Virtual Object Generator

Abstract

An avatar generation device 10 of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a generation unit 12 that generates an avatar that can be used for a plurality of services that provide a virtual space to a user; a determination unit 13 that determines a target service, which is one service included in the plurality of services; a parameter acquisition unit 14 that acquires a drawing parameter indicating a drawing condition to be applied to the avatar in the target service; and a display unit 15 that applies the drawing parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 14 to the avatar generated by the generation unit 12, thereby generating and displaying a preview image showing the avatar corresponding to the target service.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a virtual object generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Services that provide users with virtual spaces such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are known. In these services, for example, users can enjoy the virtual space by manipulating an avatar (virtual object) that represents their own avatar. While there are multiple services that utilize XR (Extended Reality), such as VR, AR, and MR, each service uses a different system for creating avatars, which poses a problem of requiring users to create a separate avatar for each service. Non-Patent Document 1, which addresses this problem, discloses a system (Docomo Avatar Portal) that generates avatars that can be used across multiple services and manages the generated avatars by linking them to a user's account. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Development of 'Docomo Avatar Portal' to create and manage customer avatars in XR space," January 20, 2022, [online], [Retrieved July 28, 2022], Internet<https: / / www.docomo.ne.jp / info / news_release / 2022 / 01 / 11_00.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The system disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 frees users from the hassle of individually generating avatars for each XR-based service. However, the rendering conditions (e.g., shader, light, and other conditions) applied when rendering a virtual object (avatar) in a virtual space may differ between the generation environment (e.g., the environment provided by the system disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1) in which the virtual object is generated (edited) and each service. In this case, the appearance (appearance) of a virtual object confirmed using a preview display function provided by the virtual object generation environment may differ from the appearance applied when the virtual object is actually used in each service. Furthermore, if there is a large discrepancy in the appearance of such a virtual object, users may become dissatisfied.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a virtual object generation device that can improve the quality of a user's service experience by preventing the appearance of a virtual object in a service that provides a virtual space from appearing contrary to the user's intentions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A virtual object generation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a generation unit that generates virtual objects that can be used in a plurality of services that provide virtual spaces to users; a determination unit that determines a target service that is one of the plurality of services; a parameter acquisition unit that acquires drawing parameters that indicate drawing conditions to be applied to the virtual object in the target service; and a display unit that generates and displays a preview image showing the virtual object corresponding to the target service by applying the drawing parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit to the virtual object generated by the generation unit.

[0007] A virtual object generation device according to one aspect of the present invention provides a user with a generation environment in which a virtual object is generated, as well as a function for previewing the generated virtual object. Furthermore, during the preview display, the virtual object is displayed to which drawing parameters used in one service (target service) among multiple services that provide virtual spaces are applied, rather than drawing parameters pre-defined in the generation environment. This configuration allows the user to check the appearance of the virtual object when it is used in the target service at the time of preview display (i.e., before the user actually uses the virtual object in the target service). As a result, when the user actually uses the virtual object generated in the generation environment in the target service, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the virtual object from being contrary to the user's intention, thereby improving the quality of the user's service experience. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a virtual object generation device can be provided that can improve the quality of a user's service experience by preventing the appearance of a virtual object in a service that provides a virtual space from appearing contrary to the user's intentions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information system including an avatar generation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an avatar generation environment provided by the avatar generation device and an example of a generated avatar. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of an avatar generated by the avatar generation device when used in one service (service A). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the avatar generation device. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a preview display process performed by the avatar generation device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating two usage patterns of the avatar generation environment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the avatar generation device. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of the process in step S2 of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process in step S2 of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen presented to the user in step S22 of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 8 is a flowchart showing a third example of the process in step S2 of FIG. 7. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of history information acquired in step S31 of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an avatar generation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information system 1 including an avatar generation device 10 (virtual object generation device) according to an embodiment. The information system 1 includes the avatar generation device 10, a user terminal 20, and multiple servers 30. The avatar generation device 10, the user terminal 20, and the multiple servers 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless communication network N so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that it is sufficient that communication is possible at least between the avatar generation device 10 and the user terminal 20, and between the user terminal 20 and each server 30; the avatar generation device 10 and each server 30 do not necessarily have to be configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The avatar generation device 10 is a device that provides a user with an avatar generation environment (object generation environment) for generating an avatar. An avatar is an example of a virtual object. A virtual object is an object that does not exist in the real world but is represented on a computer system. A virtual object may be represented, for example, by two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics (CG). However, the method of representing a virtual object is not limited. For example, a virtual object may be represented using animation materials, or may be represented based on a live-action image to resemble a real object. The functions of the avatar generation device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0013] The user terminal 20 is a computer terminal used by a user. The type of the user terminal 20 is not limited. For example, the user terminal 20 may be a personal computer such as a desktop PC or a laptop PC, a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet held in the user's hand, or a wearable device attached to a part of the user's body such as the head. Examples of wearable devices include head-mounted displays such as goggle-type, glasses-type (eyeglass-type), and hat-type.

