Display Control System

Abstract

A server 3 is a display control system for controlling a mode of displaying, to other users, an avatar of a user in a virtual space, said server comprising: an acquisition unit 5 that acquires site type information indicative of the type of a site at which the avatar of the user is positioned; and a change unit 6 that on the basis of the site type information acquired by the acquisition unit 5, changes the mode of displaying the avatar with respect to other users.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control system that controls the display of a user's avatar in a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems for controlling the display of avatars in virtual spaces have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes changing the display mode of an avatar in a service such as a social networking service (SNS). Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes displaying an avatar in a display mode based on an item set for the avatar, and changing the display mode of the avatar based on predetermined parameters such as intimacy based on the actions of other users. This makes it possible to stimulate communication between users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-124940 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in order for services such as SNS to be continuously used, it is desirable for users to form relationships within the service with other users they do not know in real life. However, in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to promote communication between users who do not know each other. This is because it is difficult to create opportunities for interaction between users. For example, within a service where avatars are displayed, each user acts according to their own purpose, making it difficult for conversations unrelated to that purpose to take place.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a display control system that can effectively promote communication between users in a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a display control system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a display control system that controls the display manner of a user's avatar to other users in a virtual space, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires location type information, which is information indicating the type of location where the user's avatar is located, and a modification unit that changes the display manner of the avatar to other users based on the location type information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] In a display control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display mode of a user's avatar is changed based on the type of location where the user's avatar is located. This configuration allows the display mode of a user's avatar to be changed depending on the nature of the location where the user's avatar is located. This allows the display mode of the avatar to serve as an opportunity for communication between users, thereby more effectively promoting communication between users in a virtual space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This makes it possible to more effectively promote communication between users in virtual space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing system including a display control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing information used in the display control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of display control in a display control system. [Figure 4]FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed in the display control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a terminal and a server included in the display control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a display control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] Fig. 1 shows an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a terminal 2 and a server (display control system) 3. In the information processing system 1, the image displayed on each user's terminal 2 is controlled in real time by the server 3. This image is an image of the scene seen from the position of each user's avatar in a virtual space shared among multiple users (details will be described later).

[0012] The view visible from the position of the user's avatar in the virtual space is the view visible from the reference position of the gaze in the virtual space. The reference position of the gaze may be, for example, the eye position of the user's avatar in the virtual space or a position around the avatar. As an example, the reference position of the gaze is the eye position of an avatar modeled after a human (first-person perspective). In this case, if another user's avatar is located at a position visible from the reference position of the gaze, the view visible from the position of the avatar will include the other user's avatar. In this case, the view visible from the position of the avatar may also include part of the user's avatar. As another example, the reference position of the gaze may be a position close to the back of the head of the human-like avatar (third-person perspective). In this case, if another user's avatar is located at a position visible from the reference position of the gaze, the view visible from the position of the avatar will also include the other user's avatar. In this case, the view visible from the position of the avatar may also include part or all of the user's avatar. In the following description, it is assumed that the user's avatar is also displayed on the user's terminal 2. If the user's own avatar is not displayed on the user's terminal 2, the functions and processes relating to the display of the user's own avatar in the following description are not necessary.

[0013] The terminal 2 is a user's terminal. The terminal 2 is equipped with a device for outputting images (e.g., a display), a device for inputting audio, and a device for outputting audio (e.g., a microphone and a speaker). The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or an XR (Cross Reality) terminal such as VR (Virtual Reality) glasses, MR (Mixed Reality) glasses, or AR (Augmented Reality) glasses used by the user. The terminal 2 transmits to the server 3 location information indicating the location of the user's avatar in the virtual space, a user ID (user identification information) identifying the user, and time information indicating the time. The location information may be information indicating the location of the user's avatar in the virtual space. The location information may be, for example, coordinates in the virtual space, or other information other than those described above. The user ID may be information identifying the terminal held by the user or an account linked to the terminal. The user ID may be, for example, the serial number of the terminal, the account name, an email address linked to the account, or other information other than those described above.

[0014] The server 3 is configured, for example, by a computer such as a server device. The server 3 may be configured by multiple computers. For example, the server 3 has multiple functions as described below, and may be configured by a device for each function. The terminal 2 and the server 3 have communication functions and can send and receive information to and from each other via a communication network.

[0015] The server 3 controls the placement of the avatar in the virtual space, the display on the terminal 2 of an image of the view visible from the position of the user's avatar in the virtual space, and the display mode of the avatar in the virtual space.

