content for the lesson may be advice by the staff user who is a professional golfer on the demonstration of the user's swing. The demonstration of the sample swing by the staff user is realized by the staff avatar m2, and the demonstration of the user's swing is realized by the user avatar m1. For example, when the staff user actually performs a swing movement, the movement is reflected directly in the movement of the staff avatar m2 based on the data of the movement (for example, gesture input data). The advice by the staff user may be realized by chat or the like. In this way, each user can receive various lessons from a teacher (in this case, a professional golfer) in virtual reality, for example, at home, together with a friend, at a sufficient and necessary progress and depth.

[0054] In this manner, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 2A to 2C, in virtual reality, when a user reaches each content providing position via the user avatar m1, the user can receive each piece of content associated with each content providing position at the timing and viewing format required by each user.

[0055] However, in virtual reality, unlike the real world, the virtual space can be designed relatively freely. For example, a virtual space can be designed in which a user can receive a plurality of contents while moving between positions in the virtual reality. Unlike the real world, such a virtual space can shorten the moving distance between positions, and the user can move between positions efficiently via the user avatar m1, which is highly convenient for the user. For example, in the real world, due to various constraints, it is difficult to place a test venue next to a concert venue that produces a large volume of music, but it is possible in virtual reality.

[0056] Therefore, in a virtual space where multiple contents can be provided while moving between different locations, it is possible to realize a variety of innovations, such as enhancing the learning effect of multiple contents or providing multiple contents in a game-like manner, all with relatively few constraints.

[0057] However, in a virtual space where a user can receive a plurality of contents while moving between positions, it is useful to appropriately regulate the order in which the plurality of contents are received in order to enhance the user's experience (e.g., learning, etc.) through the plurality of contents. For example, in an educational program, in order to gradually improve the level of a program, general users who can view applied learning contents may be limited to only those who have viewed basic learning contents.

[0058] On the other hand, restricting movement between multiple locations may impair user convenience. For example, if a user cannot move to a certain content providing location because certain provision conditions are not met, and does not understand why the movement cannot be realized, the user may give up and leave the virtual space. On the other hand, if a tutorial viewing area for explaining certain provision conditions or a second object or link such as various notices is attached in the virtual space to prevent a large number of such users from occurring, the virtual space may become cluttered, and convenience may be impaired.

[0059] Furthermore, if the things that can be realized in a virtual space become more diverse, or if the structure within the virtual space (such as the layout of each location where multiple contents are provided) becomes more complex, the appeal of the virtual space can be increased, but the rules tend to become more complex. In this case, users may have a hard time getting used to the rules, or may become frustrated when something goes wrong and cannot solve the problem.

[0060] In this regard, it is expected that by posting tutorials on rules, etc. within the virtual space, users will be able to move around the virtual space more smoothly to a certain extent. However, as the number of tutorials increases with the diversification of what can be achieved in virtual space, there is a risk that this will actually reduce convenience.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the virtual reality generation system 1 has a support function that provides various types of support to general users who need advice, etc., via a staff avatar m2 while appropriately regulating the order in which the multiple contents are provided, from the viewpoint of enhancing the user's experience (e.g., learning, etc.) through multiple contents. Details of the support function through the staff avatar m2 (staff user) (hereinafter also referred to as the "user support function") will be described below.

[0062] In the following, the server device 10 related to the user assistance function realizes an example of an information processing system, but as described later, each element (see the terminal communication unit 21 to the terminal control unit 25 in FIG. 1) of a specific terminal device 20 may realize an example of an information processing system, or a plurality of terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing system. Also, the server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing system.

[0063] (Details of user assistance features) FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram of the server device 10 related to the user assistance function. FIG. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram of the terminal device 20 (the transferee terminal device 20) related to the user assistance function. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of data in the user database 140. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of data in the avatar database 142. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of data in the content information storage unit 144. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of data in the space state storage unit 146. In FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, "***" indicates a state in which some information is stored, "-" indicates a state in which no information is stored, and "..." indicates a similar repetition.

[0064] 4, the server device 10 includes a user database 140, an avatar database 142, a content information storage unit 144, a space state storage unit 146, a space drawing processing unit 150, a user avatar processing unit 152, a staff avatar processing unit 154, a position / orientation information identification unit 156, an assistance target detection unit 157, a terminal image generation unit 158, a content processing unit 159, a dialogue processing unit 160, an activity restriction unit 162, a condition processing unit 164, an extraction processing unit 166, a role assignment unit 167, a space information generation unit 168, and a parameter update unit 170. Note that some or all of the functions of the server device 10 described below may be appropriately realized by the terminal device 20. Also, the division of the user database 140 to the space state storage unit 146 and the division of the space drawing processing unit 150 to the parameter update unit 170 are for convenience of explanation, and some functional units may realize the functions of other functional units. For example, each function of the spatial rendering processing unit 150, the user avatar processing unit 152, the terminal image generation unit 158, the position / orientation information identification unit 156, the content processing unit 159, the dialogue processing unit 160, and the spatial information generation unit 168 may be realized by the terminal device 20. Also, for example, a part or all of the data in the user database 140 may be integrated with the data in the avatar database 142, or may be stored in a separate database.

[0065] Note that the user database 140 to the spatial state storage unit 146 can be realized by the server storage unit 12 shown in Fig. 1, and the spatial rendering processing unit 150 to the parameter update unit 170 can be realized by the server control unit 13 shown in Fig. 1. Also, a part of the spatial rendering processing unit 150 to the parameter update unit 170 (functional units that communicate with the terminal device 20) can be realized by the server communication unit 11 together with the server control unit 13 shown in Fig. 1.

[0066] User information is stored in the user database 140. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the user information includes user information 600 relating to general users and staff information 602 relating to staff users.

[0067] In the user information 600, each user ID is associated with a user name, authentication information, a user avatar ID, position / orientation information, purchase item information, and the like. The user name is a name registered by the general user himself / herself, and is arbitrary. The authentication information is information for indicating that the general user is a legitimate general user, and may include, for example, a password, an email address, a date of birth, a password, biometric information, and the like. The user avatar ID is an ID for identifying the user avatar. The position / orientation information includes position information and orientation information of the user avatar m1. The orientation information may be information representing the facial orientation of the user avatar m1. Note that the position / orientation information, and the like, may dynamically change in response to an operation input from a general user. In addition to the position / orientation information, information representing the movement of the limbs, etc. of the user avatar m1, facial expressions (e.g., mouth movement), the orientation and gaze direction of the face and head (e.g., eyeball direction), and information representing an object indicating the orientation and coordinates in space, such as a laser pointer, may be included. The purchased item information may be information indicating products or services purchased by general users from among the products or services sold in the virtual space.

[0068] In the staff information 602, each staff ID is associated with a staff name, authentication information, a staff avatar ID, position / direction information, staff points, etc. The staff name is a name registered by the staff user himself / herself and is arbitrary. The authentication information is information for indicating that the staff user is a legitimate staff user, and may include, for example, a password, an email address, a date of birth, a password, biometric information, etc. The staff avatar ID is an ID for identifying the staff avatar. The position / direction information includes position information and direction information of the staff avatar m2. The direction information may be information representing the direction of the face of the staff avatar m2. Note that the position / direction information, etc., is information that may change dynamically in response to an operation input from the staff user. In addition to the position / direction information, information representing the movement of the limbs, etc. of the staff avatar m2, facial expressions (e.g., mouth movement), the direction and line of sight of the face and head (e.g., eye direction), and information representing an object indicating a direction or coordinate in space, such as a laser pointer, may be included.

[0069] The staff point may be a parameter that increases each time the role of a staff avatar in virtual reality (a job as a staff member) is fulfilled. In other words, the staff point may be a parameter that indicates the degree of work of a staff user in virtual reality. For example, the staff point for one staff user may be increased each time the one staff user assists a general user in virtual reality via the corresponding staff avatar m2. Alternatively, the staff point for one staff user may be increased according to the time during which the one staff user is in a state in which he or she is able to assist a general user in virtual reality (i.e., in an operating state) via the corresponding staff avatar m2.

[0070] The staff information 602 preferably further includes authority information granted to the staff user. The authority information indicates authority related to the role granted to the staff avatar m2 who supports the user avatar m1 active in the virtual space. There may be multiple types of authority, and in the example shown in FIG. 6, there are three types of authority: normal authority, operation authority, and supervision authority. In a modified example, there may be only one type of authority, in which case the authority information may not be necessary.

[0071] The normal authority is the authority given to a normal staff user, and may be, for example, the authority to perform various actions for supporting the user avatar m1 active in the virtual space.

[0072] The operation authority is, for example, an authority given to a senior staff user who has more experience than a normal staff user, or a dedicated staff user who has undergone a specific training program, and may be, for example, an authority to perform various operations related to the content provided in the virtual space. For example, in the case where various effects (such as the appearance of a predetermined second object m3 at an appropriate timing, an acoustic effect, etc.) are realized using a script or the like in the content provided in the virtual space, the operation authority may be an authority to perform various operations for the effects. Alternatively, in the case where sales of goods or services are executed in the virtual space, the operation authority may be an authority to perform various operations of a cash register (second object m3) related to the sales of goods or services.

[0073] The supervision authority is, for example, an authority given to a supervising staff user who is higher than a senior staff user, and may be, for example, an authority to manage all staff users in the virtual space, such as managing (for example, changing the authority, etc.) all staff users who have been given the above-mentioned normal authority and operation authority. Staff users with supervision authority may include, for example, users who are so-called game masters. Note that the supervision authority may include authority to place various second objects m3 in the virtual space, authority to select the content to be provided, authority to handle complaints from general users, and the like. Note that a staff user with supervision authority may also have other authorities (normal authority and operation authority) as well.

[0074] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the staff user marked with "○" is granted the relevant authority. In this case, the staff user associated with staff ID "SU01" is granted only normal authority, and the staff user associated with staff ID "SU02" is granted normal authority and operation authority.

[0075] Avatar information on a user avatar m1 and a staff avatar m2 is stored in the avatar database 142. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the avatar information includes user avatar information 700 related to general users and staff avatar information 702 related to staff users.

