Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily use a specific facility in a virtual space when starting the use of the virtual space using an avatar.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 comprises: an acquisition unit 132 that acquires action information indicating results of actions performed in a real space by a provider who provides or manages a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; a determination unit 133 that, on the basis of the action information, determines at least one of a positional relationship between the virtual facility and an avatar capable of moving in the virtual space and a display mode of the virtual facility for a user who operates the avatar; and a virtual space control unit 134 that, when the user starts using the virtual space by using the avatar, performs at least one of arranging the avatar in the above positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the above display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for processing information relating to a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a system that determines the initial positions of avatars in a virtual space accessed by multiple users each using an avatar, so that avatars of users with common preferences or high intimacy are placed close to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-107895 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the virtual space, a plurality of virtual facilities are arranged in advance. When a user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the avatar is arranged at a position in the virtual space. At this time, if the avatar is arranged at a position away from a specific virtual facility or at a position where the specific virtual facility cannot be seen, there is a problem that the avatar has difficulty using the specific virtual facility.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to make it easier for a user to use specific facilities within a virtual space when he or she begins using the virtual space using an avatar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device of a first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that offers or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; a determination unit that determines, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user operating the avatar; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0007] An information processing device of a second aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space and a display mode of the virtual facility to the user based on the behavioral information; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0008] The decision unit may further decide whether or not to provide the user with a specified benefit that can be used in the virtual facility based on the behavioral information, and the virtual space control unit may provide the benefit to the user on the condition that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the benefit in the virtual facility.

[0009] The determination unit may determine some of the multiple users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied based on the behavioral information, and the virtual space control unit may perform at least one of placing the avatar corresponding to the target user in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display mode.

[0010] The behavioral information indicates the number of times or frequency that the user has visited a real facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in real space, or a specified area including the real facility in the real space, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the number of times or the frequency satisfies a specified condition.

[0011] The behavioral information may indicate a purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at a real facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in real space, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the purchase amount satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0012] The behavioral information may indicate characteristics of products previously purchased by the user, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the characteristics satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0013] The behavioral information may indicate that the provider has paid a specified fee in the real space to an operator that provides or operates the virtual space, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee satisfies a specified condition.

[0014] The behavioral information may indicate an amount of compensation received by the provider in the real space in accordance with sales performance of the product in the virtual facility, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the amount of compensation satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0015] The determination unit may determine the positional relationship in which the user can view the virtual facility through the avatar.

[0016] The determination unit may determine the display manner for making an appearance of the virtual facility different from a facility in the virtual space that is different from the virtual facility.

[0017] An information processing method of a third aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that offers or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; determining at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user operating the avatar, based on the behavioral information; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0018] An information processing method of a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar movable within a virtual space, executed by a processor; determining at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display manner of the virtual facility to the user based on the behavioral information; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display manner.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider who provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user who operates the avatar; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display manner of the virtual facility to the user; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display manner. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, when a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, it is possible to easily use a specific facility in the virtual space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining exemplary provider behavior information. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining exemplary user behavior information. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method in which a determination unit determines a target user. FIG. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams for explaining a method in which a determination unit determines a positional relationship and a display mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying an exemplary target facility. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary information processing method executed by an information processing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] [Outline of Information Processing System S] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a user terminal 2, and a provider terminal 3. The information processing system S may include a plurality of user terminals 2 and provider terminals 3. The information processing system S may also include other devices such as servers and terminals.

[0024] The information processing device 1 is a computer that processes information about the virtual space displayed on the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. The virtual space is an imaginary space (e.g., metaverse) formed on a computer. The virtual space is displayed as an area having an area or volume on each of the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. On the other hand, the actual space in which the user lives (e.g., space on the earth) is called real space.

[0025] The information processing device 1 places a plurality of virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, in a virtual space. The virtual facilities are, for example, stores that sell one or a plurality of types of products. The virtual facilities correspond to, for example, real facilities that are facilities in the real space, and have a structure in the virtual space that imitates the real facilities. Each of a plurality of users who use the virtual space can have an experience of visiting a real store corresponding to the virtual facility by visiting the virtual facility using an avatar. The avatar is an image that operates in the virtual space according to operations performed by the user on the user terminal 2.

