Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that provide an environment that facilitates lively interactions between users and improves satisfaction with interactions through matching. [Solution] The server 100 provides content that allows multiple users to interact via virtual characters in a virtual space. A data acquisition unit 131 acquires data related to each user. A user extraction unit 132 extracts multiple users with common characteristics based on the acquired data related to each user. A grouping unit 133 acquires, from the multiple users with common characteristics, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which the other two or more users belong, based on predetermined criteria. A content provision unit 135 provides content that allows two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact via virtual characters in the virtual space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that provide content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a method for matching users in a virtual space is known in which, in response to a request from one user, tag data of other users is evaluated and users are matched based on the evaluation results (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-528606 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional matching methods mainly focus on one-to-one matching, which can lead to issues such as some users being hesitant to use the matching function due to their introverted personality, or not being able to actively engage in conversations or collaborative work with other users even when using the matching function, resulting in low satisfaction with interactions through the matching function.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that provide an environment that facilitates lively interactions between users and improves satisfaction with interactions through matching. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to the present disclosure provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, and includes a data acquisition unit, a user extraction unit, a grouping unit, and a content provision unit. The data acquisition unit acquires data related to each user. The user extraction unit extracts multiple users who share a common characteristic based on the acquired data related to each user. The grouping unit acquires, from the multiple users who share the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which another two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion. The content provision unit provides content that allows the two or more users belonging to the first group and the two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space.

[0007] The information processing method disclosed herein is a method executed by an information processing device that provides content with which multiple users can interact via virtual characters in a virtual space, and includes the steps of acquiring data about each user, extracting multiple users who have common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user, acquiring a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which another two or more users belong based on predetermined criteria from the multiple users who have the common characteristics, and providing content that allows the two or more users belonging to the first group and the two or more users belonging to the second group to interact via virtual characters in the virtual space.

[0008] The program of the present disclosure causes a computer that provides content that allows multiple users to interact through virtual characters in a virtual space to perform the following processes: acquiring data about each user; extracting multiple users that have common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; acquiring, from the multiple users that have the common characteristics, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which another two or more users belong, based on predetermined criteria; and providing content that allows the two or more users belonging to the first group and the two or more users belonging to the second group to interact through virtual characters in the virtual space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that provide an environment that facilitates lively interactions between users and improves satisfaction with interactions through matching. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a storage unit of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a matching process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a screen of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a screen of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a screen of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a content providing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the screen of a user terminal by the content providing process of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a content providing process by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another modified example of the content providing process by the server according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a system 1 to which a server 100 (an example of an information processing device) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiment, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0012] <System configuration> 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system 1 to which a server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The server 100 provides content such as a virtual space including a game environment and virtual characters that act in the virtual space to a user terminal 300 that accesses the server 100 via a network NW.

[0013] The system 1 includes a server 100 and a plurality of user terminals 300 (300(1), 300(2), ..., 300(N)). The server 100 and the user terminals 300 are connected to a network NW and can communicate with each other via the network NW. The network NW includes the Internet. The network NW may include a LAN (Local Area Network) and / or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0014] The server 100 and the user terminal 300 are each configured with one or more computer devices.

[0015] <Server configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 100. Server 100 includes control unit 101, storage unit 102, communication unit 103, and input unit 104. Control unit 101, storage unit 102, communication unit 103, and input unit 104 are electrically connected to one another via communication bus 105.

[0016] The control unit 101 includes at least one processor. The processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits, etc.) connected to each other in a communicative manner. The control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] The control unit 101 executes various programs read from the storage unit 102 to execute various functions of the server 100. The control unit 101 generates data and stores it in the storage unit 102, and / or acquires data from the storage unit 102 and transmits it to an external device via the communication unit 103.

[0018] The storage unit 102 is a device that stores programs for executing the operating system of the server 100 and various applications executed by the control unit 101, as well as data used by these programs. The storage unit 102 is configured with various memories, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and / or an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 102 may be a storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or may be realized by cloud storage. The storage unit 102 may have a database that manages various types of data.

[0019] The communication unit 103 includes a network interface for communicating with external devices, and transmits and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 101. The communication unit 103 passes data received from the user terminal 300 to the control unit 101, and transmits data received from the control unit 101 to the user terminal 300.

[0020] The input unit 104 is a device that accepts input from the outside, and is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and / or a camera. Note that the server 100 does not necessarily have to include the input unit 104.