[0076] In the user avatar information 700, a face, a hairstyle, clothes, etc. are associated with each user avatar ID. The information related to the appearance, such as the face, hairstyle, clothes, etc., is a parameter that characterizes the user avatar, and is set by a general user. For example, the information related to the appearance, such as the face, hairstyle, clothes, etc., of the avatar may be assigned an ID for each type. In addition, for the face, a part ID is prepared for each type, such as the face shape, eyes, mouth, nose, etc., and the information related to the face may be managed as a combination of IDs of each part constituting the face. In this case, the information related to the appearance, such as the face, hairstyle, clothes, etc., can function as avatar drawing information. That is, it becomes possible to draw each user avatar m1 not only on the server device 10 but also on the terminal device 20 side based on each ID related to the appearance linked to each user avatar ID.

[0077] In the staff avatar information 702, a face, hairstyle, clothes, etc. are associated with each staff avatar ID. Appearance-related information such as face, hairstyle, clothes, etc. is a parameter that characterizes a staff avatar, and is set by a staff user. Appearance-related information such as face, hairstyle, etc. may be managed as a combination of IDs of each part, as in the case of the user avatar information 700, and can function as avatar drawing information. Note that the staff avatar m2 may have a common feature that makes it easy to distinguish it from the user avatar m1. For example, each staff avatar m2 may be easily distinguished from the user avatar m1 by wearing a common outfit (uniform).

[0078] In this manner, in the present embodiment, basically, one user ID is associated with one general user, and one user ID is associated with a user avatar ID. Therefore, a state in which certain information is associated with one general user, a state in which the information is associated with the one user ID, and a state in which the information is associated with the user avatar ID associated with the one user ID are synonymous with each other. This also applies to staff users. Therefore, for example, unlike the example shown in FIG. 6, the position / orientation information of the user avatar m1 may be stored in association with the user avatar ID related to the user avatar m1, and similarly, the position / orientation information of the staff avatar m2 may be stored in association with the staff avatar ID related to the staff avatar m2. In the following, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that a general user and a user avatar m1 associated with the general user have a mutually interchangeable relationship.

[0079] Various information related to specific content that can be provided in the virtual space is stored in the content information storage unit 144. For example, for each specific content, the content providing position, which is the providing position, the content, and the like are stored.

[0080] In the example shown in FIG. 8, each content ID is associated with a content providing location (indicated as "providing location" in FIG. 8), content details (indicated as "details" in FIG. 8), and the like.

[0081] The content providing position is a position in the virtual space, and includes a position where a general user can receive content via the content processing unit 159. That is, the content providing position includes a position where a specific content can be received. The content providing position may be defined by the coordinate value of a single point, but typically may be defined by a plurality of coordinate values ​​forming a grouped area or space portion. The content providing position may be a position on a plane or a position in space (i.e., a position represented by a three-dimensional coordinate system including a height direction). Note that a unit of specific content associated with one content providing position is one specific content (one unit of specific content). Therefore, for example, even if two types of videos can be viewed at one content providing position, the two types of videos as a whole are one specific content.

[0082] The content providing position may typically be set according to the attribute of the corresponding specific content. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2A, the content providing position is a position in the virtual space that can be entered through each gate. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the content providing position is each of the first position SP11 to the eighth position SP18 in the virtual space that can be entered through each gate. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 2C, the content providing position is each of the positions SP21, SP22, and SP23 in the virtual space that can be entered through each gate. The content providing position may be specified by a specific URL (Uniform Resource Locator). In this case, a general user or the like can move a user avatar m1 or the like to the content providing position by accessing the specific URL. In this case, a general user can access the specific URL and receive the provision of specific content on the browser of the terminal device 20.

[0083] The content details may include information such as the content name, summary, and creator.

[0084] The content information storage unit 144 may further store information indicating conditions (hereinafter also referred to as "content provision conditions") that must be satisfied in order to receive the provision of each specific content at each content provision location. The content provision conditions may be set for each content ID. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the content provision conditions are preferably set in a virtual space in which a plurality of specific contents that are meaningful as a whole can be sequentially received via a series of content provision locations. The content provision conditions are arbitrary and may be set appropriately by the management side depending on the characteristics of the specific content to be provided. In addition, the content provision conditions may be set / changeable by a staff user having the above-mentioned overall authority.

[0085] For example, the content provision condition related to a certain content provision location may include receiving provision of specific content at one or more other specific content provision locations. In this case, the order in which a series of specific contents are provided can be regulated (controlled), so that the experiential effect of a general user by receiving the provision of a series of specific contents (e.g., educational learning effect) can be efficiently improved. Furthermore, the content provision condition related to a certain content provision location may be receiving provision of specific content at one or more other specific content provision locations and clearing a task set at the one or more other specific content provision locations. In this case, the task set at the one or more other specific content provision locations may be a task related to the specific content provided at the one or more other specific content provision locations. For example, in the case of content for learning, a task for confirming the effect (e.g., a percentage of correct answers to a simple test or quiz) may be set.

[0086] The content provision condition may be set in two or more types. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, only the normal condition is set for the content ID "CT01", and the normal condition and the relaxed condition are set for the content ID "CT02". In this case, either the normal condition or the relaxed condition is selectively applied to a specific content corresponding to the content ID "CT02". The relaxed condition is a condition that is easier to satisfy than the normal condition. For example, in the normal condition, the task needs to be completed within a predetermined time ΔT1, whereas in the relaxed condition, the task only needs to be completed within a predetermined time ΔT2 that is significantly longer than the predetermined time ΔT1. Alternatively, in the relaxed condition, the difficulty of the task to be completed is lower than that in the normal condition. Note that the content ID to which two or more types of content provision conditions are assigned may be set / changeable by a staff user having the above-mentioned general authority.

[0087] In the following, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that N content providing positions (N specific contents) are set in one virtual space, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 3. The N specific contents that can be provided at the N content providing positions are the contents that can be provided in the order from 1st to Nth. Therefore, it is assumed that a general user cannot receive the N-1th specific content until he or she has received all the specific contents up to the N-2th.

[0088] Space state information in the virtual space is stored in the space state storage unit 146. The space state information represents a state related to each activity of the user avatar m1 in the virtual space, a state related to each activity (activity related to a role) of the staff avatar m2, and the like.

[0089] The spatial state information in the virtual space includes spatial state information on the state within a portion of the space related to a content providing position, and may further include spatial state information on the state within a portion of the space related to a predetermined support position.

[0090] The content provision positions are as described above. The predetermined support positions are positions in the virtual space other than the content provision positions, and are positions where assistance from a staff user to a general user is likely to be required. For example, the predetermined support positions may include the vicinity of an entrance to a content provision position. For example, in the examples shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the predetermined support positions are positions SP1, SP2, position SP20 (see Figure 2C), etc.

[0091] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, spatial state information means spatial state information regarding the state within the spatial portion related to the content provision position. In addition, in the following, the spatial portion related to each content provision position in the virtual space is defined as each room, and can be described by a URL for general users. Users who access the same room are managed as a session linked to the same room. An avatar entering a spatial portion related to a room may be expressed as entering the room. Note that there is a limit to the number of users who can access one room simultaneously from the perspective of processing power, but a process of duplicating rooms with the same design and distributing the load may be performed. Note that the entirety of the rooms connected together is also called a world.

[0092] 9, the spatial state information is managed for each content providing position (room) and for the entire virtual space (world). Specifically, the spatial state information includes user state information 900 relating to general users, staff state information 902 relating to staff users, and virtual space information 904 relating to the virtual space. Although the user state information 900 and staff state information 902 show spatial state information relating to a certain content providing position, the same may be true for spatial state information relating to a specific support position unless otherwise specified.

[0093] User status information 900 is set for each content providing location (room), and the user status information 900 shown in Fig. 9 relates to one content providing location. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2B, staff status information 902 is set for each of the first location SP11 to the eighth location SP18. Similarly, in the example shown in Fig. 2C, staff status information 902 is set for each of the locations SP21, SP22, and SP23.

[0094] In the user state information 900, the entering user is associated with a user name, position / orientation information, time spent in the room, whether the content provision condition has been relaxed, information on whether the next room moving condition has been met, and the like. The entering user is a general user associated with the user avatar m1 located at the content provision position, and the information on the entering user may be any information that can identify the general user (such as a user ID or a user avatar ID). The user name is a user name based on the above-mentioned user information. Since the user name is information associated with the entering user, it may be omitted from the user state information 900. The position / orientation information is the position / orientation information of the user avatar m1. Since the entering user is a general user associated with the user avatar m1 located at the content provision position, the position information of the user avatar m1 corresponds to the content provision position (if defined by multiple coordinate values, one of the multiple coordinate values). In other words, if the position information of a user avatar m1 does not correspond to the content provision position, the general user related to that user avatar m1 is excluded from the entering users. The position information of the user avatar m1 is particularly useful when a content provision position is defined by multiple coordinate values ​​(i.e., when a relatively wide area or entire space portion is the content provision position). In this case, the position information can indicate where the avatar is located in the relatively wide space portion.

[0095] The room stay time corresponds to the stay time at the content providing location, and may be used for determining the next room movement condition, etc.

[0096] The presence or absence of relaxation of the content provision conditions is information indicating which of the normal conditions and the relaxed conditions of the content provision conditions in the content information storage unit 144 described above with reference to FIG. 8 is applied. Which of the normal conditions and the relaxed conditions is applied may be automatically set according to a predetermined rule, or may be relaxed by the condition processing unit 164 described later. For example, when a general user is relatively young (e.g., an elementary school student, etc.) or when a general user stays in a room for a relatively long time, a relaxed condition may be automatically set initially for the general user. In addition, a condition related to the room stay time may be removed as a relaxed condition for a specific general user. For example, an event timer that can be set for each general user may not be set or may be ignored for a specific general user.

[0097] The success / failure information of the next room movement condition indicates whether the entering user satisfies the condition (next room movement condition) that should be satisfied when moving to the next content provision position. The next room movement condition may be set arbitrarily based on the above-mentioned content provision condition. In this embodiment, the next room movement condition is the same as the content provision condition set at the content provision position related to the next room. Therefore, for one general user (entering user), when the content provision condition set at the content provision position related to the next room is satisfied, the next room movement condition is satisfied. Note that the success / failure information of the next room movement condition for a specified support position may also indicate whether the condition (next room movement condition) that should be satisfied when moving to the next content provision position (e.g., the first content provision position) is satisfied.

