Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide an information processing device which is capable of performing appropriate entry / exit management with respect to an arbitrary region in a virtual space. An information processing device according to one embodiment of this disclosure comprises: a reception means for receiving input of setting information indicating a region of a virtual space; a region control means for setting, as a specific region, the region of the virtual space indicated in the setting information; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of a user that operates an avatar, if the avatar is to enter the specific region; and a determination means for determining whether to permit entry of the avatar into the specific region, according to results of the biometric authentication.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for controlling a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] There are technologies that allow multiple users to communicate in a virtual space. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that creates a virtual office (VR office) by combining a VR (Virtual Reality) image of an office with a three-dimensional image of a user. In this case, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows users to move around within the VR office and communicate with other users within the VR office. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-128683 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a virtual space, a user may, for example, operate an avatar representing the user to move within the virtual space and communicate with other users. Here, there are situations where user access is restricted, such as allowing only the avatars of specific users to enter a specific area of ​​the virtual space. However, in a virtual space, it is unclear whether an avatar is actually being operated by the user corresponding to the avatar. In other words, there is a risk that a user may use another user's avatar. Therefore, it is necessary to perform appropriate entry and exit management to prevent users other than the specific user permitted to use the specific area from using the specific area.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that user authentication is performed when a user enters a VR office. However, this is a process performed in order for the user to use the VR office, and is substantially the same as the process of logging in to the VR office system. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not disclose that for users who are already using the virtual space, further entry and exit management of areas corresponding to various scenes in the virtual space is performed.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device or the like that is capable of performing appropriate entry and exit management for any area in a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving means for receiving input of setting information, which is information indicating entry restrictions for a certain area of ​​a virtual space; an area control means for setting the certain area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of a user operating an avatar when the avatar enters the specific area; and a determination means for determining whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on the result of the biometric authentication.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure accepts input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a certain area of ​​a virtual space, sets the certain area indicated in the setting information as a specific area, and when an avatar enters the specific area, performs biometric authentication of the user operating the avatar, and determines whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on the results of the biometric authentication.

[0009] A computer-readable storage medium according to one aspect of the present disclosure stores a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: accepting input of setting information, which is information indicating entry restrictions for a certain area of ​​a virtual space; setting the certain area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; performing biometric authentication of a user operating an avatar when the avatar enters the specific area; and determining whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on the results of the biometric authentication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, appropriate entry and exit management can be performed for any area in a virtual space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration including an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a virtual space displayed on a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of specific area information according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of avatar information according to a third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an information processing device according to Modification 4 of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a map according to a fifth modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input form according to Modification 5 of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes an information processing device according to the first, second, and third embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First Embodiment An overview of the information processing device of the present disclosure will be described.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration including an information processing device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 is communicably connected to user terminals 200-1, 200-2, . . . , 200-n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 1) via a wireless or wired network. Here, when there is no need to distinguish between the user terminals 200-1, 200-2, . . . , 200-n, they are simply referred to as user terminals 200. The user terminal 200 is a device operated by a user. The user terminal 200 is, for example, a personal computer, but is not limited to this example. The user terminal 200 may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or may be a device including a goggle-type wearable terminal (also referred to as a head-mounted display) having a display. The user terminal 200 also includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and a wearable device that is operated based on the user's actions, and output devices such as a display and a speaker. Furthermore, the user terminal 200 includes at least one of a photographing device and a device capable of reading a voiceprint, a fingerprint, a palmprint, an iris, a vein, and the like.

[0015] First, a virtual space in the present disclosure will be described. The virtual space is a virtual space shared by multiple users, and is a space in which user operations are reflected. The virtual space is also called a VR space. For example, the virtual space is provided by an information processing device 100. A user terminal 200 displays an image representing the virtual space. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a virtual space displayed on the user terminal 200. In the example of FIG. 2, the virtual space is displayed on the display of the user terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual space includes an avatar. The avatar is an object operated by a user. The user uses the virtual space by operating the avatar. For example, the user terminal 200 may display an image of the virtual space from the perspective of an avatar operated by the user. In this case, the image displayed on the user terminal 200 may be updated according to the movement of the avatar. Furthermore, for example, a user may be able to communicate with other users by performing actions on avatars operated by other users. Note that the device providing the virtual space does not have to be the information processing device 100. For example, the virtual space may be provided by an external device (not shown).

[0016] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 100 includes a reception unit 110, an area control unit 120, an authentication unit 130, and a determination unit 140.

[0017] The reception unit 110 receives various inputs. For example, the reception unit 110 acquires setting information input by a user operation from the user terminal 200. The setting information is information indicating entry restrictions for a partial area of ​​the virtual space. In this way, the reception unit 110 receives input of setting information that is information indicating entry restrictions for a partial area of ​​the virtual space. The reception unit 110 is an example of a reception means.

[0018] The area control unit 120 sets a part of the virtual space indicated in the setting information as a specific area. The specific area may be, for example, an area where avatar entry and exit management is performed. The area control unit 120 is an example of an area control means.

[0019] The authentication unit 130 authenticates a user. Specifically, for example, when an avatar enters a specific area, the authentication unit 130 acquires biometric information of the user operating the avatar. At this time, the authentication unit 130 may acquire, as biometric information, facial features extracted from a facial image of the user captured by the user terminal 200. The authentication unit 130 then performs biometric authentication. For example, the authentication unit 130 compares the acquired facial features with facial features of the user stored in an authentication database. The authentication database may be included in the information processing device 100 or may be included in an external device different from the information processing device 100. For example, if the comparison results in a match, the authentication unit 130 determines that the biometric authentication has been successful. Alternatively, for example, if the comparison results in a mismatch, the authentication unit 130 determines that the biometric authentication has failed. Note that in this example, facial authentication has been described as an example of biometric authentication, but authentication may also be performed using a voiceprint, fingerprint, palmprint, iris, vein, or the like. In this way, when an avatar enters a specific area, the authentication unit 130 performs biometric authentication of the user operating the avatar.