[0021] Server 100 provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other through virtual characters in a virtual space. Server 100 provides, as content, a simulation game in which the activities of each user's virtual character are displayed and progress in the virtual space. In a simulation game, for example, each user is assigned a dedicated virtual space modeled after a sandbox, allowing the user to develop their own virtual space in a game-like manner and to invite other users to their dedicated virtual space. The simulation game also provides a shared sandbox-like virtual space in which users can collaborate with other users, allowing multiple users to share the virtual space and develop it in a game-like manner.

[0022] The content provided by the server 100 has a matching function that matches users with each other in a virtual space so that each user can find a partner that matches with them.

[0023] The server 100 provides a function for matching groups of multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "group dating"). This lowers the psychological barrier for users to use the one-on-one matching function, and provides an environment that facilitates lively interactions between users, such as conversations and collaborative work. This new matching function can improve user satisfaction with the matching function.

[0024] More specifically, the server 100 realizes the following functions. 3 is a functional block diagram of the server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server 100 includes a data acquisition unit 131, a user extraction unit 132, a grouping unit 133, a matching adjustment unit 134, and a content provision unit 135 as a processing unit 130 that is mainly a function of the control unit 101.

[0025] The data acquisition unit 131 acquires data relating to each user. The data relating to each user is stored in the storage unit 102, for example. Fig. 4 shows an example of data stored in the storage unit 102 of the server 100. Fig. 4(a) shows an example of data related to users (hereinafter referred to as "user information"). The user information is information about each user who subscribes to a service such as a game provided by the server 100 (hereinafter referred to as "server-provided service"). The user information includes, for example, attribute information, log information, location information, participation time information, and group information.

[0026] Attribute information indicates the attributes of each user, and may include, for example, a user ID, a user name, age information, gender information, occupation information, address information, and / or workplace information. Attribute information also includes SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) information. SOGI information identifies a user's romantic interests, as described below. Attribute information may also include other profile information, such as the user's hobbies, preferred type of romantic interest, favorite areas (travel destinations, etc.), and / or personality. Furthermore, profile information may include, for example, information indicating place of origin, blood type, educational background, annual income and savings, marital status (single or married), marital history, views on marriage, attitude toward housework, work-life balance, purpose of main game, chat message reply speed, active time, extracurricular activities, favorite subjects, sibling relationships, housemates, pets, how to spend holidays, timing of holidays, favorite food, tendency at what age people fall in love, hobbies, number of friends, number of previous relationships, communication ability, and / or car owned. The attribute information may be input and / or updated by the user when the user registers for the server-provided service or when the user registration information is changed.

[0027] The log information includes conversation history information and behavior history information. The conversation history information is history information of conversations that a user has with other users while using the server-provided services. The conversation history information may be, for example, information extracted from the content of the conversation, such as topics in which the user has shown particular interest, the user's preferences, and / or the user's characteristics.

[0028] The behavioral history information is, for example, information indicating virtual spaces of other users that the user has visited in the past, the contents of collaborative activities with other users, etc. The behavioral history information may be, for example, information extracted from the user's behavioral history, such as topics in which the user has shown particular interest, the user's preferences, and / or the user's characteristics.

[0029] The location information is information indicating the geographical location of the user estimated by detecting the location of the user terminal 300. For example, when the user terminal 300 logs in to the server 100, the server 100 obtains the current location information of the user terminal 300 from the user terminal 300 with the permission of the user of the user terminal 300, and stores the information in the storage unit 102 as user information.

[0030] The participation time information indicates the desired date and time that the user wishes to participate when using a group date (described later). The desired date may be specified by the day of the week. The participation time information does not need to be included if it is not specified by the user.

[0031] The group information is generated when a group date, which will be described later, is set, and includes group identification information when a group date is set.

[0032] 3, the user extraction unit 132 extracts multiple users who share a common characteristic based on the acquired data about each user. A common characteristic is an identical or similar characteristic between users. The user extraction unit 132 may extract users whose similarity satisfies a predetermined reference value using a machine learning algorithm, a clustering method, or the like.

[0033] In addition, the server 100 may provide feedback to the machine learning used by the user extraction unit 132 on the opinions and / or impressions obtained from the users participating in the group date, and data obtained by monitoring the progress of the users' relationships after the group date (for example, becoming friends, becoming a couple, etc.).

