Interlocking object control system, data processing method for interlocking object control system, and program

Abstract

An avatar moving through a virtual space can obtain audio and video information using virtual items, thereby providing a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually immersive. [Solution] In an interlocking object control system in which a server device 1 that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N operated by a first user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by a second user who places items on the virtual space platform communicate via a predetermined communication medium, the system is provided with an item control unit 16-3 that controls the operating state of each interlocking item in response to an avatar moving through the virtual space by operation of the first user, with multiple interlocking items placed in the virtual space for one selected specific item.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interlocking object control system for controlling functional objects arranged in a virtual space, a data processing method for the interlocking object control system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems that provide various video services using virtual space are being put into practical use. In events that use virtual space, participants at the event venue are displayed on the screen as avatars, and participating users can freely move within the virtual space by operating their avatars.

[0003] The voice control system shown in Patent Document 1 below discloses that "in order to provide a voice control system, voice control method, and voice control program that enable smooth conversation within a conversation group in a virtual space, the voice control system comprises a setting processing unit that sets a conversation group including a plurality of users in a virtual space, and a restriction processing unit that restricts the output of voice outside the conversation group set by the setting processing unit to users within the conversation group." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2024-10792 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the voice control system using the virtual space does not perform voice processing that reflects the distance between the avatars of each user displayed in the virtual space, so it is expected that the conversation between the participating user and the avatar of another user displayed in the same virtual space will be interrupted on the data terminal of the participating user, and an improvement in this regard is desired. More specifically, problems have been pointed out such as the fact that the voices become louder when the avatars of each user are close to each other and quieter when they are far away, and that the voices cannot be heard when the avatars are too far apart. In addition, because there are restrictions on the types, number, and functions of items that can be linked in the virtual space, there are no clear guidelines on how to arrange the items that users want when participating in the virtual space and how to process the data, which limits the potential of items in the virtual space.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually realistic by controlling virtual items placed in a virtual space, so that an avatar moving through the virtual space acquires audio information and video information utilizing the virtual items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above object, the interlocking object control system of the present invention comprises the following configuration.

[0008] A linked object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services through a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other through a predetermined communication medium, the server device acquiring information from the second data terminal. functionan item selection means for selecting a linked item to be placed in a virtual space according to a different item list; and an item placement means for placing a plurality of linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected by the item selection means; The above and an item control means for controlling the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which a plurality of linked items are arranged. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, by controlling virtual items placed in a virtual space, an avatar moving through the virtual space can obtain audio and video information utilizing the virtual items, thereby providing a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually realistic. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The drawings show specific embodiments of the present invention, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a linked object control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the first data terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program expanded in a RAM shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the second data terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program expanded in a RAM shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] A conceptual diagram showing the volume levels that an avatar can hear in the virtual space provided by the metaverse platform shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 7]2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminal and the second data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminal and the second data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the second data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an item linked to an avatar displayed on the metaverse platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an item linked to an avatar displayed on the metaverse platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining items showing an example of a linked object list according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <System configuration> [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of an interlocking object control system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an interlocking object control system is exemplified in which a server device 1 that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N operated by users who connect to the metaverse platform 1A, and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by users who place items on the metaverse platform 1A communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium. Note that a plurality of data terminals can be connected to the metaverse platform 1A at the same time.

[0013] In FIG. 1, when first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N connect to the public metaverse platform 1A, the server device 1 controls the display mode of the avatar so that it appears in the virtual reality space as a first avatar representing a first user or a second avatar representing a second user.

[0014] The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N are equipped with hardware resources as shown in FIG. 3, and the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N are equipped with hardware resources as shown in FIG. 4, and are connected to the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 to receive communication services from the server device 1.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the server device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0016] In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a communication unit which controls communication processing for connecting first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N connected to a network 21 as a communication medium, to a server device 1 which acquires image information for reproducing a specified digital real space.