[0020] The determination unit 140 determines whether the avatar is allowed to enter. For example, if the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130 fails, the determination unit 140 denies the avatar entry. Alternatively, for example, if the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130 is successful, the determination unit 140 permits the avatar to enter. Alternatively, for example, if the biometric authentication by the authentication unit 130 is successful, the determination unit 140 may determine whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on separately determined conditions. In this way, the determination unit 140 determines whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area depending on the result of the biometric authentication. The determination unit 140 is an example of a determination means.

[0021] Next, an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In this disclosure, each step in a flowchart will be represented by a number assigned to the step, such as "S1".

[0022] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of information processing device 100. Receiving unit 110 receives input of setting information, which is information indicating entry restrictions for a certain area of ​​the virtual space (S1). Area control unit 120 sets the area of ​​the virtual space indicated in the setting information as a specific area (S2). When an avatar enters the specific area, authentication unit 130 performs biometric authentication of the user operating the avatar (S3). Determination unit 140 determines whether or not the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on the result of the biometric authentication (S4).

[0023] In this way, the information processing device 100 of the first embodiment accepts input of setting information, which is information indicating entry restrictions for a certain area of ​​the virtual space, and sets the area of ​​the virtual space indicated in the setting information as a specific area. When an avatar enters the specific area, the information processing device 100 performs biometric authentication on the user operating the avatar and determines whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on the results of the biometric authentication. This allows the information processing device 100 to confirm the user operating the avatar, thereby enabling appropriate entry / exit management for the specific area. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can freely set the specific area to be subject to entry / exit management based on the input. In other words, the information processing device 100 can perform appropriate entry / exit management for any area in the virtual space.

[0024] <Second embodiment> Next, an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 described in the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 100 includes a reception unit 110, an area control unit 120, an authentication unit 130, and a determination unit 140. The information processing device 100 further includes a storage unit 180 and an authentication database 190. The storage unit 180 and the authentication database 190 may be included in another storage device that can communicate with the information processing device 100. Hereinafter, the authentication database may also be referred to as an authentication DB.

[0026] The reception unit 110 receives input of setting information. Specifically, the setting information is input by a user at the user terminal 200. The reception unit 110 acquires the input setting information from the user terminal 200. The setting information includes, for example, information indicating the position of the area, the date and time, conditions, etc. Details of each piece of information will be described later.

[0027] The area control unit 120 includes an area setting unit 121 and an entry / exit detection unit 122. The area setting unit 121 sets a specific area in the virtual space based on the setting information. The specific area is an area where the use of the specific area by a user is restricted. In other words, an avatar operated by a user who is not allowed to use the specific area cannot enter the specific area.

[0028] Then, the area setting unit 121 updates the specific area information. The specific area information is information about a specific area set in a virtual space. The specific area information is stored in the storage unit 180. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of specific area information. The specific area information associates area identification information that identifies the area with information indicating the position, date, time, and conditions of the area indicated by the setting information. The example in FIG. 6 includes information about a specific area whose area identification information is "001" and a specific area whose area identification information is "002". Hereinafter, the specific area whose area identification information is "001" will also be referred to as "specific area 001", and the specific area whose area identification information is "002" will also be referred to as "specific area 002".

[0029] The information indicating the location of the area included in the specific area information indicates a position in the virtual space input by the user. The information indicating the location of the area may be coordinates. In the example of FIG. 6, the specific area 001 is indicated by coordinates. This indicates a rectangular area having diagonal vertices of (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), which are coordinates in the virtual space. The information indicating the location of the area may also include information indicating one coordinate and a predetermined distance. In this case, the area indicates a circular range within a predetermined distance from the one coordinate. This example is not limited to this example, and the information indicating the location of the area may also be indicated by a name assigned to the area. For example, if there is an area designated in advance as "Conference Room 1" in the virtual space, the information "Conference Room 1" may be used as information indicating the location of the area. The information indicating the date and time indicates the period during which the specific area is set. In the example of FIG. 6, it is indicated that the specific area 002 is set for the period "July 20th, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM." That is, in this case, if an avatar enters the location "Conference Room 1" between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM on July 20th, authentication is performed on the user operating the avatar. The information indicating the conditions is information indicating the conditions for avatars that can enter the specific area, i.e., the conditions for users that can use the specific area. The information indicating the conditions may include information indicating user attributes. The user attributes may be personal information about the user, including at least one of the user's age, gender, affiliation, and job title. Furthermore, the user attributes may include the user's rank, etc., determined according to the fee charged to the system. In the example of FIG. 6, the condition "department manager or above" is set for the specific area 001. That is, only users whose job title is department manager or higher can enter the specific area 001. The information indicating the conditions may also be information indicating the user. In the example of FIG. 6, the condition "user B, user C, user D" is set for the specific area 002. That is, only users B, C, and D can enter the specific area 002. Furthermore, the specific area information may include information indicating the setting user. The setting user is the user who set the specific area, that is, the user who inputs the setting information. In the example of Figure 6, specific area 001 is set by user A.

[0030] In this way, the area setting unit 121 can set an area in the virtual space that is available only to a specific user based on the setting information input by the user. In other words, it can be said that the information processing device 100 determines the value of an area for any area in the virtual space.

[0031] As described above, the setting information acquired by the reception unit 110 includes not only the location of the area for which the user wishes to set entry restrictions, but also information indicating the date and time when the area will be set and the users who can use the area. In other words, the reception unit 110 receives input from the user terminal 200 of information indicating the location of the specific area, the date and time when the specific area will be set, and the users who can use the specific area.

[0032] The entry / exit detection unit 122 detects the entry and exit of an avatar. For example, when a user operates the avatar to move and the avatar enters a specific area, the entry / exit detection unit 122 may detect that the avatar has entered the specific area. The entry / exit detection unit 122 may also detect that the avatar is about to enter the specific area. For example, the entry / exit detection unit 122 may detect that there is a door at the entrance to the specific area and that the avatar has performed an action to open the door by a user operation. For example, assume that there is a door at the entrance to the specific area and that a virtual camera for facial recognition is installed near the door to unlock the door. In this case, when a user operates the avatar to look into the camera, the entry / exit detection unit 122 may detect that the avatar is about to enter the specific area. The entry / exit detection unit 122 may also detect that the avatar has entered the specific area when the avatar is forcibly moved into the specific area by another user's operation. In this way, the entry / exit detection unit 122 may detect an operation that causes an avatar to enter a specific area.