[0014] The user terminal 20 includes a display unit 20a for displaying the avatar creation screen SC1 and preview screen SC2 (see FIG. 2) provided by the avatar generation device 10, the service screens (virtual space images including avatars) provided by each server 30, and the like. If the user terminal 20 is a PC, the display unit 20a may be configured as a display monitor. If the user terminal 20 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, the display unit 20a may be configured as a touch panel display. If the user terminal 20 is a head-mounted display, the display unit 20a may be configured as a display placed in front of the user's eyes.

[0015] The user terminal 20 is provided with an operation interface that accepts input operations from the user. If the user terminal 20 is a PC, the operation interface is an input device such as a mouse or keyboard. If the user terminal 20 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a touch panel display functions as the above-mentioned display unit 20a and also functions as the operation interface. If the user terminal 20 is a head-mounted display, a dedicated controller held in the user's hand may be used as the operation interface. However, the above is just one example, and the user terminal 20 may also be provided with an operation interface other than the above (for example, a voice input device, etc.).

[0016] The server 30 is a device that provides a virtual space to a user. More specifically, the server 30 provides the user with an avatar-use service (service) that displays an avatar generated in an avatar generation environment in the virtual space. The virtual space provided by the server 30 may be a virtual reality (VR) space, an augmented reality (AR) space, or a mixed reality (MR) space. That is, the avatar-use service is an XR (Extended Reality) service that allows the use of avatars in XR (Extended Reality) such as VR, AR, or MR. FIG. 1 illustrates, as examples of the multiple servers 30, server 30A that provides service A, server 30B that provides service B, and server 30C that provides service C. However, the multiple servers 30 may include one or more other servers that provide avatar-use services other than services A, B, and C.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an avatar generation environment provided by avatar generation device 10 and an example of a generated avatar 50. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, avatar generation device 10 provides a user with an avatar generation environment in which the user determines (edits) the appearance of an avatar based on the user's operations. As an example, avatar generation device 10 displays an avatar creation screen SC1 on user terminal 20, accepts user operations (user inputs) on avatar creation screen SC1, and generates an avatar based on the accepted user operations. A user can input various information for determining the appearance of an avatar via avatar creation screen SC1. In the example of FIG. 2, the user is configured to be able to upload a photo of their face, enter an avatar name, and enter their height and body type. Note that these input information are merely examples, and avatar creation screen SC1 may be configured to accept other input information.

[0018] By selecting the link button B1 for preview display, which is located on the avatar creation screen SC1, the user can open a preview screen SC2 for checking the appearance of the avatar generated based on the information entered by the user as described above. The preview screen SC2 displays the appearance of the generated avatar 50. When the avatar is displayed (rendered) in a virtual space, predetermined rendering conditions (i.e., rendering parameters) are applied to the avatar. The rendering conditions include various rendering parameters used to represent the appearance of the avatar in the virtual space, such as the avatar's shader conditions (e.g., shadowing) and lighting conditions (e.g., light reflection). In the example of FIG. 2, rendering parameters R, which indicate rendering conditions predetermined in the avatar generation environment, are applied to the avatar 50 displayed on the preview screen SC2. In this example, the rendering parameters R include parameters indicating the shader condition "apply an unlit shader (a shader that is not affected by light)" and the lighting condition "with lighting."