[0016] First, as an example, a virtual space is a virtual three-dimensional space shared among multiple users. The virtual space is used, for example, for social networking sites and games. In this virtual space, avatars, which are the users' alter egos, and objects are placed. The avatars can move within the virtual space. The virtual space in this embodiment is a three-dimensional virtual space. Note that the dimensions of the virtual space do not have to be three-dimensional.

[0017] Furthermore, positions in the virtual space may correspond to positions in the real space. In this case, the user has, for example, MR glasses or the like as the terminal 2, and views the user's own field of view in the real space through the MR glasses. Avatars, objects, etc. placed in the virtual space corresponding to the real space are displayed on the display of the MR glasses or the like. As a result, to the user wearing the MR glasses or the like, the avatars, objects, etc. appear to be superimposed on the user's field of view. Furthermore, the user has, for example, AR glasses or the like as the terminal 2, and views an image captured of the direction in which the user is facing in the real space. Avatars, objects, etc. placed in the virtual space corresponding to the real space are displayed superimposed on an image captured of the direction in which the user is facing on the display of the AR glasses or the like.

[0018] The server 3 controls the placement of each user's avatar in the virtual space described above. As an example, the terminal 2 transmits operation information indicating a user's operation for changing the position of the avatar to the server 3 in real time. The server 3 changes the position of the user's avatar based on the acquired operation information so that the position of the user's avatar corresponds to the user's operation in real time. As another example, the terminal 2 transmits movement information indicating the movement direction and movement distance of the terminal 2 in a real space corresponding to the virtual space to the server 3 in real time. The server 3 changes the position of the user's avatar based on the acquired movement information so that the position of the user's avatar corresponds to the user's movement direction and movement distance in real time. Note that the position of the user's avatar in the virtual space may be position information that is coordinates in the virtual space. Furthermore, the operation information or movement information may be a transition of position information (described later) that is coordinates in the virtual space.

[0019] The server 3 controls the display of an image of the view seen from the position of the user's avatar in the virtual space on the terminal 2. Specifically, the server 3 derives an area visible in the line of sight direction of the virtual space from the reference position of the line of sight in the virtual space, generates an image including the avatar, objects, etc. placed in that area, and transmits it to the user's terminal 2. The terminal 2 displays the received image to the user.

[0020] As an example, terminal 2 transmits information indicating user operations, etc., that change the line of sight direction in the virtual space to server 3 in real time. Based on the received information, server 3 changes the line of sight direction in the virtual space so that the line of sight direction in the virtual space corresponds to the user operations, etc., in real time. Server 3 generates an image of the virtual space as seen from the reference position of the user's line of sight and transmits it to terminal 2 of the user. Terminal 2 displays the received image to the user. Note that control of the line of sight direction in the virtual space based on information indicating user operations, etc., that change the line of sight direction in the virtual space can be performed using conventional technology.

[0021] Furthermore, the server 3 controls the display mode of the user's avatar in the virtual space as described above. For example, when the avatar of user B is visible from the position of the avatar of user A, the server 3 generates an image of the scene visible from the position of the avatar of user A as information indicating the display mode of the avatar of user B, and transmits the image to the terminal 2A of user A. The terminal 2A displays the acquired image to user A. That is, the terminal 2 displays the avatar of user B to user A in the display mode determined by the server 3. Note that the case where the avatar of user B is visible from the position of the avatar of user A may also be the case where the avatar of user B is located in the line of sight of user A in the virtual space.

[0022] Furthermore, the display mode of the avatar may be any object that indicates information about the user in the virtual space. For example, the display mode of the avatar may be the external appearance of the avatar, which is the user's alter ego. The external appearance of the avatar may include the appearance of the avatar itself and text displayed together with the avatar itself near the avatar itself. The text may be displayed, for example, in a speech bubble next to the avatar itself. As one example, the avatar may be displayed in a display mode that includes image data set by the user, or in a display mode that includes a real avatar, which is image data showing the user's actual appearance. As another example, the avatar may be displayed in a display mode that includes text indicating the user's name or user ID, etc., displayed in a speech bubble next to the image data. As yet another example, the avatar may be displayed in a display mode that includes effects added to the above-mentioned images, text, etc. The avatar may be displayed in a display mode that includes, for example, a flame-like effect or a rainbow-colored glow effect. The avatar may also be displayed in a display mode that includes images other than the above-mentioned images, text, and effects.