[0098] The next room moving condition is applied to general users (user avatar m1) and is not applied to staff users (staff avatar m2). Therefore, the staff avatar m2 can, in principle, move freely between rooms.

[0099] Staff status information 902 may be set for each virtual space, or for each room related to a group of content provision positions (hereinafter, also referred to as "virtual space portion for content provision"). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2B, staff status information 902 relates to each entire space portion (virtual space portion for content provision) related to each of the first position SP11 to the eighth position SP18. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 2C, staff status information 902 relates to each entire space portion (virtual space portion for content provision) related to each of the positions SP21, SP22, and SP23.

[0100] The staff status information 902 associates the staff name and position / direction information with the working staff. The working staff is a staff user related to the staff avatar m2 located at the content providing position, and the information of the working staff may be any information that can identify the staff user (such as a staff ID or a staff avatar ID).

[0101] The virtual space information 904 may be set for each virtual space, or for each virtual space section for providing content, similarly to the staff status information 902. Specifically, when a plurality of independent virtual space sections for providing content are prepared, the virtual space information 904 may be set for each of the independent virtual space sections for providing content. In addition, when the virtual reality generation system 1 simultaneously handles the virtual space shown in FIG. 2B and the virtual space shown in FIG. 2C, the virtual space information 904 for the virtual space shown in FIG. 2B and the virtual space information 904 for the virtual space shown in FIG. 2C may be set, respectively.

[0102] In the virtual space information 904, a user name, position information, time spent in the space, past usage history, etc. are associated with the in-space user. Note that the user name is as described above and may be omitted.

[0103] The in-space user is a general user associated with a user avatar m1 that is located at any one of the content provision positions in the virtual space section for providing content, and may be generated based on the information of the entered user in the user state information 900.

[0104] The position information is information indicating which content providing position (room) in the virtual space for providing content the user is located, and may be coarser information than the position / orientation information of the user state information 900 .

[0105] The space dwell time is a time accumulated while the user is located in the virtual space section for providing content, and may be generated based on the room dwell time of the user presence information 900. The space dwell time may be used for determining the next room moving conditions, etc., similar to the room dwell time of the user presence information 900. Furthermore, the space dwell time may be used for creating a certificate or the like that indicates the results of activities in the virtual space, similar to the room dwell time of the user presence information 900.

[0106] The past usage history is a past usage history related to the virtual space section for providing content. The past usage history may include information indicating a progress state, such as a date and time, and a content provision position to which the user has progressed in the virtual space section for providing content. As described below, the past usage history may be used when assigning a role related to a staff user to a general user. Alternatively, the past usage history may be used to enable a general user who may re-enter after an interruption or the like to continue from where he or she left off last time.

[0107] The space rendering processing unit 150 renders the virtual space based on the rendering information of the virtual space. The rendering information of the virtual space is generated in advance, but may be updated later or dynamically. Each position in the virtual space may be defined by a spatial coordinate system. The method of rendering the virtual space is arbitrary, and may be realized, for example, by mapping a field object or a background object onto an appropriate plane or curved surface.

[0108] The user avatar processing unit 152 executes various processes related to the user avatar m1. The user avatar processing unit 152 includes an operation input acquisition unit 1521 and a user action processing unit 1522.

[0109] The operation input acquisition unit 1521 acquires operation input information by a general user. Note that the operation input information by a general user is generated via the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20 described above.

[0110] The user movement processing unit 1522 determines the position and orientation of the user avatar m1 in the virtual space based on the operation input information acquired by the operation input acquisition unit 1521. The position / orientation information of the user avatar m1 indicating the position and orientation determined by the user movement processing unit 1522 may be stored in association with, for example, a user ID (see user information 600 in FIG. 6). Furthermore, the user movement processing unit 1522 may determine various movements of the hands, face, and the like of the user avatar m1 based on the operation input information. In this case, the information on such movements may also be stored together with the position / orientation information of the user avatar m1.

[0111] In this embodiment, the user movement processing unit 1522 moves each of the user avatars m1 in the virtual space under the restriction by the activity restriction unit 162, which will be described later. That is, the user movement processing unit 1522 determines the position of the user avatar m1 under the restriction by the activity restriction unit 162, which will be described later. Therefore, for example, when the movement of one user avatar m1 to one content providing position is restricted by the activity restriction unit 162, the user movement processing unit 1522 determines the position of the one user avatar m1 in such a manner that the movement of the one user avatar m1 to the one content providing position is not realized.

[0112] Furthermore, the user operation processing unit 1522 moves each of the user avatars m1 in the virtual space according to a predetermined law corresponding to the physical law in the real space. For example, when there is a second object m3 corresponding to a wall in the real space, the user avatar m1 may not be able to pass through the wall. Furthermore, the user avatar m1 receives a gravitational force corresponding to gravity from a field object, and may not be able to float in the air for a long time unless the user avatar m1 is wearing a special tool (for example, a tool that generates lift).

[0113] Here, as described above, the function of the user movement processing unit 1522 can be realized by the terminal device 20 instead of the server device 10. For example, movement in the virtual space may be realized in a manner in which acceleration and collisions, etc. are expressed. In this case, each user can jump and move the user avatar m1 by pointing (indicating) a position, but the determination regarding restrictions on walls and movement may be realized by the terminal control unit 25 (user movement processing unit 1522). In this case, the terminal control unit 25 (user movement processing unit 1522) performs a determination process based on restriction information provided in advance. In this case, the position information may be shared with other users as needed via the server device 10 by real-time communication based on WebSocket, etc.

[0114] The staff avatar processing unit 154 executes various processes related to the staff avatar m2. The staff avatar processing unit 154 includes an operation input acquisition unit 1541, a staff action processing unit 1542, and an auxiliary information providing unit 1544 (an example of an information providing unit).

[0115] The operation input acquisition unit 1541 acquires operation input information by a staff user. Note that the operation input information by a staff user is generated via the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20 described above.

[0116] The staff movement processing unit 1542 determines the position and orientation of the staff avatar m2 in the virtual space based on the operation input information acquired by the operation input acquisition unit 1541. The position / orientation information of the staff avatar m2 indicating the position and orientation determined by the staff movement processing unit 1542 may be stored, for example, in association with the staff ID (see staff information 602 in FIG. 6). Furthermore, the staff movement processing unit 1542 may determine various movements of the hands, face, and the like of the staff avatar m2 based on the operation input information. In this case, the information on such movements may also be stored together with the position / orientation information of the staff avatar m2.

[0117] In this embodiment, unlike the above-described user motion processing unit 1522, the staff motion processing unit 1542 moves each staff avatar m2 in the virtual space without following a predetermined law corresponding to the physical law in the real space. For example, even when there is a second object m3 corresponding to a wall in the real space, the staff avatar m2 may be able to pass through the wall. Also, the staff avatar m2 may be able to float in the air for a long time without wearing a special device (for example, a device that generates lift). Alternatively, the staff avatar m2 may be capable of so-called teleportation (warp), giantization, etc.

[0118] Furthermore, the staff avatar m2 may be able to realize movements that the user avatar m1 cannot. For example, unlike the user avatar m1, the staff avatar m2 may be able to move a second object m3 corresponding to a very heavy object (e.g., a bronze statue or a building). Alternatively, unlike the user avatar m1, the staff avatar m2 may be able to transfer / exchange a predetermined item. Alternatively, unlike the user avatar m1, the staff avatar m2 may be able to move to a special space portion in the virtual space for holding a meeting or the like (e.g., a space portion corresponding to a staff room). Alternatively, unlike the user avatar m1, the staff avatar m2 may be able to wear a special item (e.g., a uniform or an armband).

[0119] Furthermore, the staff movement processing unit 1542 may vary the degree of freedom of movement (motion) of the staff avatar m2 based on the authority information granted to the staff user. For example, the staff movement processing unit 1542 may grant the highest degree of freedom to the staff avatar m2 related to a staff user having overall authority, and grant the next highest degree of freedom to the staff avatar m2 related to a staff user having operation authority.

[0120] The auxiliary information providing unit 1544 provides the general user with the predetermined information in response to the predetermined input by the staff user. The predetermined information may be any information that may be useful to the general user, and may include, for example, advice / tips for satisfying the next room moving condition, or information for resolving the general user's dissatisfaction or anxiety. When the predetermined information is diverse, the predetermined input from the staff user may include an input that specifies the type of predetermined information to be provided. The predetermined information may be output in any manner via the terminal device 20 of the general user. For example, the predetermined information may be output by audio, video, or the like via the terminal device 20. When the provision of the predetermined information is realized by a dialogue between the general user and the staff user, the provision of the predetermined information is realized by the second dialogue processing unit 1602 described later.

[0121] In this embodiment, the predetermined information is auxiliary information that can realize various kinds of assistance for general users. The auxiliary information providing unit 1544 provides the auxiliary information to some or each of the general users via the staff avatar m2 based on the user state information 900 (see FIG. 9) associated with each of the general users.

[0122] In this manner, in this embodiment, the staff user can provide various types of auxiliary information to the general user via the staff avatar m2 by performing various predetermined inputs using the auxiliary information providing unit 1544.

[0123] For example, the staff user provides auxiliary information including advice / tips for satisfying the next room moving conditions to a general user who does not satisfy the next room moving conditions. For example, the staff user may explain the next room moving conditions to a general user associated with user avatar m1 who cannot pass through the entrance to the next content providing position, or may advise the general user to satisfy the next room moving conditions. Alternatively, if the general user cannot pass through the entrance to the next content providing position without clearing a task, the staff user may provide hints for clearing the task.

[0124] The auxiliary information may also be a practical exercise or a sample based on the movement of the staff user. For example, if a task related to a particular content involves a particular body movement, the staff user may demonstrate the particular body movement to the general user through the staff avatar m2 in a practical exercise or the like. Alternatively, as in the example shown in FIG. 2C (as well as the example shown in FIG. 19 described later), if it is useful to receive the provision of particular content in a predetermined order, the staff user may advise the user to proceed in the predetermined order.

