Information processing system and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for executing a game that can improve user's convenience.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. This information processing system comprises a control unit. The control unit is configured to perform each of the following steps. In a management step, a plurality of regions in a virtual space and region attributes associated with each region are managed. In an avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user is controlled to be placed within a specified region that is one of the regions. In a determining step, an aspect of display regarding the first avatar within the specified region is determined according to the region attribute associated with the specified region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for controlling the placement of an avatar corresponding to a user in a virtual space. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a virtual space including a virtual room is provided to each user, and the user can operate an avatar to visit the virtual room of another user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-097427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a virtual space, it may be desirable to display an avatar in an appropriate manner depending on the area in which the avatar is placed.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a technology for executing a game that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system. The information processing system includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to execute the following steps: In the management step, a plurality of areas in a virtual space and area attributes associated with each of the areas are managed; In the avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user is controlled to be placed in a specific area that is one of the areas; In the determination step, a display mode for the first avatar in the specific area is determined according to the area attributes associated with the specific area.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a game that can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an area management table T1 that manages information for each area R. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an item management table T2 that manages items owned by each user. [Figure 6] 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a visual field 5a corresponding to a first user and a coordinate selection screen 6 visually recognized by the first user. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 5b and a field of view 5c corresponding to a first user. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 7a and a field of view 7b corresponding to a second user. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 5d corresponding to a first user and a field of view 8 corresponding to a third user. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an image diagram for explaining a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] In this embodiment, the term "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, this embodiment handles various types of information, which may be represented by, for example, physical values of signal values representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0012] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0013] 1. Game Description 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3.

[0014] The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 3 controls one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and controls the player characters to fight against enemy characters, which are non-player characters. The characters are an example of objects.

[0015] The above-described games are played using a game device 3, which is a home game console such as PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), a virtual reality (VR) game console such as Oculus VR (registered trademark) equipped with a VR (Virtual Reality) headset, or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal.

[0016] 2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is made up of an information processing device 2 and multiple game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is made up of, for example, a server. Each of the multiple game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, a system is made up of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or game device 3 described below alone can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

[0017] The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on user operations. To do so, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communication network 11. Each user is assigned account information, including identification information and a password, in association with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at the time of login, and is used for user authentication on the information processing device 2.

[0018] After user authentication, mutual communication becomes possible between the information processing device 2 and the game device 3. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on user operations.

[0019] 2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] <Information processing device 2> 1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

[0021] The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet or a LAN. Main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, a gacha lottery request in response to a user operation, a quest execution request, an autoplay execution / end request, account information, game data, etc. Main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the game device 3 has received the game program, information related to game media obtained through gacha, etc.

[0022] The storage unit 22 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 22 stores various programs including a part of the game program according to this embodiment, various data related to the game, etc.

[0023] Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB, a lottery list, and the like. The user DB stores, for each identification number of a user playing a game, information such as the user name, user rank, status information regarding the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, information regarding parameters, and the like, in association with each other. The lottery list is used for a lottery process commonly known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information regarding game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information regarding game media (such as name, ability parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection rate in the lottery. Furthermore, when the game media is a player character, the ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, or speed.

[0024] The control unit 23 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the information processing device 2, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2, which is its own device, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and it may be implemented with multiple control units 23 for each function. It may also be a combination of these.

[0025] Examples of information processing executed by the control unit 23 include a charge settlement process, a user account authentication process, and a gacha lottery selection process. The charge settlement process is executed, for example, based on a request for a charge required to restore a predetermined amount of in-game parameters. The user account authentication process is executed, for example, using user identification information received from the game device 3. The gacha lottery selection process is a process in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection process, information about the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that sent the lottery request are associated in the user DB, and the user is thereby awarded the game media that they won as a result of their own gacha draw.

[0026] To further expand on the above, "game media" refers to electronic data representing elements related to a game, such as the name of a character used as a player character and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space. Users can acquire game media through direct purchase, quest completion, or a lottery system known as gacha. The acquired game media is stored and managed in a user DB in association with the identification information of the user who will own the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" refers to a method in which an information processing device 2 randomly selects game media from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection rate. The selected game media is then granted to the user's game device 3. The phrase "granting the game media selected through gacha to a user / owning the user" is synonymous with "associating the game media selected through the lottery process with / being associated with the identification information identifying the user."

[0027] <Game Device 3> A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

[0028] The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to transmit and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information that the game device 3 receives via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information that the game device 3 transmits via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to the download request information, information on the game media selected by lottery processing, etc.

[0029] The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, an SSD, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including a part of the game program, account information of the game device 3 itself, user information, and the like. The user information is at least a part of the information in a user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least a part of the information in this master that is distributed from the information processing device 2.

[0030] The control unit 33 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 itself by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being a single unit, and multiple control units 33 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0031] In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute a game in accordance with the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game apparatus 3, which is the own apparatus. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information using data received from the information processing device 2. The game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 34a, and the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to perform display control of the display 4a and audio output control of the speaker 4b in accordance with the operation of the user of the game apparatus 3, which is the own apparatus, when executing a game.

[0032] The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in a moving image format in accordance with game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the rendered game images are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b and plays and synthesizes game sounds in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33, and outputs the sounds from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game apparatus 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a collective term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse or keyboard, a microphone for inputting audio, an imaging device for tracking facial expressions or physical movements, a motion capture device for tracking physical movements, etc.