[0017] Reference numeral 13 denotes a CPU, which starts an operating system (OS) stored in an external memory 18 connected to the internal bus 12, and starts various applications installed through the API. It also executes the processing of various programs deployed on the RAM 16. Reference numeral 14 denotes a database, which stores items in the virtual space reproduced on the metaverse platform 1A, with identification information assigned to each item according to its attributes.

[0018] Reference numeral 15 denotes a keyboard, which is used to input numbers, text, and icon commands for running applications.

[0019] Reference numeral 16 denotes an expandable RAM, which expands and stores the basic program of the metaverse platform 1A installed in the external memory 18. Reference numeral 17 denotes a display, which displays the program's running status via various UI screens (not shown).

[0020] The basic program in this embodiment includes an item selection unit 16-1 which selects linked items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list with different attributes obtained from the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N, an item placement unit 16-2 which places multiple linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected by the item selection unit 16-1, and an item control unit 16-3 which controls the operation state of each linked item that is placed so as to activate one of the linked items to transmit information to an avatar moving in the virtual space, and is deployed on the RAM 16 and executed by the CPU 13.

[0021] As shown in the flowchart described below, when the linked items are an input device and an output device, the item control unit 16-3 is configured to control the operating state so that the volume of the audio data of the output device, for example a virtual speaker, is constant regardless of where the avatar entering the virtual space moves within the virtual space. Specifically, the item control unit 16-3 is configured to control the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0022] Here, an example in which the input device is configured as a virtual microphone for inputting voice information uttered by an avatar will be described later.

[0023] In addition, an example will be described later in which the item control unit 16-3 is configured to place multiple virtual speakers with different sound ranges in the virtual space and control the operating state of each virtual speaker so that the virtual speakers work together to provide a virtual surround effect.

[0024] Furthermore, when the linked items are a plurality of imaging devices, the item control unit 16-3 is configured to control the operating state of each imaging device so that images of the virtual space can be captured from various angles, as will be described later. The function of the item control unit 16-3 in this system and the function of controlling the display of avatars may be configured as a single display control unit.

[0025] 19 is the AI ​​support unit, which supports the massive spatial modeling process to support the process of making the virtual space appear so that the virtual space moves seamlessly, even when a virtual space movement occurs in which the first virtual space is left and a second virtual space is entered.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N connected to the server device 1 shown in FIG. 1. The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N each include a pad device (a head device to be described later). mount The assumed devices include displays (including Head Mounted Displays (HMDs)), PC devices, smartphones, etc. Here, the users who operate the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N are assumed to be first users who enter the virtual space.

[0027] 3(a), reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which executes various applications by loading an OS and a control program stored in a ROM 302 into a RAM 303 and executing them. Reference numeral 304 denotes a communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to a server device 1 connected to a network 21.

[0028] In the RAM 303 shown in FIG. 3B, 303-1 is a UI control unit that executes control to display on a display 311 a UI screen presented by the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1 shown in FIG.

[0029] 303-2 is an item selection unit that selects an item required by the administrator from a list of items to be arranged in the virtual space on the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1. As described above, items include an input device, an imaging device, and an output device, and information processing will be described using a virtual microphone as an example of an input device, a virtual speaker as an example of an output device, and a virtual camera as an example of an imaging device.

[0030] The CPU 301 manages account information (user ID, password) registered by the user in the metaverse platform 1A published on the web by the server device 1, using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown). A keyboard 310 cooperates with a pointing device (not shown) to input text to a screen displayed on a display 311 and to specify icons to be displayed.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N connected to server device 1 shown in FIG. The second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N are assumed to be pad devices, PC devices, smartphones, etc. Here, the users who operate the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N are assumed to be second users who enter the virtual space as speakers.

[0032] 4(a), reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which executes various applications by loading an OS and a control program stored in a ROM 302 into a RAM 303 and executing them. Various information is input and icons displayed on a user interface screen (UI screen) are clicked directly on a display 311. Reference numeral 304 denotes a communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to a server device 1 connected to a network 21.

