Program, information processing apparatus, and information processing method

Abstract

Conventionally, it has not been possible to provide a marketplace for buying and selling items worn by an avatar. 【Solution means】Profile information having item identification information that is information regarding the profile of an avatar associated with a second user different from the first user who purchases an item, and that identifies each of one or more items associated with the avatar, is output to a first user different from the second user by a profile output unit 143 in a user management unit 112 that stores the user information having the profile information, an instruction reception unit 124 that receives an instruction from the first user regarding an item identified by the item identification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit 143, and a purchase processing unit 133 that performs a process for the first user to purchase the item in response to the instruction received by the instruction reception unit 124. An information processing apparatus 1 can provide a marketplace for buying and selling items worn by an avatar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and the like that enables the purchase of items related to an avatar in a virtual space.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an information processing apparatus capable of selling product objects in a virtual reality space (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, when a user wants an avatar of another user or an item worn by an avatar of another user, it has been extremely laborious to search for a sales source, or the sales source could not be found.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus of the first invention is information regarding the profile of an avatar associated with a user different from the user who purchases an item, and is profile information having item identification information for identifying one or more items associated with the avatar. The profile output unit outputs the profile information in the user management unit in which the user information storing the profile information is stored, to a user different from the other user; the instruction reception unit receives an instruction from the user regarding the item specified by the item identification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit; and the purchase processing unit performs processing for the user to purchase the item in response to the instruction received by the instruction reception unit. Note that the user who purchases the item may be referred to as the first user, and the other user may be referred to as the second user. Also, the user who purchases the item may be referred to as the purchaser or the purchaser user. The other user may be referred to as the seller or the seller user.

[0006] With such a configuration, the user can view the profile information of the avatar and purchase the items worn by the avatar. That is, when the user wants the avatar of another user or the items worn by the avatar of another user, it is usually when the user views the avatar, and at that time, the user can easily find the seller. Note that the item may be considered to include the avatar.

[0007] Also, the information processing apparatus of the second invention, with respect to the first invention, the profile output unit outputs the profile information in such a manner that it is visually distinguishable whether the item is an item created by another user based on the creator information in the item management unit in which item information including information on the item to be sold worn by the avatar associated with the other user and creator information regarding the creator of the item is stored.

[0008] With such a configuration, it is possible to distinguish whether the item is an item created by the user corresponding to the avatar wearing the item or an item obtained from another source.

[0009] In addition, for the first or second invention, the information processing apparatus of the third invention has user information including display data of an avatar associated with another user, and further includes an avatar output unit that outputs the avatar into the virtual world using the display data of the avatar. The instruction reception unit receives a profile output instruction that is an instruction for the avatar output into the virtual world and is an instruction to output profile information. The profile output unit is an information processing apparatus that outputs profile information to the user in response to the instruction reception unit receiving the profile output instruction.

[0010] With such a configuration, the profile information of the avatar can be displayed by an instruction for the avatar in the virtual world.

[0011] In addition, for the third invention, the information processing apparatus of the fourth invention has the profile output unit output simple profile information, which is part of the profile information, into the virtual world in response to the instruction reception unit receiving the profile output instruction. After the simple profile information is output, the instruction reception unit receives a detailed output instruction that is an instruction to output detailed profile information, which is all or part of the profile information and is more detailed than the simple profile information. The profile output unit is an information processing apparatus that outputs the detailed profile information outside the virtual world in response to the instruction reception unit receiving the detailed output instruction.

[0012] With such a configuration, the simple profile information and the detailed profile information of the avatar can be appropriately displayed.

[0013] Also, for the information processing apparatus of the fifth invention, with respect to the first invention, the purchase processing unit is information on an item for sale worn by an avatar associated with a second user, and is item information having creator information regarding the creator of the item, and information on an item that cannot be sold worn by the avatar, and is item information having creator information regarding the creator of the item. Among two or more items specified by the item information stored in the item management unit, it is an information processing apparatus that performs processing for purchasing an item only for items that can be purchased.

[0014] With such a configuration, a mechanism that allows only items for sale to be purchased can be provided.

[0015] Also, for the information processing apparatus of the sixth invention, with respect to the fifth invention, the profile information has two or more item specification information, and the profile output unit outputs the items specified by each of the two or more item specification information included in the profile information in a manner that can visually distinguish whether the item is purchasable or non-purchasable. It is an information processing apparatus.

[0016] With such a configuration, items for sale and items not for sale can be visually distinguished and displayed.

[0017] Also, for the information processing apparatus of the seventh invention, with respect to the first invention, when the purchase processing unit performs processing for purchasing an item, it further includes a purchase acquisition unit that acquires purchase information regarding the processing, and a purchase output unit that outputs the purchase information. It is an information processing apparatus.

[0018] With such a configuration, when an item is purchased, purchase information regarding the purchase act can be output.

[0019] Further, the information processing apparatus of the eighth invention, with respect to the seventh invention, has creator information for identifying the creator who created the item managed in association with the item, and the purchase output unit is an information processing apparatus that transmits purchase information to the creator identified by the creator information associated with the purchased item.

[0020] With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the creator of the item of the purchase information.

[0021] Further, the information processing apparatus of the ninth invention, with respect to the seventh invention, has user information having display data of an avatar associated with another user, and further includes an avatar output unit that outputs the avatar into the world using the display data of the avatar, and the purchase output unit is an information processing apparatus that outputs purchase information to the world.

[0022] With such a configuration, it is possible to output purchase information to the world.

[0023] Further, the information processing apparatus of the tenth invention, with respect to the seventh invention, has an instruction reception unit that receives a purchase instruction associated with location information for identifying a location in the world where the item was purchased, and a purchase acquisition unit that acquires purchase information having the location information.

[0024] With such a configuration, as a result of being able to output purchase information including location information for identifying a location in the world where the item was purchased to the world, it becomes easier for a third party to purchase the item.

[0025] Further, the information processing apparatus of the eleventh invention, with respect to the seventh invention, has a purchase acquisition unit that acquires link information of a world management unit in which world information including link information for participating in the world is stored, and acquires purchase information having the link information.

[0026] With such a configuration, as a result of outputting link information for participating in the world where the item was purchased, it becomes easier for a third party to participate in the world and purchase the item.

[0027] Further, the information processing apparatus of the twelfth invention further includes an output determination unit that determines whether or not it meets the output conditions for outputting purchase information with respect to the seventh invention, and the purchase output unit outputs the purchase information only when the output determination unit determines that it meets the output conditions.

[0028] With such a configuration, purchase information can be output only in appropriate cases.

[0029] Further, the information processing apparatus of the thirteenth invention is an information processing apparatus in which, with respect to the seventh invention, when the purchase processing unit performs a process for purchasing an item, the purchase output unit immediately outputs purchase information into the world.

[0030] With such a configuration, purchase information of an item can be output in real time in the world.

[0031] Further, the information processing apparatus of the fourteenth invention, with respect to the first invention, the user information has purchase item information that is associated with the user identifier and identifies the items purchased by the user corresponding to the user information, and the purchase instruction is associated with the user identifier, and a purchase determination unit that determines whether or not it corresponds to duplicate purchase in which information of the item corresponding to the purchase instruction exists in the purchase item information paired with the user identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received by the instruction receiving unit, and a warning output unit that outputs a warning when the purchase determination unit determines that it corresponds to duplicate purchase.

[0032] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally purchasing the same item repeatedly.

[0033] Further, the information processing apparatus of the fifteenth invention, with respect to the first invention, the instruction receiving unit receives a wearing instruction indicating that the item corresponding to the purchase instruction is to be worn, and in response to receiving the wearing instruction, further includes an avatar output unit that outputs the avatar of the user who has worn the item.

[0034] With such a configuration, the purchased item can be worn on the purchaser's avatar.

[0035] Further, the information processing apparatus of the sixteenth invention has, with respect to the first invention, that the profile information has creator information regarding the creator of the item specified by the item specifying information included in the profile information, and the profile output unit outputs the profile information including the creator information to a first user different from the second user.

[0036] With such a configuration, the user can view the profile information including the creator information and purchase an item.

[0037] Also, the information processing apparatus of the seventeenth invention has, with respect to the first invention, that the instruction reception unit receives an instruction for the item information included in the creator information, and the purchase processing unit performs processing for the user to purchase the item corresponding to the instruction received by the instruction reception unit.

[0038] With such a configuration, the user can purchase the item corresponding to the item information by an instruction for the item information included in the creator information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0039] According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, a marketplace for buying and selling items worn by an avatar can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and thus the description may be omitted again.

[0042] (Embodiment 1) In the present embodiment, a profile information corresponding to an avatar that can exist in a world and having information of one or more items associated with the avatar is displayed, and an information processing apparatus in which an item corresponding to the information included in the profile information can be purchased will be described.