[0033] The authentication unit 130 includes a biometric information acquisition unit 131 and an authentication processing unit 132. The biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires biometric information of a user. Specifically, when the entry / exit detection unit 122 detects that an avatar is entering a specific area, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires biometric information from the user terminal 200 of the user operating the avatar. For example, assume that a photographing device is installed in the user terminal 200. At this time, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 controls the user terminal 200 of the user operating the avatar entering the specific area to take a photograph. The user terminal 200 photographs the user's face using the photographing device. At this time, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 may display a message prompting the user to include the user's face in the photograph. The biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires a facial image of the user's face from the user terminal 200 and extracts facial features from the facial image. That is, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires the facial features of the user as the user's biometric information. At this time, facial feature amounts may be extracted from the facial image by the user terminal 200. Then, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 may acquire the facial feature amounts transmitted from the user terminal 200. Note that examples of biometric information are not limited to facial feature amounts. Examples of using other biometric information will be described later.

[0034] The authentication processing unit 132 performs biometric authentication based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 131. Specifically, the authentication processing unit 132 compares the acquired biometric information with biometric information stored in the authentication database 190. The authentication database 190 is a database containing biometric information of multiple users. The authentication database 190 may contain information in which the biometric information, user attributes, and user rank are associated with each user. For example, the authentication processing unit 132 may perform a process of searching the authentication database 190 for biometric information that matches the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 131. Note that the matching method is not limited to this example. Other matching methods will be described later.

[0035] If the verification matches, the authentication processing unit 132 determines that the biometric authentication has been successful, and if the verification does not match, the authentication processing unit 132 determines that the biometric authentication has failed.

[0036] The determination unit 140 determines whether an avatar is permitted to enter a specific area, i.e., whether a user is permitted to use the specific area. For example, the determination unit 140 denies the entry of an avatar operated by a user whose biometric authentication has failed. The determination unit 140 also determines whether a user whose biometric authentication has succeeded meets the conditions defined in the specific area information. For example, suppose a specific avatar enters specific area 001 shown in FIG. 6. Assume that the user operating the specific avatar is a section manager, who holds a lower position than a department manager. If the authentication processing unit 132 successfully authenticates the user, the determination unit 140 determines whether the user satisfies the conditions. Since the user does not meet the conditions, the determination unit 140 denies the entry of the avatar operated by the user. The determination unit 140 can acquire information on the user's position from the authentication database 190. For example, suppose a specific avatar enters specific area 002 shown in FIG. 6. Assume that the user operating the specific avatar is "User C." If the authentication processing unit 132 successfully performs biometric authentication on user C, the determination unit 140 determines whether user C is a user who satisfies the conditions. In this case, since the user satisfies the conditions, the avatar operated by the user is permitted to enter. This example is not limiting, and for example, if the conditions defined in the specific area information include information indicating a predetermined group, the determination unit 140 determines whether the user belongs to the predetermined group.

[0037] [Example of operation of information processing device 100] Next, an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100. Specifically, Fig. 7 shows an example of the operation when the information processing device 100 sets a specific area.

[0038] First, the receiving unit 110 receives input of setting information (S101). The area setting unit 121 sets a specific area based on the setting information (S102). Specifically, the area setting unit 121 sets the specific area based on information indicating the area position, information indicating the date and time, and information indicating the conditions, which are included in the setting information. Then, the area setting unit 121 updates the specific area information.

[0039] Next, another example of the operation of the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the information processing device 100. Specifically, Fig. 8 shows an example of the operation in which the information processing device 100 determines whether or not an avatar is permitted to enter a specific area. In this example, an example will be described in which facial features are used as biometric information used for authentication.

[0040] The entry / exit detection unit 122 detects an avatar entering a specific area. For example, the entry / exit detection unit 122 detects an operation to cause an avatar to enter the specific area. If there is no avatar entering the specific area ("No" in S201), the information processing device 100 ends the process. If there is an avatar entering the specific area ("Yes" in S201), the biometric information acquisition unit 131 causes the user terminal 200 to capture an image of the user operating the avatar (S202). At this time, a facial image of the user is captured in the user terminal 200. Then, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires facial features from the facial image as biometric information (S203). The authentication processing unit 132 performs facial authentication based on the acquired facial features and facial features included in the authentication DB 190 (S204).

[0041] If the user is authenticated by facial authentication ("Yes" in S205), the determination unit 140 determines whether the user satisfies the conditions. If the user satisfies the conditions ("Yes" in S206), the determination unit 140 permits the entry of the avatar operated by the user (S207). If the user is not authenticated by facial authentication ("No" in S205) or if the user does not satisfy the conditions ("No" in S206), the determination unit 140 denies the entry of the avatar operated by the user (S208).

[0042] In this way, the information processing device 100 of the second embodiment accepts input of setting information, which is information indicating entry restrictions for a certain area of ​​the virtual space, and sets the certain area of ​​the virtual space indicated in the setting information as a specific area. When an avatar enters the specific area, the information processing device 100 performs biometric authentication of the user operating the avatar and determines whether the avatar is allowed to enter the specific area based on the results of the biometric authentication. This allows the information processing device 100 of the second embodiment to achieve the same effects as those described in the first embodiment. In other words, the information processing device 100 can perform appropriate entry and exit management for any area in the virtual space.

[0043] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the setting information may include information indicating users who can use some of the areas indicated in the setting information, and the information processing device 100 may set conditions for users who can use a specific area based on the setting information. If a user operating an avatar entering a specific area satisfies the conditions, the information processing device 100 may permit the avatar operated by the specified user to enter the specific area. In this way, the information processing device 100 can set detailed usage conditions for each specific area and manage the entry and exit of avatars accordingly.