[0125] In this embodiment, the auxiliary information providing unit 1544 may vary the ability of the staff user to provide auxiliary information based on the authority information given to the staff user. For example, the auxiliary information providing unit 1544 may give a staff user with overall authority the authority to provide auxiliary information to all general users, and a staff user with operation authority the authority to provide auxiliary information only to general users of the user avatar m1 located in a specific space portion. In addition, the auxiliary information providing unit 1544 may give a staff user with normal authority the authority to provide only standard auxiliary information prepared in advance, or may give an authority to provide only auxiliary information to navigate the user avatar m1 to a predetermined guide position or the like so that the staff user with overall authority or operation authority can obtain auxiliary information from the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user.

[0126] The position / orientation information determination unit 156 determines the position information of the user avatar m1 and the position information of the staff avatar m2. The position / orientation information determination unit 156 may determine the position information of each of the user avatar m1 and the staff avatar m2 based on information from the above-mentioned user movement processing unit 1522 and staff movement processing unit 1542.

[0127] The assistance target detection unit 157 detects a user avatar m1 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "assistance target user avatar m1") related to a general user who is likely to need assistance information from among the user avatars m1 active in the virtual space. In this embodiment, the assistance target detection unit 157 may detect the assistance target user avatar m1 based on data in the space state storage unit 146. For example, the assistance target detection unit 157 may detect the assistance target user avatar m1 based on a user avatar m1 that stays in a room for a relatively long time, a user avatar m1 that moves little, a user avatar m1 that moves in a way that suggests hesitation, etc. Also, when assistance information is needed and there is a signal from the user avatar m1, such as raising a hand, the assistance target detection unit 157 may detect the assistance target user avatar m1 based on such a signal.

[0128] The user avatar m1 to be assisted can also be output (detected) by inputting data in the spatial state storage unit 146 using artificial intelligence. In the case of artificial intelligence, this can be realized by implementing a convolutional neural network obtained by machine learning. In machine learning, for example, the weights of the convolutional neural network are learned using the data (performance data) in the spatial state storage unit 146 so as to minimize the error related to the detection result of the user avatar m1 to be assisted (i.e., the error in which the user avatar m1 that does not actually require auxiliary information is detected as the user avatar m1 to be assisted).

[0129] When the assistance target detection unit 157 detects the user avatar m1 of the assistance target, the assistance target detection unit 157 may output an instruction to the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​(described later) so that the user avatar m1 of the assistance target is drawn in a predetermined drawing mode.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the assistance target detection unit 157 detects the assistance target user avatar m1, it may generate additional information such as the necessity (urgency) of providing assistance information, attributes of the required assistance information, etc. For example, the additional information may include information indicating whether assistance information via a dialogue by the second dialogue processing unit 1602 described later is necessary or whether one-way provision of assistance information is sufficient.

[0131] In addition, the assistance target detection unit 157 may detect a user avatar m1 that has generated an assistance request in response to a direct assistance request from a general user (an assistance request from the assistance request unit 250 described later) as a user avatar m1 to be assisted.

[0132] The terminal image generation unit 158 ​​renders each virtual reality medium (e.g., a user avatar m1 and a staff avatar m2) that can move within the virtual space. Specifically, the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​generates an image to be displayed on the terminal device 20 for each user based on the avatar rendering information (see FIG. 7) and the position / orientation information of each user avatar m1 and the position / orientation information of the staff avatar m2, etc.

[0133] For example, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​generates, for each user avatar m1, an image (hereinafter, also referred to as a "terminal image for a general user" when distinguishing from a terminal image for a staff user described later) to be displayed on the terminal device 20 of the general user associated with the user avatar m1, based on the position / orientation information of the user avatar m1. Specifically, based on the position / orientation information of the user avatar m1, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​generates an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual camera at a position and orientation corresponding to the position / orientation information (an image cutting out a part of the virtual space) as a terminal image. In this case, when the position and orientation of the virtual camera are matched to the position and orientation corresponding to the position / orientation information, the field of view of the virtual camera substantially matches the field of view of the user avatar m1. However, in this case, the user avatar m1 is not reflected in the field of view from the virtual camera. Therefore, when a terminal image in which the user avatar m1 is reflected is generated, the position of the virtual camera may be set behind the user avatar m1. Alternatively, the position of the virtual camera may be arbitrarily adjustable by the corresponding general user. When generating such a terminal image, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​may execute various processes (e.g., a process of bending a field object, etc.) to create a sense of depth. When generating a terminal image showing the user avatar m1, the user avatar m1 may be drawn in a relatively simple form (e.g., in the form of a two-dimensional sprite) to reduce the load of the drawing process.

[0134] Similarly, the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​generates, for each staff avatar m2, an image to be displayed on the terminal device 20 related to the staff user associated with the staff avatar m2, based on the position / orientation information of the staff avatar m2 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "terminal image for staff user" when distinguishing it from the terminal image for general users described above).

[0135] When another user avatar m1 or a staff avatar m2 is located within the field of view of the virtual camera, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​generates a terminal image including the other user avatar m1 or the staff avatar m2. However, in this case, in order to reduce the load of the drawing process, the other user avatar m1 or the staff avatar m2 may be drawn in a relatively simple manner (for example, in the form of a two-dimensional sprite).

[0136] The terminal image generating unit 158 ​​may also realize a process for making the speaking state easier to understand by reproducing the movement of the speaker's mouth or emphasizing the size of the speaker's head, etc. Such a process may be realized in cooperation with the dialogue processing unit 160, which will be described later.

[0137] Here, as described above, the function of the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​can be realized by the terminal device 20 instead of the server device 10. In this case, for example, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​receives from the server device 10 the position / orientation information generated by the staff avatar processing unit 154 of the server device 10, information for identifying the avatar to be drawn (e.g., a user avatar ID or a staff avatar ID), and avatar drawing information (see FIG. 7) related to the avatar to be drawn, and draws an image of each avatar based on the received information. In this case, the terminal device 20 may store part information for drawing each part of the avatar in the terminal storage unit 22, and draw the appearance of each avatar based on the part information and the avatar drawing information to be drawn (ID of each part) acquired from the server device 10.

[0138] The terminal image generating unit 158 ​​preferably draws the terminal image for the general user and the terminal image for the staff user in different modes. In this case, even if the position / orientation information of the user avatar m1 and the position / orientation information of the staff avatar m2 are completely consistent, the terminal image for the general user and the terminal image for the staff user are drawn in different modes. For example, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​may superimpose information that is useful for the role of the staff user and is usually invisible (for example, information on the success or failure of the next room movement condition) on the terminal image for the staff user. In addition, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​may draw the user avatar m1 that satisfies the next room movement condition and the user avatar m1 that does not in different modes in the terminal image for the staff user based on the success or failure information of the next room movement condition (see FIG. 9). In this case, the staff user can easily distinguish between the user avatar m1 that can move to the next room and the user avatar m1 that cannot. As a result, the staff user can efficiently provide auxiliary information to the general user associated with the user avatar m1 who is not able to move to the next room.

[0139] Furthermore, when generating a terminal image for a staff user, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​may vary the disclosure range of information that is normally invisible based on the authority information granted to the staff user. For example, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​may grant the widest disclosure range to the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user who has the supervision authority, and grant the next widest disclosure range to the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user who has the operation authority.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the user avatar m1 of the support target is detected by the support target detection unit 157 as described above, the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​draws the user avatar m1 of the support target in a predetermined drawing manner in the terminal image for the staff user.

[0141] The predetermined drawing manner may include highlighting (for example, blinking or displaying in red, etc.) so that the staff user can easily recognize the avatar m1. In this case, the staff user can easily find the user avatar m1 to be assisted.

[0142] Alternatively, the predetermined drawing mode may involve the appearance of a superimposed sub-image (see sub-image G156 in FIG. 15). In this case, the terminal image generating unit 158 ​​superimposes a sub-image depicting the user avatar m1 to be assisted on the terminal image for a specific staff user. In this case, the specific staff user may be a staff user related to a staff avatar m2 close to the user avatar m1 to be assisted, or a staff user who has the authority to provide assistance information to the user avatar m1 to be assisted. When multiple user avatars m1 to be assisted are detected by the assistance target detecting unit 157, multiple sub-images may be generated. Also, the sub-image may be displayed in a manner in which a frame or the like flashes.

[0143] The predetermined drawing manner may be different depending on the attribute of the required auxiliary information. For example, a user avatar m1 to be assisted who needs auxiliary information because "the provision of a specific content has not been completed" and a user avatar m1 to be assisted who needs auxiliary information because "the provision of a specific content has been completed but the assignment has not been submitted" may be drawn in different predetermined drawing manners. In this case, by making the relationship between the predetermined drawing manner and the required auxiliary information into a rule, a staff user can easily recognize what kind of auxiliary information is useful for the user avatar m1 to be assisted by looking at the drawing manner of the user avatar m1 to be assisted.

[0144] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned additional information is generated by the assistance target detection unit 157, the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​may determine a staff user (e.g., the above-mentioned specific staff user) who should provide assistance information to the assistance target user avatar m1 according to the additional information. For example, when the attribute (attribute of the necessary assistance information) indicated by the additional information is a dialogue for handling a complaint, the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​may determine a staff user having overall authority as the staff user who should provide assistance. In this case, the terminal image generation unit 158 ​​may superimpose a sub-image showing the assistance target user avatar m1 on the terminal image for the staff user having overall authority.

[0145] The content processing unit 159 provides specific content to a general user for each content providing position. The content processing unit 159 may output the specific content on the terminal device 20 via a browser, for example. Alternatively, the content processing unit 159 may output the specific content on the terminal device 20 via a virtual reality application implemented in the terminal device 20.

[0146] In this embodiment, as described above, the specific content provided by the content processing unit 159 basically differs for each content providing location. For example, the specific content (an example of the first content) provided at one content providing location (an example of the first location) differs from the specific content (an example of the second content) provided at another content providing location (an example of the second location). However, the same specific content may be provided at a plurality of content providing locations.

[0147] The dialogue processing unit 160 includes a first dialogue processing unit 1601 and a second dialogue processing unit 1602 (an example of an information providing unit).

[0148] The first dialogue processing unit 1601 enables dialogue between general users via the network 3 based on inputs from a plurality of general users. The dialogue may be realized in a chat format using text and / or voice via a corresponding user avatar m1. This enables dialogue between general users. The text is output to the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20. For example, the text may be output separately from an image related to the virtual space, or may be output superimposed on an image related to the virtual space. The dialogue using the text output to the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20 may be realized in a format that is open to an unspecified number of users, or may be realized in a format that is open only to specific general users. The same applies to chat using voice.