[0034] The user extraction unit 132 extracts users who share common characteristics from attribute information such as age, occupation, hobbies, preferred types, and other profile information. More specifically, the user extraction unit 132 extracts, for example, users who share common hobbies, users who have related occupations, and / or users who share common preferred types. The user extraction unit 132 may extract users who share common attribute information related to location, such as the user's address, place of work, and / or favorite area (e.g., travel destination, etc.). Having common attribute information related to location means, for example, having the same or nearby station nearest to the address or place of work.

[0035] The user extraction unit 132 may extract users having common characteristics based on the log information. For example, the user extraction unit 132 may extract users having common preferences and / or characteristics analyzed from past conversation history information and / or behavior history information.

[0036] The user extraction unit 132 may also extract users having a common characteristic based on the location information. For example, the user extraction unit 132 may extract multiple logged-in users who are detected to be in geographical locations close to each other (for example, within a radius of several kilometers) as users having a common characteristic. Alternatively, the user extraction unit 132 may extract users who have an address, workplace, or the like near a user who is in a geographical location detected in this way as users having a common characteristic.

[0037] The grouping unit 133 acquires, from a plurality of users having a common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion. The predetermined criterion is, for example, that two or more users belonging to the first group have an attribute that makes them romantically interested in two or more users belonging to the second group.

[0038] The grouping unit 133 acquires two groups based on, for example, the attributes of love interests. The grouping unit 133 identifies love interests based on, for example, SOGI information. For example, the first group is made up of male users, and the second group is made up of female users. Alternatively, the grouping unit 133 may identify love interests based on preferred types. For example, the first group is made up of users who prefer sociable types as love interests, and the second group is made up of sociable users.

[0039] The grouping unit 133 may adjust the number of users in the first group so that it is the same as the number of users in the second group. For example, when the number of users extracted by the user extraction unit 132 is large, the grouping unit 133 may adjust the number of users so that users having many common characteristics belong preferentially to the first or second group. The grouping unit 133 generates group identification information and stores it in the storage unit 102 .

[0040] FIG. 4(b) shows an example of group identification information. The group identification information includes a group ID, user information, group attributes, content information, etc. The user information includes identification information of users belonging to the group. The group attributes identify the group to which each user belongs (for example, "Attribute 1" which is the first group or "Attribute 2" which is the second group). The content information identifies the virtual space in which the group will perform a group date. The number of people in the first group and the second group acquired by the grouping unit 133 may be any number greater than one, such as 2:2, 3:3, or 4:4 or more.

[0041] The matching adjustment unit 134 notifies users and sets schedules regarding matching between users in the first group and users in the second group. The matching adjustment unit 134 may, for example, propose a group date to each user in the first group and the second group. The group date proposal may be notified to the user terminal 300 of each user, for example. Each user may express their intention to participate in the group date by accepting or rejecting the notified proposal via operation of the user terminal 300.

[0042] The matching adjustment unit 134 may determine that matching has been established when it has acquired an expression of intent to participate from each of the users in the first group and the second group. On the other hand, if some or all of the users in the first group and / or the second group do not participate, the matching adjustment unit 134 may determine that the matching is not successful. If it is determined that the matching is not successful and a user in the first group and / or the second group desires new matching, the matching process may be performed again.

[0043] The processing unit 130 may not include the matching adjustment unit 134. In this case, the grouping unit 133 may notify each user in the first group and the second group that a group date has been set, and leave it up to the users to decide whether to participate in the group date or set a schedule.

[0044] The content providing unit 135 provides content that allows two or more users belonging to a first group and two or more users belonging to a second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space. The content provides, for example, each user with a dedicated virtual space modeled after a sandbox, and also provides a shared virtual space modeled after a sandbox where two or more users belonging to a first group and two or more users belonging to a second group can work together. Each user interacts with other users while operating a virtual character in the virtual space displayed on the screen of their own user terminal 300.

[0045] <User terminal configuration> 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user terminal 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal 300 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, a display unit 304, and an operation unit 306. The control unit 301, the storage unit 302, the communication unit 303, the display unit 304, and the operation unit 306 are electrically connected to one another via a communication bus 305.

[0046] The user terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC. The control unit 301 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by multiple circuits (integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits, etc.) connected to each other in a communicative manner. The control unit 301 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0047] The control unit 301 executes various programs read from the storage unit 302 to execute various functions of the server 100. The control unit 301 generates data and stores it in the storage unit 302, and / or acquires data from the storage unit 302 and transmits it to an external device via the communication unit 303.

[0048] The storage unit 302 is a device that stores programs for executing various applications executed by the control unit 301 and data used by these programs. The storage unit 302 is configured with various memories, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or an auxiliary storage device.