[0023] The server 3 also controls so that character strings and voices input by the user on the terminal 2 are output on the display and speaker of the other user's terminal 2. Specifically, the server 3 can control so that text input by the user into a chat box using a keyboard or the like is displayed in the chat box on the display of the other user's terminal 2. Specifically, the server 3 can control so that speech input by the user using a microphone or the like is output from the speaker of the other user's terminal 2. The input / output processing of character strings and voices described above can be performed using conventional technology.

[0024] As described above, in the virtual space, users can move the position of their avatars, move their gaze in the direction they want to view, and view the avatars that represent their respective users. That is, in the virtual space, for example, the movements and appearance of users in the real space are reproduced. Furthermore, each user can input text and voice into their own device 2, and the text and voice are output on the device 2 of other users, allowing each user to have a conversation with other users. This allows users to communicate with other users in the virtual space. The above-mentioned display processing in the virtual space can be performed using conventional technology.

[0025] Next, the functions of the server 3 according to this embodiment will be described, and the process of changing the display mode of the avatar according to this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 3 is configured to include a storage unit 4, an acquisition unit 5, and a change unit 6.

[0026] The storage unit 4 stores the relationship between the type of location and the display mode of the avatar (details will be described later). The relationship between the type of location and the display mode of the avatar is set in advance for each user. The relationship is set by user A on terminal 2A, for example, and is output from terminal 2A to server 3 and stored in storage unit 4.

[0027] The types of locations will be explained below. First, a location is an area in a virtual space. A location may be one or more areas when the virtual space is divided into a plurality of areas.

[0028] A predetermined location existing in the virtual space is associated in advance with a location type that includes the location. The location type is a property of a certain location, such as the purpose of a user's stay at a certain location or the use of the location. The location type may be, for example, a workplace or a school, a group dating event or a matchmaking meeting, or any other type other than those mentioned above. Note that multiple location types may be associated with one location. For example, if the user is a student, a location called a school is a location that has the property of "school" for the user. At the same time, if the user is a teacher, a location called a school is also a location that has the property of "workplace" for the user. The location type may be set uniformly for all users, or may be set for each user.

[0029] For example, if the type of location is "workplace / school," the user works or attends classes at this location. This virtual space may be a space associated with a workplace or school in real space. For example, if the type of location is "matchmaking / group dating," the user participates in a matchmaking meeting or a group party with other users at this location. This virtual space may be associated with a space in real space where matchmaking meetings, group parties, etc. actually take place.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between location types and avatar display modes. In the example shown in FIG. 2, avatar display modes are associated in advance with various location types and times for user A, and are stored in storage unit 4 as a registration table for user A's user ID. For example, a character string "Looking for people to go to lunch" is associated as an avatar display mode with a location type of "workplace / school" and a time period of "daytime." A display type "Display of planned overtime hours" is associated as an avatar display mode with a location type of "workplace / school" and a time period of "evening." Furthermore, a display type "Display of profile information" is associated as a display mode with a location type of "group blind date / matchmaking."

[0031] The acquisition unit 5 acquires location information, a user ID, and time information from the terminal 2. Specifically, the acquisition unit 5 receives and acquires location information, which is information indicating the location of each user's avatar in the virtual space, the user ID corresponding to the user, and time information indicating the current time from the terminal 2 via wireless communication or the like. The acquisition unit 5 outputs the acquired user ID and time information to the change unit 6. Note that the time information may be acquired from a source other than the terminal 2, as long as it is the current time.

[0032] The acquisition unit 5 acquires location type information indicating the type of location where the user's avatar is located based on the acquired location information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 5 acquires location type information indicating the type of location associated with the location indicated by the acquired location information based on a correspondence relationship between a pre-stored location and a location type including the location. The acquisition unit 5 outputs the acquired location type information to the change unit 6.

[0033] The acquisition unit 5 may acquire the user IDs (other user identification information) of the other users, which indicate information identifying the other users on whom the user's avatar will be displayed. Specifically, the acquisition unit 5 determines each terminal 2 of the other users on which the user's avatar will be displayed, and acquires the user IDs corresponding to each terminal 2. The above determination may be made using conventional technology for displaying avatars using a virtual space. The acquisition unit 5 outputs each acquired user ID to the change unit 6 as the user ID of the other users on whom the user's avatar will be displayed.

[0034] The acquisition unit 5 may acquire density information, which is information indicating the density of avatars in the virtual space. Specifically, the acquisition unit 5 may acquire location information corresponding to each user and derive density information, which is the degree of the number of other users staying within a certain range from the user's avatar, based on the acquired location information. As an example, the acquisition unit 5 may derive the number of avatars located within a certain distance from the user's avatar as the density information from the acquired location information of the user and location information of other users. As another example, the acquisition unit 5 may acquire the number of avatars at the location where the user's avatar is located as the density information from the acquired location information of the user and location information of other users. Furthermore, the density information may be other information other than the above, which indicates the density of avatars around the user's avatar.