[0033] 2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, control unit 23 executes various programs stored in storage unit 22, thereby functioning as management unit 230, avatar control unit 231, determination unit 232, communication control unit 233, notification unit 234, change unit 235, area generation unit 236, reception unit 237, and display control unit 238. In other words, information processing by software stored in storage unit 22 is specifically realized by control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in control unit 23.

[0035] The management unit 230 is configured to manage various information as a management step. As an example, the management unit 230 manages a specific area R1, which is one of the areas R, another area R2, and an area attribute AT1 associated with these. In particular, the management unit 230 manages an area management table T1 and an item management table T2 stored in the storage unit 22. The area R, the area attribute AT1, the area management table T1, and the item management table T2 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The avatar control unit 231 is configured to control an avatar in a virtual space as an avatar control step. As an example, the avatar control unit 231 controls the avatar to be placed in a specific region R1 or another region R2. An avatar is an object operated by a user as an avatar of the user in the virtual space.

[0037] The determining unit 232 is configured to determine a display mode of the avatar in the virtual space as the determining step. As an example, the determining unit 232 determines a display mode of the avatar in the specific region R1 or another region R2.

[0038] The communication control unit 233 is configured to control an interaction between users as a communication control step. As an example, the communication control unit 233 controls an interaction between a first user and a second user via a first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user and a second avatar AV2 corresponding to the second user.

[0039] The notification unit 234 is configured to execute various notifications to the user as a notification step. The notification method is not particularly limited, and for example, the notification unit 234 may display a notification on the display 4a of the game apparatus 3 via the display control unit 238, may output a sound from the speaker 4b, or may vibrate the input device 4c. The notification by the notification unit 234 may be continuously provided to some users, or may be canceled by an input from the user via the input device 4c.

[0040] As a changing step, the change unit 235 is configured to change the area attribute AT1 of the area R in the virtual space. As an example, the change unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 to another area attribute AT1.

[0041] The region generating unit 236 is configured to generate a region R based on various information as a region generating step. As an example, the region generating unit 236 generates a new region R3 that is a new region R based on multiple regions R.

[0042] The reception unit 237 is configured to receive various information as a reception step. As an example, the reception unit 237 receives user account information, game data, input from the user, and the like from the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, the game device 3, or another external device. In the present embodiment, the various information received by the reception unit 237 will be described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

[0043] As a display step, the display control unit 238 displays various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 32 or screens containing such information in a visible manner on the display 4a of the game device 3. As an example, the display control unit 238 may generate visual information itself generated in a human-visible manner, such as a screen, an image (e.g., a still image or a video), an icon, or text, or may generate rendering information for displaying the visual information on the display 4a and transmit the information.

[0044] 3. Operational flow of information processing system 1 In this section, the flow of operations of the information processing system 1 described above will be explained.

[0045] 3.1 Overview of Information Processing 3 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. Below, the flow of information processing will be outlined along this activity diagram.

[0046] First, the management unit 230 manages a plurality of areas R in the virtual space and area attributes AT1 associated with each of the areas R (activity A001). Specifically, the management unit 230 manages a plurality of areas R stored in the storage unit 22, and manages area attributes AT1 associated with each of the areas R.

[0047] Area R is a section of a virtual space. Area R refers to, for example, a continuous range of virtual space in which a user can move via an avatar. Specifically, area R is, for example, a virtual room surrounded by walls, a ceiling, and a floor, or a virtual town or field surrounded by boundaries that may or may not be visible to the user. In this embodiment, for example, the management unit 230 manages, as area R, the first user's own room, the office of department A (an example of specific area R1), a playground (an example of area R2 different from specific area R1), etc.

[0048] The area attribute AT1 is an attribute set for each area R. The area attribute AT1 is, for example, an attribute that represents the impression of the area R, and is set to unify the atmosphere of the area R, to inform the user of the purpose of using the area R, or to limit the impression that the user may evoke from the area R. In this embodiment, the management unit 230 manages the area attribute AT1 of the first user's room as "casual," the area attribute AT1 of the office of department A as "formal," and the area attribute AT1 of the playground as "sports."

[0049] Next, the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user to be placed in the first user's own room (activity A002).

[0050] Next, the receiving unit 237 receives coordinate settings for the first avatar AV1 from the first user via input from the input device 4c (activity A003). Specifically, the receiving unit 237 receives a selection input of a combination of items for each of one or more area attributes AT1 from the first user. The items are, for example, clothing, accessories, hairstyle, makeup, facial expressions, pets, etc. that the display control unit 238 displays in association with the avatar.

[0051] Next, the reception unit 237 receives an input from the first user via the input device 4c to move the first avatar AV1 from the first user's own room to the office of department A (activity A004).

[0052] Next, the determination unit 232 determines the display mode of the first avatar AV1 in the office of department A according to the area attribute AT1 associated with the office of department A (activity A005). Specifically, for example, the determination unit 232 determines a combination of items preset for the area attribute AT1 of "formal" as the outfit of the first avatar AV1 in the office of department A.

[0053] Next, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 determined in activity A005 (activity A006). Specifically, the notification unit 234 transmits a signal to the game device 3 via the communication unit 21 to cause the notification to be displayed on the display 4a. The notification includes, for example, content that asks the first user whether or not it is OK to display the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner.

[0054] In the activity A006, if the first user denies the coordinates of the first avatar AV1, the process returns to the activity A005. Specifically, the determination unit 232 determines the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 again in response to the selection input of the first user via the input device 4c.

[0055] On the other hand, if the first user approves the coordination of the first avatar AV1 in activity A006, the process proceeds to the next step: the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user to be placed in the office of department A, which is one of areas R (activity A007).