[0043] In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus will be described in which the items in the profile information include items created by the user and items obtained by the user from others, and the two can be visually distinguished.

[0044] In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs the profile information of an avatar according to an instruction for the avatar in the world will be described.

[0045] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs simple profile information based on an instruction for an avatar in the world and outputs detailed profile information outside the world based on an instruction for the information included in the simple profile information will be described. For example, the detailed profile information includes information on all items created by the user, while the simple profile information includes only information on some of the items created by the user.

[0046] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that determines whether an item included in profile information is being sold and enables only the items to be sold to be purchased will be described.

[0047] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that visually distinguishes and outputs items for sale and items not for sale will be described.

[0048] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs purchase information regarding a purchase act when an item is purchased will be described. The purchase information includes, for example, location information that specifies the location within the world where the purchase was made.

[0049] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that transmits purchase information to the creator of the purchased item will be described.

[0050] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs purchase information within the world will be described.

[0051] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs purchase information having link information for participating in the world where the item was purchased will be described.

[0052] In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs purchase information only when the output conditions are met will be described.

[0053] In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that reflects the purchase of an item in real time within a world when the item is purchased will be described.

[0054] In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that outputs a warning when a user attempts to purchase an item that the user has already purchased will be described.

[0055] In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that confirms whether to equip a purchased item and equips the item to the avatar of the user who purchased the item when an instruction to equip is received will be described.

[0056] In this specification, that information X is associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not limited. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, information Y may be included in information X, and so on.

[0057] Also, in this specification, selecting or determining information Z means obtaining information Z, obtaining a pointer to information Z, obtaining the ID of information Z, setting a flag for information Z, etc., as long as information Z can be accessed.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information system A in the present embodiment. The information system A includes an information processing apparatus 1 and two or more terminal devices 2.

[0059] The information processing apparatus 1 and each of the two or more terminal devices 2 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet.

[0060] The information processing device 1 is a device for purchasing items of avatars of other users. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a device that provides a place for purchasing items of avatars of other users. The information processing device 1 is usually a server. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a cloud server, an ASP server, etc. Note that the type of the information processing device 1 does not matter. Note that the information processing device 1 may also be a terminal used by a user. When the information processing device 1 is a terminal, the information processing device 1 communicates with the terminal device 2 of another user via P2P, for example.

[0061] The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by a user. The user corresponds to an avatar. The user is a person who purchases items or a person who sells items. The user may also be a person who performs both the purchase and sale of items. The terminal device 2 is, for example, a so-called personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc., but its type does not matter.

[0062] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information system A in the present embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the information processing device 1

[0063] The information processing device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14. The storage unit 11 includes a world management unit 111, a user management unit 112, and an item management unit 113. The reception unit 12 includes a world reception unit 121, an avatar reception unit 122, an item reception unit 123, an instruction reception unit 124, and an operation reception unit 125. The processing unit 13 includes a configuration unit 131, a purchase determination unit 132, a purchase processing unit 133, an output determination unit 134, and a purchase acquisition unit 135. The output unit 14 includes a world output unit 141, an avatar output unit 142, a profile output unit 143, a warning output unit 144, and a purchase output unit 145.

[0064] The terminal device 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal reception unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal reception unit 25, and a terminal output unit 26.

[0065] In the storage unit 11 that constitutes the information processing apparatus 1, various types of information are stored. The various types of information are, for example, one or more pieces of world information, one or more pieces of avatar information, and one or more pieces of item information, which will be described later. The various types of information in the storage unit 11 are, for example, information received from the terminal device 2 of the operator of the information processing apparatus 1, or information received from the terminal device 2 of a user who sells or purchases an avatar.

[0066] In the world management unit 111, one or more pieces of world information are stored.

[0067] World information is information regarding the world. World information is information for constructing the world. For example, a world identifier is associated with the world information. World information is, for example, information including link information for participating in the world. World information has, for example, a world name, world space information, and one or more pieces of participating avatar information. Note that the structure of the world information is not limited. A world is usually a virtual three-dimensional space. Also, a world can be called a field.

[0068] A world identifier is information for identifying world information. The link information is, for example, a URL, but any information for participating in the world is acceptable. A world name is the name of the world. The world name may be the world identifier. World space information is information for constructing the world. World space information is, for example, an image of a three-dimensional space. Participating avatar information is information for identifying an avatar participating in the world. Participating avatar information has, for example, an avatar identifier and position information. An avatar identifier is information for identifying an avatar. Position information is information for specifying the position of an avatar in the world. Position information is usually three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z), but two-dimensional coordinates (x, y), etc. are also acceptable.

[0069] The user management unit 112 stores one or more pieces of user information. Each of the one or more pieces of user information is associated with a user identifier for identifying the user. The user identifier is, for example, a user ID, name, email address, phone number, or IP address of the terminal device 2 used by the user.

[0070] User information is information about the user corresponding to the avatar. It can also be said that user information is information about the avatar. The user corresponding to the avatar is, for example, the owner of the avatar or the person who operates the avatar. User information has profile information. User information has, for example, one or more purchased item information. User information usually has model information. User information may have information about two or more avatars.

[0071] User information is associated with, for example, a user identifier. User information has, for example, avatar information, sold item information, purchased item information, created world identifier, photographed photo information, follow / follower information, self-introduction text, and title. The information constituting the user information is profile information.

[0072] Avatar information is information about the avatar. Avatar information has, for example, an avatar identifier, avatar name, avatar simple display data, and avatar display data.

[0073] The avatar identifier is information for identifying the avatar. The avatar name is the name of the avatar. The avatar name may be the avatar identifier. The avatar simple display data is data for a simple display of the avatar. It is preferable that the avatar simple display data is two-dimensional avatar display data. The avatar display data is data for a more detailed display of the avatar than the avatar simple display data. It is preferable that the avatar display data is three-dimensional avatar display data. Also, the avatar simple display data and the avatar display data may be collectively referred to as display data.

[0074] The sales item information is information that identifies the items being sold by the user. The sales item information is, for example, the item identifiers of one or more items being sold by the user. The purchased item information is information that identifies the items purchased by the user from other users. The purchased item information is, for example, the item identifiers of one or more items purchased by the user. The created world identifier is the identifier of the world created by the user 。 The self-introduction text is an introduction text of the user or the avatar held by the user. The title is the title of the user or the avatar held by the user.

[0075] The profile information is information related to the profile of the avatar. The profile is information that introduces the avatar. The information that introduces the avatar may be considered as information that introduces the user. The profile information is information having one or more item identification information that identifies the items worn by the avatar. Here, the item may include the avatar. The item identification information is, for example, the item identifier, the item name. However, the item identification information only needs to be able to identify the item, and it may be the item information itself. The profile information may include a part or all of the creator information described later.

[0076] The profile information is, for example, simple profile information, detailed profile information. The simple profile information is simple profile information. The simple profile information has, for example, an avatar identifier that identifies the avatar, and item identifiers that identify one or more items worn by the avatar. The detailed profile information is all or part of the profile information and is more detailed information than the simple profile information. The detailed profile information is usually detailed information about the avatar's profile, but it may also be detailed information about the item's profile. It is preferable that the detailed profile information includes the simple profile information. The detailed profile information includes, for example, information paired with the avatar identifier of the user management unit 112.

[0077] Display data is information for constructing the display of an avatar. The display data may also be referred to as model information. The display data has, for example, mesh information, bone information, and material information. The display data has, for example, a data structure of glTF (GL Transmission Format). However, the data structure of the display data may also be VRM, OBJ, FBX, STL, GLB, COLLADA, etc., regardless of the type. Also, the avatar information may have voice information and one or more attribute values in addition to the display data.

[0078] Purchase item information is information for identifying the purchased item. The purchase item information may be a type of item identification information or a type of item information.

[0079] Note that it is preferable for the avatar information to have basic motion information which is information on the basic motions of the avatar. The avatar information may have avatar motion information. The basic motion information is, for example, information for specifying the movement when the avatar breathes. Note that the basic motion information may be considered as an example of the avatar motion information. The avatar motion information is information on the fixed motions that the avatar has. The basic motion information and the avatar motion information are information for specifying the movement of the avatar. The motion attribute value is, for example, "right hand". The item motion information paired with the motion attribute value "right hand" is information for specifying the movement of the item when the wearing position of the item is "right hand". The motion attribute value is, for example, "height is 1 m or less". The item motion information paired with the motion attribute value "height is 1 m or less" is information for specifying the movement of the item assuming an avatar with a height of 1 m or less. The basic motion information, the avatar motion information, and the item motion information are examples of motion information. The motion information is, for example, a program, a script, or one or more parameters given to the program or the script. Any information that can specify the movement of the motion information, the avatar, or the item is acceptable, regardless of its structure or description means.

[0080] The item management unit 113 stores one or more item information which is information of items to be sold. The item management unit 113 may store information of items that are not for sale.