[0035] The change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar for other users based at least on the location type information acquired by the acquisition unit 5. Specifically, the change unit 6 acquires from the storage unit 4 a relationship between the location type and the display mode of the avatar based on the user ID of the user acquired from the acquisition unit 5. The change unit 6 acquires information indicating the display mode corresponding to the location type using the relationship and the location type information. The change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar in the virtual space to the acquired display mode. Specifically, the change unit 6 generates an image for displaying the user's avatar on the terminal 2 in the changed display mode, and transmits the image to the terminal 2 on which the avatar is displayed.

[0036] The change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar for other users based on the time information acquired by the acquisition unit 5. Specifically, the change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar based on the relationship between the type of location and the display mode of the avatar, the location type information, and the time information acquired from the storage unit 4.

[0037] An example of a process for changing the display mode of an avatar based on location type information and time information will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a location, which is an area in a virtual space, and an avatar located at the location. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing a location P in the virtual space R, and an avatar X of user A and an avatar Y of user B located at the location P. In the example shown in FIG. 3(a), the acquisition unit 5 receives and acquires from the terminal 2A a user ID corresponding to user A and location type information indicating that location P corresponds to the location type "workplace / school." The acquisition unit 5 acquires time information indicating that the current time is 12:00 noon. The change unit 6 acquires a relationship between the location type and the display mode of user A's avatar X (see FIG. 2) based on the user ID of user A acquired by the acquisition unit 5. The change unit 6 acquires, from the acquired relationship, information indicating a display mode such as "Lunch Seeking" corresponding to the location type "workplace / school" and the noon time of 12:00. The change unit 6 acquires information indicating a display mode in which a display area X2 including character strings such as "I'm sleep-deprived, looking for someone to go to lunch with, let me bounce ideas off someone" is displayed next to the image X1 included in the avatar X of user A. The change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar X of user A in the virtual space R to the acquired display mode. The change unit 6 generates images of scenes visible from the positions of the avatars X and Y of users A and B, respectively, as information indicating the display mode, and transmits the images to the terminals 2A and 2B of users A and B, where the avatar X of user A is displayed. The terminals 2A and 2B display the acquired images to users A and B. That is, the terminals 2A and 2B display the avatar X of user A to users A and B in the display mode changed by the change unit 6.

[0038] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram illustrating a location Q in a virtual space R, and an avatar X of user A and an avatar Y of user B located at location Q. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3(b), the acquisition unit 5 receives and acquires from the terminal 2A a user ID corresponding to user A and location type information indicating that location P corresponds to a location type called "matchmaking / group dating." The acquisition unit 5 acquires time information indicating that the current time is 6:00 p.m. The change unit 6 acquires a relationship between the location type and the display mode of user A's avatar (see FIG. 2) based on user A's user ID. From the acquired relationship, the change unit 6 acquires information indicating a display mode such as "profile information display" corresponding to the location type called "matchmaking / group dating" and the time of night, 6:00 p.m. The change unit 6 acquires information indicating a display mode in which a display area X3 including a character string such as "Age: about XX years old, Occupation: XX-related, Hobbies: XX and XX" is displayed next to the image X1 included in user A's avatar. The change unit 6 changes the display mode of user A's avatar X in virtual space R to the acquired display mode. The change unit 6 generates images of the view visible from the positions of avatars X and Y of users A and B, respectively, as information indicating the display mode, and transmits these images to terminals 2A and 2B of users A and B, respectively, where avatar X of user A is displayed. Terminals 2A and 2B display the acquired images to users A and B. That is, terminals 2A and 2B display avatar X of user A to users A and B in the display mode changed by the change unit 6.

[0039] As described above, the display mode of the avatar X of the user A is changed for each specific location, and the display mode of the avatar X of the user A is changed according to a specific time (for example, a time period or a time span).

[0040] The change unit 6 may change the display mode of the user's avatar based on the user ID of the other user acquired by the acquisition unit 5. Specifically, in the relationship between the type of location and the display mode of the avatar, the user ID of a specific other user is previously associated by the user with each display mode. The change unit 6 acquires the user ID of the other user as the display target of the user's avatar from the acquisition unit 5. The change unit 6 acquires information indicating the display mode corresponding to the acquired user ID of the other user. When the change unit 6 generates an image of a scene visible from the position of the other user's avatar in the virtual space, it changes the display mode of the user's avatar in the image to the display mode corresponding to the user ID of the other user. The change unit 6 transmits the image in which the display mode of the user's avatar has been changed to the terminal 2 of the other user corresponding to the user ID of the other user. The terminal 2 of the other user displays the acquired image to the other user.