[0044] [Variation 1] Biometric authentication may be performed at any time. That is, the information processing device 100 may perform biometric authentication at any time on a user who operates an avatar that is permitted to enter a specific area.

[0045] For example, suppose an avatar that has been permitted to enter a specific area is present within the specific area. In this case, the entry / exit detection unit 122 requests the authentication unit 130 to perform biometric authentication on the user operating the avatar present within the specific area at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be a predetermined time, a predetermined time after the avatar enters the specific area, or a random timing.

[0046] When the entry / exit detection unit 122 requests biometric authentication, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires biometric information of the user operating the target avatar. The authentication processing unit 132 performs biometric authentication on the user using the acquired biometric information.

[0047] The determination unit 140 determines whether the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area in response to biometric authentication. In particular, in this case, the determination unit 140 determines whether the avatar is permitted to exist in the specific area. For example, if the biometric authentication fails, the determination unit 140 determines that the avatar should not exist in the specific area. Furthermore, if the biometric authentication is successful and the user does not satisfy the conditions for using the specific area, the determination unit 140 determines that the avatar should not exist in the specific area. Furthermore, if the biometric authentication is successful and the user satisfies the conditions for using the specific area, the determination unit 140 determines that the avatar may exist in the specific area.

[0048] In this way, the information processing device 100 of the first modification performs biometric authentication on a user operating an avatar present in a specific area as needed, and determines whether the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area based on the biometric authentication. After entry into the specific area is permitted, there is a risk that the user operating the avatar will be replaced by another user. In other words, there is a possibility that another user will masquerade as a user who is permitted to use the specific area. The information processing device 100 of the first modification is capable of detecting such masquerading due to the above configuration.

[0049] In a real-world environment, there may be a room that only certain individuals can enter. To perform facial recognition on a person in the room, it is necessary to move a camera along with the person or to install multiple camera devices to track the person. However, in a virtual space such as that disclosed herein, biometric authentication can be performed at any time.

[0050] [Variation 2] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 100 performs biometric authentication using facial feature amounts. In this case, the user can be authenticated simply by taking a photograph of their face. In other words, the information processing device 100 can reduce the burden on the user during authentication.

[0051] However, this does not exclude the use of biometric information other than facial features for biometric authentication. That is, the information processing device 100 may perform biometric authentication using biometric information other than facial features. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 may acquire features indicating a voiceprint, fingerprint, palmprint, iris, veins, etc. as biometric information. In this case, the user terminal 200 includes a device capable of reading voiceprints, fingerprints, palmprints, irises, veins, etc. The biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires the biometric information read by the device.

[0052] Then, the authentication processing unit 132 performs biometric authentication using the authentication database 190. In this case, the authentication database 190 contains information in which biometric information such as a voiceprint, fingerprint, palmprint, iris, and vein pattern is associated with each user.

[0053] [Variation 3] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 100 compares biometric information acquired from the user terminal 200 with biometric information of a plurality of users stored in the authentication database 190. The comparison method is not limited to this example.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of avatar information. Avatar information is information in which at least avatar identification information for identifying an avatar and information indicating a user operating the avatar are associated with each other. In the example of FIG. 9, the avatar information is further associated with information indicating attributes of the user operating the avatar. The avatar information may be stored in storage unit 180.

[0055] The authentication processing unit 132 identifies avatar information of the avatar entering the specific area, i.e., the avatar operated by the user who is the target of biometric authentication. For example, assume that the avatar identification information of the avatar entering the specific area is "ABC." In this case, the authentication processing unit 132 identifies that the user operating the avatar with the avatar identification information "ABC" is "User A." Next, the authentication processing unit 132 reads out the biometric information of User A from the authentication database 190. Then, the authentication processing unit 132 compares the read out biometric information with the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 131. If the comparison does not match, the authentication processing unit 132 determines that the biometric authentication has failed. If the comparison matches, the authentication processing unit 132 determines that the biometric authentication has been successful.

[0056] [Variation 4] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 100 determines whether or not a user satisfies a condition after performing biometric authentication. However, the information processing device 100 may perform a determination using a condition before performing biometric authentication.

[0057] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of information processing device 100 in Modification 4. In this operation example, it is assumed that specific area information shown in FIG. 6 and avatar information shown in FIG. 9 are stored in storage unit 180.

[0058] The entry / exit detection unit 122 detects an avatar entering the specific area. If there is no avatar entering the specific area ("No" in S301), the information processing device 100 ends the process. If there is an avatar entering the specific area ("Yes" in S301), the determination unit 140 identifies a user based on the avatar information (S302). Specifically, the determination unit 140 acquires avatar identification information of the avatar entering the specific area. Then, the determination unit 140 identifies the user operating the avatar based on the avatar information. For example, if the avatar identification information of the avatar entering the specific area is "DEF", the determination unit 140 identifies user B.

[0059] Next, the determination unit 140 determines whether the identified user is a user who can use the specific area. For example, assume that an avatar is attempting to enter specific area 002. The specific area 002 has "User B, User C, User D" set as conditions. Therefore, if the identified user is User B, the determination unit 140 determines that User B is a user who satisfies the conditions set for specific area 002. In this way, if the identified user is a user who satisfies the conditions ("Yes" in S303), the authentication unit 130 performs biometric authentication. If the identified user is not a user who satisfies the conditions ("No" in S303), the determination unit 140 denies the avatar's entry (S309).

[0060] The biometric information acquisition unit 131 causes the user terminal 200 to capture an image of the user operating the avatar (S305). Then, the biometric information acquisition unit 131 acquires facial feature amounts (S306). The authentication processing unit 132 reads out the facial feature amounts of the user identified by the determination unit 140 from the authentication database 190. Then, the authentication processing unit 132 performs facial authentication based on the facial feature amounts of the identified user and the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 131 (S306). If the user is authenticated ("Yes" in S307), the determination unit 140 permits the avatar to enter (S308). If the user is not authenticated ("No" in S307), the determination unit 140 denies the avatar from entering (S309).