[0081] Item information is information about an item. Item information usually includes information for constructing an item.

[0082] An item is something worn by an avatar. Items include, for example, weapons, swords, knives, pistols, balls, and clothes. The type of item does not matter. Things worn by the avatar may be considered to include things operated by the avatar, things worn on the body, etc. Note that the avatar may be considered an example of an item. That is, avatar information may be considered an example of item information.

[0083] Item information usually has item display information. Item information has, for example, one or more pieces of information among an item identifier, an item name, a type, sellability information, item simple display data, item display data, creator information, and a sales destination link.

[0084] An item identifier is an identifier of an item. An item name is the name of an item. The item name may be the identifier of the item. The type is the kind of item. The purchase availability information is information for specifying whether it is purchasable or not. The purchase availability information is, for example, a flag indicating whether it is purchasable or not, or one or more sales conditions. The flag indicating whether it is purchasable or not is, for example, the sales availability information "1" indicating that it is sellable, or "0" indicating that it is not sellable. The item simple display data is data for simple display of an item. It is preferable that the item simple display data is two-dimensional item display data. The item display data is data for more detailed display of an item than the item simple display data. It is preferable that the item display data is three-dimensional avatar display data. The creator information is information regarding the creator of an item. The creator information is, for example, the user identifier of the user who created the item, or a part of the user information of the user who created the item. The creator information may, for example, have all or part of the item information of the items created by the creator. Note that the sales destination link is information indicating the sales destination of an item. The sales destination link is, for example, a URL. The sales destination of the item indicated by the sales destination link is, for example, a website, a web page, or a screen.

[0085] The item display information is information for display of an item. The data structure of the item display information is not limited. An item is something worn by an avatar, for example, a weapon, a sword, a knife, a handgun, a ball, or clothing. What is worn by an avatar may be considered to include things operated by the avatar, things worn on the body, etc. Note that the avatar may be considered an example of an item. That is, the avatar information may be considered an example of the item information.

[0086] Note that the item information has, for example, item motion information. The item motion information is information that specifies, for example, the movement of an item. The item motion information is information that specifies, for example, the movement of the part of the avatar on which the item is worn. The item motion information may be associated with one or more motion attribute values. The motion attribute value is a condition regarding the attribute value of the item that is a prerequisite for the operation specified by the item motion information.

[0087] The reception unit 12 receives various types of information and instructions. The various types of information and instructions are, for example, world information, avatar information, item information, operation information, and various instructions.

[0088] Here, reception generally refers to the reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, but may also include the reception of information input from input devices such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels, and the reception of information read from recording media such as optical disks, magnetic disks, and semiconductor memories.

[0089] The world reception unit 121 receives world information. The world reception unit 121 generally receives world information from the terminal device 2. The world reception unit 121 receives, for example, world information associated with a user identifier. Such a user identifier is, for example, the identifier of the creator of the world information.

[0090] The avatar reception unit 122 receives avatar information. The avatar reception unit 122 generally receives avatar information from the terminal device 2. The avatar reception unit 122 receives avatar information associated with a user identifier. Such a user identifier is, for example, the identifier of the creator of the avatar information.

[0091] The item reception unit 123 receives item information. The item reception unit 123 generally receives item information from the terminal device 2. The item reception unit 123 receives item information associated with a user identifier. Such a user identifier is, for example, the identifier of the creator of the item information.

[0092] The instruction reception unit 124 receives various instructions. The various instructions are, for example, an output instruction, a profile output instruction, a detailed output instruction, a sales information output instruction, a purchase instruction, and a wearing instruction. The various instructions usually correspond to a user identifier.

[0093] The output instruction is an instruction to output a world. The output instruction has, for example, a world identifier. The instruction to output a world is usually also an instruction to output an avatar or the like within the world.

[0094] The profile output instruction is an instruction to output profile information. The profile output instruction is an instruction to output the profile information of an avatar, but may also be an instruction to output the profile information of an item. The profile output instruction usually has an avatar identifier that identifies an avatar.

[0095] The instruction reception unit 124 receives from the user a profile output instruction that is an instruction for an avatar output within the world and an instruction to output profile information. Note that receiving from the user may also mean receiving from the user's terminal device 2.

[0096] The instruction reception unit 124 receives from the user an instruction for an item specified by the item specification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit 143. Note that the instruction for the item is, for example, a sales information output instruction or a purchase instruction. Also, the instruction for the item may be, for example, an instruction for an item displayed on a simple profile screen, an instruction for an item displayed on a detailed profile screen, and an instruction for an item displayed on a sales information screen.

[0097] The sales information output instruction is an instruction to output sales information. The sales information output instruction has, for example, an item identifier.

[0098] A purchase instruction is an instruction to purchase an item. A purchase instruction usually has item identification information of the item to be purchased. The item identification information is, for example, an item identifier, an item name, part or all of the item information. A purchase instruction is associated with, for example, location information.

[0099] Location information is information that identifies the location where an item was purchased. Location information is information that identifies a location within the world. Location information is, for example, information that identifies a relative position within the world. Location information is, for example, coordinate values, a location name. Coordinate values are, for example, (x,y), or (x,y,z). A location name is a name that identifies a location. A location name is, for example, the name of a specific position within the world, the name of a region within the world.

[0100] After the simple profile information is output, the instruction receiving unit 124 receives a detailed output instruction from the user.

[0101] A detailed output instruction is an instruction to output detailed profile information. A detailed output instruction has, for example, an avatar identifier.

[0102] The instruction receiving unit 124 receives a wearing instruction from the user indicating to wear the item corresponding to the purchase instruction.

[0103] It is preferable that the instruction receiving unit 124 receives a purchase instruction for an item identified by the item identification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit 143 from a user different from the user corresponding to the item. Receiving from another user is, for example, receiving from the terminal device 2 of another user.

[0104] The instruction receiving unit 124 receives a wearing instruction indicating to wear the item corresponding to the purchase instruction.

[0105] The instruction receiving unit 124 may receive an instruction for item information included in the creator information. It is preferable that, based on such an instruction, processing for selling the item specified by the item information is performed.

[0106] The operation receiving unit 125 receives various operations. For example, the operation receiving unit 125 receives operation information from the terminal device 2.

[0107] Note that receiving an operation may be regarded as the same as receiving operation information. The operation is, for example, operation information for operating an avatar or operation information for operating an item.

[0108] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, the processing performed by the configuration unit 131, the purchase determination unit 132, the purchase processing unit 133, the output determination unit 134, and the purchase acquisition unit 135.

[0109] The configuration unit 131 configures the output image. Such an image is, for example, a virtual three-dimensional image and has an avatar. It is preferable that such an image has an item. It is preferable that such an image has a world. Also, the image is usually a moving image having a movement according to the operation received by the operation receiving unit 125.

[0110] The purchase determination unit 132 determines whether the purchase instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 124 corresponds to duplicate purchase. More specifically, the purchase determination unit 132 determines whether information on the item corresponding to the received purchase instruction exists in the purchase item information paired with the user identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 124.

[0111] The purchase processing unit 133 performs processing for the user to purchase the item for the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 124.

[0112] The purchase processing unit 133 performs processing for a user different from the other user corresponding to an item for a purchase instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 124, for example, to purchase the item.

[0113] The processing for purchase may be any processing leading to a final purchase. The processing for purchase is, for example, processing for outputting sales information or purchase processing.

[0114] The processing for outputting sales information is, for example, processing for transmitting sales information to the terminal device 2 of the user who is trying to purchase the item.

[0115] Sales information is information for enabling the sale of an item. The sales information may be, for example, a purchase button for the item, link information for displaying a link destination where the item can be purchased, or other item information sold by the same creator as the creator of the item or link information to the information.

[0116] The purchase processing is, for example, processing for adding the item information of the item for the purchase instruction to the user information of the user who purchased the item. The purchase processing is, for example, processing for charging the other user who purchased the item. The purchase processing is, for example, approval processing for the sale of the item. Note that the charging processing is, for example, processing for charging the other user using a credit card number paired with the user identifier of the other user. Also, the amount to be charged is not limited. The purchase processing is, for example, processing for giving a reward to the user who sold the item instead of selling the item for the purchase instruction. Needless to say, the content of the purchase processing is not limited.

[0117] It is preferable that the purchase processing unit 133 performs processing for purchasing an item only for items that can be purchased. More specifically, the purchase processing unit 133 performs purchase processing only for items corresponding to purchase availability information that specifies that the item can be purchased, for example.

[0118] When an item is purchased, the output determination unit 134 determines whether or not it meets the output conditions for outputting the purchase information of the item.

[0119] The purchase information is information related to the purchase process. The purchase information usually includes information on the purchased item. The purchase information includes, for example, part or all of the item information of the purchased item, information on the creator of the purchased item, etc. It is preferable that the purchase information has the user identifier of the purchasing user and the item identifier of the purchased item.