[0056] Next, the avatar control unit 231 further controls to place a second avatar AV2 corresponding to a second user other than the first user in the office of department A (activity A008). That is, at this point, both the first avatar AV1 and the second avatar AV2 are placed in the office of department A.

[0057] Next, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the second user (activity A009). Specifically, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 placed in the office of department A on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second user in a manner associated with the item determined in activity A005. Here, to describe the processing of activities A006 to A009 from another perspective, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user before displaying the first avatar AV1 in the field of view of a second user other than the first user.

[0058] Next, the communication control unit 233 controls the interaction between the first user and the second user via the first avatar AV1 and the second avatar AV2. Specifically, for example, the communication control unit 233 controls a call between the game device 3 of the first user and the game device 3 of the second user via the communication unit 21. For example, a sound input via the input device 4c on the game device 3 of the first user is reproduced via the speaker 4b on the game device 3 of the second user. The same is true in the reverse direction.

[0059] Next, when it is determined that a specific time has arrived (activity A011), the change unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1 of the department A office (activity A012). Specifically, the change unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1 from "formal" to "casual" according to the time set for the department A office. Subsequently, the management unit 230 manages the area attribute AT1 associated with the department A office as "casual." The time set for the department A office is, for example, the time at an arbitrary location in the real world, standard time set in a virtual space, etc. Note that when it is not determined that a specific time has arrived, the processes from activity A011 to activity A015, which will be described later, are omitted.

[0060] Next, when the area attribute AT1 is changed while the first avatar AV1 is located in the office of department A, the determination unit 232 determines the appearance in accordance with the different area attribute AT1 without relying on an input from the first user (activity A013). Specifically, the determination unit 232 determines the outfit of the first avatar AV1 in accordance with the changed area attribute AT1, which is "casual." For example, the determination unit 232 determines a combination of items that is preset for the area attribute AT1 of "casual" as the outfit of the first avatar AV1.

[0061] Next, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 determined in the activity A013 (activity A014). The details of the processing of activity A014 are the same as those described in activity A006, and therefore will not be described again.

[0062] In activity A014, if approval of the coordination of the first avatar AV1 from the first user is received, the process proceeds to the next step. That is, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the second user (activity A015). Specifically, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 placed in the office of department A on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second user in a manner associated with the item determined in activity A013.

[0063] Next, the reception unit 237 receives an input from the first user via the input device 4c to move the first avatar AV1 from the office of department A to the playground (activity A016). If the above input is not received, the processing from activity A017 onwards, which will be described later, is omitted.

[0064] Next, the determination unit 232 determines the display mode of the first avatar AV1 in the playground according to the area attribute AT1 associated with the playground without relying on an input from the first user (activity A017). Specifically, for example, the determination unit 232 determines a combination of items preset for the area attribute AT1 of "sports" as the coordination of the first avatar AV1 in the playground.

[0065] Next, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 determined in the activity A017 (activity A018). The details of the processing of activity A018 are the same as those described in activity A006, and therefore will not be described again.

[0066] In the activity A018, if the first user approves the coordination of the first avatar AV1, the process proceeds to the next step: the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1, which is placed in the office of department A, to be placed in the playground (activity A019).

[0067] Next, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the third user placed in the playground (activity A020). Specifically, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 placed in the playground on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the third user in a manner associated with the item determined in activity A017.

[0068] To summarize the above, the information processing system 1 includes a control unit 23. The control unit 23 includes the following units: The management unit 230 manages multiple regions R in a virtual space and region attributes AT1 associated with each region R. The avatar control unit 231 controls the placement of a first avatar AV1 corresponding to a first user within a specific region R1, which is one of the regions R. The determination unit 232 determines the display mode of the first avatar AV1 within the specific region R1 according to the region attribute AT1 associated with the specific region R1.

[0069] This makes it possible to realize a game that can improve user convenience. In particular, by automatically determining the display mode of the avatar according to the impression of the specific area R1, the user does not need to set the display mode each time, which is user-friendly.

[0070] Furthermore, by displaying the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the second user, the first user can make the second user view the first avatar AV1 in a manner that matches the impression of the specific region R1, thereby realizing the information processing system 1 that can encourage communication between users.

[0071] Furthermore, by carrying out interactions between users via avatars that are displayed in a manner that matches the impression of the specific area R1, an information processing system 1 can be realized that enables smoother communication between users.

[0072] Furthermore, when an avatar moves from a specific region R1 to another region R2, the display mode of the avatar is determined without user input, further improving user convenience. Since the user does not need to determine the display mode of the avatar every time the avatar moves to another region R, the stress felt by the user when operating the avatar in the virtual space can be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, by notifying the first user before the first avatar AV1 is displayed in the field of view of the second user, it is possible to prevent the second user from viewing the first avatar AV1 in a manner that the first user does not want, which makes the system more user-friendly and further reduces the stress the user feels when operating an avatar in a virtual space.

[0074] Furthermore, when the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 changes, the display mode of the avatar is determined without user input, further improving user convenience. By automatically determining the display mode of the avatar according to the situation of area R, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the user in the virtual space and provide the user with an experience closer to reality.

[0075] Furthermore, by changing the region attribute AT1 according to the time set for the specific region R1, the user can be impressed that the situation in the region R has changed with the change in time. For example, the user can be made aware that it is break time at work or school, or that working hours at the workplace have ended, thereby adding pace to life in the virtual space. Furthermore, by changing the display mode of the avatar according to the time, conversations between users are encouraged, enabling smoother communication between users.

[0076] 3.2 Details of information processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using the drawings.