[0149] In this embodiment, the first dialogue processing unit 1601 may determine a plurality of general users with whom a dialogue is possible based on the positions of the respective user avatars m1. For example, when the distance between one user avatar m1 and another user avatar m1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance d1, the first dialogue processing unit 1601 may enable a dialogue between the general users associated with each of the one user avatar m1 and the other user avatar m1. The predetermined distance d1 may be set appropriately according to the size of the virtual space or each room, and may be fixed or variable. In addition, the range corresponding to the predetermined distance d1 may be expressed in the terminal image by coloring or the like. For example, a voice can reach a red area, but cannot reach a blue area.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first dialogue processing unit 1601 may restrict dialogue between general users who do not have a predetermined relationship more than dialogue between general users who have a predetermined relationship. Restriction of dialogue may be realized by restricting the time or frequency of dialogue. Furthermore, restricting dialogue is a concept that includes prohibition of dialogue.

[0151] The predetermined relationship is arbitrary, and may be a relationship of forming a group, a relationship of parent and child or close relatives, a relationship of close age, or the like. Alternatively, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship of possessing a predetermined item (such as a key). Also, an object such as an arrow indicating the direction of the next room may be displayed together with sound effects and a signboard. Also, effects such as increasing the restricted area so that reverse running (for example, moving back to the previous room) is not possible, collapsing the ground in an area where movement is not possible, or making the screen dark may be added.

[0152] In this embodiment, the predetermined relationship may be determined based on data (an example of state information) in the space state storage unit 146. In this case, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship having similar user state information. For example, the first dialogue processing unit 1601 may enable dialogue between general users associated with the user avatars m1 located in the space portion (room) related to the same content providing position. As a result, in the case of a plurality of general users who visit the virtual space as a group, when one of them moves to the next room, dialogue within the group becomes impossible, so such a change can be enjoyed. Alternatively, it is possible to give a motivation to catch up with a friend who has moved to the next room. In addition, this has the effect of reducing the number of staff users who guide users, since the user's behavior can be controlled by natural guidance. In addition, in order to show that the user is the only remaining user, the number of people present in each room may be displayed on the screen, or a message such as "Everyone is waiting in the next room" may be displayed.

[0153] The second dialogue processing unit 1602 enables dialogue between general users and staff users via the network 3, based on inputs from general users and staff users. The dialogue may be realized in the form of a chat using text and / or voice, via the corresponding user avatar m1 and staff avatar m2.

[0154] As described above, the second dialogue processing unit 1602 may function in cooperation with the auxiliary information providing unit 1544 of the staff avatar processing unit 154 or in place of the auxiliary information providing unit 1544. This allows general users to receive assistance from staff users in real time.

[0155] Furthermore, the second dialogue processing unit 1602 may enable dialogue between staff users via the network 3 based on inputs from a plurality of staff users. The dialogue between staff users may be in a private format, and may be disclosed only between the staff users, for example. Alternatively, the second dialogue processing unit 1602 may vary the range of staff users with whom dialogue is possible, based on authority information granted to the staff users. For example, the second dialogue processing unit 1602 may grant the staff avatar m2 related to a staff user with overall authority the authority to dialogue with all staff users, and grant the staff avatar m2 related to a staff user with operation authority the authority to dialogue with staff users with overall authority only in certain cases.

[0156] In this embodiment, the second dialogue processor 1602 determines, among the multiple general users, a general user who can converse with the staff user, based on the positions of the user avatars m1 and the position of the staff avatar m2. For example, similar to the above-mentioned first dialogue processor 1601, when the distance between one staff avatar m2 and one user avatar m1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance d2, a dialogue between the staff user related to the one staff avatar m2 and the general user related to the one user avatar m1 may be enabled. The predetermined distance d2 may be set appropriately according to the size of the virtual space or each room, and may be fixed or variable. The predetermined distance d2 may be longer than the above-mentioned predetermined distance d1.

[0157] The second dialogue processing unit 1602 may vary the dialogue ability based on the authority information given to the staff user. For example, the second dialogue processing unit 1602 may apply the largest predetermined distance d2 to the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user having the overall authority, and apply the next largest predetermined distance d2 to the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user having the operation authority. The second dialogue processing unit 1602 may also give the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user having the overall authority a function of being able to dialogue with all users (a function like a voice from heaven). Alternatively, the second dialogue processing unit 1602 may enable any dialogue with the staff avatar m2 related to the staff user having the overall authority, but enable only dialogue related to those roles with the staff avatar m2 related to the staff users having other authorities.

[0158] In this embodiment, the second dialogue processor 1602 may change the general users who can interact with the staff user based on a request (input) from the staff user. For example, the second dialogue processor 1602 may temporarily increase the above-mentioned predetermined distance d2 to widen the range of general users who can interact with the staff user. This allows, for example, when the staff user finds a user avatar m1 that seems to need assistance in a position relatively far from the staff avatar m2 of the staff user, to relatively quickly talk to the general user of the user avatar m1. In this case, the staff action processor 1542 may instantly move the staff avatar m2 of the staff user to the vicinity of the relatively far user avatar m1 (i.e., may realize a movement contrary to the above-mentioned predetermined rule). This allows the general user who is spoken to immediately recognize the staff avatar m2 that has spoken to him / her via the terminal image displayed on his / her terminal device 20, which increases the sense of security and allows him / her to receive assistance through a smooth dialogue.

[0159] The activity restriction unit 162 restricts activities of each user avatar m1 in the virtual space that are related to a plurality of contents provided by the content processing unit 159. The activity related to the contents may be the act of receiving the provision of the contents itself, and may further include actions (e.g., movement) for receiving the provision of the contents.

[0160] In this embodiment, the activity restriction section 162 restricts activity based on data (an example of state information) in the spatial state storage section 146.

[0161] Specifically, the activity restriction unit 162 restricts the activity of each user avatar m1 in the virtual space based on the success / failure information of the next room movement condition (see FIG. 9). For example, the activity restriction unit 162 prohibits a general user who does not satisfy a certain content provision condition from moving to the content provision position. Such prohibition of movement may be realized in any manner. For example, the activity restriction unit 162 may disable an entrance to the content provision position only for general users who do not satisfy the content provision condition. Such disabling may be realized by making the entrance invisible or difficult to see, setting a wall at the entrance that the user avatar m1 cannot pass through, or the like.

[0162] On the other hand, the activity restriction unit 162 permits a general user who satisfies a certain content provision condition to move to the content provision position. Such permission of movement may be realized in any manner. For example, the activity restriction unit 162 may enable an entrance to the content provision position only for a general user who satisfies the content provision condition. Such enabling (transition from a disabled state) may be realized by changing the entrance from an invisible state to a visible state, removing a wall of the entrance that the user avatar m1 cannot pass through, or the like. In addition, such permission of movement may be realized based on an input by a staff user. In this case, the staff user may detect the user avatar m1 who satisfies the own room movement condition based on information that is normally invisible (for example, information on the success or failure of the next room movement condition). In addition to such spatial movement and visibility, separation by the first dialogue processing unit 1601 may be realized, specifically, so that a permitted general user cannot have a dialogue (for example, a voice conversation) with a general user who has not yet been permitted. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, a preceding general user from leaking unnecessary hints to a following user, spoiling the answer, etc. Also, since a following general user cannot proceed to the next step unless he or she finds the answer by himself or herself, it is possible to encourage such general users to proactively participate (solve) the problem.

[0163] The condition processing unit 164 relaxes some or all of the content provision conditions of a plurality of specific contents that can be provided by the content processing unit 159 to some general users among a plurality of general users based on an input from the staff user. Alternatively, the condition processing unit 164 may tighten some or all of the content provision conditions of a plurality of specific contents that can be provided by the content processing unit 159 to some general users among a plurality of general users based on an input from the staff user. That is, the condition processing unit 164 may change the content provision conditions applied to a specific general user between the normal conditions and the relaxed conditions (see FIG. 8) based on an input from the staff user. This allows the strictness of the content provision conditions to be changed at the discretion of the staff user, etc., so that appropriate content provision conditions can be set according to the degree of suitability and level of each general user.

[0164] In this embodiment, the condition processing unit 164 may change the content provision conditions based on input from all staff users, or may change the content provision conditions based on input from a staff user who satisfies certain conditions. For example, the condition processing unit 164 may change the content provision conditions based on input from a staff user who has overall authority. This allows only staff users who have overall authority to set appropriate content provision conditions, making it possible to achieve a fair balance between general users.

[0165] The extraction processing unit 166 extracts first users who have been provided with a predetermined number of contents or have been provided with a specific content among a plurality of specific contents that can be provided by the content processing unit 159, based on the user state information 900 (see FIG. 9) associated with each general user. The predetermined number is an arbitrary number equal to or greater than 1, but may be, for example, N / 2 or N in a virtual space in which N specific contents can be provided.

[0166] The role assignment unit 167 assigns at least a part of the role related to the staff avatar m2 in the virtual space to the user avatar m1 associated with the general user extracted by the extraction processing unit 166 based on the input from the staff user. That is, the general user is converted into a staff user. At least a part of the role is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a part of the role of a staff user with overall authority that is relatively less important. Also, for example, at least a part of the role may be the same as the role of a staff user who has normal authority, or may be a part of the role. Alternatively, at least a part of the role may be the same as the role of a staff user who has operation authority, or may be a part of the role.

[0167] In this case, the role assignment unit 167 may assign at least a part of the role related to the staff avatar m2 in the virtual space based on an input from a staff user with overall control authority. This allows the staff user with overall control authority to select candidate general users at his / her own responsibility. Therefore, the staff user with overall control authority can have, for example, a general user who has a relatively deep understanding of the role to be assigned to function efficiently as a staff user and appropriately fulfill the role.

[0168] In addition, a staff user having supervision authority can also search for / invite candidate general users from among general users other than those extracted by the extraction processing unit 166. For example, in a situation where a staff user who sells a certain product (e.g., clothing that can be worn by an avatar) is absent, a staff user having supervision authority can search for general users who purchase the product frequently or in large numbers (e.g., by searching based on the purchase item information in the user information 600) and invite them to become staff users who purchase the item. In this case, a general user who purchases the product frequently or in large numbers is likely to be knowledgeable about the product, and can be expected to provide appropriate advice, etc., as a staff user to general users who are trying to purchase the product.

