Server device for communication system in virtual space and client device for communication system in virtual space

Abstract

To provide a communication system which does not use an application program.SOLUTION: A server device 100 comprises: video signal control means which performs control such that an avatar image that is displayed at a further position with a user of an own client device as a reference is displayed in a smaller size in a virtual space when overlappingly displaying the plurality of avatar images that can respectively move with the operation of a user of another client device in the virtual space with the user of the own client device as a reference that is displayed by a web browser of a first client device; and audio signal control means which performs control such that a volume of the audio signal is further reduced for a virtual sound source located at a further position with the user of the first client device as a reference in the virtual space when outputting the audio signal based on the audio with display positions of the plurality of avatar images in the virtual space as virtual sound sources of the audio emitted by the user of the other client device corresponding to each avatar image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device for a communication system in a virtual space and a client device for a communication system in a virtual space, and more particularly to a server device for a communication system in a virtual space and a client device for a communication system in a virtual space that are executed using a web browser. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an audio processing device that enables a listener to distinguish sounds corresponding to desired sound sources through natural movements. This audio processing device controls the output of audio signals corresponding to multiple virtual sound sources virtually arranged around the listener, and includes a state determination unit that determines whether the listener's direction motion, which indicates the orientation of the listener, has become stationary, and an output control unit that controls the volume of audio signals corresponding to the virtual sound sources included in a listening range set so that the listener's direction is the center, to be relatively larger than the volume of audio signals corresponding to the virtual sound sources not included in the listening range, and that reduces the listening range when it is determined that the listening range has become stationary. [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5929455 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The emergence of COVID-19 has completely changed our lives, with an increase in working from home, remote meetings, and even the emergence of services such as virtual exhibition halls. When working from home, it is not uncommon for corporations to lend their personal computers, tablet devices, and smartphones (hereinafter referred to as "PCs, etc.") to their employees.

[0004] However, corporations have taken measures such as restricting the launch of some application programs installed on PCs, etc., in order to prevent information leaks that may occur when employees use PCs, etc. outside the office.

[0005] In this case, in the case of an application program that provides a communication system, it is possible that the program will be unable to be used outside the office due to usage restrictions. As it is expected that opportunities to carry out work outside the office will increase in the future, providing a communication system using an application program is not desirable.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system that does not use an application program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the server device for a communication system in a virtual space of the present invention comprises: a video signal control means for controlling a virtual space displayed using a web browser on a single client device, in which a plurality of avatar images movable by operations of other users of a plurality of other client devices are superimposed on the virtual space and based on a single user of the single client device, so that the farther the avatar image is displayed in the virtual space based on the single user, the smaller the size of the avatar image; an audio signal control means for controlling display positions of a plurality of avatar images in the virtual space as virtual sound sources of sounds emitted by other users corresponding to the avatar images, and for outputting audio signals based on the sounds, such that the volume of the audio signal decreases as the virtual sound source is located farther away from the one user in the virtual space; Equipped with.

[0008] It is also possible to provide a transmission amount control means for controlling the transmission amount of the audio signal so that the farther the virtual sound source is located relative to the one user in the virtual space, the smaller the transmission amount of the audio signal.

[0009] Furthermore, the video signal control means and the audio signal control means can be controlled independently.

[0010] Further, the client device for the communication system in the virtual space of the present invention comprises: a video signal output means for displaying a plurality of avatar images, each movable by a plurality of other users, superimposed on a virtual space based on the user himself / herself, the farther the avatar image is displayed in the virtual space based on the user himself / herself, the smaller the avatar image is displayed; an audio signal output means for outputting an audio signal based on the sounds produced by the users corresponding to the avatar images, the audio signal output means defining display positions of the avatar images in the virtual space as virtual sound sources of the sounds produced by the users corresponding to the avatar images, and for decreasing the volume of the audio signal as the virtual sound source is located farther away from the user in the virtual space; Equipped with. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system in a virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a server device 100, first to n-th client devices 200A to 200N (those that are not distinguished from one another will be referred to as "client devices 200." Reference numerals will be assigned in the same manner hereinafter), and a network 300, all of which will be described below.