[0041] As an example, it is assumed that user A has previously associated user B's user ID with one of the display modes of user A's avatar. Here, when user A's avatar X exists in the virtual space and user B views avatar X, the acquisition unit 5 acquires the user ID of user B, which is the display target of user A's avatar X. The change unit 6 acquires information indicating the display mode, "Age: about XX years old, Occupation: XX-related, Hobbies: XX and XX," which is the display mode previously associated with user B's user ID acquired by the acquisition unit 5. When the change unit 6 generates an image of a scene visible from the position of user B's avatar Y, it changes the display mode of user A's avatar X in the image to the acquired display mode. The change unit 6 transmits the image in which the display mode of user A's avatar X has been changed to user B's terminal 2B as information indicating the display mode. User B's terminal 2B displays the received image to user B. That is, user A's avatar X is displayed in the display mode changed by the server 3 only on user B's terminal 2B. This allows user A to reflect the display mode that he / she wants only user B to see on his / her own avatar X displayed only on user B's terminal 2B. In other words, the content displayed on the avatar can be shown only to specific members designated in advance.

[0042] The modification unit 6 may change the display mode of the avatar based on the density information acquired by the acquisition unit 5. Specifically, the modification unit 6 acquires, from the acquisition unit 5, density information indicating the degree of the number of other users staying within a certain range from the user's avatar. The modification unit 6 changes the display mode of the user's avatar based on the density information. That is, the modification unit 6 changes the display mode of the user's avatar based on the density of the avatars (small number of people, large number of people).

[0043] For example, only when the number of other users around the user's avatar is below a preset value, the change unit 6 changes the display mode of the user's avatar in the virtual space to include a character string that appears to be speaking to other users. This prevents, for example, a character string indicating a greeting such as "hello" from being shown to many other users. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from receiving a large number of replies from many other users who are located near the user's avatar in the virtual space, thereby improving user convenience.

[0044] As another example, when the number of other users hanging around a user's avatar exceeds a preset number, the display mode of the avatar in the virtual space is controlled so that a specific display mode is not included in the display mode of the avatar. For example, the virtual space may be associated with the real space, and a user may want to go to lunch in the real space with four or more other users. In this case, the change unit 6 can display the text "Looking for people to go to lunch" in the display area next to the user's avatar only when four or more users are hanging around the user's avatar in the virtual space. This makes it possible to control the display mode of the avatar according to the user's needs, thereby improving user convenience.

[0045] When changing the display mode of the avatar, the change unit 6 may allow the user to select whether or not to make the change. Specifically, when changing the display mode of the avatar based on the location type information, etc., the change unit 6 changes the display mode only if the user approves the change.

[0046] As an example, a case will be described in which the display mode of user A's avatar is changed based on the location type "workplace / location" and the display mode "display of planned overtime hours" (see FIG. 2) corresponding to nighttime hours. In this case, when the change unit 6 acquires information indicating the display mode "planned overtime hours," it controls terminal 2A so that options regarding whether to change the display mode are displayed on the display screen of terminal 2A of user A. Terminal 2A displays the options in accordance with this control. Terminal 2A accepts user A's selection of the options and transmits information indicating the result of the user's selection to server 3. The change unit 6 receives the information and changes the display mode of the avatar in the virtual space in accordance with the result of the user's selection. In this case, if user A plans to finish work and go home on time, user A may select not to change the display mode. Furthermore, if user A plans to work after regular hours, user A may select to change the display mode or may input the planned overtime hours. This allows the user to select whether to actually display the content on terminal 2, rather than automatically switching the display content. As a result, it becomes possible to change the display mode of the user's avatar depending on the location, situation, etc. in the virtual space, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0047] When changing the display mode of the avatar, the change unit 6 may have the user select which of a plurality of display mode candidates to change the display mode of the avatar to for other users. The change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar to the candidate display mode selected by the user. Specifically, when a plurality of display modes are previously associated with one location type in the relationship between the location type and the avatar display mode, the change unit 6 acquires information indicating the plurality of display modes based on location type information, etc. The change unit 6 has the user select one display mode from the plurality of display modes. The change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar to the display mode selected by the user in the virtual space.