[0120] The output conditions are the conditions for outputting the purchase information. The output conditions are, for example, conditions related to the purchased item, conditions related to the creator of the item, conditions related to the purchaser, conditions related to the purchase amount, conditions related to the world in which the purchased item exists, and conditions related to the actions of the purchaser of the item.

[0121] The conditions related to the purchased item are, for example, that the sales volume of the item is equal to or more than a threshold value.

[0122] The conditions related to the creator of the item are, for example, that a flag indicating that the creator of the item desires the output of sales information is associated with the item information or the user information of the creator, that the creator of the item has sold a number of items equal to or more than a threshold value, and that the number of actual sales of the items of the creator of the item is equal to or more than a threshold value.

[0123] The conditions related to the purchaser are, for example, that the items purchased by the purchaser in the past have also been purchased by other users, and that the sales amount is equal to or more than a threshold value.

[0124] The conditions related to the world in which the purchased item exists are, for example, that there are a number of avatars equal to or more than a threshold value in the purchased world, and that the number of users who have purchased or worn the same item is equal to or more than a threshold value and they are in the same world.

[0125] The conditions regarding the purchaser's actions are, for example, that the purchaser has purchased an item or that the purchaser's avatar has worn the item.

[0126] When the purchase processing unit 133 performs a purchase process, the purchase acquisition unit 135 acquires purchase information regarding the purchase process. It is preferable for the purchase acquisition unit 135 to acquire purchase information having location information that identifies the location where the item was purchased. It is preferable for the purchase acquisition unit 135 to acquire purchase information having link information of the world for participating in the world where the item was purchased.

[0127] The output unit 14 outputs various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, world information, avatar information, item information, profile information, warnings described later, and purchase information.

[0128] Here, output generally refers to transmission to the terminal device 2, but it may also be a concept including display on a display, projection using a projector, printing by a printer, sound output, storage on a recording medium, delivery of a processing result to another processing device or another program, etc.

[0129] The world output unit 141 outputs the world information of the world management unit 111. The output of the world information does not necessarily have to be the output of all the world information, and it may be the output of some of the world information or the output of the world, etc.

[0130] The avatar output unit 142 outputs an avatar into the world using the model information of the avatar. The avatar output unit 142 outputs one or two or more avatars into the world. The output into the world is, for example, transmission to the terminal device 2 that is displaying the world. The avatar output unit 142 outputs the avatar into the world where the user corresponding to the avatar exists. The avatar output unit 142 outputs the avatar identified by the avatar identifier included in the participating avatar information in the world information into the world indicated by the world information.

[0131] Avatar output unit 142 outputs an avatar wearing the purchased item in response to receiving a wearing instruction. Such an avatar is the avatar of the user who purchased the item.

[0132] Profile output unit 143 outputs profile information of the item to a user different from other users corresponding to the avatar having the item for sale. Outputting the profile information is, for example, transmitting the profile information to the terminal device 2 of the user.

[0133] It is preferable that the profile output unit 143 outputs the profile information in a visually distinguishable manner as to whether the item is an item created by the user based on the creator information corresponding to the item specified by the item identification information included in the profile information.

[0134] Profile output unit 143 outputs profile information to the user in response to receiving a profile output instruction by instruction reception unit 124 from the user.

[0135] Profile output unit 143 outputs simple profile information, which is part of the profile information, in the world, for example, in response to receiving a profile output instruction by instruction reception unit 124. This world is the world in which the item corresponding to the profile information appears.

[0136] Profile output unit 143 outputs detailed profile information outside the world, for example, in response to receiving a detailed output instruction by instruction reception unit 124. Outputting the detailed profile information outside the world is, for example, making the world invisible and outputting the detailed profile information. Outputting the detailed profile information outside the world is, for example, superimposing it on the world and outputting the detailed profile information, for example, to the entire screen. Outputting the detailed profile information outside the world is, for example, shrinking the world and outputting the detailed profile information outside the world.

[0137] It is preferable that the profile output unit 143 outputs the item specified by the item specification information included in the profile information in a manner that can visually distinguish whether the item is purchasable or non - purchasable.

[0138] When the purchase determination unit 132 determines that it corresponds to duplicate purchase, the warning output unit 144 outputs a warning. The warning here is a warning that it corresponds to duplicate purchase. The warning may be a character string, an image, sound, voice, etc., and its data type does not matter. The warning only needs to convey to the user that it corresponds to duplicate purchase, and its content does not matter. The warning may be called an error message.

[0139] The purchase output unit 145 outputs purchase information. The purchase output unit 145 transmits the purchase information to, for example, the terminal device 2 of the user corresponding to each one or two or more avatars in the world. The purchase output unit 145 transmits the purchase information to, for example, the terminal devices 2 of all users associated with the avatars in two or more worlds.

[0140] The purchase output unit 145 transmits the purchase information to the creator specified by the creator information included in the item information of the purchased item. Transmitting the purchase information to the creator is, for example, transmitting the purchase information to the terminal device 2 of the creator. Transmitting the purchase information to the creator is, for example, performing a process for displaying the purchase information in the world where the creator's avatar exists. Transmitting the purchase information to the creator is, for example, transmitting the purchase information to the creator by email. The means of transmission when transmitting the purchase information to the creator does not matter.

[0141] It is preferable that the purchase output unit 145 outputs the purchase information to the world displayed on each one or two or more terminal devices 2.

[0142] It is preferable that the purchase output unit 145 outputs purchase information only when the output determination unit 134 determines that the output conditions are met.

[0143] It is preferable that the purchase output unit 145 immediately outputs purchase information into the world when the purchase processing unit 133 performs a purchase process.

[0144] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 21 that constitutes the terminal device 2. The various types of information are, for example, world information, avatar information, item information, and user identifiers.

[0145] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various types of information and instructions. The various types of information and instructions are, for example, one or more pieces of world information, one or more pieces of avatar information, one or more pieces of item information, and various types of instructions.

[0146] The various types of instructions are, for example, output instructions, profile output instructions, purchase instructions, detailed output instructions, and attachment instructions.

[0147] The input means for the various types of information and instructions can be anything, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0148] The terminal processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing to convert the various types of information and instructions received by the terminal reception unit 22 into information and instructions in a transmission format. The various types of processing are, for example, processing to convert the information received by the terminal reception unit 25 into information in an output format.

[0149] The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits various types of information and instructions to the information processing device 1. The various types of information are, for example, one or more pieces of item information. The various types of information are, for example, one or more pieces of world information, one or more pieces of avatar information. The various types of instructions are, for example, output instructions, profile output instructions, purchase instructions, detailed output instructions, and attachment instructions.

[0150] The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various types of information. For example, the terminal receiving unit 25 receives various types of information from the information processing device 1. The various types of information are, for example, world information, avatar information, item information, and profile information.

[0151] The terminal output unit 26 outputs various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, world information, avatar information, item information, and profile information.

[0152] For the storage unit 11, the world management unit 111, the user management unit 112, the item management unit 113, and the terminal storage unit 21, a non-volatile recording medium is preferable, but a volatile recording medium can also be used.

[0153] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 or the like is not limited. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like via a recording medium, or information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like, or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like.

[0154] The reception unit 12, the instruction reception unit 124, and the operation reception unit 125 are preferably implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by means for receiving broadcasts, device drivers for input means such as touch panels and keyboards, control software for menu screens, etc.

[0155] The world reception unit 121, the avatar reception unit 122, and the item reception unit 123 are preferably implemented by wired or wireless communication means, but may also be implemented by means for receiving broadcasts.

[0156] The processing unit 13, the component unit 131, the purchase determination unit 132, the purchase processing unit 133, the output determination unit 134, the purchase acquisition unit 135, and the terminal processing unit 23 can usually be realized from a processor, a memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13 etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (a dedicated circuit). Note that the processor may be a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc., and its type does not matter.

[0157] The output unit 14, the world output unit 141, the avatar output unit 142, the profile output unit 143, the warning output unit 144, and the purchase output unit 145 are preferably realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by driver software of an output device such as a display or a speaker, or by driver software of an output device and an output device etc.

[0158] The terminal reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver of an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, control software of a menu screen, etc.

[0159] The terminal transmission unit 24 is usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by a broadcast means.

[0160] The terminal reception unit 25 is usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by a means for receiving a broadcast.

[0161] The terminal output unit 26 may or may not be considered to include an output device such as a display or a speaker. The terminal output unit 26 can be realized by driver software of an output device, or by driver software of an output device and an output device etc.

[0162] Next, an operation example of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0163] (Step S401) The reception unit 12 determines whether it has received information. If it has received the information, it proceeds to step S402; if not, it proceeds to step S403.