[0049] The communication unit 303 includes a network interface for communicating with external devices, and transmits and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 301. The communication unit 303 passes data received from the server 100 to the control unit 301, and transmits data received from the control unit 301 to the server 100.

[0050] The display unit 304 is a display that displays the processing results of the control unit 301. As will be described later, the display unit 304 displays content provided from the server 100. The operation unit 306 is a device that accepts input from the outside, and is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and / or a camera.

[0051] <System Operation> Next, the operation of the system 1 having the above-described configuration and functions will be described using a flowchart.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a group date matching process that is realized mainly by the control unit 101 of the server 100 executing the functions of the processing unit 130.

[0053] In step S11, the processing unit 130 of the server 100 starts setting up a group date. Setting up a group date may be started in response to receiving a group date request from one of the users. Alternatively, setting up a group date may be started by the server 100 extracting multiple specific users and proposing a date to the specific users. The specific users may be, for example, users who are determined to have an introverted personality when it comes to romance based on user information, or users who are determined to have fewer opportunities to interact with other users than a predetermined value or to have low satisfaction with interactions based on past log information.

[0054] In step S12, the data acquisition unit 131 acquires the above-mentioned user information of each user. In step S13, the user extraction unit 132 extracts a plurality of users who have common characteristics as described above, and stores them in the storage unit 102.

[0055] In step S14, the grouping unit 133 acquires a first group and a second group from the multiple users extracted by the user extraction unit 132. The grouping unit 133 acquires two groups, for example, based on attribute information that identifies love interests. For example, the first group is made up of male users, and the second group is made up of female users. Alternatively, the first group is made up of users who prefer sociable types as love interests, and the second group is made up of sociable users.

[0056] In step S15, the matching adjustment unit 134 determines whether or not a match has been established between the acquired first group and second group. The matching adjustment unit 134 may, for example, propose a group date to each of the users in the first group and the second group.

[0057] 7 shows an example of a screen displayed when the matching adjustment unit 134 notifies the user terminal 300 of a group date proposal. Screen D100 is a screen displayed when the user of the user terminal 300 (hereinafter referred to as "user Z") is logged in to a service provided by the server 100. Screen D100 includes a menu button D110, an icon D140 of logged-in user Z, link buttons D121 to D123 to information about each user, and buttons D131 to D132 for selecting whether to accept or reject the group date.

[0058] By selecting (clicking or tapping) the menu button D210, user Z can display menu items such as various operation items within the game, an item to transition to a game selection screen, an item to transition to a sub-game (all not shown), an item to save and end the main game, etc.

[0059] By selecting link buttons D121 to D123, user Z can view the information of each of users A to C. The information of each of users A to C may include some or all of the information permitted to be made public from the user information shown in FIG. 4, or may include information indicating common characteristics extracted by the user extraction unit 132 from such information.

[0060] If user Z is not logged in, the server 100 may contact user Z by email, push notification, or the like to suggest a group date and prompt user Z to log in.

[0061] If it is determined that a match is not made, for example, if some or all of the users in the first group and / or the second group decide not to participate in the proposed group date, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0062] In step S16, the matching adjustment unit 134 determines whether or not to perform new matching. Regarding whether or not to perform new matching, for example, if a user of the first group and / or the second group desires new matching, the process may return to step S13 and perform the matching process again. In this case, the user who desires new matching may be maintained, and new users who have characteristics in common with the maintained users may be extracted and assigned to the first and second groups.

[0063] On the other hand, if each user of the first group and the second group decides to participate in the proposed group date, it is determined that a match has been made, and the process proceeds to step S17.

[0064] In step S17, the matching adjustment unit 134 determines a schedule for a group date for the matched users of the first and second groups.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen on user Z's user terminal 300 for determining a schedule. In addition to the menu button D110 and user Z's icon D140 described above, screen D100 includes candidate dates and times for the group date and a selection button D150. User Z can select the selection button D150 to select a date and time that is convenient for them. Screen D100 also includes a date and time input button D151. User Z may select the date and time input button D151 to transition the screen to a screen for inputting a date and time, and enter a date and time that is convenient for them.

[0066] 6, if the matching adjustment unit 134 can determine a date and time that is convenient for each user based on the desired date and time from each user, the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the matching adjustment unit 134 cannot determine a date and time that is convenient for each user, for example, if the dates and times desired by each user do not match, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0067] In step S18, the matching adjustment unit 134 adjusts the schedule. For example, the matching adjustment unit 134 may inform each user by a message that the schedule did not match, and have each user select or input a new date and time via a screen such as that shown in FIG.