[0048] As an example, a case will be described in which the display mode of user A's avatar is changed based on a location type, "workplace / place," and a display mode, "Lunch Seeking," corresponding to a daytime time. The display mode, "Lunch Seeking," is preset by user A to include multiple display modes, such as "Want to go to an Italian restaurant," "Want to eat Chinese food," and "Want to eat Japanese food." The change unit 6 acquires information indicating the display mode, "Lunch Seeking," as a display mode corresponding to the location type, "workplace / place," and the time, 12:00 noon. At this time, the change unit 6 transmits information indicating the multiple display modes, "Want to go to an Italian restaurant," "Want to eat Chinese food," and "Want to eat Japanese food," included in the display mode, "Lunch Seeking," to user A's terminal 2A, and displays them as multiple display mode candidates on the display screen of user A's terminal 2A. Terminal 2A accepts user A's selection from the multiple candidates and transmits information indicating the result selected by user A to server 3. For example, the change unit 6 receives information indicating that the candidate "I want to eat Chinese food" has been selected by user A, and changes the display mode of the avatar in the virtual space so that the character string "I want to eat Chinese food" is displayed in the display area next to the avatar of user A. As described above, in relation to the type of location and the display mode of the avatar, multiple display mode patterns are prepared for one display mode, and the user can select the display mode depending on the situation.

[0049] Next, a process executed in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. 4. This process is performed when the display mode of user A's avatar is changed on each user's terminal 2. As described above, in this process, the "display conditions (type of location and time)" linked to each user's user ID are registered in the storage unit 4. Then, when the user's avatar is displayed on the terminal 2 of another user located in the same location, the previously registered content is displayed on the avatar, and the display mode of the avatar is changed.

[0050] In this process, first, user A's terminal 2A transmits the user ID to the server 3 (S01). That is, the acquisition unit 5 of the server 3 acquires user A's user ID. Next, the server 3 transmits a response signal to terminal 2A (S02). Subsequently, terminal 2A sends environmental information corresponding to the user ID, and the acquisition unit 5 acquires the environmental information (S03). The environmental information is, for example, position information (location) that indicates the position of user A's avatar in the virtual space, time information, etc. After acquiring the environmental information, the acquisition unit 5 may also acquire the user IDs and congestion information of other users as described above.

[0051] Next, the change unit 6 acquires the relationship between the type of place and the display mode, which is a relationship registered in advance in the server 3, and acquires information indicating the display mode of the avatar corresponding to the user ID and the location type information (S04). That is, the change unit 6 matches the relationship between the type of place and the display mode, which is a relationship registered in advance in the server 3, with the user ID and environmental information, and acquires the display content. Specifically, first, the change unit 6 acquires the relationship corresponding to user A based on the user ID. Then, the change unit 6 acquires information indicating the display mode of user A's avatar based on the location type information and time information.

[0052] Next, the change unit 6 changes the display mode of user A's avatar in the virtual space to the acquired display mode (S05). That is, the change unit 6 changes the display mode of user A's avatar based on the acquired display content. Next, the change unit 6 transmits the display mode of user A's avatar to the terminal 2 of the user displaying user A's avatar (S06). That is, the change unit 6 generates and transmits images of the scenery visible from the respective positions of user A's and B's avatars to each of user A's terminal 2A and user B's terminal 2B where user A's avatar is displayed. Finally, terminal 2 displays user A's avatar in the received display mode, and each user visually recognizes the change (S07). That is, terminals 2A and 2B display the received images to users A and B, respectively.

[0053] In the process of changing the display mode (S05), the change unit 6 may change the display mode of the avatar of user A based on the congestion information, etc. In the process of transmitting the display mode (S06), the change unit 6 may change the display mode in the image of the scene visible from the position of the avatar of another user based on the user ID of the other user.

[0054] Furthermore, between the display mode acquisition process (S04) and the change process (S05), the change unit 6 may allow the user A to select whether or not to change the display mode. Furthermore, between the display mode acquisition process (S04) and the change process (S05), the change unit 6 may allow the user A to select which of a plurality of display mode candidates to change the display mode for other users to.

[0055] Next, the effects of the server 3 according to this embodiment will be described. It is expected that in the future, there will be more opportunities for users to use their own real avatars in games involving many people, XR spaces, and the like. Here, for example, in order for services such as SNS to be continuously used, it is desirable for users to form relationships within the service with other users whom they do not know in real life. In other words, it is expected that a challenge for services is how to establish contact points with complete strangers.