[0061] With this configuration, the information processing device 100 of the fourth modification does not necessarily have to perform biometric authentication when determining whether or not to permit entry into a specific area, which enables the information processing device 100 to reduce communication traffic and processing load.

[0062] [Variation 5] The region setting unit 121 of the region control unit 120 may control a map showing the virtual space. The region setting unit 121 displays, for example, a map showing the virtual space on the user terminal 200. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the map. As shown in FIG. 11, the map shows tables, rooms, etc. arranged in the virtual space. Names corresponding to predetermined regions, such as "Table 1" or "Conference Room 1," may be superimposed on the map.

[0063] Furthermore, the area setting unit 121 may superimpose information indicating the specific area on the map. In the example of FIG. 11, the portion of the map corresponding to the specific area is hatched. Not limited to this example, the area setting unit 121 may color the portion of the map corresponding to the specific area with a predetermined color. Furthermore, the area setting unit 121 may display details of the specific area in response to a user operation. For example, when a user selects a specific area on the map by clicking on it, the area setting unit 121 displays details of the selected specific area. In the example of FIG. 11, the date and time of specific area 001, the setting user, etc. are displayed.

[0064] Furthermore, the receiving unit 110 may receive input of setting information using a map such as the above. For example, it is assumed that the area setting unit 121 displays a map on the user terminal 200. At this time, it is assumed that the user selects a predetermined area on the map. At this time, the area setting unit 121 displays an input form. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the input form. The example of FIG. 12 shows a case where the user selects the area indicating "Table 1." Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 12, the area setting unit 121 displays an input form indicating a location, date and time, and conditions, superimposed on the map. The receiving unit 110 receives input to the input form as input of setting information.

[0065] <Third embodiment> Next, an information processing device according to a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, processing for an avatar whose entry into a specific area has been denied will be mainly described. Note that some of the description overlapping with the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0066] 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 101 according to the third embodiment. The information processing device 101 is a device in which further configuration is added to the information processing device 100 according to the first and second embodiments. Like the information processing device 100, the information processing device 101 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals 200 via a wireless or wired network.

[0067] 13, the information processing device 101 includes a reception unit 110, an area control unit 120, an authentication unit 130, a determination unit 140, and a control unit 150. The information processing device 101 also includes a storage unit 180 and an authentication database 190. The storage unit 180 and the authentication database 190 may be provided in an external storage device or the like that can communicate with the information processing device 101.

[0068] The control unit 150 controls the avatars. For example, the control unit 150 moves an avatar whose entry into the specific area has been rejected by the determination unit 140 to a location different from the specific area. Hereinafter, an avatar whose entry into the specific area has been rejected is referred to as a rejected avatar. An avatar whose entry into the specific area has been permitted is referred to as a permitted avatar. Note that the rejected avatar may be an avatar that has attempted to enter the specific area but whose entry has been rejected by the determination unit 140. Alternatively, the rejected avatar may be an avatar that is already present in the specific area but whose entry has been rejected when the determination unit 140 makes a second determination.

[0069] The control unit 150 moves the rejected avatar outside the specific area. For example, assume that the specific area is configured as a single room, with an entrance / exit through which avatars enter and exit. In this case, the control unit 150 may move the rejected avatar to a location in front of the entrance outside the specific area. Alternatively, the control unit 150 may move the rejected avatar to a dedicated area for rejected avatars. This allows the user of the rejected avatar to intuitively understand that their entry into the specific area has been rejected. In this way, the control unit 150 performs control to move the rejected avatar, which is an avatar whose entry has been rejected, to a location different from the specific area. The control unit 150 is an example of a control means.

[0070] The control unit 150 may move the reject avatar to a different location depending on the attributes of the user operating the reject avatar. For example, assume that a virtual office is constructed in a virtual space. In this case, it is assumed that work areas are predefined in the office according to affiliation. In this case, the control unit 150 may move the reject avatar to a work area according to the affiliation of the user operating the reject avatar. This example is not limiting, and the control unit 150 may also move the reject avatar to a different location depending on the user's job title or the user's rank, which is determined according to charges for the system.

[0071] The control unit 150 may move the reject avatar to a different location depending on the result of biometric authentication. For example, suppose a virtual office is constructed in a virtual space. Here, suppose biometric authentication is successful, but the avatar's entry is rejected because the user does not satisfy the conditions. The control unit 150 moves the reject avatar in this case to an area within the office but outside the specific area. Also, suppose biometric authentication is unsuccessful, and the avatar's entry is rejected. The control unit 150 moves the reject avatar in this case outside the office. In this way, the control unit 150 may move the reject avatar to a different location based on whether the user operating the reject avatar is a user authenticated by biometric authentication. This allows the control unit 150 to exclude suspicious avatars.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 150 may change the display of the avatar depending on the result of biometric authentication. For example, suppose there is a rejected avatar whose entry is rejected due to a biometric authentication failure. In this case, the control unit 150 acquires a facial image of the user operating the rejected avatar. The control unit 150 may then superimpose the facial image onto the rejected avatar. In this case, the control unit 150 may acquire a facial image by having the user terminal 200 of the rejected avatar take a photograph when biometric authentication fails. If facial features are used for biometric authentication, the control unit 150 may acquire a facial image captured when biometric authentication is performed. In this way, if the user operating the rejected avatar is a user who was not authenticated by biometric authentication, the control unit 150 may superimpose the user's facial image onto the rejected avatar. This example is not limiting, and the control unit 150 may color or add letters or symbols to the rejected avatar that was not authenticated by biometric authentication.

[0073] When moving the rejected avatar, the control unit 150 may cause another avatar to guide the rejected avatar. For example, the control unit 150 may perform control such that the rejected avatar is taken by a security guard avatar to a location different from the specific area. This makes it possible to notify other users that a suspicious avatar has been present. In this way, the control unit 150 may perform control such that the other avatar guides the rejected avatar to a location different from the specific area.