[0013] The server device 100 has a web service function and provides a service that enables each user operating the client device 200 to communicate with each other in a virtual space by transmitting desired video and audio signals in response to a request from the client device 200.

[0014] The client devices 200 are PCs or the like that are operated by users when receiving services provided by the server device 100. A web browser is installed on each of the client devices 200, and the web browser is used to display video and audio signals transmitted from the server device 100 on a display 510 (FIG. 3) and output them from a speaker 520.

[0015] The network 300 is a general term for any network that requires the Internet as its primary network. The network 300 can also include a network such as a local area network (LAN) that is constructed downstream of the Internet.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server device 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows a video signal control means 110, an audio signal control means 120, a transmission amount control means 130, a content storage means 140, a calculation means 150, and a database 160, which will be described below.

[0017] Video signal control means 110 superimposes, by sprite processing or the like, a background image corresponding to the virtual space and avatar image 600 (FIG. 4), which is an image of a character that can be considered an alter ego of each user of client device 200. Specific video signal control processing by video signal control means 110 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0018] The audio signal control means 120 transmits an audio signal from one client device 200 to the other remaining client devices 200, for example, by transmitting an audio signal collected by a microphone 430 (FIG. 3) attached to the first client device 200A to the second to n-th client devices 200B to 200N. Specific control processing of audio signals by the audio signal control means 120 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0019] The transmission amount control means 130 typically performs control such as thinning out the audio signals to be transmitted so that the communication traffic of the entire network 300 does not exceed a predetermined threshold. The specific control process of the transmission amount by the transmission amount control means 130 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0020] The content storage means 140 stores video content, such as a background image of the virtual space and avatar images 600 of each user, which are processed by the video signal control means 110, in a storage medium (not shown).

[0021] The calculation means 150 calculates, for each client device 200 connected to the server device 100, distance information to each displayed object in the virtual space based on the position information of each displayed object, including other avatar images 600, for example, based on the own avatar image 600 in the virtual space.

[0022] Database 160 stores position information of each avatar image 600 in the virtual space and distance information calculated by calculation means 150. The distance information in database 160 can be used when video signal control means 110, audio signal control means 120, and transmission amount control means 130 perform their respective control processes.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the client device 200 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows a video signal processing means 210, an audio signal processing means 220, a receiving means 230, and a transmitting means 240, which will be described below. Fig. 3 also shows an input device 400 and an output device 500 attached to the client device 200.

[0024] The video signal processing means 210 receives a video signal transmitted from the server device 100 via the network 300 in accordance with a signal based on a user action accepted by the accepting means 230, and outputs the video signal to the display 510, which is the output device 500, using a web browser.

[0025] The audio signal processing means 220 receives an audio signal transmitted via the server device 100 based on the voice uttered by the user of another client device 200, and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 520, which is the output device 500.

[0026] The accepting means 230 accepts an action performed by the user of the client device 200 through the input device 400. Specifically, for example, when the user presses a cursor key on the keyboard 410, when the user performs a click operation after moving the cursor with the mouse 420, or when the user makes a sound in a situation where the sound is collected by the microphone 430, these actions are accepted.

[0027] The transmitting means 240 transmits a signal corresponding to the user's action accepted by the accepting means 230 to the server device 100 via the network 300. A unique login ID and login password are assigned to each user, and only users authenticated by these are allowed to receive services provided by the communication system of this embodiment. A unique login ID is attached when signals are sent and received between the server device 100 and each client device 200, so that video and audio signals are customized for each user. However, a unique URL (uniform resource locator) may be used instead of or in addition to the login ID.

[0028] In this embodiment, input devices 400 such as a keyboard 410, a mouse 420, and a microphone 430, and output devices 500 such as a display 510 and a speaker 520 are used to enable users of the client devices 200 to communicate with each other in the virtual space.