[0164] Here, the reception unit 12 determines, for example, whether it has received information paired with a user identifier from the terminal device 2. Also, the information here is, for example, world information, avatar information, or item information.

[0165] (Step S402) The processing unit 13 stores the information received in step S401 in the storage unit 11. It returns to step S401.

[0166] Here, the processing unit 13 stores, for example, the information received in step S401 in the storage unit 11 in pairs with the user identifier. Also, the user identifier may be an avatar identifier. Also, the user who identifies the user identifier is, for example, the creator of the information (world information, avatar information, or item information). That is, by this step, the creator registers the created world, avatar, or item.

[0167] (Step S403) The instruction reception unit 124 determines whether it has received an output instruction. If it has received the output instruction, it proceeds to step S404; if not, it proceeds to step S406.

[0168] (Step S404) The component 131 acquires the world information corresponding to the output instruction from the world management unit 111. The component 131 acquires the avatar information of the avatar in the world specified by the world information from the user management unit 112. Here, if there is no avatar in the world, the component 131 cannot acquire the avatar information. Also, the component 131 acquires the avatar information paired with the user identifier paired with the output instruction from the user management unit 112. The component 131 acquires the item information of the items worn by the avatar specified by each of the acquired one or more pieces of avatar information from the item management unit 113. The component 131 uses the acquired world information, avatar information, and item information to construct an image in which the world and the avatar in the world, which wears items, appear. The output unit 14 outputs the constructed image.

[0169] Here, the output unit 14 transmits the constructed image to the terminal device 2 that has sent the output instruction. It is preferable that the image is a three-dimensional image.

[0170] (Step S405) The processing unit 13 accumulates information indicating that an image such as a world has been output in the storage unit 11. It returns to Step S401.

[0171] Here, the information to be accumulated is, for example, the position information of the avatar corresponding to the terminal device 2 to which the world or the like has been transmitted in the world, and the identifier of the terminal device 2 to which the world or the like has been transmitted.

[0172] (Step S406) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not it has received operation information that specifies an operation on the user's avatar or the like. If it has received the operation information, it proceeds to Step S407, and if it has not received it, it proceeds to Step S408.

[0173] Here, the reception unit 12 determines, for example, whether or not it has received operation information paired with a user identifier from the terminal device 2. Also, the operation information here is, for example, information specifying an operation for moving an avatar of a user identified by the user identifier within the world, or information specifying an operation for moving an item worn by the avatar.

[0174] (Step S407) The processing unit 13 performs processing according to the operation information received in step S406. It returns to step S401.

[0175] Note that when the operation information is, for example, information specifying an operation for moving an avatar within the world, the processing according to the operation information is, for example, processing of transmitting the operation information to the terminal device 2 corresponding to the avatar present in the world, and processing for moving the position of the moved avatar with respect to the terminal device 2 corresponding to the avatar present in the world (for example, processing of transmitting the position information after movement, or processing of constructing an image of a new world or the like that has changed and transmitting it to the terminal device 2 corresponding to the avatar present in the world).

[0176] Also, when the operation information is, for example, information specifying an operation for moving an item worn by the avatar, the processing according to the operation information is, for example, processing of transmitting information for operating the item to the terminal device 2 corresponding to the avatar present in the world, and performing processing for the item to move with respect to the terminal device 2 corresponding to the avatar present in the world.

[0177] (Step S408) The instruction reception unit 124 determines whether or not it has received a profile output instruction. If it has received a profile output instruction, it proceeds to step S409, and if it has not received it, it proceeds to step S412.

[0178] Here, the instruction reception unit 124 receives, for example, a profile output instruction from the terminal device 2.

[0179] (Step S409) The processing unit 13 acquires the avatar identifier associated with the profile output instruction.

[0180] (Step S410) The processing unit 13 acquires from the user management unit 112 the information that pairs with the avatar identifier acquired in Step S409 and constitutes the simple profile information.

[0181] Note that the information constituting the simple profile information is, for example, the avatar identifier and the item identifier that pairs with the avatar identifier. Also, the information constituting the simple profile information is, for example, among the avatar identifier and the item identifier that pairs with the avatar identifier, the identifier of the item to be sold. Note that the identifier of the item to be sold is, for example, associated with the purchase availability information indicating that it is available for sale. It can be considered that the identifier of the item associated with the purchase availability information indicating that it is available for sale is the identifier of the item stored in the area for managing purchasable item information. associated with the availability information

[0182] (Step S411) The profile output unit 143 outputs the simple profile information acquired in Step S410. Return to Step S401.

[0183] Here, the profile output unit 143 transmits the simple profile information to, for example, the terminal device 2 that has sent the profile output instruction.

[0184] (Step S412) The instruction reception unit 124 determines whether it has received a detailed output instruction. If it has received a detailed output instruction, it proceeds to Step S413, and if it has not received it, it proceeds to Step S416.

[0185] Here, the instruction reception unit 124 receives, for example, a detailed output instruction from the terminal device 2.

[0186] (Step S413) The processing unit 13 acquires the avatar identifier corresponding to the detailed output instruction received in Step S412.

[0187] (Step S414) The processing unit 13 acquires, from the user management unit 112, information that pairs with the avatar identifier acquired in Step S413 and constitutes the detailed profile information.

[0188] Note that the information constituting the detailed profile information is, for example, all or part of the user information that pairs with the avatar identifier, or the item information of the sellable items that pairs with the avatar identifier.

[0189] (Step S415) The profile output unit 143 outputs the detailed profile information acquired in Step S414. Return to Step S401.

[0190] Here, the profile output unit 143 transmits the detailed profile information to, for example, the terminal device 2 that has sent the detailed output instruction.

[0191] (Step S416) The instruction reception unit 124 determines whether it has received a sales information output instruction. If it has received a sales information output instruction, it proceeds to Step S417; if not, it proceeds to Step S420.

[0192] (Step S417) The processing unit 13 acquires the item identifier associated with the sales information output instruction.

[0193] (Step S418) The processing unit 13 constructs the sales information for purchasing the item corresponding to the item identifier.

[0194] (Step S419) The output unit 14 outputs the sales information constructed in Step S418. Return to Step S401.

[0195] Here, the output unit 14 transmits the sales information to, for example, the terminal device 2 that has sent the sales information output instruction.

[0196] (Step S420) The instruction receiving unit 124 determines whether it has received a purchase instruction. If it has received a purchase instruction, it proceeds to step S421; if not, it returns to step S401. Note that the purchase instruction is associated with the item identifier of the item to be purchased.

[0197] Here, the instruction receiving unit 124 receives a purchase instruction from the terminal device 2, for example.

[0198] (Step S421) The purchase determination unit 132 acquires the item identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received in step S420.

[0199] (Step S422) The purchase determination unit 132 determines whether the same item identifier exists in the user management unit 112 in association with the user identifier associated with the purchase instruction (whether it is a duplicate purchase). If it is a duplicate purchase, it proceeds to step S433; if not, it proceeds to step S423.

[0200] (Step S423) The purchase processing unit 133 performs processing for the user to purchase the item identified by the item identifier.

[0201] (Step S424) The processing unit 13 determines whether the purchase of the current item satisfies the wearing inquiry condition. If it satisfies the wearing inquiry condition, it proceeds to step S425; if not, it returns to step S401.

[0202] The wearing inquiry condition is a condition for determining whether to inquire whether to wear the purchased item on the avatar. The wearing inquiry condition is, for example, a condition regarding the type of the purchased item. The wearing inquiry condition is, for example, that the type of the purchased item is not a specific type (for example, "avatar", "ball"), or that the type of the purchased item is a specific type (for example, "weapon", "sword", "knife", "pistol", "clothes"). Note that the type may also be referred to as the kind. The wearing inquiry condition is, for example, that a flag indicating whether to inquire whether to wear the item immediately after purchase is stored in the user information.

[0203] (Step S425) The processing unit 13 performs a process of inquiring the user who purchased the item whether to wear the purchased item on the avatar.

[0204] The processing unit 13 transmits, for example, information for inquiring whether to wear the purchased item on the avatar to the terminal device 2 that has sent the purchase instruction.

[0205] (Step S426) The reception unit 12 determines whether an answer to the inquiry has been received. If an answer has been received, it proceeds to step S427, and if not, it returns to step S426.

[0206] Here, the reception unit 12 receives an answer from the terminal device 2, for example.

[0207] (Step S427) The reception unit 12 determines whether the answer is a "wear instruction" or a "non-wear instruction". If it is a "wear instruction", it proceeds to step S428, and if it is a "non-wear instruction", it proceeds to step S430.

[0208] (Step S428) The configuration unit 131 configures a new avatar wearing the purchased item.

[0209] (Step S429) The avatar output unit 142 outputs the configured new avatar.