[0074] If a rejected avatar exists, the control unit 150 may notify the user operating the permitted avatar. For example, the control unit 150 notifies the user operating the permitted avatar that a rejected avatar exists. In this case, the user of the permitted avatar may input a control instruction for the rejected avatar using the user terminal 200. For example, the user of the permitted avatar communicates with the user of the rejected avatar through a call, chat, or the like. As a result, the user of the permitted avatar inputs a control instruction to the user terminal 200 indicating whether to move the rejected avatar or to allow the rejected avatar to enter a specific area. The reception unit 110 acquires the control instruction from the user terminal 200. The control unit 150 may then control the rejected avatar in accordance with the control instruction. For example, if a control instruction to move the rejected avatar is received, the control unit 150 moves the rejected avatar to a location different from the specific area. Also, for example, when a control instruction is given to permit the rejected avatar to enter the specific area, the control unit 150 allows the rejected avatar to enter the specific area.

[0075] [Example of operation of information processing device 101] Next, an example of the operation of the information processing device 101 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 101. Specifically, Fig. 14 shows an example of the operation when the information processing device 101 controls a rejected avatar. Note that this example of the operation shows the operation of the information processing device 101 after the determination unit 140 has rejected the avatar from entering a specific area.

[0076] The control unit 150 notifies the user of the permitted avatar that a rejected avatar exists (S401). At this time, a control instruction is input by the user of the permitted avatar. The reception unit 110 receives the control instruction (S402). If the entry of the rejected avatar is permitted by the control instruction ("Yes" in S403), the control unit 150 allows the rejected avatar to enter the specific area (S404).

[0077] If the entry of the rejected avatar is rejected by the control instruction ("No" in S403) and the user of the rejected avatar has not been authenticated by biometric authentication ("Yes" in S405), the control unit 150 superimposes a facial image of the user of the rejected avatar onto the rejected avatar (S406). If the user of the rejected avatar has been authenticated by biometric authentication ("No" in S405), the control unit 150 does not perform the process of S406. Then, the control unit 150 moves the rejected avatar to a location different from the specific area (S407). At this time, the control unit 150 may move the rejected avatar to a different location depending on the attributes of the user, or may move the rejected avatar to a different location depending on whether the user has been authenticated by biometric authentication.

[0078] It should be noted that the control unit 150 does not need to perform all of the above-described operation examples. For example, among the processes of S401 to S407, the control unit 150 may not perform the processes of S405 and S406, or may perform only the process of S407. The control unit 150 can combine each process as appropriate.

[0079] In this way, the information processing device 101 of the third embodiment may perform control to move a rejected avatar, which is an avatar whose entry has been rejected, to a location different from the specific area. This allows the information processing device 101 to prevent a user who is not allowed to use the specific area from using the specific area.

[0080] Furthermore, when a rejected avatar is present, the information processing device 101 of the third embodiment may notify a user operating an authorized avatar, which is an avatar permitted to enter a specific area, of the presence of the rejected avatar, receive a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal operating the authorized avatar, and control the rejected avatar in accordance with the control instruction. For example, assume that biometric authentication is performed using facial features. In this case, an image is captured by a camera provided in the user terminal. However, a malfunction of the camera may prevent proper capture, resulting in a failure of biometric authentication. In other words, there is a risk that biometric authentication may fail despite no user error. The information processing device 101 can control the rejected avatar in accordance with a control instruction from a user operating an authorized avatar, and therefore can take appropriate action even when biometric authentication fails despite no user error.

[0081] [Variation 6] The control unit 150 may move an avatar that is not a rejected avatar to a location different from the specific area. For example, the control unit 150 may move an allowed avatar that has not taken any action for a certain period of time. An avatar that has not taken any action for a certain period of time may be, for example, an avatar that has not moved for a certain period of time, or an avatar that has not made any statements from the user for a certain period of time.

[0082] <Examples of application scenarios> Next, an example of a scene to which the information processing device of the present disclosure is applied will be described. Note that the following description is merely an example, and the scene to which the information processing device of the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the following scene.

[0083] [Scene 1] For example, in the event of a disaster, a disaster response room may be set up to enable collaboration and information sharing with people in remote locations. In such a case, a user inputs setting information to set up a disaster response room in a virtual space. At this time, the setting information includes conditions that allow only users who will be members of the disaster response room to use the room. The information processing device sets a specific area based on the setting information. In addition, multiple users may be divided into multiple teams. The information processing device may further set a specific area for each team within the disaster response room according to the setting information.

[0084] Confidential information may be handled in the disaster response room, and only avatars of specific users are allowed to enter the disaster response room (i.e., the specific area). Furthermore, the information processing device determines whether an avatar is being operated by a specific user through biometric authentication. In other words, the information processing device can ensure strong security.

[0085] The information processing device can also set up a part of the virtual space as a disaster response room. In other words, the disaster response room is part of the sparsely populated space and is not completely isolated from other areas. Since authorized avatars can move between the disaster response room and other areas, users of authorized avatars can also keep an eye on other users.

[0086] [Scene 2] For example, suppose a seminar that only certain users can participate in is being held in a virtual space. In such a case, for example, a user who is planning the seminar inputs setting information to set up a seminar venue in the virtual space. At this time, the setting information includes a condition that only users who can participate in the seminar can use it. For example, suppose a flag indicating users who have paid the participation fee for the seminar is included in the user attributes. In this case, the setting information includes a condition that only avatars of users with the flag set can enter the seminar venue. The information processing device sets a specific area based on such setting information. The information processing device may also set a location where an avatar of a seminar lecturer will appear as a specific area. In this case, a specific area is set at the stage location so that the avatar of the seminar lecturer can enter.

[0087] In this way, the information processing device is capable of setting the specific area as described above, and therefore is able to manage information so that it is disclosed only to specific users.

[0088] [Scene 3] In the above example, the information processing device manages the entry of avatars into a specific area. This can be interpreted as managing specific information to be disclosed to avatars. In other words, the information processing device in the present disclosure can also determine whether or not to disclose specific information to avatars.

[0089] For example, suppose a whiteboard on which a user can write characters and drawings is installed in a virtual space, and the information processing device manages disclosure of information written on the whiteboard.