[0068] In step S19, the matching adjustment unit 134 notifies the user terminal 300 of the determined schedule. 9 shows an example of a screen on the user terminal 300 of user Z when the schedule for the group date has been decided. User Z is notified of the date and time of the group date via the screen of the user terminal. Each participating user may be notified of a group date reminder via email, push notification, etc. as the date and time of the group date approaches.

[0069] The schedule setting process of steps S17 to S19 in Fig. 6 may be omitted. In this case, the matching adjustment unit 134 of the server 100 may notify user Z and users A to C that matching has been established, and may also notify them of a link to the content provided by the content providing unit 135, so that each user can participate in the content at a time that is convenient for them.

[0070] Next, the operation of the server 100 when a group date is executed will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a content providing process mainly performed by the server 100.

[0071] In step S21, the content providing unit 135 of the server 100 determines whether a group date start condition has been met. The group date start condition is, for example, the arrival of the date and time of the group date set through the process shown in FIG. 6 or through the user's decision. The group date start condition may also be the establishment of a match (for example, Yes in step S15 of FIG. 6). If the group date start condition has been met, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0072] Here, it is assumed that the participating users, user Z and users A to C, have logged into the game GG and have selected the group date mode via the menu button D110 or the like.

[0073] In step S22, the content providing unit 135 provides, as a part of the function of the game GG, content for two or more users belonging to a first group and two or more users belonging to a second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space. The content to be provided will be described later.

[0074] In step S23, the content providing unit 135 determines whether a group date ending condition has been met. The group date ending condition is, for example, when some or all of the participating users, user Z and users A to C, have ended the group date mode, or when the end time has come if there is a time limit for the group date. If the group date ending condition has been met, the content providing unit 135 saves and ends the game GG in the group date.

[0075] The content providing unit 135 may execute the process of setting the next schedule for each user in the same manner as the process of steps S15 to S19 in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the user may set the schedule directly. The content providing unit 135 can resume the saved game GG in response to a request from each user belonging to the group or a set schedule.

[0076] <Examples of content provided> 11 is an example of a screen showing content provided by the content providing unit 135. Screen D200 shows an example of a screen for providing the game GG as an example of content provided by the content providing unit 135.

[0077] The content provider 135 provides, as the game GG, a sandbox development game in which users develop a private sandbox D220 and a shared sandbox D230 in which they can work together. A virtual character UZ displayed on a screen D200 corresponds to a user Z who is the owner of the private sandbox D220, and movement within the private sandbox D220 and the shared sandbox D230 is performed by operations performed by the user Z who is the owner of the private sandbox D220. The virtual characters UA, UB, and UC correspond to other users A to C who are matched with for a group date, respectively, and movement within the shared sandbox D230 is performed by operations performed by the other users A to C, respectively.

[0078] The private sandbox D220 is a sandbox dedicated to user Z and is displayed only on the user terminal 300 of user Z. The user terminals 300 of other users A to C each display their own private sandbox. The private sandbox D220 includes a field D221 and a house D222 as work areas. Through the virtual character UZ, the user can cultivate the private sandbox D220 by cultivating and harvesting crops D223 in the field D221, selling the harvested crops D223 for currency, repairing the house D222, and other such activities. The harvested crops D223 can then be sold in the game to obtain currency that can be used in the game. The obtained currency can be exchanged for items used to cultivate the private sandbox D220 or the shared sandbox D230, or for decorations for the user's own virtual character UZ. The private sandbox D220 is connected to the shared sandbox D230 by a bridge D240, and the virtual character UZ can freely move between the private sandbox D220 and the shared sandbox D230 via this bridge D240. User Z can also give acquired items, decorations, etc. as gifts to other matched users A to C.

[0079] The shared sandbox D230 is displayed on the user terminals 300 of user Z, who is the owner of the private sandbox D220, and of other users A to C who are on a group date with the user Z. The shared sandbox D230 has a field D231 and a house D232 as work areas, and each user, through their virtual characters UZ, UA, UB, and UC, can perform various collaborative tasks in the shared sandbox D230, such as cultivating and harvesting crops D233 in the field D231, selling the harvested crops D233 for currency, and repairing the house D232 in the shared sandbox D230. The harvested crops D233 can be sold in the game, similar to the harvested crops D233, to obtain currency valid in the game and to exchange for various items and decorations.