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of avatar 50A when avatar 50 generated by avatar generation device 10 (avatar generation environment) is used in a service (here, service A provided by server 30A as an example). As shown in FIG. 3, when a user uses service A, a virtual space image including avatar 50A rendered by service A is displayed on display unit 20a of user terminal 20. Also, rendering parameters Ra indicating rendering conditions predetermined in service A are applied to avatar 50A. These rendering parameters Ra may differ from the rendering parameters R determined in the avatar generation environment described above. In this embodiment, the rendering parameters Ra include parameters indicating the shader condition "apply a monochrome shader" and the light condition "no light." In this way, if the rendering parameters R provided in the avatar generation environment differ from the rendering parameters Ra provided in service A, the appearance of avatar 50 confirmed on preview screen SC2 of the avatar generation environment (see FIG. 2) may deviate from the appearance of avatar 50A when actually used in service A (see FIG. 3), which may dissatisfy the user. In particular, if the user has carefully and time-consumingly created an avatar in the avatar generation environment, the discrepancy in appearance may become a major source of dissatisfaction for the user. Therefore, avatar generation device 10 has functions to avoid such user dissatisfaction. Below, each function of avatar generation device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of avatar generation device 10. As shown in Fig. 4, avatar generation device 10 has a storage unit 11 (parameter storage unit, list information storage unit, history information storage unit), a generation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a parameter acquisition unit 14, and a display unit 15.

[0021] Storage unit 11 stores various data used in avatar generation device 10. As an example, storage unit 11 stores drawing parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of avatar-using services (in this embodiment, services A, B, C, etc. in FIG. 1 ) in association with each of the plurality of services. That is, storage unit 11 stores in advance drawing parameters Ra corresponding to the above-mentioned service A, as well as drawing parameters Rb and Rc corresponding to other services B and C.

[0022] The storage unit 11 also stores list information indicating a list of services available to the user from among the multiple services. In the present embodiment, as an example, the user of the user terminal 20 has completed registration (account registration) for services A, B, and C, and is able to use services A, B, and C. In this case, the list information stores services A, B, and C as a list of services available to the user.

[0023] The storage unit 11 also stores history information (see FIG. 12) relating to the user's usage history for multiple services. As an example, the history information is information that accumulates information about the services used and the usage period during which each service was used (for example, the login time and logoff time). By referring to the history information, it is possible to identify the service most recently used by the user, the service that has been used the most times in the most recent specified period, the service that has been used for the longest time in the most recent specified period, etc.

[0024] In addition, when there are multiple users who can use the avatar generation environment provided by avatar generation device 10 (i.e., when avatar generation device 10 is configured to be able to provide an avatar generation environment to multiple users), storage unit 11 may store the above-mentioned list information and history information for each user (user account).

[0025] The generation unit 12 generates avatars that can be used in multiple services (e.g., services A, B, and C in FIG. 1) that provide virtual spaces to users. In this embodiment, the generation unit 12 provides the user with an avatar generation environment (see FIG. 2) that determines the appearance of the avatar based on the content of operations performed by the user. As an example, the generation unit 12 allows the user to use the avatar generation environment in response to receiving a request to use the avatar generation environment from the user (user terminal 20). That is, upon receiving a request to use the avatar generation environment from the user, the generation unit 12 displays an avatar creation screen SC1 on the display unit 20a of the user terminal 20 and receives an operation from the user to input information for determining the appearance of the avatar. The generation unit 12 then determines the appearance of the avatar based on the information input by the user.

[0026] The determination unit 13 determines a target service that is one of the services included in the plurality of services. Details of the processing by the determination unit 13 will be explained later together with the explanation of the processing flow.