[0029] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a video signal control process by video signal control means 110 shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, when a plurality of avatar images 600B-600D that can be moved by operations of users of second-fourth client devices 200B-200D are superimposed and displayed in a virtual space based on the user of first client device 200A and displayed using a web browser of first client device 200A, the display is controlled so that objects located closer to avatar image 600A of the user of first client device 200A in the virtual space are displayed in a larger size, and objects located farther away are displayed in a smaller size.

[0030] 4(a) shows an example in which avatar images 600A-600D corresponding to first to fourth client devices 200A-200D, respectively, are displayed in front of a virtual exhibition booth on display 510 of first client device 200A. In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), avatar image 600B is displayed first, followed by avatar image 600C, and then avatar image 600D, with the sizes decreasing in that order.

[0031] It should be noted that although avatar image 600A belongs to the user (own user) of first client device 200A, it is not essential that it be displayed on display 510, and it is not necessary for it to be displayed.

[0032] Fig. 4(b) shows a state after a transition from the state shown in Fig. 4(a) when, for example, the user of first client device 200A takes an action of pressing cursor key “↑” on keyboard 410. In this example, avatar images 600C and 600D are displayed larger than in the case shown in Fig. 4(a), but avatar image 600B is no longer displayed within the display area of ​​display 510.

[0033] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the video signal control process shown in Fig. 4. First, when the user performs an action of pressing the cursor key "↑" on the keyboard 410, the accepting unit 230 of the first client device 200A accepts the action.

[0034] Next, in the first client device 200A, the transmitting means 240 transmits a signal indicating the action accepted by the accepting means 230 to the server device 100 via the network 300 together with the unique login ID.

[0035] Furthermore, in server device 100, upon receiving the signal transmitted from first client device 200A, calculation means 150 calculates position information (coordinate information) of avatar 600A based on the cursor key to be pressed and the duration for which the cursor key was pressed, and calculates distance information for each of avatars 600B to 600D relative to avatar 600A. The calculated position information and distance information are sequentially stored in database 160.

[0036] Furthermore, in server device 100, video signal control means 110 controls the video signal so that the display content of display 510 is changed, such as by gradually enlarging avatar image 600C, based on the distance information stored in database 160, which changes according to the virtual direction of travel of avatar image 600A, and transmits the video signal to first client device 200A.

[0037] In first client device 200A, when the video signal transmitted from server device 100 is received, video signal processing means 210 outputs the video signal to display 510 using a web browser. The reason for using a web browser to display the video signal is that a web browser is positioned as an application program that is unlikely to be restricted from being started outside the office.

[0038] The control processing of the video signal by the video signal control means 110 can provide the user with a realistic display that is in line with the real space. This can be easily understood by replacing the above processing in the virtual space with the user's actions in the real space.

[0039] That is, in real space, as the user associated with avatar 600A approaches the user associated with avatar 600C, the proportion of the user associated with avatar 600C in the field of view increases. Additionally, the user associated with avatar 600D also approaches, increasing the proportion of that user, but the user associated with avatar 600B moves out of the field of view.

[0040] In other words, the display content of the virtual space on the display 510 of the first client device 200A corresponds to the field of view of the real space for the user of the first client device 200A, so that the user can be provided with a realistic display that is in line with the real space.

[0041] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the control process of an audio signal by audio signal control means 120 shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, when the display positions of avatars 600B-600D in the virtual space are used as virtual sound sources for sounds emitted by users of second to fourth client devices 200B-200D corresponding to each of avatars 600B-600D, and audio signals based on the sounds are output, the display positions are controlled so that, with respect to the user of first client device 200A in the virtual space, the volume of the audio signal from the user associated with avatar image 600, which is the virtual sound source located closer to the user, is increased, and the volume of the audio signal from the user associated with avatar image 600, which is the virtual sound source located farther away, is decreased.