[0210] Here, the avatar output unit 142 transmits a new avatar to, for example, the terminal device 2 that has sent the response. Further, the avatar output unit 142 transmits a new avatar to, for example, the terminal devices 2 of other avatars in the world where the avatar of the terminal device 2 that has sent the response is located.

[0211] (Step S430) The output determination unit 134 determines whether the purchase of the item meets the output conditions of the purchase information. If it meets the output conditions, it proceeds to step S431, and if it does not meet the conditions, it returns to step S401.

[0212] (Step S431) The purchase acquisition unit 135 acquires the item identifier of the purchased item. The purchase acquisition unit 135 acquires the information in the item information paired with the item identifier and the information for constructing the purchase information. The purchase acquisition unit 135 constructs the purchase information including the acquired information.

[0213] (Step S432) The purchase output unit 145 outputs the purchase information configured in step S431. It returns to step S401.

[0214] Here, the purchase output unit 145 transmits the purchase information to, for example, the terminal devices 2 of all participants in one or two or more worlds. The purchase output unit 145 transmits the purchase information to, for example, the terminal devices 2 of the participants in the world where the avatar wearing the purchased item is located. The purchase output unit 145 transmits the purchase information to, for example, the terminal device 2 of the creator of the purchased item.

[0215] (Step S433) The warning output unit 144 outputs an error message (which may also be called a warning) indicating that it is a duplicate purchase.

[0216] Here, the warning output unit 144 transmits, for example, an error message indicating that it is a duplicate purchase to the terminal device 2.

[0217] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process ends due to a power-off or a processing end interrupt.

[0218] Next, an operation example of the terminal device 2 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0219] (Step S601) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received information from the user. If it has received information, it proceeds to step S602; if not, it proceeds to step S603.

[0220] The information here is, for example, world information created by the user, avatar information created by the user, or item information created by the user.

[0221] (Step S602) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the information to the information processing device 1 in association with the user identifier. It returns to step S601.

[0222] (Step S603) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received an output instruction from the user. If it has received an output instruction, it proceeds to step S604; if not, it proceeds to step S607.

[0223] (Step S604) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the output instruction to the information processing device 1 in association with the user identifier.

[0224] (Step S605) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received world information or the like from the information processing device 1. If it has received world information or the like, it proceeds to step S606; if not, it returns to step S605.

[0225] (Step S606) The terminal processing unit 23 constructs the world or the like to be output. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the constructed world or the like. It returns to step S601.

[0226] (Step S607) The reception unit 12 determines whether it has received an operation on an avatar or the like from the user. If an operation has been received, it proceeds to step S608; if no operation has been received, it proceeds to step S410.

[0227] (Step S608) The terminal processing unit 23 performs processing according to the operation. For example, the terminal processing unit 23 moves the avatar in the world according to an operation to move the avatar. For example, the terminal processing unit 23 moves the item of the avatar in the world according to an operation to move the item of the avatar.

[0228] (Step S609) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires operation information for specifying the received operation. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier or avatar identifier or item identifier in the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the operation information to the information processing device 1 in association with the user identifier or avatar identifier or item identifier. It returns to step S601.

[0229] Note that by transmitting the operation information to the information processing device 1, the operation on the avatar or the like of the user can be reflected on the terminal device 2 of the user corresponding to another avatar in the same world.

[0230] (Step S610) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a profile output instruction. If a profile output instruction has been received, it proceeds to step S611; if no profile output instruction has been received, it proceeds to step S614.

[0231] (Step S611) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the avatar identifier of the avatar corresponding to the profile output instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the profile output instruction to the information processing device 1 in association with the user identifier and the avatar identifier.

[0232] (Step S612) The terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether it has received the simple profile information from the information processing apparatus 1. If it has received the simple profile information, it proceeds to step S613; if not, it returns to step S612.

[0233] (Step S613) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the simple profile information to be output using the received simple profile information. The terminal output unit 26 displays the simple profile information. It returns to step S601.

[0234] (Step S614) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a detailed output instruction. If it has received a detailed output instruction, it proceeds to step S615; if not, it proceeds to step S618.

[0235] (Step S615) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the avatar identifier of the avatar corresponding to the detailed output instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the detailed output instruction to the information processing apparatus 1 in association with the user identifier and the avatar identifier.

[0236] (Step S616) The terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether it has received the detailed profile information from the information processing apparatus 1. If it has received the detailed profile information, it proceeds to step S617; if not, it returns to step S616.

[0237] (Step S617) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the detailed profile information to be output using the received detailed profile information. The terminal output unit 26 displays the detailed profile information. It returns to step S601.

[0238] (Step S618) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a sales information output instruction. If it has received a sales information output instruction, it proceeds to step S619; if not, it proceeds to step S622.

[0239] (Step S619) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the avatar identifier of the avatar corresponding to the sales information output instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the sales information output instruction to the information processing apparatus 1 in association with the user identifier and the avatar identifier.

[0240] (Step S620) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received sales information from the information processing apparatus 1. If it has received the sales information, it proceeds to step S621; if not, it returns to step S620.

[0241] (Step S621) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the sales information to be output using the received sales information. The terminal output unit 26 displays the sales information. It returns to step S601.

[0242] (Step S622) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a purchase instruction. If it has received the purchase instruction, it proceeds to step S623; if not, it proceeds to step S632.

[0243] (Step S623) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the item identifier of the item corresponding to the purchase instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the purchase instruction to the information processing apparatus 1 in association with the user identifier and the avatar identifier.

[0244] (Step S624) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received from the information processing apparatus 1 an inquiry as to whether to equip the purchased item on the avatar. If it has received the inquiry, it proceeds to step S625; if not, it proceeds to step S630.

[0245] (Step S625) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the inquiry to be output using the received inquiry. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the inquiry.

[0246] (Step S626) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether it has received a response to the inquiry. If it has received a response, it proceeds to step S627; if not, it returns to step S626.

[0247] (Step S627) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the avatar identifier of the avatar corresponding to the response. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the response to the information processing apparatus 1 in association with the user identifier and the avatar identifier.

[0248] (Step S628) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received the avatar information of the avatar wearing the purchased item from the information processing apparatus 1. If it has received the avatar, it proceeds to step S629; if not, it proceeds to step S631.

[0249] (Step S629) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the avatar to be output using the received avatar information. The terminal output unit 26 displays the avatar in the world. It returns to step S601.

[0250] (Step S630) The terminal processing unit 23 determines whether it is a timeout. If it is a timeout, it returns to step S601; if not, it returns to step S624.

[0251] (Step S631) The terminal processing unit 23 determines whether it is a timeout. If it is a timeout, it returns to step S601; if not, it returns to step S628.

[0252] (Step S632) The terminal reception unit 25 determines whether it has received information from the information processing apparatus 1. If it has received information, it proceeds to step S633; if not, it returns to step S601.

[0253] Note that the information here is, for example, information about other avatars that have changed within the world, and purchase information regarding items purchased by other users.

[0254] (Step S633) The terminal processing unit 23 configures the information to be output using the received information. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the information. Return to step S601.

[0255] Note that in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process ends due to a power-off or an interrupt for ending the process.

[0256] Hereinafter, a specific operation example of the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described. Here, the information processing apparatus 1 is a server and communicates with two or more terminal devices 2.

[0257] The world management table of FIG. 8 is stored in the world management unit 111 of the information processing apparatus 1. The world management table is a table for managing world information. The world management table manages one or more records having "ID", "world identifier", "world name", "world space information", "world link information", and "participating avatar information". "ID" is information for identifying a record. "World space information" is information for realizing the displayed world, and here it is a file name. Assume that files identified by world space information (for example, "space 1", "space 2") are also stored in the storage unit 11. "World link information" is link information for participating in the world, and here it is a URL.

[0258] The user management unit 112 stores a user management table shown in FIG. 9. The user management table is a table for managing user information. The user management table manages one or more records having "ID", "user identifier", "avatar information", "sales item information", "created world identifier", "photographed image information", "follow / follower information", "self-introduction text", and "title". The "avatar information" has "avatar identifier", "avatar name", "avatar simple display data", and "avatar display data". The "user identifier" is an identifier of the user corresponding to the avatar. The "user identifier" is an identifier of the user who owns the avatar. The "avatar information" is information of one or more avatars owned by the user.

[0259] The item management unit 113 stores an item management table shown in FIG. 10. The item management table manages one or more records having "ID", "item identifier", "item name", "type", "sales availability information", "item simple display data", "item display data", "creator identifier", and "sales destination link".

[0260] Also, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 stores a wearing inquiry condition "type = clothing OR shoes OR firearm OR knife".

[0261] Also, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 stores an output condition "two or more users who have purchased or worn the same item are in the same world".