[0169] The role assignment unit 167 may increase or decrease the role assigned to a user converted from a general user to a staff user based on an input from a staff user having overall authority. This allows the role burden of a user converted from a general user to a staff user to be appropriately adjusted. A general user converted into a staff user in this way may be assigned various information as a staff user, as shown in the staff information 602 in FIG. 6. In this case, information on a role may be associated with a user converted from a general user to a staff user, instead of or in addition to the authority information of the staff information 602. The granularity of the information on a role is arbitrary and may be adapted according to the granularity of the role. This also applies to the role (authority information) of a staff user.

[0170] In this way, in this embodiment, a user can become a staff user from a general user, and a user who wants to become a staff user can be motivated to receive a predetermined number of pieces of content or more. A general user who has received a predetermined number of pieces of content or more is likely to have acquired the ability to fulfill the role assigned to him / her from the content, and can efficiently improve his / her skills through the specific content.

[0171] In this embodiment, a user who can become a staff user may be able to choose whether to enter the virtual space as a general user or as a staff user.

[0172] The spatial information generation unit 168 generates spatial state information to be stored in the above-mentioned spatial state storage unit 146, and updates the data in the spatial state storage unit 146. For example, the spatial information generation unit 168 periodically or irregularly monitors the success or failure of the next room movement condition for each of the entered users, and updates the success or failure information of the next room movement condition.

[0173] The parameter update unit 170 updates the staff points described above. For example, the parameter update unit 170 may update the staff points according to the operating status of each staff user based on the space state information shown in FIG. 9. For example, the parameter update unit 170 may update the staff points in such a manner that the longer the operating time, the more staff points are given. In addition, the parameter update unit 170 may update the staff points based on the number of times the staff user supports the general user through chat or the like (amount of speech, number of speeches, number of attendant visits, number of complaints handled, etc.). In addition, when a product or service is sold in virtual reality, the parameter update unit 170 may update the staff points based on the sales status (e.g., sales) of the product or service by the staff user. Alternatively, the parameter update unit 170 may update the staff points based on satisfaction information for the staff user (e.g., evaluation value included in questionnaire information, etc.) that may be input by a general user. Note that the staff point update may be performed as appropriate, or may be performed collectively based on log information, for example, periodically.

[0174] The goods and services sold by the staff users may be goods and services available in reality, or may be goods and services available in virtual reality. The goods and services sold by the staff users may be related to the content provided at the content providing location, and may include, for example, items that can enhance the experience related to the content. For example, if the content is related to the above-mentioned travel, the items may be a telescope that can see far away, or food that can be given to animals. Furthermore, if the content is related to sports or concerts, the items may be cheering goods, a right to take a commemorative photo with or a right to talk to athletes or artists, etc.

[0175] 5 shows both a function 500 realized by the terminal device 20 related to a general user and a function 502 realized by the terminal device 20 related to a staff user. Note that, among various functions realized by a virtual reality application downloaded to the terminal device 20, Fig. 5 shows only functions related to a user assistance function. Note that, in the virtual reality application, a user application that realizes the function 500 and a staff application that realizes the function 502 may be separately implemented, or the function 500 and the function 502 may be switchable within one application by a user operation.

[0176] The terminal device 20 related to a general user includes an assistance request unit 250. The assistance request unit 250 transmits an assistance request to the server device 10 via the network 3 based on an input from the general user. The assistance request includes a terminal ID associated with the terminal device 20 or a user ID of a logged-in virtual reality application, and thus a user avatar m1 to be assisted is identified in the server device 10 based on the assistance request.

[0177] In this embodiment, since the user avatar m1 to be assisted is detected by the assistance target detection unit 157 of the server device 10 as described above, the assistance request unit 250 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0178] The terminal device 20 related to the staff user includes a support execution unit 262, a condition change unit 263, and a role assignment unit 264. Note that some or all of the functions of the functions 502 realized by the terminal device 20 related to the staff user described below may be realized by the server device 10. Also, the support execution unit 262, the condition change unit 263, and the role assignment unit 264 shown in Fig. 5 are examples, and some of them may be omitted.

[0179] The assistance execution unit 262 transmits an assistance request for providing assistance information to a general user by the assistance information provision unit 1544 to the server device 10 via the network 3 based on a predetermined input from the staff user. For example, in response to a predetermined input from the staff user, the assistance execution unit 262 transmits an assistance request to the server device 10, with the user avatar m1 detected by the assistance target detection unit 157 of the server device 10 as the transmission target of the assistance information. Note that the staff user may determine the user avatar m1 to which the assistance information is to be transmitted by himself / herself. For example, the staff user may specify the user avatar m1 to be assisted (user avatar m1 not detected by the assistance target detection unit 157) based on information that may be superimposed on the terminal image and is usually invisible (for example, information on the success or failure of the next room movement condition) as described above. The assistance request may also include information instructing the content of the assistance information to be generated.

[0180] The condition change unit 263 transmits a request (condition change request) instructing the condition processing unit 164 to change the conditions as described above to the server device 10 based on the input from the staff user. For example, in response to the input for changing the conditions from the staff user, the condition change unit 263 transmits a condition change request targeted at a specific user avatar m1 to the server device 10. Note that the specific user avatar m1 may be the user avatar m1 of the assistance target detected by the assistance target detection unit 157 of the server device 10, or may be determined by the staff user himself / herself, similar to the transmission target of assistance information.

[0181] Based on an input from a staff user, the role assignment unit 264 transmits a request (role assignment request) instructing the role assignment unit 167 to assign a role as described above to the server device 10. For example, in response to an input for role assignment from a staff user, the role assignment unit 264 transmits a role assignment request to the server device 10. Note that the role assignment request may include information specifying the user avatar m1 to which a role is to be assigned, information indicating the content of the role to be assigned, and the like.

[0182] Next, an example of operation related to the above-mentioned user assistance function will be described with reference to Fig. 10 onwards. Note that the following example of operation is a specific example of operation, but as described above, the operation related to the above-mentioned user assistance function can be realized in various ways.

[0183] In the following, as an example, an operation example related to the above-mentioned user assistance function will be described with respect to the virtual space shown in FIG. 2B.

[0184] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of operation related to the above-mentioned user assistance function. In FIG. 10, for the purpose of distinction, the terminal device 20 related to a certain general user is given the symbol "20-A", the terminal device 20 related to another general user is given the symbol "20-B", and the terminal device 20 related to a staff user is given the symbol "20-C". In the following, for the sake of explanation, the general user related to the terminal device 20-A is given the user name "ami", the general user related to the terminal device 20-B is given the user name "fuj", and both are students (for example, the user name "ami" is student A, and the user name "fuj" is student B). In the following, the general user related to the user name "ami" is referred to as student user A, and the general user related to the user name "fuj" is referred to as student user B. In the following, a plurality of staff users will appear, but the terminal device 20-C is shown in a manner that encapsulates each of the terminal devices 20 related to these staff users. Also, in FIG. 10, in order to prevent the drawing from becoming too complicated, the transmission of auxiliary information from terminal device 20-C to terminal devices 20-A and 20-B is shown in a direct manner, but it may be realized via server device 10.

[0185] Figures 11, 12, and 14 to 18 are explanatory diagrams of the operation example shown in Figure 10, and are diagrams showing examples of terminal screens in each scene. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state in the virtual space shown in Figure 2B at a certain point in time.

[0186] First, in step S10A, student user A starts a virtual reality application on terminal device 20-A, and in step S10B, student user B starts a virtual reality application on terminal device 20-B. The virtual reality application may be started at different times on terminal devices 20-A and 20-B, and the start timing is arbitrary. Here, it is assumed that the staff user has already started the virtual reality application on terminal device 20-C, but this start timing is also arbitrary.

[0187] Next, in step S11A, student user A enters the virtual space and moves his / her user avatar m1 to the vicinity of the entrance related to the first content provision position. Similarly, in step S11B, student user B enters the virtual space and moves his / her user avatar m1 in the virtual space to the vicinity of the entrance related to the first content provision position. FIG. 11 shows a terminal image G110 for student user B when the user avatar m1 of student user B is located near the entrance related to the first content provision position. Note that in the state shown in FIG. 11, the user avatar m1 of student user A is behind the user avatar m1 of student user B. As shown in FIG. 11, from the terminal image G110 for student user B, it can be seen that a staff avatar m2 associated with a staff name "cha" is arranged in association with position SP1, and a staff avatar m2 associated with a staff name "suk" is arranged in association with position SP2 corresponding to the entrance area related to the first content provision position.

[0188] In this case, student user A and student user B may receive auxiliary information (step S12) from staff avatar m2 with staff name "cha". For example, student user A and student user B receive viewing guidance for the entry tutorial content. Such auxiliary information may include a URL for viewing the entry tutorial content. FIG. 12 shows a terminal image G120 for student user B when receiving assistance from staff avatar m2 with staff name "cha" at position SP1. Note that FIG. 12 shows chat text "If you're a first-time user, please watch the tutorial!" based on input by the staff user with staff name "cha". Note that this type of chat may be generated automatically.

[0189] After viewing the entrance tutorial, the student user A and the student user B move to a position SP2 corresponding to the entrance area (steps S11C and S11D). At this time, the student user A and the student user B may receive assistance information (step S13) from the staff avatar m2 with the staff name "suk" at the position SP2. For example, the student user A and the student user B may receive assistance such as advice on the conditions for moving to the next room. In this case, the server device 10 performs an entry determination as to whether the conditions for moving to the next room of the student user A and the student user B are satisfied (step S14) before step S13. Here, it is assumed that the student user A and the student user B are supported by the staff user and satisfy the conditions for moving to the next room. In this case, the server device 10 transmits a URL for moving to the first content providing position to each of the terminal devices 20-A and 20-B (step S15). The URL for moving to the first content providing position may be drawn on the second object m3 (see FIG. 12) in the form of a ticket.