[0033] In the RAM 303 shown in FIG. 4B, 303-1 is a UI control unit that executes control to display on a display 311 a UI screen presented by the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1 shown in FIG.

[0034] 303-3 is a login / logout processing unit which manages the account and password registered in the server device 1 when entering the virtual space, and executes processing for entering and exiting the virtual space provided by the metaverse platform 1A.

[0035] The CPU 301 manages account information (user ID, password) registered by a user in the metaverse platform 1A that the server device 1 makes public on the Web, by using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0036] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the volume levels that an avatar can hear in the virtual space provided by the metaverse platform 1A shown in Figure 1. For example, the volume levels that can be heard with the avatar AV as the central coordinate are shown in concentric steps, with areas SE1 to SE3 close to the center being shown.

[0037] Here, when the avatar AV in the virtual space is within area SE1, the volume level is perceived as high when conversing with other avatars (not shown), but as it moves to areas SE2 and SE3, the volume level is perceived as lower.However, by placing multiple speaker items in appropriate positions in the virtual space as described below, it is possible for the avatar AV to converse with other avatars at the same volume no matter where in the virtual space it moves.

[0038] [Example of processing speaker's voice data in virtual space] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step, and each step is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). The first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N and 4-1 to 4-N are terminals operated by speakers (second users) who use the virtual space provided by the server device 1 via the metaverse platform 1A.

[0039] First, when the CPU 301 determines that a speaker who has entered the virtual space is making voice input from the virtual microphone (1), the CPU 301 ends this process when it has completed the process of transmitting the voice data of the speaker that was picked up by the virtual microphone to the server device 1 (2).

[0040] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that (11) to (14) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 13 executing a control program stored in the external memory 18.

[0041] First, when CPU 13 acquires voice data uttered by the speaker from first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N (11), it identifies a speaker object (virtual item) placed in the virtual space (12). When it determines that the speaker's voice data acquired in step (11) has been transmitted to the speaker object (13), CPU 13 outputs the speaker's voice data from the identified speaker object placed in the virtual space (14) and terminates the process.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the data processing procedure in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (21) to (23) indicate each step, and each step is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). Note that the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N are terminals operated by participating users using a virtual space provided via the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1.

[0043] The CPU 301 logs in to the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 and enters the virtual space (21).

[0044] Once the login process is completed, a user (first user) participating in an event held in the virtual space can move around the virtual space with an avatar. When a speaker on a stage is giving a speech using a virtual microphone, if the CPU 301 determines that it has been able to acquire audio data of the speaker (second user) by approaching a speaker object arranged in the virtual space (22), it logs out (23) and terminates this process.

[0045] This allows the participating users to hear the audio data from the speakers provided in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by the participating users.

[0046] In this case, when a participating user approaches a speaker object placed in the virtual space, the item control unit 16-3 adjusts and controls the volume of the audio data, making the speaker's audio data louder and audible.

[0047] [Example of video output processing on a virtual monitor installed in a virtual space] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the data processing procedure in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (31) and (32) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). Note that the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N are terminals operated by speakers who take the stage using the virtual space provided via the metaverse platform 1A provided by the server device 1.

[0048] First, a presenter corresponding to a second user operates the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N to log in to the virtual space, and if it is determined that a virtual camera (camera object) has been installed (31), the presenter transfers an instruction to turn on a switch (not shown) of the virtual camera to the server device 1 (32), and then ends the processing.

[0049] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that (41) and (42) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 13 executing a control program stored in the external memory 18.

[0050] First, when the CPU 13 determines that it has acquired video data within the virtual space captured by a virtual camera placed in the virtual space (41), it outputs the video data captured by the virtual camera to a virtual monitor (monitor object) placed in the virtual space by a user participating in the virtual space (42), and ends the processing.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the data processing procedure in the second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (51) and (52) indicate each step, and each step is realized by CPU 301 executing a control program stored in an external memory (not shown). The second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N and 5-1 to 5-N are terminals operated by speakers (second users) who use the virtual space provided by the server device 1 via the metaverse platform 1A.