[0080] Collaborative work performed within the shared sandbox D230 can be completed by performing a single work step, or by performing multiple work steps. Each work step can be performed by either the user or other matched users. For example, in a collaborative work consisting of five work steps, the first two work steps can be performed by user Z, and the remaining three work steps can be performed by other users A to C. Furthermore, each work step can be performed not only when user Z and other users A to C are both logged in at the same time, but also by one user when only that user is logged in and the other users are logged out.

[0081] During the group date mode, participating users can converse with each other through virtual characters, which may be voiced or displayed in text.

[0082] The virtual space in which the group date takes place is not limited to the above, and may be a private virtual space for participating users, to which other users are invited. Alternatively, the virtual space in which the group date takes place may be a virtual space completely different from the sandbox environment provided by the game GG, such as a virtual space modeled after a restaurant, park, amusement park, or tourist destination. Alternatively, the virtual space in which the group date takes place may be the main game of the game GG, and a sub-game accessible from the main game may be provided. The sub-game may be, for example, a puzzle, action, music, card, board, adventure, family, racing, role-playing, sports, strategy, trivia, word, or other genre different from the main game.

[0083] The content providing unit 135 may perform the following processes.

[0084] <Variation 1 of Content Providing Process> FIG. 12 shows a process for providing content provided by the content providing unit 135 of the server 100.

[0085] In step S2211, the game GG provided by the content provider 135 includes a quest-style task. A quest-style task is, for example, a task such as growing a predetermined crop, growing a predetermined amount of crops, achieving a predetermined amount in sales of the crops, and / or repairing a house 232 in the shared sandbox D230 shown in Fig. 11. By having each user participating in the group date work together to achieve these tasks, it is possible to promote collaborative work and liven up conversations.

[0086] In step S2212, the content providing unit 135 calculates the degree of achievement of the set task. In step S2213, the content providing unit 135 calculates the reward and / or level-up to be provided to each user according to the degree of achievement of the set task. The reward includes, for example, currency usable in the content provided by the server 100, experience points, and / or owned items. The level-up level is a level that can be provided for each user in the content provided by the server 100. For example, the higher the level, the more benefits the user will enjoy, such as better perks when playing the game. The content providing unit 135 calculates the level-up of the users participating in the group date according to the degree of achievement of the task.

[0087] In step S2214, the content provider 135 gives the calculated reward and / or level-up to the participating users of the group date.

[0088] According to the above content provision process, participating users in a group date can receive incentives such as rewards and level-ups when working together with other users, creating an environment that makes it easier to enjoy work and conversations with other users.

[0089] <Modification 2 of Content Providing Process> FIG. 13 shows a process for providing content provided by the content providing unit 135 of the server 100.

[0090] In step S2221, the content providing unit 135 monitors whether or not each user in the group date mode is talking, and determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes or more) has elapsed without any conversation. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed without any conversation, the process proceeds to step S2222.

[0091] In step S2222, the content providing unit 135 acquires the characteristics of other users (e.g., users A to C) other than the user (e.g., user Z) determined in step S2221 not to be having any conversation. The content providing unit 135 may acquire the characteristics of other users by, for example, referencing the user information of other users (FIG. 4(a)) and analyzing information that may be of interest to other users. In this case, the content providing unit 135 may also analyze the characteristics of user Z to acquire common characteristics between user Z and other users.

[0092] In step S2223, the content providing unit 135 extracts conversation topic information from the characteristics of the other user acquired in step S2222. For example, if the characteristic of the other user is that he likes traveling, travel is selected as a topic candidate, and if it is animation, animation is selected as a topic candidate.

[0093] In step S2224, the content providing unit 135 generates information including the topic extracted in step S2223 and displays it on the screen of the user terminal 300 of user Z. For example, information is provided to make it easy for user Z to start a conversation, such as "Why don't you talk to user B about your recent trip?" or "Why don't you ask user C about a recent anime that he recommends?"

[0094] According to the content provision process described above, even if a user participating in a group date finds it difficult to initiate a conversation, the server 100 provides information that can spark a conversation in a timely manner, making it easier for the user to get involved in work or conversation with other users.