[0190] Then, the student user A and the student user B move to the first content providing position (see the first position SP11 in FIG. 13) by accessing the URL transmitted from the server device 10 (steps S16A and S16B). In this way, when the student user A and the student user B move their respective user avatars m1 to the first content providing position, the server device 10 transmits the specific content associated with the first content providing position to each of the terminal devices 20-A and 20-B (step S17). This allows the student user A and the student user B to receive the specific content associated with the first content providing position (steps S18A and S18B). FIG. 14 shows a terminal image G140 for the student user B when the specific content is received at the first position SP11 in FIG. 13. The terminal image G140 corresponds to a state in which the video content is output to the image portion G141 corresponding to the large screen (the second object m3). Student user A and student user B can receive specific content at the first position SP11 by viewing video content on the large screen via their respective terminal images G140. The terminal image G140 may include chat text "I see, that's easy to understand!" based on an input by student user B, as shown in Fig. 14. In this way, student user A and student user B can receive specific content associated with the first content providing position while appropriately interacting together.

[0191] During this time, the server device 10 updates the data (such as the room stay time in FIG. 9) in the space state storage unit 146 appropriately based on the state of the user avatar m1 of each of the student user A and the student user B periodically or when a predetermined change occurs (step S19).

[0192] When the student user A and the student user B finish receiving the specific content associated with the first content providing position, they submit the assignments and the like related to the specific content (steps S20A and S20B). The method of submitting the assignments and the like is arbitrary, and a URL for submitting the assignments may be used. The server device 10 performs an entry judgment as to whether or not the conditions for moving to the next room of the student user A and the student user B are satisfied based on the results of the assignments submitted by the student user A and the student user B via their respective user avatars m1, and updates the data in the space state storage unit 146 (see the information on the success or failure of the conditions for moving to the next room in FIG. 9) (step S21).

[0193] After submitting the assignment, the student user A and the student user B move their respective user avatars m1 to the entrance area related to the second content providing position (steps S22A and S22B) (see FIG. 13). The server device 10 generates a terminal image according to the next room moving condition availability information based on the next room moving condition availability information of the student user A and the student user B (step S23). Here, it is assumed that the next room moving condition is satisfied for the student user A, but not for the student user B. In this case, for example, the server device 10 generates a terminal image for the student user A on which an entrance through which the student user A can move to the second content providing position is drawn, and generates a terminal image for the student user B on which a wall is drawn at the entrance through which the student user B can move to the second content providing position. Then, the server device 10 transmits a URL for moving to the second content providing position to the terminal device 20-A (step S24). The URL for moving to the second content providing location may be drawn on a terminal image depicting an entrance to the second content providing location. In this case, the terminal device 20-A may detect the URL by image recognition or the like and automatically access it. This allows the student user A to advance the user avatar m1 to the second content providing location (step S25).

[0194] On the other hand, the server device 10 draws the user avatar m1 of the student user B as the user avatar m1 to be assisted in a manner (the above-mentioned predetermined drawing manner) different from that of the other user avatars m1 in the terminal image for the staff user (step S26). In this case, the drawing manner of the user avatar m1 to be assisted may be a drawing manner that, as described above, allows the staff user to know that (for example, "the provision of a specific content has been completed, but the condition for moving to the next room has not been satisfied").

[0195] In this embodiment, when the server device 10 detects the user avatar m1 to be assisted, the server device 10 displays a sub-image for assistance superimposed on the main image in the terminal image for the staff user. FIG. 15 shows the terminal image G150 for the staff user when the user avatar m1 to be assisted is detected. When the user avatar m1 to be assisted is detected, the sub-image G156 appears in the terminal image G150 for the staff user. In this case, the user avatar m1 to be assisted (user name "fuj") is shown in the sub-image G156. For example, the staff user can instantaneously move the staff avatar m2 to a position related to the sub-image G156 by tapping the sub-image G156. In this case, the sub-image G156 is displayed in full screen, and the terminal image G160 as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the terminal device 20-C of the staff user related to the staff avatar m2 (staff name "zuk") who tapped the sub-image G156. In the terminal image G160, the user avatar m1 to be assisted is associated with a characteristic image portion G161 indicating that the user avatar m1 is likely to require assistance through dialogue. Therefore, even if the terminal image G160 includes multiple user avatars m1, the staff user can easily identify the user avatar m1 to be assisted. Note that, in this example, it is assumed that the staff user (staff name "zuk") associated with the staff avatar m2 located in the room associated with the position SP14 in FIG. 13 taps the sub-image G156 to instantly move the staff avatar m2 to the first position SP11.

[0196] In this way, when the staff user finds the user avatar m1 (user name "fuj") to be assisted, the staff user moves his / her own staff avatar m2 near the user avatar m1 (user name "fuj") to be assisted and can transmit the auxiliary information by dialogue or the like. As described above, information that is usually invisible (e.g., the reason why the condition for moving to the next room is not met) is superimposed on the terminal image for the staff user. Therefore, the staff user can understand the reason why the user avatar m1 with the user name "fuj" does not meet the condition for moving to the next room, and can transmit appropriate auxiliary information according to that reason. Here, the staff user (staff name "zuk") associated with the staff avatar m2 located in the room associated with the position SP14 in FIG. 13 instantly moves the staff avatar m2 to the first position SP11 and transmits the auxiliary information to the general user with the user name "fuj" by dialogue (step S27). FIG. 17 shows the terminal image G170 for the student user B when the auxiliary information is transmitted. 17, the terminal image G170 may include an image portion G171 showing a hint, and chat text "Here's a hint!" based on an input from a staff user related to the staff avatar m2 (staff name "zuk"), as shown in Fig. 17. This allows the student user B to understand the reason why he / she was unable to proceed to the next room, and based on the hint, he / she can resubmit an assignment or the like that satisfies the conditions for moving to the next room (step S28).

[0197] In this way, student user A and student user B progress to the next room in order by receiving the provision of the corresponding specific content in each room (each content providing position) and clearing the corresponding task while receiving assistance from the staff user as appropriate. During this time, by receiving assistance from the staff user, it is possible to smoothly proceed to, for example, the eighth position SP18 which is the goal. FIG. 18 shows a terminal image G180 for student user B when moving to the eighth position SP18 which is the goal. As shown in FIG. 18, the terminal image G180 may include an image portion G181 of the certificate of completion and chat text "Congratulations!" based on the input of the staff user related to the staff avatar m2 (staff name "sta"). In addition, the certificate of completion may include the current grades and the like. In addition, a general user who has obtained such a certificate of completion may be extracted by the above-mentioned extraction processing unit 166 as a candidate to be given a role of functioning as a staff user in the virtual space portion for providing the corresponding content. Alternatively, a general user who has obtained such a certificate may be automatically granted the role of functioning as a staff user in the virtual space section for providing the corresponding content by the role assignment section 167 described above.

[0198] The operation example described above with reference to Figures 10 to 18 is an operation example related to the user assistance function described above with respect to the virtual space shown in Figure 2B as an example, as described above, but can be similarly applied to other virtual spaces. For example, as shown in Figure 19, it can be similarly applied to other virtual spaces that start from the start position and go around in a clockwise direction (see arrow R19) and go through each content providing position from position SP30 to position SP35 in order. Basically, it is assumed that all general users can reach the goal, but for example, the following conditions may be set.

[0199] (1) There is a timer that displays the elapsed time, and if you exceed the time limit, you will be considered to have lost and will not receive a certificate of completion.

[0200] (2) If you answer the question in each room (for example, a multiple-choice quiz) incorrectly, you will be forced to move to the previous room or a room of your choice, such as the loser route.

[0201] (3) The loser is forced to move to a room where he can observe other users playing and observe their play.

[0202] (4) Although they cannot directly contribute to actions, they can be revived by the choices made by other users, etc. This effectively increases the interest of users in other aspects of the virtual space besides the content.

[0203] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included.

[0204] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the staff avatar m2 is operated by a staff user (human), but may be operated based on a program such as a Bot program. In this case, the staff avatar m2, as a moving medium associated with a non-player, may play a role similar to that of the staff avatar m2 associated with the staff user (human), or may play a different role.

[0205] In the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, only one next content providing position is set for a certain content providing position, but this is not limited thereto. That is, two or more next content providing positions may be set for a certain content providing position. In this case, a general user of the user avatar m1 who satisfies the next room movement condition at the certain content providing position may be able to proceed to a desired content providing position from among two or more next content providing positions by his / her own selection. Alternatively, the next content providing position may be determined from among two or more next content providing positions according to parameters such as the result of the assignment submitted at the certain content providing position and the space stay time. Alternatively, the next content providing position may be determined randomly from among two or more next content providing positions.

[0206] In the above embodiment, only a general user who satisfies the content provision condition related to the specific content of the next room can automatically satisfy the next room movement condition and move to the next room, but this is not limited to the specification. For example, a general user who does not satisfy the content provision condition related to the specific content of the next room may also be able to move to the next room (but may not be able to receive the specific content of the next room).

[0207] In the above-described embodiment, points related to activities related to the user avatar m1 in the virtual space may be set as points similar to the staff points or points different from the staff points. For example, as in the operation examples described above with reference to Figures 10 to 18, when general users are students, the points may reflect the grades (grades based on assignments) of each student.

[0208] However, in the conventional technology described above with reference to Patent Document 1, it is difficult for a user to smoothly receive a plurality of pieces of content while moving sequentially from one position to another in virtual reality.

[0209] Therefore, in one aspect, an object is to enable a user to smoothly receive a plurality of pieces of content while moving sequentially between positions in virtual reality.

[0210] In addition, the following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

[0211] [Appendix 1] a space rendering processing unit that renders a virtual space; a medium rendering processing unit that renders a first moving medium that is movable within the virtual space and corresponds to each of a plurality of first users, and a second moving medium that corresponds to one or more second users or non-players different from the plurality of first users; a position identification unit that identifies the positions of the first moving medium and the second moving medium in the virtual space; a content processing unit that provides a plurality of contents to the plurality of first users via the plurality of first moving media in a manner in which the content that can be provided varies depending on the position in the virtual space based on the positions of the plurality of first moving media; an activity limiting unit that limits activities of the first moving media in the virtual space that are related to the plurality of contents; a state information processing unit that stores state information representing a state related to the activity of each of the first movement media in the virtual space in association with each of the first users; and an information providing unit that provides predetermined information to all or some of the multiple first users via the second mobile medium based on status information associated with each of the first users.

[0212] [Appendix 2] The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the activity restriction unit restricts the activity based on the status information.

[0213] [Appendix 3] the predetermined information includes auxiliary information related to the provision of the content, The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information providing unit provides the auxiliary information corresponding to the input from the second user based on the input from the second user.