[0262] In the above situation, it is assumed that user Y identified by the user identifier "U002" inputs an output instruction having the world identifier "W01" to the terminal device 2. Then, the terminal device 2 transmits an output instruction having the user identifier "U002" and the world identifier "W01" to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0263] Next, the instruction receiving unit 124 of the information processing apparatus 1 receives an output instruction. The component unit 131 acquires the world information of "W01" corresponding to the output instruction, the avatar information of the avatar in the world, and the item information of the avatar, and constructs an image of the world to be transmitted to the terminal device 2. The output unit 14 transmits the configured image to the terminal device 2 of user Y. It is assumed that an avatar identified by the avatar identifier "A01" and the like are currently participating in the world identified by the world identifier "W01".

[0264] Next, the terminal device 2 of user Y receives and outputs the image of the world. An example of such output is 1101 in FIG. 11. Two user avatars are displayed in the world of 1101 in the terminal device 2. Avatar 1102 in 1101 of FIG. 11 is the avatar of user Y. Avatar 1103 is the avatar "uzzu_avata01" (avatar identifier "A01") of user X identified by the user identifier "U001".

[0265] Next, it is assumed that user Y inputs a profile output instruction to the icon of the avatar "uzzu_avata01" on the screen 1101 of the terminal device 2. The method of inputting the profile output instruction is not limited, for example, by instructing the avatar, displaying a menu for the avatar, and selecting the item "profile output" in the menu.

[0266] Next, the terminal receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 2 of user Y receives the profile output instruction. Next, the terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier "U001" from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the avatar identifier "A01" of the avatar corresponding to the profile output instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits a profile output instruction having the user identification "U001" and the avatar identifier "A01" to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0267] Next, the instruction reception unit 124 of the information processing apparatus 1 receives the profile output instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the avatar identifier "A01" corresponding to the profile output instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires, from the user management table (Figure 9), the information that pairs with the avatar identifier "A01" and constitutes the simple profile information. Next, the profile output unit 143 transmits the simple profile information to the terminal device 2.

[0268] Next, the terminal reception unit 25 of the terminal device 2 receives the simple profile information from the information processing apparatus 1. The terminal processing unit 23 configures the simple profile information to be output using the received simple profile information. The terminal output unit 26 displays the simple profile information. An example of the simple profile information is 1105 in Figure 11. In 1105, it has information (1106, 1107) of the items being sold (the avatar of A01, the item of I001), but does not have information of the items not being sold (the item of I004). Also, in 1105, it has information such as the title "Avatar Collector" of the user X.

[0269] Next, it is assumed that the user Y instructs the icon 1106 of the item (here, the avatar 1106) that he / she wants to purchase on the screen 1108 of the terminal device 2.

[0270] Then, the terminal reception unit 22 of the terminal device 2 of the user Y receives the detailed output instruction. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier "U002" from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the avatar identifier "A01" of the avatar corresponding to the detailed output instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits a detailed output instruction having the user identifier "U002" and the avatar identifier "A01" to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0271] Next, the instruction reception unit 124 of the information processing apparatus 1 receives the detailed output instruction. The processing unit 13 acquires the avatar identifier "A01" corresponding to the detailed output instruction. The processing unit 13 acquires, from the user management table (Fig. 9) or the like, information that is paired with the avatar identifier "A01" and constitutes the detailed profile information. Next, the profile output unit 143 transmits the acquired detailed profile information to the terminal device 2 of user Y.

[0272] Next, the terminal reception unit 25 of the terminal device 2 receives the detailed profile information from the information processing apparatus 1. The terminal processing unit 23 uses the received detailed profile information to construct the detailed profile information to be output. The terminal output unit 26 displays the detailed profile information. An example of the display of such detailed profile information is shown at 1109 in Fig. 11. At 1109, information about the avatar that user Y wants to purchase is displayed. Also, at 1109, the world is not displayed.

[0273] Next, it is assumed that user Y inputs a sales information output instruction to the screen 1109 of the terminal device 2. Note that the input means and input method of the sales information output instruction are not limited.

[0274] Then, the instruction reception unit 22 of the terminal device 2 of user Y receives the sales information output instruction. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier "U002" from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the item identifier of the item corresponding to the sales information output instruction (here, the avatar identifier "A01"). The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits a sales information output instruction having the user identifier "U002" and the item identifier "A01" to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0275] Next, the instruction receiving unit 124 of the information processing apparatus 1 receives a sales information output instruction. The processing unit 13 acquires the item identifier "A01" associated with the sales information output instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 constructs sales information for purchasing the item (here, an avatar) corresponding to the item identifier "A01". Next, the output unit 14 transmits the sales information to the terminal device 2. Here, it is assumed that the sales information is a purchase button for the item.

[0276] Next, the terminal receiving unit 25 receives sales information from the information processing apparatus 1. The terminal processing unit 23 constructs the sales information to be output using the received sales information. The terminal output unit 26 displays the sales information. As a result of such processing, a purchase button for the item is displayed on the terminal device 2.

[0277] Next, it is assumed that the user Y presses the purchase button. Then, the instruction receiving unit 124 of the terminal device 2 receives a purchase instruction. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the user identifier "U002" from the terminal storage unit 21. The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the item identifier "A01" of the item corresponding to the purchase instruction. The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits a purchase instruction having the user identifier "U002" and the item identifier "A01" to the information processing apparatus 1.

[0278] Next, the instruction receiving unit 124 of the information processing apparatus 1 receives the purchase instruction from the terminal device 2.

[0279] Next, the purchase determination unit 132 acquires the item identifier "A01" corresponding to the purchase instruction. Then, the purchase determination unit 132 determines whether or not the same item identifier as the item identifier "A01" exists in the user management table (FIG. 9) associated with the user identifier "U002" associated with the purchase instruction (whether or not it is a duplicate purchase). Then, the purchase determination unit 132 obtains a determination result that it is not a duplicate purchase.

[0280] Next, the purchase processing unit 133 performs processing for the user to purchase the item identified by the item identifier "A01". As described above, the processing for such purchase can be anything.

[0281] Next, the processing unit 13 refers to the wearing inquiry condition of the storage unit 11, "type = Western clothes OR shoes OR firearm OR knife", obtains the type "avatar" corresponding to the item identifier "A01" from the item management table (Figure 10), and determines that the type "avatar" does not satisfy the wearing inquiry condition. That is, the processing unit 13 determines that the purchase of the current item does not satisfy the wearing inquiry condition.

[0282] Next, assume that the output determination unit 134 refers to the output condition of the storage unit 11, "two or more users who have purchased or are wearing the same item are in the same world", and determines that among the item identifiers in the purchase item information corresponding to the avatar identifier paired with the world identifier "W01", the item identifier "A01" appears two or more times. That is, assume that the output determination unit 134 determines that the purchase of the current item matches the output condition of the purchase information.

[0283] Next, the purchase acquisition unit 135 acquires the item identifier "A01" of the purchased item. The purchase acquisition unit 135 acquires the information in the item information paired with the item identifier "A01", which is the information for constructing the purchase information. The purchase acquisition unit 135 constructs the purchase information including the acquired information. It is preferable that the purchase information has the world link information "URL_W1" paired with the world identifier "W01".

[0284] Next, the purchase output unit 145 transmits the constructed purchase information to the terminal device 2 corresponding to each avatar identifier paired with each world identifier in the world management table (Figure 8). That is, the purchase output unit 145 also transmits the purchase information to the terminal device 2 corresponding to one or more avatars in other worlds.

[0285] Next, each of the two or more terminal devices 2 that has received the purchase information outputs the purchase information. By doing so, it becomes easier for the user of each terminal device 2 to participate in the world where the item (here, the avatar) has been purchased. Also, when the purchase information is transmitted to the creator of the item, the creator knows that the item they created has been sold, which improves the motivation to create items.

[0286] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can view the profile information of the avatar and purchase the items (including the avatar) worn by the avatar.

[0287] Also, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to distinguish whether the item is an item created by the user corresponding to the avatar wearing the item or an item obtained from others.

[0288] Also, according to the present embodiment, the profile information of the avatar can be displayed according to the instruction of the avatar in the world.

[0289] Also, according to the present embodiment, the simple profile information and the detailed profile information of the avatar can be appropriately displayed.

[0290] Also, according to the present embodiment, a mechanism can be provided that allows only items for sale to be purchased.

[0291] Also, according to the present embodiment, items for sale and items not for sale can be visually distinguished and displayed.

[0292] Also, according to the present embodiment, when an item is purchased, purchase information regarding the purchase act can be output.

[0293] Also, according to the present embodiment, the purchase information can be notified to the creator of the item.

[0294] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the purchase information can be output to the world.

[0295] Note that the processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Also, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. Note that this also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software for realizing the information processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program causes a computer to output the profile information in a user management unit that stores user information having profile information, which is information regarding the profile of an avatar associated with another user different from the user who purchases an item and has item identification information for identifying one or more items associated with the avatar, to the user different from the other user, a command reception unit that receives a command for the item specified by the item identification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit from the user, and a purchase processing unit that functions to perform a process for the user to purchase the item in response to the command received by the command reception unit.