[0042] Fig. 5(a) shows control signals for controlling the volume of audio signals from each user corresponding to avatars 600B-600D in Fig. 4(a), transmitted from server device 100 and received by first client device 200A. In the example shown in Fig. 5(a), the volume of the audio signals decreases in the order of avatar 600A, avatar 600B, avatar 600C, and avatar 600D.

[0043] Fig. 5(b) shows control signals for controlling the volume of audio signals from users corresponding to avatars 600B-600D in Fig. 4(b), transmitted from server device 100 and received by first client device 200A. In the example shown in Fig. 5(b), this means that the volume of audio signals from users corresponding to avatars 600C and 600D is higher than that in Fig. 4(a), and the volume of audio signals from user corresponding to avatar 600B is lower than that in Fig. 4(a).

[0044] This control process makes it possible to provide the user with a realistic sound signal with a volume that conforms to the nature of hearing, in which the volume in real space is perceived as louder the closer the sound source is to the user and quieter the farther away it is.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the control process of the audio signal shown in Fig. 5. First, when the user performs an action of pressing the cursor key "↑" on the keyboard 410, the accepting means 230 of the first client device 200A accepts the action.

[0046] Next, in the first client device 200A, the transmitting means 240 transmits a signal indicating the action accepted by the accepting means 230 to the server device 100 via the network 300 together with the unique login ID.

[0047] Furthermore, in server device 100, upon receiving the signal transmitted from first client device 200A, calculation means 150 calculates position information (coordinate information) of avatar 600A based on the cursor key to be pressed and the duration for which the cursor key was pressed, and calculates distance information for each of avatars 600B to 600D relative to avatar 600A. The calculated position information and distance information are sequentially stored in database 160.

[0048] Furthermore, in server device 100, audio signal control means 120 generates an instruction signal for increasing the volume of the audio signal related to avatar image 600C based on each distance information stored in database 160, which changes according to the virtual direction of travel of avatar image 600A, and transmits the instruction signal together with the audio signal to first client device 200A.

[0049] In the first client device 200A, when receiving an audio signal or the like transmitted from the server device 100, the audio signal processing means 220 outputs the audio signal to the speaker 520 at a volume according to the instruction signal.

[0050] In this embodiment, the instruction signal for controlling the volume of the audio signal is not changed simply by a user of first client device 200A instructing avatar image 600A to rotate via mouse 420 or the like to change its orientation. In this respect, the technical concept of controlling the volume of the audio signal differs from that of Patent Document 1.

[0051] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the control process of the transmission amount of the audio signal by the transmission amount control means 130 shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the amount of the audio signal transmitted from the server device 100 to each client device 200 decreases as the number of client devices 200 connected to the network 300 increases.

[0052] Figure 6(a) shows the amount of audio signal transmitted to each client device 200 when the number of client devices 200 connected to the server device 100 is "3," Figure 6(b) shows the amount of audio signal transmitted to each client device 200 when the number of client devices is "4," and Figure 6(c) shows the amount of audio signal transmitted to each client device 200 when the number of client devices is "6."

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when first to third client devices 200A to 200C are connected to the server device 100, the amount of audio signals transmitted from the server device 100 to each of the first to third client devices 200A to 200C is approximately "A", that is, the total amount of audio signals transmitted from the server device 100 to the client device 200 is approximately "3A".

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when a fourth client device 200D is further connected to the server device 100, the transmission amount to each of the first to fourth client devices 200A to 200D is reduced to 3 / 4, or approximately "0.75 A", so that the total amount of audio signals transmitted from the server device 100 to the client devices 200 remains at approximately "3 A".

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6(c), when fifth to sixth client devices 200E to 200F are further connected to the server device 100, the transmission amount to each of the first to sixth client devices 200A to 200F is reduced to 3 / 6, or 1 / 2, approximately "0.5 A", so that the total transmission amount of the audio signal from the server device 100 to the client device 200 remains at approximately "3 A".

[0056] This reduces the amount of audio signals transmitted from the server device 100 to the client device 200, thereby preventing an increase in communication traffic on the network 300 connecting them, and reduces the time lag between the transmission of an audio signal from one client device 200 and the reception of that audio signal by another client device 200.