[0214] [Appendix 4] the content processing unit provides a first content in association with one or more first positions in the virtual space, and provides a second content different from the first content in association with one or more second positions different from the first positions in the virtual space; the state information processing unit determines whether a condition for providing the second content is satisfied for each of the first users; The information processing system described in Appendix 3, wherein the activity restriction unit permits a first user among the multiple first users who satisfies the conditions for providing the second content to receive the second content or to move the first moving medium to the second location.

[0215] [Appendix 5] the state information includes information on whether each of the first users satisfies a condition for providing the second content, the auxiliary information includes provision condition information related to a provision condition of the second content, The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the information providing unit provides the provision condition information to a first user among the plurality of first users who does not satisfy the provision conditions for the second content.

[0216] [Appendix 6] The information processing system described in Appendix 5, further including a condition processing unit that relaxes conditions for providing the second content to some of the first users among the plurality of first users based on input from the second user.

[0217] [Appendix 7] 7. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the condition for providing the second content is satisfied when the first content is received.

[0218] [Appendix 8] When N is an integer of 3 or more and k is an integer of 1 or more and N-1 or less, The information processing system of any one of Appendices 4 to 7, wherein the plurality of contents include contents that can be provided to each of the plurality of first users in order from 1st to Nth, with the kth content that can be provided being the first content and the k+1th content that can be provided being the second content.

[0219] [Appendix 9] a first medium processing unit that moves each of the first movement media within the virtual space under restriction by the activity restriction unit based on an input from each of the first users; The information processing system according to any one of appendices 5 to 8, further comprising a second medium processing unit that freely moves the second moving medium within the virtual space based on input from the second user.

[0220] [Appendix 10] the first medium processing unit further moves each of the first moving media in the virtual space in accordance with a predetermined law corresponding to a physical law in the real space; 10. The information processing system of claim 9, wherein the second medium processing unit moves the second moving medium within the virtual space without following the predetermined rule.

[0221] [Appendix 11] a first dialogue processing unit that enables dialogue between the first users via a communication network, the dialogue being via each of the first mobile media, based on an input from each of the first users; The information processing system according to any one of appendices 5 to 10, wherein the first dialogue processing unit determines the first user with whom the dialogue is possible based on respective positions of the first mobile medium.

[0222] [Appendix 12] The information processing system described in Appendix 11, wherein the first dialogue processing unit further restricts the dialogue between the first users who do not have a specified relationship in the status information based on the status information corresponding to each of the first users, more than the dialogue between the first users who have the specified relationship in the status information.

[0223] [Appendix 13] the information providing unit includes a second dialogue processing unit that enables a dialogue between each of the first users and the second user via a communication network based on an input from each of the first users and an input from the second user, the dialogue being via each of the first mobile media and the second mobile medium; The second dialogue processing unit determines, based on the positions of the first moving media and the position of the second moving medium, a first user among the plurality of first users who is capable of having the dialogue with the second user; 13. The information processing system according to any one of appendices 5 to 12, wherein the dialogue realized by the second dialogue processing unit includes the provision of the predetermined information.

[0224] [Appendix 14] The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the second dialogue processing unit changes the first user who is able to dialogue with the second user based on an input from the second user.

[0225] [Appendix 15] the state information includes information on whether each of the plurality of pieces of content has been provided, an extraction processing unit that extracts, from among the plurality of first users, first users who have been provided with a predetermined number of contents or a predetermined content among the plurality of contents based on the state information associated with each of the first transfer media; An information processing system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 14, further including a role assignment unit that assigns at least a portion of the role related to the second movement medium in the virtual space to the first movement medium associated with the first user extracted by the extraction processing unit based on input from the second user.

[0226] [Appendix 16] The information processing system of claim 15, further comprising a parameter update unit that updates a value of a parameter associated with the first user based on input from the first user associated with the first mobile medium to which at least a portion of the role has been assigned, the input being for fulfilling at least a portion of the role.

[0227] [Appendix 17] Draw a virtual space, Drawing a first moving medium that is movable within the virtual space and corresponds to each of a plurality of first users, and a second moving medium that is associated with one or more second users different from the plurality of first users; Identifying the positions of the first moving medium and the second moving medium in the virtual space; providing a plurality of contents to the plurality of first users via the plurality of first mobility media in a manner in which the contents that can be provided vary depending on a position in the virtual space; Restricting activities of the first moving media in the virtual space that relate to the plurality of contents; storing status information representing a status related to the activity of each of the first movement media in the virtual space in association with each of the first users; An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising providing predetermined information to all or some of the plurality of first users via the second mobile medium based on status information associated with each of the first users.

[0228] [Appendix 18] Draw a virtual space, Drawing a first moving medium that is movable within the virtual space and corresponds to each of a plurality of first users, and a second moving medium that is associated with one or more second users different from the plurality of first users; Identifying the positions of the first moving medium and the second moving medium in the virtual space; providing a plurality of contents to the plurality of first users via the plurality of first mobility media in a manner in which the contents that can be provided vary depending on a position in the virtual space; Restricting activities of the first moving media in the virtual space that relate to the plurality of contents; storing status information representing a status related to the activity of each of the first movement media in the virtual space in association with each of the first users; providing predetermined information to all or a part of the plurality of first users via the second mobile medium based on status information associated with each of the first users; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0229] 1 Virtual reality generation system 3. Network 10. Server equipment 11 Server Communication Section 12 Server memory section 13 Server control unit 20 Terminal Equipment 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal memory section 23 Display section 24 Input section 25 Terminal control unit 140 User Database 142 Avatar Database 144 Content information storage unit 146 Spatial State Memory Unit 150 Spatial drawing processing unit 152 User avatar processing unit 1521 Operation input acquisition unit 1522 User action processing unit 154 Staff avatar processing unit 1541 Operation input acquisition unit 1542 Staff movement processing unit 1544 Auxiliary information provision department 156 Position / orientation information determination unit 157 Auxiliary object detection unit 158 Terminal image generation unit 159 Contents Processing Unit 160 Dialogue processing unit 1601 First dialogue processing unit 1602 Second dialogue processing section 162 Activity Restriction Department 164 Condition Processing Unit 166 Extraction Processing Unit 167 Role Allocation Department 168 Spatial information generation unit 170 Parameter Update Section 250 Auxiliary request section 262 Support Execution Department 263 Condition Change Section 264 Role Assignment Department

Claims

1. a space rendering processing unit that renders a virtual space; a medium rendering processing unit that renders a first moving medium associated with a first user in the virtual space; an activity limiting unit that limits an activity of the first moving medium related to content provided according to a content providing position in the virtual space based on status information that indicates a status related to the activity, An information processing system, wherein the activity restriction unit, when the first user satisfies the content provision conditions, permits the first mobile medium to receive the content at the content provision location or permits the first mobile medium to move to the content provision location, and when the first user does not satisfy the content provision conditions, the first user cannot receive the content but can permit the first mobile medium to move to the content provision location.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the condition for providing the content includes clearing a task set at the content providing location.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the conditions for providing the content include a normal condition or a normal condition and a relaxed condition.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3 , wherein, when the conditions for providing the content include a normal condition and a relaxed condition, the normal condition and the relaxed condition are selectively applied.

5. In a case where the content includes a first content associated with one content providing location and a second content associated with another content providing location, the provision conditions of the content are deemed to be replaced with the provision conditions of the second content; The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the activity restriction unit permits the first moving medium to receive the second content at the other content providing location, or permits the first moving medium to move from the one content providing location to the other content providing location, when the first user satisfies the conditions for providing the second content.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the medium rendering processing unit further renders a second moving medium associated with a second user or a non-player different from the first user.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6 , further comprising an information providing unit that provides auxiliary information to the first user via the second transfer medium based on status information associated with the first user.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein the information providing unit provides the auxiliary information to the first user who does not satisfy a condition for providing the content via the second transfer medium.

9. The information processing system of claim 6, wherein the first transfer medium is a transfer medium relating to the first user who is not involved in the operation of the system within the virtual space, and the second transfer medium is a transfer medium relating to the second user who is involved in the operation of the system within the virtual space.

10. The information processing system of claim 9, wherein the second mobile medium has at least one of multiple types of authority related to a role granted to assist the first mobile medium operating within the virtual space in operating a system within the virtual space.

11. The information processing system of claim 10, wherein the multiple types of authority include normal authority granted to a normal second user, which enables various operations to be performed to support the first mobile medium operating within the virtual space, authority granted to a senior second user who is more experienced than the normal second user, or authority granted to a dedicated second mobile medium who has received a specific educational program, which enables various operations related to the content provided within the virtual space, and authority granted to a second user who is senior to the senior second user and in charge, which enables management of all the second mobile media to which the normal authority or the operation authority has been granted, and overall authority to manage the second mobile media in the virtual space, including changing authority.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the control authority is authority to manage all second users in the virtual space, including changing the authority, for all second users to whom the normal authority and the operation authority have been granted.

13. The information processing system according to claim 9 , further comprising a role assignment unit that converts the first user into the second user.

14. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein when there are a plurality of first users and they have a predetermined relationship, the same terminal image is displayed on the display unit of each of the terminal devices.

15. a space rendering processing step for rendering a virtual space; a medium drawing processing step of drawing a first moving medium associated with a first user in the virtual space; an activity limiting step of limiting an activity of the first moving medium related to the content provided according to a content providing position in the virtual space based on status information representing a status related to the activity, An information processing method executed by a computer, wherein the activity restriction step, when the first user satisfies the content provision conditions, permits the first mobile medium to receive the content at the content provision location or permits the first mobile medium to move to the content provision location, and when the first user does not satisfy the content provision conditions, the first user cannot receive the content but can be permitted to move to the content provision location.

16. A spatial rendering processing function for rendering a virtual space; a medium drawing processing function for drawing a first moving medium associated with a first user in the virtual space; an activity limiting function that limits an activity of the first moving medium related to content provided according to a content providing position in the virtual space based on status information that represents a status related to the activity, An information processing program, wherein the activity restriction function, when the first user satisfies the content provision conditions, permits the first mobile medium to receive the content at the content provision location or permits the first mobile medium to move to the content provision location, and when the first user does not satisfy the content provision conditions, the first user cannot receive the content but can permit the first mobile medium to move to the content provision location.

Images