[0052] The CPU 301 logs in to the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 and enters the virtual space (51). If a speaker is on the stage and is captured by a virtual camera, the CPU 301 approaches a virtual monitor arranged in the virtual space and watches the video of the speaker (52), and then ends this process.

[0053] This allows the participating users to view the video data of the speakers on the display devices provided in the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N and second data terminals 2-1 to 2-N, 5-1 to 5-N operated by the participating users.

[0054] [Items using a virtual microphone and virtual speakers] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an item that is linked to an avatar AV displayed on the metaverse platform 1A shown in FIG. 1. In this example, as an avatar AV presenter, item ITM1 indicating a virtual microphone is selected, and items ITM2 and ITM3 indicating virtual speakers are also selected and placed in virtual space positions that can be set in the virtual space.

[0055] As a result, the avatar AV in the upper row cannot hear the speech or explanation of the avatar AV as a speaker unless an avatar (not shown) corresponding to another user approaches within the circle surrounding the avatar AV. However, as shown in the lower row, the avatar AV as a speaker uses item ITM1 (virtual microphone) and can output the audio data of the avatar AV output from item ITM1 from items ITM2,3 (virtual speakers) placed in the virtual space, and other avatars (not shown) that can approach the circle surrounding items ITM2,3 can hear and listen to the audio data of the avatar AV as a speaker without having to perform any operation to approach the avatar AV.

[0056] [Items using a virtual camera and a virtual monitor] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of an item linked to an avatar AV displayed on the metaverse platform 1A shown in Figure 1. In this example, the avatar AV selects items ITM11, 12 indicating a virtual camera placed in a virtual space, and displays them on items ITM21, 22 which function as virtual screens placed at a settable virtual space position in the virtual space.

[0057] As a result, the avatar AV on the upper level cannot be seen in the virtual space unless an avatar (not shown) approaches, but on the lower level, a virtual camera is placed as an item in the virtual space, so that if other participating users can approach a virtual monitor placed in the virtual space, it is possible to accommodate an entertainment environment in which, when a situation is reproduced in which the avatar AV is performing a concert in the virtual space, the virtual camera zooms in and out on the avatar AV, and the users can view avatars corresponding to other users participating in the same virtual space through the virtual monitor.

[0058] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a linked object list according to the present embodiment. The server device 1 stores and manages the virtual items in the external memory 18 in association with item IDs that identify the registered linked objects.

[0059] In this example, the items include a virtual microphone, a virtual speaker, a virtual camera, a virtual monitor, a virtual memo pad, and a virtual bulletin board.

[0060] Here, the virtual monitor can also play back moving images, the virtual notepad can input text, and the virtual bulletin board can output text.

[0061] In addition, the text output may be configured to output translated text in order to accommodate language barriers, or the collected voice of an avatar may be configured to be translated.

[0062] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, by controlling virtual items placed in the virtual space, an avatar moving through the virtual space can obtain audio and video information utilizing the virtual items, thereby providing a virtual space service that is both auditorily and visually immersive.

[0063] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more of the functions.

[0064] Specifically, the program is configured to cause a server computer that provides an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform via a predetermined communication medium, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places items on the virtual space platform, communicate with each other, to function as an item selection step of selecting interlocking items to be placed in the virtual space according to an item list having different attributes obtained from the second data terminal, an item placement step of placing multiple interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step, and an item control step of controlling the operation state of each interlocking item that is placed so as to activate one of the interlocking items to transmit information to an avatar moving in the virtual space.

[0065] The disclosure regarding the present invention described above can be summarized at least as follows.