[0056] In this embodiment, the change unit 6 changes the display mode of the user's avatar based on the type of location where the user's avatar is located. With this configuration, it is possible to change the display mode of the user's avatar depending on the purpose of the user staying at the location where the user's avatar is located or the purpose of the location. This makes it possible for the display mode of the avatar to be an opportunity for communication between users, thereby more effectively promoting communication between users in the virtual space.

[0057] For example, when user A's avatar is located in a location that corresponds to the location type "workplace / school," a string of characters preset by user A, such as "Not getting enough sleep," is displayed next to user A's avatar. This creates an opportunity for other users to talk to user A, such as "Did you go to bed late last night?" As a result, opportunities for communication between users increase.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, when user A's avatar is located in a location corresponding to the location type "matchmaking / group dating," a character string such as "Hobbies: XX and XX" preset by user A is displayed next to user A. This creates an opportunity for other users to talk to user A, such as "XX is my hobby too. Would you like to talk?" As a result, opportunities for communication between users who do not know each other increase.

[0059] Furthermore, in certain environments or occasions, it is desirable for avatars to include various information. However, until now, in certain environments where avatars are displayed (XR events, in-game), little information other than image data representing the user's alter ego has been displayed. In this embodiment, the user can set it in advance to include not only image data but also text and effects in the display format. This allows for connections with people through avatars to be created through encounters unique to avatars, by having the avatars carry various information or display various information on the avatars.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the change unit 6 may change the display mode of the avatar based on a relationship between the type of location and the display mode of the avatar, which is preset for each user. According to this configuration, the display mode of the user's avatar is changed to a display mode preset by the user based on the type of location where the user's avatar is located. As a result, the display mode of the avatar is changed to the display mode that the user wants to reflect in their avatar at the location where the avatar is located. As a result, it is possible to more effectively promote communication between users in the virtual space. However, the change in the display mode of the avatar does not necessarily have to be based on the relationship between the type of location and the display mode of the avatar.

[0061] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 5 may acquire time information indicating the time, and the change unit 6 may change the display mode of the avatar for other users based on the time information acquired by the acquisition unit 5. This configuration makes it possible to change the display mode of the user's avatar according to the time. This allows the display mode of the avatar to be automatically changed to the display mode that the user wants to reflect in the avatar for each time period. For example, when it is close to 12:00 a.m., the user can automatically display a message next to the avatar indicating that the user wants to spend lunchtime with other users. This can serve as an opportunity for communication between the user and other users. From the above, it is possible to more effectively promote communication between users in a virtual space. However, the change in the display mode of the avatar does not necessarily have to be based on time information.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 5 acquires the user ID of the other user indicating information identifying the other user for whom the user's avatar is to be displayed, and the change unit 6 changes the display mode of the avatar based on the user ID of the other user acquired by the acquisition unit 5. With this configuration, for example, it becomes possible to change the display mode of the avatar only for specific other users. As a result, if there is a display mode that a user wants to present only to specific other users, that display mode is displayed only to the specific other users, which can serve as an opportunity for communication between the user and the specific other users. As a result, it becomes possible to more effectively promote communication between users in the virtual space. However, the change in the display mode of the avatar does not necessarily have to be performed as described above.

[0063] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 5 may acquire density information indicating the density of avatars at a location where the user's avatar is located, and the modification unit 6 may modify the display mode of the avatar based on the density information acquired by the acquisition unit 5. This configuration allows the display mode of the avatar to be modified based on the density of the avatars. Here, users may need to modify the display mode of the avatar according to the density of the avatars. For example, if a user's display mode is modified to ask a question to other users in a situation where many other users are around, responses from all other users will be sent to the user, reducing user convenience. However, in this embodiment, the display mode of the avatar is modified based on the density information. For example, a user's display mode such as asking a question to other users is not modified in a situation where many other users are around. As a result, user convenience is improved. However, the modification of the avatar's display mode does not necessarily need to be performed based on the density information.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when changing the display mode of the avatar, the change unit 6 may prompt the user to select which of a plurality of display mode candidates to change the display mode of the avatar to other users, and change the display mode of the avatar to the display mode candidate selected by the user. This configuration makes it possible to change the display mode of the avatar to the display mode candidate selected by the user. This allows the user to select the display mode of the avatar from a plurality of display mode candidates depending on the location, situation, etc. in the virtual space. As a result, it is possible to more effectively promote communication between users in the virtual space. However, when changing the display mode of the avatar, it is not necessarily necessary to perform processing to prompt the user to select one display mode from a plurality of display mode candidates.