[0026] The user terminal 2 is an information terminal used by a user who uses a virtual facility. The provider terminal 3 is an information terminal used by a user who is a provider (an employee of the virtual facility, an owner of the virtual facility, an administrator of the virtual facility, etc.) who provides or operates the virtual facility. The user uses the virtual facility by operating an avatar in the virtual space. Of the multiple virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is called a target facility E1.

[0027] The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 are, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 have an operation unit such as a touch panel or a keyboard for receiving operations, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 can communicate with the information processing device 1 via a network.

[0028] An overview of the processing executed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. The information processing device 1 acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken by a provider or a user in real space. The behavioral information of the provider is, for example, a payment of a predetermined fee by the provider in real space to a business entity that provides or operates a virtual space, a receipt of compensation in real space by the provider in accordance with the sales results of a product in a virtual store, etc. The behavioral information of the user is, for example, a visit to a real facility corresponding to a virtual facility in real space, a visit to a predetermined area including a real facility, a purchase of a product at a real facility, etc.

[0029] Based on the acquired behavioral information, the information processing device 1 determines at least one of the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1 and the display mode of the target facility E1 to the user operating the avatar. The positional relationship is, for example, a relative position between the avatar and the target facility E1 that allows the user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar. The display mode is, for example, a display mode (color, pattern, text, etc.) that makes the target facility E1 stand out more than other virtual facilities.

[0030] When a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, the information processing device 1 performs at least one of placing the avatar in a determined positional relationship with respect to the target facility E1 and displaying the target facility E1 to the user in the determined display manner.

[0031] In this way, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a position that allows easy use of a specific virtual facility, or displays the specific virtual facility to the user in a display mode that makes the specific virtual facility stand out, based on the behavioral information of the provider or user. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easy for the user to use the specific virtual facility in the virtual space when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0032] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, arrows indicate main data flows, and data flows other than those shown in FIG. 2 may exist. In FIG. 2, each block indicates a configuration in functional units, not a configuration in hardware (device) units. Therefore, the blocks shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in a single device, or may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data may be exchanged between blocks via any means, such as a data bus, a network, or a portable storage medium.

[0033] The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing device 1 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separate devices by wire or wirelessly. The information processing device 1 may also be configured by a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

[0034] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data between the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 via the network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of data received via the network from the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices. In addition, the communication unit 11 transmits data output from the control unit 13 to the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices via the network.

[0035] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 stores in advance a program to be executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be provided outside the information processing device 1, in which case data may be exchanged between the storage unit 12 and the control unit 13 via a network.

[0036] The control unit 13 has a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a determination unit 133, and a virtual space control unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133, and the virtual space control unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0037] The process executed by the information processing device 1 will be described in detail below. When a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, the user performs a predetermined start-of-use operation on the user terminal 2. In response to the user's start-of-use operation, the user terminal 2 transmits a start-of-use request indicating that the user will start using the virtual space to the information processing device 1. In the information processing device 1, the receiving unit 131 receives the start-of-use request transmitted by the user terminal 2.

[0038] The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the results of behaviors performed by a provider or a user in real space. When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processes for each of the multiple providers and multiple users. Among multiple virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is referred to as a target facility E1.

[0039] The track record of an action includes, for example, the action itself performed by the provider or user in real space and the result caused by the action (such as the amount of assets transferred by the action, evaluations of the action by others, etc.). The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, action information stored in advance in the storage unit 12, or acquires action information from a device different from the information processing device 1.

[0040] 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams for explaining exemplary provider behavior information. In the example of FIG. 3(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to a business providing or operating a virtual space in real space or the fee. The fee paid by the provider to the business is a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) required to apply a positional relationship or display mode described below to the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the fee paid by the provider to the business from a device that manages information about the business.

[0041] In the example of Fig. 3(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the amount of compensation (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) received by the provider in real space in accordance with the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1. The compensation received by the provider is, for example, a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) in accordance with the price or number of products sold by the provider to an avatar at the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the compensation received by the provider from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

[0042] The acquisition unit 132 may also acquire behavioral information indicating an evaluation of the target facility E1 by a user who purchased a product at the target facility E1. The evaluation of the target facility E1 is, for example, information indicating an index (such as a score) corresponding to the good or bad of the target facility E1 specified by the user. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

[0043] 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining exemplary user behavior information. In the example of FIG. 4(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the number or frequency of a user's visit to a real facility E2, which is a facility corresponding to a target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, a history of location information of the user terminal 2 during a predetermined period, and calculates the number or frequency of the user terminal 2 being located within the real facility E2, thereby acquiring the number or frequency of the user's visit to the real facility E2.