[0095] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be adopted. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 above, after performing matching processing through a group date, the processing unit 130 of the server 100 may provide a separate virtual space for one-on-one matching at the request of the users who participated in the group date.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the processing unit 130 of the server 100 may set a group date at the user's request (step S11). In this case, the processing unit 130 of the server 100 may accept, from the user, the setting of the number of people on the group date and the designation of users in the same group. The setting of the number of people on the group date may be, for example, setting the number of people in the first group and the second group to 2:2, 3:3, or 4:4 or more. The designation of users in the same group may be, for example, when a user wishes to participate in a group date with other users who are friends, the user may designate the other users. Furthermore, when setting a group date, the processing unit 130 of the server 100 may provide the user terminal 300 with a screen that prompts the user to input their preferred type of romantic partner. This can improve the accuracy of matching through group dates.

[0097] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 above, the data acquisition unit 131 of the server 100 may acquire data on users currently logged in to the server 100, the user extraction unit 132 may extract multiple users having common characteristics from these users, and acquire a first group and a second group from these multiple users. In this case, the content providing unit 135 may set the group date start condition (step S21) in Fig. 10 to match establishment (Yes in step S15 in Fig. 6), and allow users of the first and second groups who have been matched (logged-in users) to participate in the content when content provision starts. This allows each user to simultaneously and quickly participate in content provided by the server 100.

[0098] The group identification information shown in Fig. 4(b) may have an expiration date. For example, if the group has not used content for more than three months, the group may have become a mere formality, and the group may be automatically dissolved after notifying each user.

[0099] The operational flows and operational examples in the above-described embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order according to the order depicted in the flow diagrams or sequence diagrams. For example, steps in the operations may be executed in an order different from that depicted in the flow diagrams or sequence diagrams, or may be executed in parallel. Some steps in the operations may be deleted, or additional steps may be added to the processing. The operational flows and operational examples in the above-described embodiments may be executed independently, or two or more operational flows and operational examples may be combined and executed. For example, some steps in one operational flow may be added to another operational flow, or some steps in one operational flow may be replaced with some steps in another operational flow.

[0100] A program for causing a computer to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiments may be provided. The program causes a computer, which provides content that allows multiple users to interact via virtual characters in a virtual space, to execute the following processes: acquiring data about each user; extracting multiple users who have a common characteristic based on the acquired data about each user; acquiring, from the multiple users who have the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which the other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; and providing content that allows the two or more users belonging to the first group and the two or more users belonging to the second group to interact via virtual characters in the virtual space.

[0101] The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be used to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Furthermore, circuits that perform the operations performed in the above-described embodiments may be integrated to form a semiconductor integrated circuit (chip set, SoC).

[0102] The above describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0103] <Additional Notes> The following additional notes are about the features of the above-described embodiment. (Appendix 1) An information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to each user; a user extraction unit that extracts a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; a grouping unit that acquires, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; a content providing unit that provides content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; An information processing device comprising: The information processing device described above can provide an environment that facilitates lively interactions between users, thereby improving satisfaction with interactions through matching.

[0104] (Appendix 2) The two or more users belonging to the first group have an attribute that makes them romantically interested in the two or more users belonging to the second group. 10. The information processing device according to claim 1. According to the above information processing device, it is possible to provide a function for matching groups consisting of multiple users, thereby providing an environment that makes it easier for users who are introverted, especially when it comes to romance, to have conversations, thereby improving satisfaction with interactions through matching.

[0105] (Appendix 3) The number of the two or more users belonging to the first group is the same as the number of the two or more users belonging to the second group. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. According to the above information processing device, it is possible to provide a function for matching between groups consisting of an equal number of users, thereby providing an environment that makes it easier for introverted users to converse, and improving satisfaction with interactions through matching.

[0106] (Appendix 4) The data relating to each user includes at least one of attribute information, log information, and location information. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. According to the information processing device, multiple users having common characteristics based on at least one of attribute information, log information, and location information are extracted as user-related data, so that users with whom matching is likely to occur can be extracted.

[0107] (Appendix 5) The user extraction unit extracts the plurality of users based on information indicating geographical locations of the detected users. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4. According to the information processing device, a plurality of users having common characteristics based on information indicating the geographical locations of detected users are extracted, so that users with whom matching is likely to occur can be extracted.

[0108] (Appendix 6) the content providing unit has a function of providing content at a specific date and time to two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. According to the information processing device, a function for setting a schedule for using content for multiple users belonging to a group is provided, so that even multiple users who have difficulty coordinating schedules can easily set a schedule.

[0109] (Appendix 7) the content provided by the content providing unit includes a quest-type task; The content providing unit has a function of calculating a reward and / or a level-up in accordance with the achievement status of the task, and granting the calculated reward and / or level-up to two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. According to the information processing device, a user can receive incentives such as rewards and / or level-ups depending on the degree of task achievement, thereby creating an environment that makes it easier to work and talk with other users.