[0077] <Area management table T1> 4 is a schematic diagram of an area management table T1 that manages information for each area R. The area management table T1 includes, as information, an identifier T11, an area name T12, an administrator user T13, an area attribute T14 (AT1), attribute control information T15, and a disclosure range T16.

[0078] The identifier T11 is unique information that is assigned to each region R on a one-to-one basis in order to identify the region R.

[0079] The area name T12 is information about the name of each area R. In FIG. 4, Daiki's room, the office of department A, the playground, etc. are shown as examples.

[0080] The administrator user T13 is information for identifying a user who manages the area R. For example, the administrator user T13 is information of a user who can set the area name T12, the area attribute T14 (AT1), the attribute control information T15, and the disclosure range T16.

[0081] The area attribute T14 (AT1) is information about attributes set for each area R. Specifically, the area attribute T14 (AT1) is an attribute that represents an impression, such as formal, casual, urban, modern, cool, stylish, classic, elegant, traditional, bohemian, chic, antique, vintage, retro, industrial, natural, country, simple, pop, cute, minimalist, sports, rock, etc. Furthermore, the area attribute AT1 is an attribute that represents a style of a real region, era, or culture, such as Nordic, Asian, Japanese, or mid-century.

[0082] The attribute control information T15 is information relating to the control of the area attribute AT1. Specifically, for example, it is information relating to the conditions under which the change unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1. In the example of FIG. 4, the area attribute AT1 of the department A office is controlled so that it switches at specific times. For example, the area attribute T14 (AT1) of the department A office is controlled so that it is set as "formal" between 9:00 and 18:00, and as "casual" between 18:00 and 9:00 the next day.

[0083] The disclosure range T16 is information regarding the disclosure range of the area R. Specifically, the disclosure range T16 can be set to, for example, private, public to only some members of a specific group, public to all users of the information processing system 1, etc.

[0084] <Item management table T2> 5 is a schematic diagram of an item management table T2 that manages items owned by each user. The item management table T2 includes information such as an identifier T21, an item name T22, an item attribute T23 (AT2), a major category T24, and an intermediate category T25. The example of FIG. 5 shows an item management table T2 that manages items owned by a first user.

[0085] The identifier T21 is unique information that is assigned to each item on a one-to-one basis in order to identify the item.

[0086] The item name T22 is information about the name of the item. In Fig. 5, examples include a house T-shirt, a star T-shirt, and a cat sweatshirt.

[0087] The item attribute T23 (AT2) is information that is managed in association with an item. Specifically, for example, the item attribute T23 (AT2) is information that is managed in association with the area attribute T14 (AT1). As shown in the example of Fig. 5, the management unit 230 can manage two or more item attributes AT2 in association with one item.

[0088] The display mode for the avatar is determined by identifying items to be displayed in association with the first avatar AV1 from among the items owned by the first user, based on the relationship between the area attribute AT1 and the item attribute AT2 associated with the specific area R1. Using the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, in Daiki's room (an example of area R), items having an item attribute AT2 that matches the area attribute AT1 of "casual" are identified. For example, items having the item attribute AT2 of "casual" such as a house T-shirt, a star T-shirt, and a cat sweatshirt are identified. This automatically identifies a combination of items that matches the impression of area R, further improving user convenience.

[0089] The major category T24 and the medium category T25 are information about categories into which items are classified. The medium category T25 is a category that further classifies the major category T24. For example, if the major category is "clothing," the medium categories would be tops, bottoms, and sets. Although not shown, tops can be further subdivided into "shirts," "blouses," "jackets," etc., bottoms into "pants," "skirts," etc., and sets into "one-piece dresses," "dresses," etc.

[0090] <Coordination settings> FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a visual field 5a corresponding to a first user and a coordinate selection screen 6 visually recognized by the first user.

[0091] The field of view 5a is the field of view of the first avatar AV1 (i.e., the field of view corresponding to the first user) virtually placed in the area 50 (the first user's own room). Specifically, the field of view 5a is, for example, a screen displayed on the display 4a of the first user's game device 3. The field of view 5a includes a display window 51, an area name 501, a setting content display 502, a virtual object 503, etc., which are virtually placed in the area 50 (the first user's own room).

[0092] The name of the area 50 is displayed in the area name 501. For example, information corresponding to the area attribute T14 (AT1) in the area management table T1 is displayed in the setting content display 502. In the example of Fig. 6, it is displayed that the area attribute AT1 of the area 50 (first user's room) is set to "casual."

[0093] Virtual object 503 is a virtual object virtually placed in area 50 (first user's room). Virtual object 503 is, for example, furniture, home appliances, interior decoration, food and drink, buildings, vehicles, flora and fauna, objects created by meteorological phenomena, characters other than avatars, etc. In the example of FIG. 6, virtual object 503 is a full-length mirror placed in area 50 (first user's room), and shows the current display mode of first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user.

[0094] For example, virtual objects 503 may be controlled to have functions associated with each virtual object 503. In the example of Fig. 6, in response to an operation by the first user to move first avatar AV1 in front of virtual object 503 (in this example, a full-length mirror), display window 51 for setting coordinates for first avatar AV1 is displayed.

[0095] The display window 51 is a virtual screen displayed in the area 50 (the first user's own room). In the example of FIG. 6, the display window 51 includes tabs 511, operation buttons 512, and an avatar preview 513. The reception unit 237 receives the setting of the coordination of the first avatar AV1 through the selection input of the tabs 511 and the operation buttons 512 by the first user. The first user can set the coordination for each area attribute AT1 by switching the tabs 511. The avatar preview 513 displays the display mode of the first avatar AV1 set for each area attribute AT1 in a mode that is visible to the first user.