[0065] In this embodiment, between the display mode acquisition process (S04) and the change process (S05), the change unit 6 allows the user to select which of multiple display mode candidates to change the display mode for other users to, but this is not limited to this. For example, before the process of changing the avatar's display mode starts (S01), the change unit 6 may allow the user to select one display mode from multiple display modes. As an example, the change unit 6 may allow the user to select a display mode to be displayed the next day at lunchtime from multiple display modes such as "I want to go to an Italian restaurant," "I want to eat Chinese food," and "I want to eat Japanese food." Furthermore, the change unit 6 may allow the user to select one display mode from the multiple display modes just before the current time corresponds to "lunchtime."

[0066] In this embodiment, the display mode of the avatar may be an object that indicates information about the user in the virtual space. The display mode of the avatar may be, for example, only a display area in which a character string preset by the user is displayed. For example, when the terminal 2 is MR glasses, a virtual space corresponding to the real space appears superimposed on the user's field of view in real space from the user's eye position. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the display mode of the avatar X of user A includes only display areas X2 and X3. In this case, from the perspective of each user, the display areas X2 and X3 appear superimposed on the appearance of user A in real space. This allows each user wearing the terminal 2, such as MR glasses, to see pre-set information next to the user's appearance in real space, making it possible to more effectively promote communication between users in the real space corresponding to the virtual space.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information indicating the display mode transmitted from the server 3 to the terminal 2 is an image of a scene seen from the position of the user's avatar corresponding to the terminal 2, but is not limited to this. Specifically, the server 3 may output information necessary for generating an image of a scene seen from the position of the user's avatar in the virtual space to the terminal 2, and the terminal 2 may generate and display the image based on the acquired information. Specifically, when the change unit 6 acquires information indicating a display mode corresponding to the type of place, etc., based on the relationship between the type of place and the display mode of the avatar, the terminal 2, rather than the server 3, may generate the image and display the generated image to the user.

[0068] Furthermore, some of the functions described above as being provided in the server 3 may be provided in the terminal 2. In that case, the terminal 2 and the server 3 form a display control system. Furthermore, all of the functions described above as being provided in the server 3 may be provided in the terminal 2. In that case, the terminal 2 forms a display control system.

[0069] 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 for 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 directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wires, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

[0070] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regard, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0071] For example, the terminal 2 and server 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 2 and server 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal 2 and server 3 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0072] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be read as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the terminal 2 and the server 3 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0073] Each function in the terminal 2 and the server 3 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and the 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 the storage 1003.

[0074] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the change unit 6 of the server 3 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0075] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads 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 programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the change unit 6 of the server 3 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 also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0076] 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 ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (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 a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] 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® disk), 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 called an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in terminal 2 and server 3 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] The terminal 2 and the server 3 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, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0090] 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.

[0091] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0092] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0093] 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."

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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]

[0098] 3...server (display control system), 5...acquisition unit, 6...change unit, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...storage, 1004...communication device, 1005...input device, 1006...output device, A, B...user, X, Y...avatar, P, Q...location, R...virtual space.

Claims

1. A display control system that controls a display mode of a user's avatar in a virtual space to other users, an acquisition unit that acquires location type information that indicates a type of location where the user's avatar is located; a change unit that changes a display mode of the avatar to the other users based on the location type information acquired by the acquisition unit, A display control system in which the display manner of the avatar includes a character string indicating a profile set by the user, the character string being displayed together with the avatar itself near the avatar itself.

2. The display control system according to claim 1 , wherein the change unit changes the display mode of the avatar based on a relationship between the type of the location and the display mode of the avatar, which relationship is set in advance for each user.

3. the acquisition unit acquires time information that is information indicating a time, The display control system according to claim 1 , wherein the change unit changes the display mode of the avatar for the other users based on the time information acquired by the acquisition unit.

4. the acquisition unit acquires other user identification information indicating information identifying the other user who is to be the target of display of the user's avatar; The display control system according to claim 1 , wherein the change unit changes the display mode of the avatar further based on the other user identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

5. the acquisition unit acquires density information indicating a density of avatars at a location where the user's avatar is located; The display control system according to claim 1 , wherein the change unit changes the display mode of the avatar based further on the congestion information acquired by the acquisition unit.

6. The display control system of claim 1, wherein the change unit, when changing the display mode of the avatar, allows the user to select which of a plurality of display mode candidates to change the display mode of the avatar to for the other users, and changes the display mode of the avatar to the display mode candidate selected by the user.

Images