[0110] (Appendix 8) The content providing unit has a function of generating and providing information including a conversation topic based on common characteristics of two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. According to the information processing device, even if a user finds it difficult to initiate a conversation, an environment that is conducive to conversation is provided at the appropriate time, making it easier for the user to liven up work or conversation with other users.

[0111] (Appendix 9) A method executed by an information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, comprising: obtaining data about each user; extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; acquiring, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; providing content that allows two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; An information processing method including: According to the above information processing method, an environment that is conducive to lively interactions between users can be provided, and satisfaction with interactions through matching can be improved.

[0112] (Appendix 10) A computer that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, obtaining data about each user; A process of extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; A process of acquiring, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters within the virtual space; A program that executes the following. According to the above program, an environment that facilitates lively interactions between users can be provided, and satisfaction with interactions through matching can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1: System 100: Server 131: Data acquisition unit 132: User extraction section 133: Grouping section 134: Matching adjustment section 135: Contents Provider 300: User terminal

Claims

1. An information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to each user; a user extraction unit that extracts a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; a grouping unit that acquires, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; a content providing unit that provides content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Equipped with The content includes a quest-style task. Information processing device.

2. The content includes a quest-type task that can be worked on collaboratively by two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The content includes a virtual space dedicated to participating users that includes the quest-style tasks. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The content includes a shared sandbox containing the quest-style task, in which two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group can work together. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The two or more users belonging to the first group have an attribute that makes them romantically interested in the two or more users belonging to the second group.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1.

6. The number of the two or more users belonging to the first group is the same as the number of the two or more users belonging to the second group.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1.

7. The data relating to each user includes at least one of attribute information, log information, and location information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1.

8. The user extraction unit extracts the plurality of users based on information indicating geographical locations of the detected users. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. the content providing unit has a function of providing content at a specific date and time to two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group; 5. The information processing device according to claim 1.

10. An information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to each user; a user extraction unit that extracts a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; a grouping unit that acquires, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; a content providing unit that provides content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; the content provided by the content providing unit includes a quest-type task; the content providing unit has a function of calculating a reward and / or a level-up in accordance with the achievement status of the task, and granting the calculated reward and / or level-up to two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group; Information processing device.

11. An information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to each user; a user extraction unit that extracts a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; a grouping unit that acquires, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; a content providing unit that provides content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; The content providing unit has a function of generating and providing information including a conversation topic based on a common characteristic of two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. Information processing device.

12. A method executed by an information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, comprising: obtaining data about each user; extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; acquiring, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Including, The content includes a quest-style task. Information processing methods.

13. A computer that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, obtaining data about each user; A process of extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; A process of acquiring a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong based on a predetermined criterion from the plurality of users having the common characteristic; providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Execute The content includes a quest-style task. program.

14. A method executed by an information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, comprising: obtaining data about each user; extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; acquiring, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Including, the content includes a quest-style task; the step of providing the content includes calculating a reward and / or a level-up in accordance with the achievement status of the task, and granting the calculated reward and / or level-up to two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group; Information processing methods.

15. A computer that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, comprising: obtaining data about each user; A process of extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; A process of acquiring a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong based on a predetermined criterion from the plurality of users having the common characteristic; a process of providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Execute the content includes a quest-style task; The process of providing the content includes calculating a reward and / or a level-up in accordance with the achievement status of the task, and granting the calculated reward and / or level-up to two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. program.

16. A method executed by an information processing device that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, comprising: obtaining data about each user; extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; acquiring, from the plurality of users having the common characteristic, a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong, based on a predetermined criterion; providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Including, The step of providing the content includes generating and providing information including a conversation topic based on a common characteristic of two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. Information processing methods.

17. A computer that provides content that allows multiple users to interact with each other via virtual characters in a virtual space, comprising: obtaining data about each user; A process of extracting a plurality of users having common characteristics based on the acquired data about each user; A process of acquiring a first group to which at least two or more users belong and a second group to which other two or more users belong based on a predetermined criterion from the plurality of users having the common characteristic; a process of providing content for two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group to interact with each other via virtual characters in the virtual space; Execute The process of providing the content includes generating and providing information including a conversation topic based on a common characteristic of two or more users belonging to the first group and two or more users belonging to the second group. program.

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