[0096] The coordinate selection screen 6 is a screen that receives, from the first user, a selection input of a combination of items to be displayed in association with the first avatar AV1. In the example of Fig. 6, the coordinate selection screen 6 is a screen that is displayed when the first user selects the "Outfit" operation button 512 while the "Casual" tab 511 is selected.

[0097] The outfit selection screen 6 includes an avatar preview 60, operation buttons 61, an item display area 62, and items 63. Items 63 owned by the first user are displayed in the item display area 62. In the example of FIG. 6, items owned by the first user that have an area attribute AT1 of "casual" and whose major category is "clothing" and whose medium category is "tops" are displayed. The avatar preview 60 displays the items 63 selected by the first user in a manner associated with the first avatar AV1.

[0098] The coordination of the first avatar AV1 is set by the first user selecting the "OK" operation button 61 or operation button 512 on the coordination selection screen 6 or the display window 51. Also, for example, in response to the first user selecting the "Shop" operation button 61, a screen where the first user can purchase items is displayed.

[0099] <Move to specific area R1> 7 is an image diagram showing an example of fields of view 5b and 5c corresponding to the first user. The explanation of fields of view 5b and 5c is omitted here because it is similar to the explanation of field of view 5a described above. Fields of view 5b and 5c include a display window 52, an area name 501, a setting content display 502, and a virtual object 503, which are virtually arranged in area 50 (the first user's own room).

[0100] 7, the virtual object 503 is a door connecting the area 50 (the first user's room) to another area R. In the example of the field of view 5b, the display window 52 is displayed in response to the first user's operation of moving the first avatar AV1 in front of the virtual object 503 (the door in this example).

[0101] The display window 52 is a virtual screen displayed in the area 50 (the first user's own room). In the example of the field of view 5b, the display window 52 includes an operation button 521. The reception unit 237 receives a designation of the area R, which is the destination, via a selection input by the first user using the operation button 512. For example, the display control unit 238 displays the area R that the first user frequently uses as a candidate destination. Furthermore, for example, in response to the first user selecting the "destination list" operation button 521, the display control unit 238 displays a search screen for the areas R that can be moved to.

[0102] The determination unit 232 determines the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 in response to the first user selecting the operation button 521 for "Department A's Office" and selecting Department A's Office as the destination. Subsequently, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the determined coordinates, for example, in the form of a display window 52 in the field of view 5c. In the example of the field of view 5c, the display window 52 includes the operation button 521, an avatar preview 522, and a display name preview 523.

[0103] The avatar preview 522 displays the first avatar AV1 in the office of department A in a manner that is visible to the first user. In the example of field of view 5c, the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 are displayed in association with the area attribute AT1 of the office of department A, which is "formal."

[0104] For example, when approval from the first user is received via selection of the "OK" operation button 521, the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 to be placed in the office of department A. On the other hand, when denial from the first user is received via selection of the "reselect" operation button 521, the movement of the first avatar AV1 is not executed. Instead, the display control unit 238 displays the coordinate selection screen 6, and then the reception unit 237 receives a selection of a coordinate corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "formal" from the first user.

[0105] The display name preview 523 displays the display mode of the first user's name, which will be displayed in correspondence with the first avatar AV1 in the office of department A, in a mode that is visible to the first user. In the example of field of view 5c, the display name preview 523 shows that the first user's name is displayed as "Sato Taiki." For example, when the first user selects the "display name setting" operation button 521, the reception unit 237 can receive the setting of the display mode of the name.

[0106] <Display of first avatar AV1 in specific region R1> FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 7a and a field of view 7b corresponding to a second user. The second user is a user other than the first user. For example, a second avatar AV2 (not shown) corresponding to the second user is virtually placed in an area 70 (the office of department A). Specifically, the field of view 7a and the field of view 7b are, for example, screens displayed on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second user. The field of view 7a and the field of view 7b include an area name 701, a setting content display 702, a virtual object 703, and a first avatar AV1, which are virtually placed in the area 70 (the office of department A).

[0107] The area name 701 displays the name of the area 70. The setting content display 702 displays, for example, information corresponding to the area attribute T14 (AT1) and attribute control information T15 of the area management table T1. In the example of the view field 7a, the virtual clock object 703 represents 9:00 AM, and the area attribute AT1 of the area 70 (the office of department A) is set to "formal." On the other hand, in the example of the view field 7b, the virtual clock object 703 represents a time after 6:00 PM, and the area attribute AT1 of the area 70 (the office of department A) is set to "casual." For example, in the views 7a and 7b, the virtual objects 703 are furniture such as a desk, chair, and clock that are virtually placed in the area 70 (the office of department A).

[0108] In the fields of view 7a and 7b, the first avatar AV1 includes an item AV1a and a display name AV1b. Specifically, the item AV1a and the display name AV1b are displayed in association with the first avatar AV1. In the examples of the fields of view 7a and 7b, the item AV1a is the hairstyle and clothing of the first avatar AV1. The item AV1a and the display name AV1b are displayed in a manner set in advance by the first user. In the field of view 7a, the item AV1a corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "formal" is displayed as part of the first avatar AV1. In the field of view 7b, the item AV1a corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "casual" is displayed as part of the first avatar AV1.