[0066] (1) A linked object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services through a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other through a predetermined communication medium, the server device receiving information from the second data terminal. functionan item selection means for selecting a linked item to be placed in a virtual space according to a different item list; and an item placement means for placing a plurality of linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected by the item selection means; The above and an item control means for controlling the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which a plurality of linked items are arranged.

[0067] (2) The output device is characterized in that it is a virtual speaker that outputs voice information uttered by the avatar collected from a virtual microphone.

[0068] (3) The input device is characterized by being a virtual microphone that inputs voice information uttered by the avatar.

[0069] (4) When the linked item is a virtual speaker, the item control means controls an operating state so that audio data at a constant volume can be heard from the virtual speaker regardless of where an avatar entering the virtual space is moving.

[0070] (5) The item control means is characterized in that a plurality of virtual speakers with different sound ranges are placed in the virtual space and the operating state of each virtual speaker is controlled so that the virtual speakers work in conjunction with each other to provide a virtual surround effect.

[0071] (6) When the linked item is a plurality of imaging devices, the item control means controls the operating state of each imaging device so that images of the virtual space can be captured from various angles.

[0072] (7) A data processing method for an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services through a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other through a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device acquires data from the second data terminal. function an item selection step of selecting an interlocking item to be placed in a virtual space according to a different item list; and an item placement step of placing a plurality of interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; The above and an item control step of controlling the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which a plurality of linked items are arranged.

[0073] (8) Acquire from the second data terminal a server computer that provides an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium. function an item selection step of selecting an interlocking item to be placed in a virtual space according to a different item list; and an item placement step of placing a plurality of interlocking items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; The above and an item control step of controlling the operating state of each linked item in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which a plurality of linked items are arranged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Server device 1A Metaverse Platform 2-1~2-N Second Data Terminal 3-1~3-N 1st data terminal 4-1~4-N 1st data terminal 5-1~5-N Second Data Terminal

Claims

1. A linked object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, The server device includes: an item selection means for selecting a linked item to be placed in a virtual space according to an item list with different functions obtained from the second data terminal; an item placement means for placing a plurality of linked items in the virtual space in response to one specific item selected by the item selection means; an item control means for controlling an operating state of each of the linked items in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which the linked items are arranged; A linked object control system comprising:

2. 2. The linked object control system according to claim 1, wherein the output device is a virtual speaker that outputs voice information uttered by the avatar and collected through a virtual microphone.

3. 2. The linked object control system according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a virtual microphone for inputting voice information uttered by an avatar.

4. The linked object control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the linked item is a virtual speaker, the item control means controls an operating state so that audio data at a constant volume can be heard from the virtual speaker regardless of where an avatar entering the virtual space moves.

5. The linked object control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the item control means places a plurality of virtual speakers with different sound ranges in the virtual space and controls the operating state of each virtual speaker so that the virtual speakers work in conjunction with each other to provide a virtual surround effect.

6. The linked object control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the linked item is a plurality of imaging devices, the item control means controls the operating state of each imaging device so that the virtual space can be imaged from various angles.

7. A data processing method for an interlocking object control system in which a server device that provides various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: The server device includes: an item selection step of selecting linked items to be arranged in a virtual space according to an item list with different functions obtained from the second data terminal; an item arrangement step of arranging a plurality of linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; an item control step of controlling an operating state of each of the linked items in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which the multiple linked items are arranged; A data processing method for an interlocking object control system comprising:

8. A server computer for providing an interlocking object control system in which a server device for providing various virtual space services via a virtual space platform, a first data terminal operated by a user who connects to the virtual space platform, and a second data terminal operated by a user who places an item on the virtual space platform communicate with each other via a predetermined communication medium, an item selection step of selecting linked items to be arranged in a virtual space according to an item list with different functions obtained from the second data terminal; an item arrangement step of arranging a plurality of linked items in the virtual space for one specific item selected in the item selection step; an item control step of controlling an operating state of each of the linked items in response to an avatar moving within the virtual space in which the multiple linked items are arranged; A program characterized by:

Images