[0296] Also, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a computer system 300 that executes the program described in this specification and realizes the information processing apparatus 1 and the like of the various embodiments described above.

[0297] In FIG. 12, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0298] In FIG. 12, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 includes an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012 and the like, a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of an application program and providing a temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing an application program, a system program, and data. Here, although not shown, the computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0299] A program for causing the computer system 300 to execute functions of the information processing apparatus 1 and the like in the above-described embodiment may be stored in a CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 during execution. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0300] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program for causing the computer 301 to execute functions of the information processing apparatus 1 and the like in the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include a part of instructions for calling appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner so as to obtain a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0301] Note that in the above program, in steps such as the step of transmitting information and the step of receiving information, processing performed by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware) is not included.

[0302] Also, the computer that executes the above program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

[0303] Also, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means existing in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0304] Also, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by being centrally processed by a single device, or may be realized by being distributedly processed by a plurality of devices.

[0305] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible and are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0306] As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention has the effect of being able to provide a place for buying and selling items worn by an avatar, and is useful as an information processing apparatus or the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0307] A Information system 1 Information processing apparatus 2 Terminal device 11 Storage unit 12 Reception unit 13 Processing unit 14 Output unit 21 Terminal storage unit 22 Terminal reception unit 23 Terminal processing unit 24 Terminal transmission unit 25 Terminal reception unit 26 Terminal output unit 111 World management unit 112 User management unit 113 Item management unit 121 World reception unit 122 Avatar Receiver 123 Item Receiver 124 Instruction Receiver 125 Operation Receiver 131 Component 132 Purchase Judgment Unit 133 Purchase Processing Unit 134 Output Judgment Unit 135 Purchase Acquisition Unit 141 World Output Unit 142 Avatar Output Unit 143 Profile Output Unit 144 Warning Output Unit 145 Purchase Output Unit

Claims

1. A computer, an avatar output unit that outputs a first avatar associated with a first user who purchases an item into the world and outputs a second avatar associated with a second user different from the first user into the world; a profile output unit that outputs, to the first user, profile information that is information regarding a profile of the second avatar associated with the second user and that has item identification information for identifying one or more items associated with the second avatar, the profile information being stored in a user management unit; an instruction reception unit that receives, from the first user, an instruction for an item specified by the item identification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit in a situation where the first avatar and the second avatar are output in the world; A program for causing the computer to function as a purchase processing unit that performs processing for the first user to purchase the item in response to the instruction received by the instruction reception unit.

2. A computer, a profile output unit that outputs, to a first user different from the second user, profile information that is information regarding a profile of an avatar associated with a second user different from the first user who purchases an item and that has item identification information for identifying one or more items associated with the avatar, the profile information being stored in a user management unit; an instruction reception unit that receives, from the first user, an instruction for an item specified by the item identification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit; a program for causing the computer to function as a purchase processing unit that performs processing for the first user to purchase the item in response to the instruction received by the instruction reception unit, wherein the profile output unit outputs the profile information in a visually distinguishable manner as to whether the item is an item created by the second user based on the creator information in an item management unit that stores item information that is information regarding an item for sale worn by an avatar associated with the second user and that has creator information regarding the creator of the item. A program for causing the computer to function.

3. The user information has display data of the second avatar associated with the second user, The avatar output unit, Outputs the second avatar into the world using the display data of the second avatar, The instruction reception unit, Receives a profile output instruction which is an instruction for the second avatar output in the world and outputs the profile information, The profile output unit, Outputs the profile information to the first user in response to the instruction reception unit receiving the profile output instruction. A program according to claim 1 for causing the computer to function.

4. The profile output unit, Outputs simple profile information which is a part of the profile information into the world in response to the instruction reception unit receiving the profile output instruction, The instruction reception unit, After the simple profile information is output, receives a detailed output instruction which is an instruction to output detailed profile information which is all or part of the profile information and is more detailed than the simple profile information, The profile output unit, Outputs the detailed profile information outside the world in response to the instruction reception unit receiving the detailed output instruction. A program according to claim 3 for causing the computer to function.

5. The purchase processing unit, Among two or more items specified by the item information in the item management unit where item information including information on items for sale worn by the second avatar associated with the second user and creator information regarding the creator of the item and item information including information on non - sellable items worn by the second avatar and creator information regarding the creator of the item are stored, performs a process for purchasing an item only for a purchasable item. A program according to claim 1 for causing the computer to function.

6. The profile information has two or more item specification information, The profile output unit, The program according to claim 5, wherein the item specified by each of the two or more item specification information included in the profile information is output in a visually distinguishable manner as to whether the item is purchasable or non-purchasable.

7. The computer is further caused to function as a purchase acquisition unit that acquires purchase information regarding the process when the purchase processing unit performs a process for purchasing the item, and a purchase output unit that outputs the purchase information, the program according to claim 1.

8. creator information that identifies the creator who created the item is managed in association with the item, and the purchase output unit transmits the purchase information to the creator specified by the creator information associated with the purchased item. The program according to claim 7 for causing the computer to function as such.

9. the user information has display data of the second avatar associated with the second user, and the avatar output unit outputs the second avatar into the world using the display data of the second avatar, and the purchase output unit outputs the purchase information to the world. The program according to claim 7 for causing the computer to function as such.

10. the instruction reception unit receives a purchase instruction associated with location information that specifies a location in the world where the item is purchased, and the purchase acquisition unit acquires the purchase information having the location information. The program according to claim 7 for causing the computer to function as such.

11. A computer is caused to function as a profile output unit that outputs profile information, which is information regarding a profile of an avatar associated with a second user different from a first user who purchases an item, and has item specification information that specifies one or more items associated with the avatar, to the first user different from the second user; an instruction reception unit that receives an instruction regarding the item specified by the item specification information included in the profile information output by the profile output unit from the first user; and a purchase processing unit that performs a process for the first user to purchase the item in response to the instruction received by the instruction reception unit. A purchase acquisition unit that acquires purchase information regarding the process when the purchase processing unit performs a process for purchasing the item, A program for causing the computer to function as a purchase output unit that outputs the purchase information, The purchase acquisition unit, Acquires the link information of the world management unit in which world information including link information for participating in the world is stored, and acquires the purchase information having the link information, As a program for causing the computer to function.

12. The computer, Is further caused to function as an output determination unit that determines whether or not it meets the output conditions for outputting the purchase information, The purchase output unit, Outputs the purchase information only when the output determination unit determines that it meets the output conditions, The program according to claim 7 for causing the computer to function as described above.

13. The purchase output unit, When the purchase processing unit performs a process for purchasing the item, immediately outputs the purchase information into the world, The program according to claim 7 for causing the computer to function as described above.

14. The user information has purchase item information that is associated with a user identifier and identifies items purchased by a first user corresponding to the user information, The instruction reception unit, Receives the purchase instruction for purchasing the item, which is associated with a user identifier, The computer, A purchase determination unit that determines whether or not it corresponds to duplicate purchase in which information on the item corresponding to the purchase instruction exists in the purchase item information paired with the user identifier corresponding to the purchase instruction received by the instruction reception unit; The program according to claim 1 for further causing the computer to function as a warning output unit that outputs a warning when the purchase determination unit determines that it corresponds to the duplicate purchase.

15. The instruction reception unit, Receives the purchase instruction for purchasing the item, which is associated with a user identifier, and receives a wearing instruction indicating that the item corresponding to the purchase instruction is to be worn, The computer, The program according to claim 1 for further causing the computer to function as an avatar output unit that outputs the first avatar of the first user who has worn the item in response to the reception of the wearing instruction.

16. The profile information has creator information regarding the creator of the item specified by the item specifying information included in the profile information, The profile output unit, outputs the profile information including the creator information to the first user different from the second user. As a program for causing the computer to function, the program according to claim 1.

17. The instruction receiving unit, receives an instruction for the item information included in the creator information, The purchase processing unit, performs a process for the first user to purchase the item corresponding to the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit. As a program for causing the computer to function, the program according to claim 2.

18. The purchase processing unit, obtains sales information including item information of one or more other items including creator information of the creator of the item corresponding to the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit or link information to item information of one or more other items from an item management unit in which two or more pieces of item information that is information on an item to be sold worn by an avatar and has creator information regarding the creator of the item are stored, and outputs the sales information, The instruction receiving unit, receives a purchase instruction for an item among the one or more items corresponding to the sales information output by the purchase processing unit, The purchase processing unit, performs a process for the first user to purchase the item corresponding to the purchase instruction received by the instruction receiving unit. The program according to claim 1.

19. An information processing apparatus that executes all processes performed by the program according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. An information processing method comprising all steps performed by the program according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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