[0027] The parameter acquisition unit 14 acquires drawing parameters indicating drawing conditions to be applied to the avatar in the target service determined by the determination unit 13. As an example, the parameter acquisition unit 14 acquires drawing parameters corresponding to the target service from the storage unit 11 by referring to the storage unit 11 using the target service as key information. For example, if the determination unit 13 determines "service A" as the target service, the parameter acquisition unit 14 acquires drawing parameters Ra corresponding to service A by referring to the storage unit 11 using "service A" as key information.

[0028] Display unit 15 generates a preview image (i.e., an image of the avatar displayed on preview screen SC2) showing the avatar generated by generation unit 12. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview display process performed by display unit 15. As illustrated in FIG. 5, display unit 15 applies the drawing parameters acquired by parameter acquisition unit 14 to avatar 50 generated by generation unit 12 (avatar creation screen SC1) (i.e., an avatar having an appearance to which drawing parameters R predetermined in the avatar generation environment are applied). As an example, display unit 15 applies drawing parameters Ra corresponding to service A determined as the target service to avatar 50, thereby generating a preview image showing avatar 50A corresponding to the target service (i.e., an avatar having an appearance to which drawing parameters Ra are applied), and displays preview screen SC2 including the preview image. According to the preview display process described above, when checking the appearance of the avatar generated in the avatar generation environment, the user can check the appearance of the avatar that will be applied when the avatar is actually used in the target service.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing two usage patterns of the avatar generation environment provided by avatar generation device 10.

[0030] The first pattern is a pattern in which a user accesses the avatar generation environment while using an avatar usage service (any of services A, B, or C). For example, the first pattern may apply when a user accesses the avatar generation environment because they want to change the appearance of an avatar while using an avatar in the avatar usage service. For example, a link button labeled "Create (edit) avatar" or the like may be provided in the virtual space provided by the avatar usage service. In this case, the user can select the link button to transmit a request to use the avatar generation environment to avatar generation device 10 and transition to the avatar generation environment.

[0031] The second pattern is a pattern in which a user accesses the avatar generation environment before using an avatar-using service (i.e., before using an avatar-using service). In other words, the second pattern is a pattern in which an avatar is prepared in advance, assuming that the user will use the avatar in one of the avatar-using services.

[0032] The above-described mechanism of avatar generation device 10 can be used in both Pattern 1 and Pattern 2. The operation of avatar generation device 10 in each pattern will be explained together with the processing flow described below.

[0033] An example of the operation of avatar generation device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In step S1, generation unit 12 provides an avatar generation environment (see FIG. 2) to a user. For example, generation unit 12 provides the avatar generation environment to a user in response to receiving a request from the user (user terminal 20) to use the avatar generation environment. Here, in the case of the first pattern described above, generation unit 12 acquires, along with the usage request, service information indicating the avatar-use service used by the user before accessing the avatar generation environment (i.e., the avatar-use service from which the transition occurred). For example, if the avatar-use service used by the user is "service A," the service information is information for identifying service A. The service information is not limited to a specific form of information as long as it can uniquely identify service A. Examples of service information include a service name and information indicating an access destination for service A (e.g., a URI, etc.).

[0034] In step S2, the determination unit 13 determines a target service from among a plurality of avatar-using services. Hereinafter, several examples (first to third examples) of the process of step S2 will be described.

[0035] (Example 1) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of the processing of step S2. The first example corresponds to the first pattern described above. That is, the first example corresponds to a case where a transition occurs from a first state in which a user is using one of a plurality of avatar-using services to a second state in which the user is using the avatar generation environment. In the first example, the determination unit 13 acquires service information indicating the one service used by the user in the first state, and determines the one service indicated in the service information as the target service. An example of the operation related to the above processing will be described below.

[0036] In step S11, the determination unit 13 acquires service information indicating the avatar-using service from which the transition is to occur (i.e., one service that the user was using in the first state). As an example, assume that the user accesses the avatar generation environment while using service A. In this case, in this embodiment, service information indicating service A is acquired in step S1. Therefore, the determination unit 13 may acquire the service information acquired by the generation unit 12 in step S1.