[0109] The output sound 71 indicates what the first user has said via the first avatar AV1. In the example of FIG. 8, the output sound 71 is sound output from the speaker 4b of the game device 3 of the second user, and is not included in the field of view 7a. As shown in this example, the communication control unit 233 controls interactions between multiple users via avatars. The interactions are, for example, communication between users via phone calls, text chats, reactions using images (e.g., still images or videos), avatar gestures, avatar facial expressions, etc.

[0110] <Move to another area R2> FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 5d corresponding to a first user and a field of view 8 corresponding to a third user.

[0111] For example, the field of view 5d is a screen displayed on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the first user in response to an input by the first user to move the first avatar AV1 into the playground. The description of the field of view 5d is the same as the description of the field of view 5c above, and will not be explained here. In the example of the field of view 5d, the avatar preview 522 displays the coordinates of the first avatar AV1, which are set in association with the area attribute AT1 of the playground, that is, "Sports." In the example of the field of view 5d, the display name preview 523 indicates that the name of the first user is displayed as "Daiki."

[0112] The third user is a user who is neither the first user nor the second user. For example, a third avatar AV3 (not shown) corresponding to the third user is virtually placed in the area 80 (playground). The field of view 8 is specifically, for example, a screen displayed on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the third user. The field of view 8 includes an area name 801, a setting content display 802, a virtual object 803, and a first avatar AV1, which are virtually placed in the area 80 (playground).

[0113] The name of the area 80 is displayed in the area name 801. The setting content display 702 displays, for example, the area attribute AT1 of the area 80. In the example of the field of view 8, it is displayed that the area attribute AT1 of the area 80 (playground) is set to "sports." For example, in the field of view 8, the virtual object 803 is a structure such as a tennis court net that is virtually placed in the area 80 (playground).

[0114] In the field of view 8, the first avatar AV1 includes an item AV1a and a display name AV1b. Specifically, the item AV1a and the display name AV1b are displayed in association with the first avatar AV1. In the example of the field of view 8, the item AV1a is the hairstyle, clothing, and accessories of the first avatar AV1. In the example of the field of view 8, the item AV1a corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "sports" is displayed as part of the first avatar AV1.

[0115] [others] The information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0116] In one variation, multiple regions R may exist within a range of a continuous virtual space in which a user can move. For example, an area identified by a purpose set for that location, a virtual address, a difference in display mode, or the like may be set as region R. Specifically, within one continuous virtual space (e.g., a town or a room), the area may be an area set as an event venue, an area that only users with specific rights can enter, an area distinguished from others by the color of the carpet, or the like.

[0117] In one variation, the avatar's coordination does not have to be set by user selection. For example, the first user may select the "Auto" operation button 512 in the display window 51 of Fig. 6, and a recommended combination of items may be identified from among the items the first user has on hand.

[0118] In one modified example, the display related to the avatar is not limited to the avatar's clothing, etc., but may be the following examples. For example, the display related to the avatar may be the style of the display frame for displaying the avatar, special effects such as making the avatar shine, the style of the display name to be displayed in association with the avatar (e.g., font, size, color, background color of the characters), etc. These display styles may be set for each area attribute AT1 by the user's selection. Furthermore, the avatar does not need to be limited to a human being, and may be, for example, an animal, a fantasy creature, or a character based on these. In one example, the avatar's skin color, eye color, hair color, facial expression, etc. may be selectable by the user.

[0119] In one variation, a user may have multiple accounts in the information processing system 1. In this example, a setting associating a region attribute AT1 with a specific account may be performed by the user. For example, in a region R where the region attribute AT1 is "formal," a "formal" outfit associated with a work account may be displayed. Alternatively, for example, in a region R of the user's workplace, outfits for each region attribute AT1 associated with a work account may be displayed.

[0120] In one variation, the display mode of the avatar may be determined according to the relationship between the region attribute AT1 associated with a specific region R1 and the region attribute AT1 associated with another region R2. Specifically, for example, when a user moves an avatar from a "casual" region R to a "formal" region R, the avatar may glow for a certain period of time after the move, or may wear special accessories. This can give the user a sense of exclusivity. It can also create an opportunity for conversation between users, enabling smoother communication between users.

[0121] In another variation, the display mode of the avatar is determined based on the relationship between the area attribute AT1 before and after the change. Specifically, for example, if the area attribute AT1 of area R is changed from "casual" to "formal," the changed avatar may shine for a certain period of time, or the avatar may wear special accessories. This can give the user a sense of exclusivity. It can also create an opportunity for conversation between users, allowing for smoother communication between users.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the modification unit 235 modifies the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 at a specific time. However, the following modifications may be made. For example, the modification unit 235 may modify the area attribute AT1 based on environmental information IF set for the specific area R1. The environmental information IF is information for defining the environment within the area and is information that the user can perceive using the user's five senses. For example, the environmental information IF may be the weather, temperature, auditory information, or tactile information set for the area R, or the type of virtual object installed in the area R. Here, the auditory information may be information related to music or sound effects output from the speaker 4b of the game device 3 while the avatar is placed in the area R. Furthermore, the tactile information may be information related to vibrations or the like output from the input device 4c while the avatar is placed in the area R. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, Kana's room, which is one of the areas R, is controlled to change the area attribute AT1 according to the attributes of furniture objects set in the area R. By automatically determining the display mode of the avatar according to the situation in area R, a more realistic experience can be provided to the user, making the user's experience in the virtual space more enjoyable.