[0090] Assume that the information processing device 100 in FIG. 5 is applied to scene 3. The area setting unit 121 of the information processing device 100 can set a whiteboard as a specific area. That is, conditions for users who can use the whiteboard are set. In this case, the entry / exit detection unit 122 detects that an avatar is attempting to view or write on the whiteboard through a user operation. Then, the authentication unit 130 performs biometric authentication on the user who is attempting to use the whiteboard. If the biometric authentication is successful and the user is a user who can use the whiteboard, the determination unit 140 permits the user to use the whiteboard.

[0091] In this way, the information processing device of the present disclosure can also manage the disclosure of specific information.

[0092] <Example of hardware configuration of information processing device> The hardware constituting the information processing devices of the first, second, and third embodiments described above will be described. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the information processing device in each embodiment. The information processing device and information processing method described in each embodiment and each modified example are realized in a computer device 90.

[0093] 15, a computer device 90 includes a processor 91, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 92, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 93, a storage device 94, an input / output interface 95, a bus 96, and a drive device 97. Note that the information processing device may be realized by a plurality of electric circuits.

[0094] The storage device 94 stores a program (computer program) 98. The processor 91 executes the program 98 of the information processing device using the RAM 92. Specifically, for example, the program 98 includes a program that causes a computer to execute the processes shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 8, 10, and 14. The processor 91 executes the program 98 to realize the functions of the components of the information processing device. The program 98 may be stored in the ROM 93. The program 98 may also be recorded on the storage medium 80 and read out using the drive device 97, or may be transmitted to the computer device 90 from an external device (not shown) via a network (not shown).

[0095] The input / output interface 95 exchanges data with peripheral devices (such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display device) 99. The input / output interface 95 functions as a means for acquiring or outputting data. The bus 96 connects the components.

[0096] There are various variations in the method for realizing the information processing device. For example, the information processing device can be realized as a dedicated device. Furthermore, the information processing device can be realized based on a combination of multiple devices.

[0097] The scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method for recording a program for realizing each component of the function of each embodiment on a storage medium, reading the program recorded on the storage medium as code, and executing it on a computer. That is, a computer-readable storage medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, the storage medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded and the program itself are also included in each embodiment.

[0098] The storage medium may be, but is not limited to, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, or a ROM. The programs recorded on the storage medium are not limited to standalone programs that execute processes, but also include programs that run on an OS (Operating System) in cooperation with other software and functions of an expansion board.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0101] A part or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes: <Additional Notes> [Appendix 1] a receiving means for receiving input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a part of the virtual space; an area control means for setting the partial area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of a user operating an avatar when the avatar enters the specific area; and a determination means for determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area based on the result of the biometric authentication. Information processing device.

[0102] [Appendix 2] the setting information includes information indicating users who can use the part of the area indicated in the setting information; the area control means sets conditions for users who can use the specific area based on the setting information; the determination means permits the avatar to enter the specific area if the user operating the avatar entering the specific area satisfies the condition. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

[0103] [Appendix 3] The conditions are set based on attribute information including at least one of the user's job title and affiliation, The determination means permits the avatar to enter the specific area when the attribute of the user operating the avatar satisfies the condition. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2.

[0104] [Appendix 4] the authentication means performs the biometric authentication as needed on a user who operates the avatar and is present within the specific area; the determination means determines whether the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area in response to the biometric authentication being performed. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1.

[0105] [Appendix 5] a control means for controlling a rejected avatar, which is an avatar whose entry has been rejected by the determination means, to move to a location different from the specific area; 5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0106] [Appendix 6] the control means controls the rejection avatar to move to a different location depending on attributes of a user operating the rejection avatar. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

[0107] [Appendix 7] the control means controls the rejected avatar to be guided to a location where other avatars are not located in the specific area; 7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0108] [Appendix 8] When the rejected avatar exists, the control means notifies a user who operates an authorized avatar, which is an avatar authorized to enter the specific area, of the existence of the rejected avatar; the receiving means receives a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal on which the permitted avatar is operated; the control means controls the rejection avatar in response to the control instruction. 8. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 5 to 7.

[0109] [Appendix 9] When a user operating the reject avatar is a user who has not been authenticated by the biometric authentication, the control means superimposes a facial image of the user onto the reject avatar. 9. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 5 to 8.

[0110] [Appendix 10] the control means moves the reject avatar to a different location based on whether or not a user operating the reject avatar is a user authenticated by the biometric authentication. 10. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 5 to 9.

[0111] [Appendix 11] Accepting input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a portion of the virtual space; setting an area of ​​the virtual space indicated in the setting information as a specific area; When an avatar enters the specific area, biometric authentication is performed on the user operating the avatar; determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication; Information processing methods.

[0112] [Appendix 12] the setting information includes information indicating users who can use the part of the area indicated in the setting information; setting conditions for users who can use the specific area based on the setting information; If a user operating the avatar entering the specific area satisfies the condition, the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area. 12. The information processing method according to claim 11.

[0113] [Appendix 13] The conditions are set based on attribute information including at least one of the user's job title and affiliation, If the attributes of the user operating the avatar satisfy the condition, the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area. 13. The information processing method according to claim 12.

[0114] [Appendix 14] performing the biometric authentication as needed on a user who operates the avatar and is present within the specific area; determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area in response to the biometric authentication being performed; 14. An information processing method according to any one of appendices 11 to 13.

[0115] [Appendix 15] a control means for controlling a rejected avatar, which is an avatar whose entry has been rejected, to move to a location different from the specific area; 15. An information processing method according to any one of appendices 11 to 14.

[0116] [Appendix 16] performing control to move the reject avatar to a different location depending on the attributes of a user operating the reject avatar; 16. The information processing method according to claim 15.

[0117] [Appendix 17] controlling the rejected avatar to be guided to a location where other avatars are different from the specific area; 17. The information processing method according to claim 15 or 16.

[0118] [Appendix 18] If the rejected avatar exists, a notification of the existence of the rejected avatar is given to a user who operates an authorized avatar, which is an avatar that is authorized to enter the specific area; receiving a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal on which the permitted avatar is operated; controlling the rejection avatar in response to the control instruction; 18. An information processing method according to any one of appendices 15 to 17.