[0037] In step S12, the determination unit 13 determines one service indicated by the service information acquired in step S11 (here, "service A") as the target service.

[0038] (Example 2) 9 is a flowchart showing a second example of the processing of step S2. The second example corresponds to the second pattern described above. In the second example, the determination unit 13 prompts the user to specify one service from among the services included in the list information stored in the storage unit 11, and determines the one service specified by the user as the target service. An example of the operation related to the above processing will be described below.

[0039] In step S21, the determination unit 13 acquires list information indicating a list of services available to the user. In this embodiment, the determination unit 13 acquires list information corresponding to the user of the user terminal 20 who has accessed the avatar generation environment by referring to the storage unit 11. For example, the usage request acquired by the generation unit 12 in step S1 may include user information (e.g., account information) that identifies the user. In this case, the determination unit 13 can acquire list information of the user indicated in the user information by referring to the storage unit 11 using the user information as key information.

[0040] In step S22, the determination unit 13 prompts the user to select one service from the services included in the list information. As an example, the determination unit 13 displays a service selection screen SC3 shown in Fig. 10 on the display unit 20a of the user terminal 20, and prompts the user to select one of the services.

[0041] In step S23, the determination unit 13 determines the service specified by the user as the target service. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the determination unit 13 arranges selection buttons B2 corresponding to each of the services included in the list information (here, as an example, services A, B, and C) on the service selection screen SC3. In this case, the determination unit 13 may determine the service corresponding to the selection button B2 selected by the user as the target service.

[0042] (Example 3) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a third example of the processing of step S2. The third example corresponds to the second pattern described above. In the third example, the determination unit 13 determines the target service based on the history information stored in the storage unit 11. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the history information. An example of the operation related to the above processing will be described below.

[0043] In step S31, the determination unit 13 acquires history information (see FIG. 12) relating to the user's usage history for multiple avatar-using services from the storage unit 11. For example, the usage request acquired by the generation unit 12 in step S1 may include user information (e.g., account information) that identifies the user. In this case, the determination unit 13 can acquire the user's history information indicated in the user information by referring to the storage unit 11 using the user information as key information.

[0044] In step S32, the determination unit 13 extracts services that meet predetermined conditions based on the history information. In the example of FIG. 12, for example, if the current time is "August 1, 2022, 0:00" and the predetermined condition is "the service most recently used by the user," service C is extracted. Also, if the predetermined condition is "the service that has been used the most times in the most recent predetermined period (e.g., five days)," service A with the highest total number of uses (number of logins) is extracted. Also, if the predetermined condition is "the service that has been used the longest in the most recent predetermined period (e.g., five days)," service B with the longest total usage time is extracted.

[0045] In step S33, the determination unit 13 determines the service extracted in step S32 as the target service.

[0046] 7, in step S3, the parameter acquisition unit 14 acquires drawing parameters indicating drawing conditions to be applied to the avatar in the target service. As an example, the parameter acquisition unit 14 acquires drawing parameters corresponding to the target service from the storage unit 11 by referring to the storage unit 11 using the target service as key information. If the target service is "service A," the drawing parameters Ra corresponding to service A are acquired.

[0047] In step S4, the display unit 15 generates and displays a preview image using the acquired drawing parameters Ra. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the display unit 15 generates and displays a preview screen SC2 including a preview image showing an avatar 50A to which the drawing parameters Ra used in the target service (service A) are applied, rather than an avatar 50 to which the drawing parameters R prepared in advance in the avatar generation environment are applied.

[0048] The avatar generation device 10 described above provides the user with an avatar generation environment (object generation environment) for generating an avatar (virtual object), as well as a function for previewing the generated avatar. Furthermore, during the preview display, avatar 50A is displayed to which drawing parameters (e.g., drawing parameters Ra of service A, the target service) used in one service (target service) included in multiple avatar use services that provide virtual spaces are applied, rather than drawing parameters R pre-defined in the avatar generation environment (see FIG. 5 ). This configuration allows the user to check the appearance (avatar 50A) that will be applied when the avatar is used in the target service at the time of preview display (i.e., before the user actually uses the avatar in the target service). As a result, when the user actually uses the avatar generated in the avatar generation environment in the target service, the appearance of the avatar can be prevented from being contrary to the user's intention, thereby improving the quality of the user's service experience.