[0044] In the example of Fig. 4(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the number or frequency of a user's visit to a predetermined area A in real space. Area A is, for example, a predetermined area including a real facility E2 that is a facility corresponding to a target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, a history of location information of the user terminal 2 during a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency of the user terminal 2 being located within area A, thereby acquiring the number or frequency of the user's visit to area A.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 4(c), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating purchase information on products previously purchased by the user in real space. The purchase information is, for example, information indicating the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product in real space, or the characteristics (type, name, etc.) of the product purchased by the user. The acquisition unit 132 may acquire purchase information on products purchased by the user in a real facility E2 that is a facility corresponding to the target facility E1 in real space, or may acquire purchase information on products purchased by the user in a store different from the real facility E2. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the purchase information, for example, from a device that manages information on the real facility E2 or other stores where the user purchased the product.

[0046] The determination unit 133 determines some of the multiple users who use the virtual space as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode described below is applied. The determination unit 133 may also determine all of the multiple users who use the virtual space as target users.

[0047] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for determining target users by the determination unit 133. The determination unit 133 determines some users among a plurality of users who use the virtual space as target users based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. The determination unit 133 determines target users such that, for example, the higher the cost paid by the provider to the business operator, the compensation received by the provider according to the sales performance of the product, or the higher the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user, which is indicated by the behavioral information, the more target users there are.

[0048] In this case, the determination unit 133 determines the extraction number, which is the number of users to which at least one of the location relationship and the display mode is to be applied, based on the cost paid by the provider indicated by the behavior information to the business operator, the compensation received by the provider according to the sales performance of the product, or the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user. The determination unit 133 randomly extracts the target users of the extraction number from among multiple users who use the virtual space, or extracts the target users of the extraction number according to a predetermined rule (such as the order of logging into the virtual space). This allows the information processing device 1 to increase the number of users to which the location relationship or the display mode of the target facility E1 provided or operated by a provider who pays a lot of costs to the business operator, has high sales of products, or has good evaluations by users is to be applied.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship between the avatar operated by the target user and the target facility E1 and the display mode of the target facility E1 to the target user, based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. The determination unit 133 determines, for example, whether the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies a predetermined condition for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode.

[0050] 6(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for determining the positional relationship between an avatar and the target facility E1 by the determination unit 133. When the behavioral information satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit 133 determines a positional relationship that allows the target user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar, and when the behavioral information does not satisfy the condition, the determination unit 133 does not determine the positional relationship (i.e., does not apply the positional relationship to the target facility E1).

[0051] The positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be viewed means that the avatar operated by the target user is positioned so that the target facility E1 appears within the field of view of the avatar (i.e., within the display screen of the target user) when the target user starts using the virtual space (when logging in, etc.). The positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be viewed includes, for example, at least one of positioning the avatar within a predetermined distance from the target facility E1 and positioning the avatar so that it faces the target facility E1.

[0052] The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating conditions for determining the positional relationship from which the target facility E1 can be viewed, which is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and determines the positional relationship from which the target facility E1 can be viewed using the conditions indicated by the acquired information.

[0053] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the business providing or operating the virtual space. Also, the condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the amount of fee paid by the provider indicated by the behavioral information to the business providing or operating the virtual space is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has paid a predetermined fee to the business providing or operating the virtual space.

[0054] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the amount of compensation received by the provider in the real space in response to the sales record of the product at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has received a high amount of compensation in response to the sales record of the product at the target facility E1.

[0055] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information or to the area A including the real facility E2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who frequently visit the real facility E2 or the area A to use the target facility E1.

[0056] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information is equal to or more than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who purchase a large amount of products at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0057] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the characteristic of the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavior information is a predetermined characteristic (the type of the product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user who purchased the product with the specific characteristic to use the target facility E1.

[0058] 6(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for determining the display mode of the target facility E1 by the determination unit 133. When the behavior information satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit 133 determines a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and when the behavior information does not satisfy the condition, the determination unit 133 does not determine the display mode (i.e., does not apply the display mode to the target facility E1).

[0059] The display mode that highlights the target facility E1 is a display mode for making the appearance of the target facility E1 different from facilities in the virtual space that are different from the target facility E1. The display mode that highlights the target facility E1 includes, for example, at least one of setting the target facility E1 in a color or pattern different from other virtual facilities and displaying a predetermined character or image in association with the target facility E1. The character or image displayed in association with the target facility E1 is, for example, a character or image indicating "recommended" or a character or image indicating that the store is a store where the target user can use a benefit such as a coupon.