[0119] [Appendix 19] If the user operating the reject avatar is a user who has not been authenticated by the biometric authentication, a facial image of the user is superimposed on the reject avatar. 19. An information processing method according to any one of appendices 15 to 18.

[0120] [Appendix 20] moving the reject avatar to a different location based on whether a user operating the reject avatar is a user authenticated by the biometric authentication; 20. An information processing method according to any one of appendices 15 to 19.

[0121] [Appendix 21] A process of receiving input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a part of the virtual space; a process of setting an area of ​​the virtual space indicated in the setting information as a specific area; When an avatar enters the specific area, a process of performing biometric authentication of a user operating the avatar; and determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area based on the result of the biometric authentication. A computer-readable storage medium.

[0122] [Appendix 22] the setting information includes information indicating users who can use the part of the area indicated in the setting information; In the setting process, conditions for users who can use the specific area are set based on the setting information; In the determination process, if the user operating the avatar entering the specific area satisfies the condition, the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area. 22. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21.

[0123] [Appendix 23] The conditions are set based on attribute information including at least one of the user's job title and affiliation, In the determining process, if the attributes of the user operating the avatar satisfy the condition, the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area. 23. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 22.

[0124] [Appendix 24] In the process of performing the biometric authentication, the biometric authentication is performed as needed on a user who operates the avatar and is present within the specific area; In the determining process, whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area is determined in response to the biometric authentication being performed. 24. A computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

[0125] [Appendix 25] further executing a process of controlling a rejected avatar, which is an avatar whose entry has been rejected, to move to a location different from the specific area; 25. A computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

[0126] [Appendix 26] In the control process, the reject avatar is moved to a different location depending on the attributes of a user who operates the reject avatar. 26. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 25.

[0127] [Appendix 27] In the control process, the rejected avatar is guided to a location where other avatars are not in the specific area. 27. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 25 or 26.

[0128] [Appendix 28] In the control process, if the rejected avatar exists, a notification of the existence of the rejected avatar is given to a user who operates an authorized avatar, which is an avatar that is authorized to enter the specific area; In the receiving process, a control instruction for the rejected avatar is received from a user terminal on which the permitted avatar is operated; In the control process, the rejection avatar is controlled in accordance with the control instruction. 28. A computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 25 to 27.

[0129] [Appendix 29] In the control process, if the user operating the reject avatar is a user who has not been authenticated by the biometric authentication, a facial image of the user is superimposed on the reject avatar. 29. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 25 to 28.

[0130] [Appendix 30] In the control process, the reject avatar is moved to a different location based on whether or not a user operating the reject avatar is a user authenticated by the biometric authentication. 30. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 25 to 29. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 100, 101 Information processing device 110 Reception 120 Area Control Unit 121 Area setting section 122 Ingress / egress detection unit 130 Authentication Department 131 Biometric information acquisition unit 132 Authentication processing section 140 Judgment section 150 control section 200 user terminals

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a part of the virtual space; an area control means for setting the partial area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of a user operating an avatar when the avatar enters the specific area; a determination means for determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication; and a control means for controlling the movement of a rejected avatar, which is the avatar whose entry has been rejected by the determination means, to a location different from the specific area. Information processing device.

2. the setting information includes information indicating users who can use the part of the area indicated in the setting information; the area control means sets conditions for users who can use the specific area based on the setting information; the determination means permits the avatar to enter the specific area if the user operating the avatar entering the specific area satisfies the condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The conditions are set based on attribute information including at least one of the user's job title and affiliation, The determination means permits the avatar to enter the specific area when the attribute of the user operating the avatar satisfies the condition. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the authentication means performs the biometric authentication as needed on a user who operates the avatar and is present within the specific area; the determination means determines whether the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area in response to the biometric authentication being performed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the control means controls the rejection avatar to move to a different location depending on attributes of a user operating the rejection avatar. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the control means controls the rejected avatar to be guided to a location where other avatars are not located in the specific area; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. When the rejected avatar exists, the control means notifies a user who operates an authorized avatar, which is the avatar authorized to enter the specific area, of the existence of the rejected avatar; the receiving means receives a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal on which the permitted avatar is operated; the control means controls the rejection avatar in response to the control instruction. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. A receiving means for receiving input of setting information which is information indicating entry restrictions for a part of an area in a virtual space; an area control means for setting the part of the area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; and an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of a user operating an avatar when the avatar enters the specific area. a determination means for determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication; and a control means for controlling a rejected avatar, when the rejected avatar is present and whose entry has been rejected by the determination means, in response to a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal that operates the avatar permitted to enter the specific area. Information processing device.

9. Accepting input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a portion of the virtual space; setting the part of the area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; When an avatar enters the specific area, biometric authentication is performed on the user operating the avatar; determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication; and controlling the movement of a rejected avatar, which is the avatar whose entry is rejected in the determining step, to a location different from the specific area. Information processing methods.

10. Accepting input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a part of the virtual space, setting the part of the area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; When an avatar enters the specific area, biometric authentication is performed on the user operating the avatar; determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication, and if a rejected avatar whose entry has been rejected exists in the determining step, controlling the rejected avatar according to a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal that operates the avatar permitted to enter the specific area; Information processing methods.

11. A process of receiving input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a part of the virtual space; a process of setting the part of the area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; When an avatar enters the specific area, a process of performing biometric authentication of a user operating the avatar; a process of determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication; a process of controlling the movement of a rejected avatar, which is the avatar whose entry has been rejected in the process of determining, to a location different from the specific area; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

12. A process of receiving input of setting information that indicates entry restrictions for a part of a virtual space; a process of setting the part of the area indicated in the setting information as a specific area; When an avatar enters the specific area, a process of performing biometric authentication of a user operating the avatar; determining whether or not the avatar is permitted to enter the specific area according to the result of the biometric authentication; a process of controlling a rejected avatar in accordance with a control instruction for the rejected avatar from a user terminal that operates the avatar permitted to enter the specific area, when a rejected avatar whose entry has been rejected is present in the process of determining; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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