[0049] The avatar generation device 10 also includes a storage unit 11 that stores drawing parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of services in association with the respective services, and the parameter acquisition unit 14 acquires the drawing parameters corresponding to the target service from the storage unit 11 by referring to the storage unit 11 using the target service as key information. According to the above configuration, by storing the drawing parameters for each of a plurality of services in advance in the avatar generation device 10, the drawing parameters for the target service can be easily and instantly acquired. As a result, a preview image to which the drawing parameters corresponding to the target service are applied can be instantly generated and displayed.

[0050] Furthermore, the avatar generation device 10 (mainly the determination unit 13) is configured to be able to execute the processing of the first example described above (see FIG. 8). With this configuration, by determining the avatar-using service from which the transition is to occur as the target service, it becomes possible for the user to check the appearance of the avatar that will be displayed in the avatar-using service that is likely to be used shortly after the avatar generated in the avatar generation environment is generated. Furthermore, since the user does not need to explicitly specify the target service, the user's effort in determining the target service can be reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, the avatar generation device 10 (mainly the determination unit 13) is configured to be able to execute the processing of the second example described above (see FIG. 9). According to the above configuration, by having the user specify the target service, it is possible to reliably determine the service desired by the user as the target service. Furthermore, for example, by presenting the user with a list of services available to the user and having the user specify one service from the list of services presented, it is possible to improve the user's convenience when specifying (selecting) the target service.

[0052] Furthermore, the avatar generation device 10 (mainly the determination unit 13) is configured to be able to execute the process of the third example described above (see FIG. 11). With the above configuration, it is possible to determine an appropriate target service (i.e., a service for which the user is likely to want to check the appearance of the avatar while using the service) based on the user's usage history for multiple services. Furthermore, as in the first example, the user does not need to explicitly specify the target service, which reduces the user's effort in determining the target service.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the avatar generation device 10 that generates an avatar, which is an example of a virtual object, has been described. However, the above-described avatar generation device 10 may be configured as a device that generates a virtual object other than an avatar. In this case, the same effects as those of the above-described avatar generation device 10 can be obtained. That is, when a user actually uses a virtual object generated by a generation environment in a target service, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the virtual object from being contrary to the user's intention, thereby improving the quality of the user's service experience.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, avatar generation device 10 is configured as a device separate from user terminal 20. However, avatar generation device 10 may be the same as user terminal 20. That is, each function of avatar generation device 10 described above (see FIG. 4 ) may be incorporated into user terminal 20. In other words, user terminal 20 may function as avatar generation device 10 described above. Alternatively, some of the functions of avatar generation device 10 described above may be incorporated into user terminal 20. For example, each function other than storage unit 11 described above may be implemented in user terminal 20. In this case, determination unit 13 and parameter acquisition unit 14 incorporated into user terminal 20 are configured to access storage unit 11 held by avatar generation device 10 and acquire necessary data. However, when providing an avatar generation environment for multiple users, it is preferable that avatar generation device 10 be configured as a device separate from user terminal 20 (i.e., a device capable of providing an avatar generation environment for each user terminal 20 of multiple users), as in the above embodiment.

[0055] The virtual object generation device (avatar generation device 10 in the above embodiment) of the present disclosure has the following configuration.

[0056] [1] a generation unit that generates virtual objects that can be used in multiple services that provide virtual spaces to users; a determination unit that determines a target service that is one service included in the plurality of services; a parameter acquisition unit that acquires drawing parameters indicating drawing conditions to be applied to the virtual object in the target service; a display unit that generates and displays a preview image showing the virtual object corresponding to the target service by applying the drawing parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit to the virtual object generated by the generation unit; A virtual object generation device comprising:

[0057] [2] further comprising a parameter storage unit that stores the drawing parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of services in association with each of the plurality of services; the parameter acquisition unit acquires the drawing parameters corresponding to the target service from the parameter storage unit by referring to the parameter storage unit using the target service as key information; [1] Virtual object generation device.