[0060] The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating conditions for determining a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, which is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and determines a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out using the conditions indicated by the acquired information.

[0061] The condition for determining the display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the business that provides or operates the virtual space. Also, the condition for determining the display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the amount of fee paid by the provider indicated by the behavioral information to the business that provides or operates the virtual space is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has paid a predetermined fee to the business that provides or operates the virtual space.

[0062] A condition for determining a display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the amount of compensation received by the provider in the real space in response to the sales record of the product at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has received a high amount of compensation in response to the sales record of the product at the target facility E1.

[0063] A condition for determining a display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the number or frequency of visits by a user to a real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information or to an area A including the real facility E2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who frequently visit the real facility E2 or the area A to use the target facility E1.

[0064] The condition for determining the display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavior information is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who purchase a large amount of products at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0065] The condition for determining the display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the characteristic of the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavior information is a predetermined characteristic (the type of the product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user who purchased the product with the specific characteristic to use the target facility E1.

[0066] The determination unit 133 may further determine whether to provide the target user with a predetermined benefit available at the target facility E1 based on the behavior information. The benefit available at the target facility E1 is, for example, a coupon, points, or the like for the target user to receive a product or a discount at the target facility E1. The determination unit 133 determines to provide the target user with a benefit when the behavior information of the target user satisfies any one of the above-mentioned conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible and the conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and determines not to provide the benefit when the behavior information of the target user does not satisfy any of the above-mentioned conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible and the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out. In this way, the information processing device 1 can encourage the target user to use the target facility E1.

[0067] When the target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, for example in response to the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start using the virtual space from the target user's user terminal 2, the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to the placement data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, and places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space. The placement data is, for example, information indicating the shape and position of each of the multiple virtual facilities.

[0068] When arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatars of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 performs at least one of the following: arranging the avatar of the target user in a positional relationship relative to the target facility E1 determined by the determination unit 133; and displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in a display manner determined by the determination unit 133.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal 2 displaying an exemplary target facility E1. In the example of Fig. 7, the virtual space control unit 134 arranges the avatar in a positional relationship that allows the target user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar, and displays the target facility E1 to the target user in a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out. This allows the information processing device 1 to facilitate the target user to visit the specific target facility E1 when the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, thereby making it easier for the target user to use the specific target facility E1.

[0070] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode based on the behavioral information of the provider, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and the display mode to the target facility E1, which is a virtual facility provided or operated by the provider. This enables the information processing device 1 to preferentially allow users to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has, for example, a specific behavioral record.

[0071] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode based on the user's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and the display mode to a target facility E1 that is not limited to a virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider. This enables the information processing device 1 to preferentially allow the user to use, for example, a real facility E2 visited by the user in real space or a target facility E1 that corresponds to a real facility E2 included in an area A visited by the user.

[0072] Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 provides a predetermined benefit that can be used in the target facility E1 to the target user on the condition that the determination unit 133 has determined that the target user should be provided with the predetermined benefit. For example, the virtual space control unit 134 sets a predetermined benefit to be available to the target user's avatar in the virtual space in the target facility E1, and allows the target user to use the benefit in response to the target user moving the avatar to the target facility E1 and then performing a predetermined operation.

[0073] Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 may allow the target user to enter the target facility E1 when the behavioral information of the target user satisfies any one of the above-mentioned conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible and the conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and may not allow the target user to enter the target facility E1 when the behavioral information of the target user does not satisfy any of the above-mentioned conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out. This allows the information processing device 1 to allow only specific target users to enter a specific event (pre-opening, family sale, etc.) held at the target facility E1, for example.

[0074] [Information processing method flow] 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the results of behaviors performed in real space by a provider or a user (S11). When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processes for each of the multiple providers and multiple users.

[0075] The determination unit 133 determines some of the multiple users who use the virtual space as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 (S12). The determination unit 133 may also determine all of the multiple users who use the virtual space as target users.

[0076] The determination unit 133 determines, for example, whether or not the behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies a predetermined condition for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode to be applied to the target user (S13).

[0077] If the behavioral information satisfies a predetermined condition (YES in S14), the determination unit 133 performs at least one of determining a positional relationship that allows the target user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar and determining a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out (S15).