[0057] When a relatively large number of client devices 200 are connected to server device 100, the amount of audio signals transmitted from server device 100 to one client device 200 from all other client devices 200 can be uniformly thinned out. Alternatively, the amount of audio signals can be weighted and thinned out among the other client devices 200 based on the distance information and / or position information of the avatar images 600 stored in database 160.

[0058] Therefore, as an example of weighting based on distance information, in the case of Figure 4(a), the thinning rate of the audio signal related to avatar image 600B from speaker 520 of first client device 200A may be, for example, zero, the thinning rate of the audio signal related to avatar image 600C may be, for example, 50%, and the thinning rate of the audio signal related to avatar image 600D may be, for example, 100%.

[0059] For example, as an example of weighting based on position information, in the case of Figure 4(b), the thinning rate of the audio signal related to avatar image 600B, which is outside the display area, from speaker 520 of first client device 200A may be, for example, 30%, the thinning rate of the audio signal related to avatar image 600C may be, for example, zero, and the thinning rate of the audio signal related to avatar image 600D may be, for example, 10%.

[0060] According to the communication system of this embodiment, from the perspective of the user of first client device 200A, input device 400 is operated to move avatar image 600A appropriately within the virtual space, and when an audio signal of content of interest is heard, avatar image 600A is moved in the direction in which the volume increases.

[0061] Performing such operations in a virtual space corresponds to the action of moving around an exhibition hall in real space, stopping at a virtual exhibition booth that interests the user, and having a conversation with the person in charge of that virtual exhibition booth, giving the user a sense of realism as if they were actually in the exhibition hall in real space.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, control processing of video signals and control processing of audio signals are performed independently in server device 100. In an exhibition hall in real space, a user is unlikely to head to a virtual exhibition booth that does not interest them, and will likely pass by such a virtual exhibition booth. Therefore, by reducing the transmission amount of audio signals located far from the user's avatar image 600, there is no significant inconvenience even if the audio signals are difficult to hear. On the other hand, the transmission amount of video signals can be kept the same without being reduced, so the resolution of the video signals does not decrease and the sense of realism is not impaired.

[0063] In the above, in this embodiment, the communication system has been described mainly as being applied to a virtual exhibition hall, but it can also be applied to virtual city spaces including, for example, a virtual mall that brings together multiple virtual stores / virtual event venues that exist on the Internet, a virtual concert venue / virtual live performance venue, a virtual movie theater, a virtual art gallery / virtual museum / virtual zoo, a virtual amusement park, a virtual office, etc.

[0064] The virtual stores / virtual event spaces in the virtual mall correspond to virtual exhibition booths at an exhibition. Users can move their own avatar image 600 to a desired virtual store, etc., and purchase products after receiving product explanations from a salesperson at the virtual store, etc., if necessary.

[0065] In the case of a virtual concert hall / virtual live performance venue, users will not likely converse with each other much during the performance, but it is conceivable that friends may attend a concert together in real space, sit next to each other, and communicate by talking between songs or during breaks, etc. Therefore, with the communication system of this embodiment, communication can also be achieved in a virtual concert hall, etc.

[0066] However, unlike a virtual exhibition hall, a virtual concert venue requires high-quality audio signals. Therefore, among the audio signals transmitted to each client device 200, audio signals emitted by artists singing or playing are not thinned out by transmission amount control means 130. Instead, with regard to audio signals from other client devices 200, audio signals from virtual sound sources corresponding to avatar images 600 located, for example, more than 30 meters away in real space may be thinned out by, for example, 70% or more.