[0123] In one modified example, one or more of the notifications of the determined coordination (activity A006, activity A014, and activity A018 in FIG. 3) may be omitted. As in the example of FIG. 8, when the area attribute AT1 of specific area R1 is changed according to a specific time, the first user may be notified of this before moving to specific area R1. For example, the notification unit 234 may notify the first user of the time period when the change of area attribute AT1 will be executed and the changed area attribute AT1, and then the reception unit 237 may receive the coordination setting from the first user.

[0124] In one variation, the user may be able to select not to change the display mode of the avatar even when the area attribute AT1 of area R is changed. For example, if the area attribute AT1 is set to "casual" only during lunch breaks in the office of department A, the user may select to continue displaying items with the item attribute AT2 set to "formal." In one example, if the user does not have any items in their possession that correspond to the changed area attribute AT1, the user may be notified of this before moving to area R. In this case, the display control unit 238 may display a navigation path (e.g., a button or link for accepting the move) to a shop where the user can purchase items. Here, the shop may be a screen where items can be purchased, or may be one of areas R where the user can operate the avatar to browse products.

[0125] In another modified example, the notification unit 234 may later notify a user whose avatar display mode has not changed in response to a change in the area attribute AT1. For example, the notification may be made after the user's avatar has been moved to his or her own room. In yet another modified example, if there is another user whose avatar display mode has not changed, the notification unit 234 may notify the user that it is recommended that the user go shopping for items together with the other user.

[0126] In one modified example, the region generating unit 236 may further generate a new region R3 based on a plurality of regions R. The region attribute AT1 of the new region R3 is determined based on the region attribute AT1 associated with at least one region R among the plurality of regions R. FIG. 10 is an image diagram for explaining the modified example. The field of view 5e is the field of view of a first avatar AV1 (i.e., the field of view corresponding to the first user) virtually placed in a region 55 (Kana's room), which is one of the regions R. A second avatar AV2 corresponding to a second user and a third avatar AV3 corresponding to a third user are also placed in the region 55 (Kana's room).

[0127] The output sound 54a indicates the content of the voice spoken by the second user and output from the speaker 4b of the game device 3 of the first user, and the input sound 54b indicates the content of the voice spoken by the first user and input to the input device 4c. The example of the field of view 5e shows a scene in which it has been decided that the rooms of the two users will be combined through a call between the first and second users. The display window 9 is a window displayed in the field of view corresponding to the first user. The display window 9 displays a message indicating that the user will move to the new room that has been generated. The rest of the description of the display window 9 is the same as that of the display window 52 in FIG. 7, so will be omitted.

[0128] The field of view 5f is the field of view of the first avatar AV1 virtually placed in the area 56 (new room), which is the new area R3 (i.e., the field of view corresponding to the first user). Information related to the generated area 56 (new room) may be managed by the management unit 230. The area attribute AT1 of the area 56 (new room) may adopt any one of the area attributes AT1 of the original room, "casual" and "sports." As shown in the example of the field of view 5f, the area attribute AT1 of the area 56 (new room) may adopt "sports casual," which is a combination of "casual" and "sports." This makes it easier for users to gather together in the virtual space. It also makes the user's experience in the virtual space more enjoyable.

[0129] As in the above example, a region attribute AT1 generated by combining multiple region attributes AT1 may be set for the new region R3. If the region attribute AT1 of the new region R3 is "sports casual," items having an item attribute AT2 of "sports," "casual," or "sports casual" may be displayed in association with the avatar. In one example, if a user sets an avatar's outfit to consist of only "sports casual" items, the avatar may be displayed in a special manner in the new region R3. The special manner may be, for example, the avatar glowing for a certain period of time, a mark indicating a fashion expert being displayed together with the avatar, or the logo of a sponsoring company being displayed on the clothing item. If a special item is displayed, the user may be able to own the item.

[0130] In one variation, the display mode of the avatar may be further determined based on a history of actions taken by the first user through the first avatar. For example, if the user moves from his / her own room to the workplace area R just before the start of work hours, the avatar may be displayed with a disheveled outfit or hairstyle (e.g., a shirt sticking out from under a suit jacket, a shirt sticking out from under suit pants, or the avatar sweating and having stains on the clothes). In this case, the display mode of the avatar may be determined based on the planned activities in the virtual space (e.g., schedule information corresponding to real time) managed in association with the user and the time when the user actually took an action. This allows for intentionally leaving some inconvenience in the experience in the virtual space, providing the user with a more realistic experience. It also creates an opportunity for communication between users.

[0131] As another example, the display mode of the avatar in the destination region R2 may be determined based on climate information (e.g., information on weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) associated with each of the specific region R1 and the other region R2. For example, if the temperature set in the specific region R1 is equal to or higher than a threshold and the temperature set in the other region R2 is equal to or lower than the threshold, the avatar may be displayed as if it is sweating and has stains on its clothes for a certain period of time after the avatar moves to the other region R2. In one example, the climate information associated with region R may be related to real-world climate information.

[0132] In one variation, movement from a specific region R1 to another region R2 may be performed by a user operating an avatar. Specifically, the avatar operated by the user may perform actions in the virtual space, such as walking through a city or riding a train or bus, thereby recreating movement in the real world. As an example, the avatar operated by the user may pass through a city region R when moving from the specific region R1 to another region R2. In this example, if the temperature set in the city region R is equal to or higher than a threshold and the user performs an operation to make the avatar run in region R, the avatar may be displayed as sweating and with stains on its clothes for a certain period of time after the avatar moves to another region R2.

[0133] One aspect of the embodiment may be an information processing method. The information processing method includes each step of the information processing system 1. Another aspect of the embodiment may be a program. The program causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1.