[0078] When the target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, for example in response to the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start using the virtual space from the target user's user terminal 2, the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to the placement data pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space.

[0079] When arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatar of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 performs at least one of: arranging the avatar of the target user in a positional relationship with respect to the target facility E1 determined by the determination unit 133 (S16); and displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in a display manner determined by the determination unit 133 (S17).

[0080] If the behavioral information does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in S14), the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities and avatars in the virtual space without applying at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode determined by the determination unit 133.

[0081] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the information processing system S of this embodiment, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a position that allows easy access to a specific target facility E1, or displays the specific virtual facility to the user in a prominent display mode, based on the behavioral information of the provider or user. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easy for the user to use the specific virtual facility in the virtual space when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0082] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "build resilient infrastructure, promote industry, innovation and infrastructure."

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by distributing or integrating functionally or physically in any unit. In addition, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effect of the new embodiment resulting from the combination combines the effect of the original embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] S Information Processing System 1. Information processing device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control section 131 Reception 132 Acquisition Department 133 Decision Section 134 Virtual space control section 2. User terminal 3 Provider terminal

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires behavior information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; a determination unit that determines, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility with respect to a user who operates the avatar, and determines, based on the behavioral information, some of the plurality of users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied; a virtual space control unit that performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility in the display mode to the target user when the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar; having The determination unit determines an extraction number corresponding to the behavior information, and extracts the extraction number of target users from the plurality of users. Information processing device.

2. an acquisition unit that acquires behavior information indicating a track record of a behavior performed in a real space by a user who operates an avatar that can move in a virtual space; a determination unit that determines, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility in the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility with respect to the user, and determines, based on the behavioral information, some of the plurality of users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied; a virtual space control unit that performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility in the display mode to the target user when the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar; having The determination unit determines an extraction number corresponding to the behavior information, and extracts the extraction number of target users from the plurality of users. Information processing device.

3. The determination unit further determines whether to provide the target user with a predetermined benefit available in the virtual facility based on the behavioral information; The virtual space control unit provides the benefit to the target user on condition that the determination unit has determined that the target user will be provided with the benefit in the virtual facility.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the behavioral information indicates the number of times or frequency of visits by the user to a real facility that is a facility corresponding to the virtual facility in real space, or to a predetermined area including the real facility in the real space; the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the number of times or the frequency satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. the behavioral information indicates a purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at a real facility that is a facility corresponding to the virtual facility in real space; the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the purchase amount satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The behavioral information indicates characteristics of products that the user has purchased in the past, the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to a business entity that provides or operates the virtual space in the real space; the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. the behavioral information indicates an amount of compensation received by the provider in the real space in accordance with a sales performance of the product in the virtual facility; The determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when an amount of the compensation satisfies a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. the determination unit determines the positional relationship in which the target user can view the virtual facility through the avatar.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the determination unit determines the display mode for making an appearance of the virtual facility different from a facility in the virtual space that is different from the virtual facility; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The processor executes acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider who provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar capable of moving within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility for a user operating the avatar; A step of determining some of the users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is applied based on the behavioral information, in which an extraction number corresponding to the behavioral information is determined, and the extraction number of the target users is extracted from the plurality of users; When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, at least one of: placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility; and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display manner; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

12. The processor executes acquiring behavioral information indicating a track record of a behavior performed in a real space by a user who operates an avatar that is movable in a virtual space; determining at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility in the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility for the user, based on the behavioral information; A step of determining some of the users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is applied based on the behavioral information, in which an extraction number corresponding to the behavioral information is determined, and the extraction number of the target users is extracted from the plurality of users; When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, at least one of: placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility; and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display manner; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

13. On the computer, acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider who provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar capable of moving within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility for a user operating the avatar; A step of determining some of the users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is applied based on the behavioral information, in which an extraction number corresponding to the behavioral information is determined, and the extraction number of the target users is extracted from the plurality of users; When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, at least one of: placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility; and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display manner; A program to execute.

14. On the computer, acquiring behavioral information indicating a track record of a behavior performed in a real space by a user who operates an avatar that is movable in a virtual space; determining at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility in the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility for the user, based on the behavioral information; A step of determining some of the users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is applied based on the behavioral information, in which an extraction number corresponding to the behavioral information is determined, and the extraction number of the target users is extracted from the plurality of users; When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, at least one of: placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility; and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display manner; A program to execute.

Images