[0067] In a virtual movie theater, high-quality movie video signals can be superimposed on a background image that mimics the inside of a movie theater. If a user is watching a movie alone, a movie DVD would be sufficient, but if two or more people want to watch a movie, a virtual concert hall or a virtual Saturday night would allow friends to communicate with each other. Additionally, even if a user is watching a movie alone, it has the advantage of being able to experience an atmosphere similar to that of a real movie theater, and for movie theater operators, it also has the advantage of mitigating the decline in sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[0068] As with virtual movie theaters, providing high-quality video signals such as moving and still images of exhibits in virtual art galleries, virtual museums, and virtual zoos will have useful effects such as allowing friends to communicate with each other, allowing a single user to experience a sense of realism, and providing economic benefits to the operators of museums, etc.

[0069] In the case of a virtual office, even if employees are forced to carry out their work from home, a communication system can be adopted between employees by using, for example, a video signal that superimposes a background image that resembles the inside of an office in real space on an avatar image 600 of each employee, which may facilitate smooth work and provide mental care for each employee.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, if a user encounters an avatar image 600 of an acquaintance in the virtual city space while moving around a virtual mall, the user can communicate with the avatar image 600 as if they were having a casual conversation.

[0071] Furthermore, if we apply this to real space, exhibition booths, stores, movie theaters, etc. only need to ensure capacity according to the number of visitors / guests.In other words, if the venue is full of empty seats, the rent for the space will ultimately be wasted.

[0072] In this regard, it is thought that such problems do not occur with virtual exhibition booths, virtual stores, virtual movie theaters, etc., but as the number of users increases, communication traffic problems still occur, as mentioned above. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent communication traffic problems from occurring, the capacity of exhibition booths, etc. is allocated according to the number of users, and it is also possible to accommodate measures such as renting virtual areas such as virtual exhibition booths among exhibitors, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0073] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system in a virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server device 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client device 200 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a control process of a video signal by the video signal control means 110 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a control process of an audio signal by the audio signal control means 120 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a control process of the transmission amount of an audio signal by the transmission amount control means 130 shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 Server device 110 Video signal control means 120 Audio signal control means 130 Transmission volume control means 140 Content storage means 150 Calculation Method 160 databases 200 Client Device 210 Video signal processing means 220 Audio signal processing means 230 Reception Method 240 Transmission Method 300 Network 400 Input Device 410 keyboard 420 Mouse 430 microphone 500 output devices 510 Display 520 Speaker 600 avatar images

Claims

1. a video signal control means for controlling a virtual space displayed using a web browser on a single client device, in which a plurality of avatar images movable by operations of other users of a plurality of other client devices are superimposed on the virtual space and based on a single user of the single client device, so that the farther the avatar image is displayed in the virtual space based on the single user, the smaller the size of the avatar image; an audio signal control means for controlling display positions of a plurality of avatar images in the virtual space as virtual sound sources of sounds emitted by other users corresponding to the avatar images, and for outputting audio signals based on the sounds, such that the volume of the audio signal decreases as the virtual sound source is located farther away from the one user in the virtual space; a calculation means for calculating distance information between the avatars based on signals transmitted from the client devices and indicating a virtual moving direction and time of each avatar in the virtual space; A server device for a communication system in a virtual space, comprising:

2. 2. The server device for a communication system in a virtual space according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission amount control means for controlling the transmission amount of the audio signal so that the more distant the virtual sound source is located relative to said one user in said virtual space, the smaller the transmission amount of the audio signal.

3. 2. The server device for a communication system in a virtual space according to claim 1, wherein said video signal control means and said audio signal control means perform independent control.

4. a video signal output means for displaying a plurality of avatar images, each movable by a plurality of other users, superimposed on a virtual space based on the user himself / herself, the farther the avatar image is displayed in the virtual space based on the user himself / herself, the smaller the avatar image is displayed; an audio signal output means for outputting an audio signal based on the sounds produced by the users corresponding to the avatar images, the audio signal output means defining display positions of the avatar images in the virtual space as virtual sound sources of the sounds produced by the users corresponding to the avatar images, and for decreasing the volume of the audio signal as the virtual sound source is located farther away from the user in the virtual space; a calculation means for calculating distance information between the avatars based on a signal indicating a virtual moving direction and time of the avatars in the virtual space; A client device for a communication system in a virtual space, comprising:

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