[0134] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects. In the information processing system, the avatar control step further controls a second avatar corresponding to a second user other than the first user to be placed within the specific area, and the display step further displays the first avatar in a determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the second user. In the information processing system, the communication control step further includes controlling an interaction between the first user and the second user via the first avatar and the second avatar. In the information processing system, the avatar control step controls a first avatar placed in the specific area to be placed in an area other than the specific area, and the determination step determines the appearance according to area attributes associated with the other area, without input by the first user. In the information processing system, the notification step further includes notifying the first user before the first avatar is displayed in the field of view of a second user other than the first user, wherein the notification includes content that confirms with the first user whether or not it is okay to display the first avatar in the determined manner. In the information processing system, the aspect is determined according to a relationship between a region attribute associated with the specific region and a region attribute associated with the other region. In the information processing system, further, in the change step, the area attribute associated with the specific area is changed to another area attribute, and in the determination step, when the area attribute is changed while the first avatar is placed within the specific area, the mode is determined according to the another area attribute without input by the first user. In the information processing system, the changing step changes the area attribute in accordance with a time set for the specific area. In the information processing system, the change step changes the area attributes based on environmental information set for the specific area, where the environmental information is information for defining the environment within the area and is information that the user can recognize using the user's own five senses. In the information processing system, the aspect is determined based on a relationship between area attributes before and after the change. In the information processing system, further, in the area generation step, a new area is generated based on a plurality of the areas, and the area attribute of the new area is determined based on the area attribute associated with at least one of the plurality of areas. In the information processing system, the aspect is determined by identifying an item to be displayed in association with the first avatar from among the items owned by the first user based on the relationship between an area attribute associated with the specific area and an item attribute, wherein the item attribute is information managed in association with the item. A program that causes a computer to execute each step in the information processing system. Of course, this is not the case.

[0135] Finally, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1: Information processing system 11: Communication Network 2: Information processing equipment 20: Communication bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Control section 230: Management Department 231: Avatar control unit 232: Decision section 233: Communication control section 234: Notification Department 235: Change section 236: Area generation section 237: Reception 238: Display control unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Control section 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing section 34c: Operation section 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input Device 5a: Field of view 5b: Field of view 5c: Field of view 5d: Field of view 5e: Field of view 5f: Field of view 50: area 501: Area name 502: Setting details display 503: Virtual Objects 51: Display window 511: Tab 512: Operation button 513:Avatar Preview 52: Display window 521: Operation button 522:Avatar Preview 523: Display Name Preview 53: Area 54a: Output sound 54b: Input sound 55 :Area 551: Virtual Object 56 :Area 6: Coordination selection screen 60:Avatar Preview 61: Operation button 62: Item display area 63: Item 7a: Field of view 7b: Field of view 70: area 701: Area name 702: Setting details display 703: Virtual Objects 71: Output sound 8: Field of view 80: area 801: Area name 802: Setting details display 803: Virtual Objects 9: Display window 91: Operation button 92:Avatar Preview 93: Display Name Preview AT1:Area attribute AT2: Item Attributes AV1: First Avatar AV1a: Item AV1b :Display name AV2: Second Avatar AV2a:Item AV2b :Display name AV3: Avatar 3 AV3a:Item AV3b :Display name IF: Environmental Information R: area R1: Specific area R2: Another region R3: New area T1: Area management table T11: Identifier T12: Area name T13: Admin user T14: Area attribute T15: Attribute control information T16: Public Range T2: Item management table T21: Identifier T22: Item name T23: Item Attributes T24: Major categories T25: Medium category

Claims

1. An information processing system, A control unit is provided, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user placed in a specific area is controlled to be placed in an area other than the specific area, the specific area and the other area are one of a plurality of areas in a virtual space, Each of the plurality of regions is associated with a region attribute; a user acts through an avatar in the virtual space, and an action schedule of the user is managed by the information processing system; In the determination step, the information processing system determines the display mode of the first avatar placed in the other area due to the action of the first user based on the action schedule of the first user and the area attributes associated with the other area.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The activity schedule includes activity content corresponding to a time, In the determination step, the display mode of the first avatar in the other area is determined based on the planned action and the time when the first avatar is actually placed in the other area, in accordance with the information processing system.

3. An information processing system, A control unit is provided, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user placed in a specific area is controlled to be placed in an area other than the specific area, the specific area and the other area are one of a plurality of areas in a virtual space, Each of the plurality of areas is associated with an area attribute and environmental information; the environmental information is information for defining an environment within the area, and is information that can be recognized by a user through the virtual space with the user's own five senses; In the determination step, the information processing system determines the display manner of the first avatar in the other area based on the area attribute and the environmental information associated with the other area.

4. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, An information processing system, wherein the environmental information is information associated with information on actual climate.

5. 5. The information processing system according to claim 3, In the avatar control step, the first avatar placed in the specific area is controlled to be placed in the different area by passing through a transit area, and the transit area is different from the specific area and the other area, In the determining step, a display mode for the first avatar in the other area is determined in accordance with the environmental information associated with the transit area.

6. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, An information processing system in which, in the avatar control step, the first avatar is controlled in accordance with an operation performed by the user on the first avatar, and, in the determination step, the display manner of the first avatar in the other area is determined in accordance with the manner of movement of the first avatar in accordance with the operation.

7. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the display mode is determined by identifying an item to be displayed in association with the first avatar from among items possessed by the first user, based on a relationship between the area attribute associated with the other area and an item attribute, In an information processing system, the item attributes are information that is associated with and managed by the item.

8. A program, A program that causes a computer to execute each step in the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images