[0058] [3] the generation unit provides the user with an object generation environment that determines an appearance of the virtual object based on the content of an operation by the user; when the object generation environment transitions from a first state in which one service among the plurality of services is being used by the user to a second state in which the object generation environment is being used by the user, the determination unit acquires service information indicating the one service being used by the user in the first state, and determines the one service indicated by the service information as the target service; [1] or [2].

[0059] [4] further comprising a list information storage unit configured to store list information indicating a list of services available to the user from among the plurality of services; the determination unit prompts the user to designate one service from among the services included in the list information stored in the list information storage unit, and determines the one service designated by the user as the target service. [1] or [2].

[0060] [5] further comprising a history information storage unit that stores history information regarding the user's usage history for the plurality of services; the determination unit determines the target service based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit. [1] or [2].

[0061] Furthermore, the block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, using wires, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or the multiple devices with software.

[0062] Functions include, but are not limited to, judging, determining, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, verifying, receiving, transmitting, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, assuming, expecting, regarding, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assigning.

[0063] For example, avatar generation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the information processing method of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of avatar generation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Avatar generation device 10 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like. Note that user terminal 20 may also have the same hardware configuration as avatar generation device 10.

[0064] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of avatar generation device 10 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in FIG. 13, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0065] Each function of the avatar generation device 10 is realized by loading specific software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0066] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system, and may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc.

[0067] The processor 1001 also loads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The program used is a program that causes a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, each functional unit of the avatar generation device 10 (e.g., the display unit 15, etc.) may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0068] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0070] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0071] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0072] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0073] Avatar generation device 10 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0074] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described in this specification. The present embodiment can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present embodiment.

[0075] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0076] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0077] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0078] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0079] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0080] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0081] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0082] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0083] The names used for the parameters described above are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical formulas and the like that use these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and the various names assigned to these various information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0084] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0085] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0086] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0087] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0088] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10...avatar generation device (virtual object generation device), 11...storage unit (parameter storage unit, list information storage unit), 12...generation unit, 13...determination unit, 14...parameter acquisition unit, 15...display unit, 20...user terminal, 30...server, 50, 50A...avatar (virtual object), A, B, C...service, R, Ra...drawing parameters.

Claims

1. a generation unit that generates virtual objects that can be used in a plurality of services that provide virtual spaces to users; a determination unit that determines a target service that is one service included in the plurality of services; a parameter acquisition unit that acquires drawing parameters indicating drawing conditions to be applied to the virtual object in the target service; a display unit that generates and displays a preview image showing the virtual object corresponding to the target service by applying the drawing parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit to the virtual object generated by the generation unit; A virtual object generation device comprising:

2. a parameter storage unit that stores the drawing parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of services in association with each of the plurality of services; the parameter acquisition unit acquires the drawing parameters corresponding to the target service from the parameter storage unit by referring to the parameter storage unit using the target service as key information; The virtual object generating device according to claim 1 .

3. the generation unit provides the user with an object generation environment that determines an appearance of the virtual object based on the content of an operation by the user; when the object generation environment transitions from a first state in which one service among the plurality of services is being used by the user to a second state in which the object generation environment is being used by the user, the determination unit acquires service information indicating the one service being used by the user in the first state, and determines the one service indicated by the service information as the target service; The virtual object generating device according to claim 1 .

4. a list information storage unit configured to store list information indicating a list of services available to the user from among the plurality of services; the determination unit prompts the user to designate one service from among the services included in the list information stored in the list information storage unit, and determines the one service designated by the user as the target service. The virtual object generating device according to claim 1 .

5. a history information storage unit that stores history information regarding the user's usage history for the plurality of services; the determination unit determines the target service based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit. The virtual object generating device according to claim 1 .

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