Program and information processing system

Abstract

Improve user convenience. [Solution] The program causes a computer to create a second virtual space that can be placed in a part of a first virtual space in which objects operated by a user can move, with a limit on the number of objects that can enter and exit; objects in the second virtual space are able to communicate with each other; and other objects in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space are restricted from at least one of obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space and providing information about communication to objects in the second virtual space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for moving a user object in a virtual space based on a user's operation input, and generating a virtual space image based on a virtual camera that moves in accordance with the movement of the user object. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for generating a virtual space image when a virtual space is shared by multiple users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-33894 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: On the computer, A second virtual space is provided in which an object operated by a user can be placed in a part of the first virtual space in which the object can move, and in which the number of objects that can enter and exit is limited; The objects existing in the second virtual space are allowed to communicate with each other, Other objects existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space are restricted from at least one of obtaining information regarding communication in the second virtual space and providing information regarding communication to objects existing in the second virtual space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the virtual space image displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the virtual space image displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction on information related to communication by the communication control unit shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the restriction on information related to communication by the communication control unit shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a silent zone provided on the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of this technical concept will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0009] [Configuration of information processing system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes one or more terminal devices 10 and a server 20, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 13. Fig. 1 shows terminal devices 10A and 10B used by multiple users, respectively.

[0010] The terminal device 10 is connected to the network 13 by communicating with a wireless router 14 installed in a facility such as a house. The terminal device 10 may be configured to be connected to the network 13 by wired communication.

[0011] The terminal device 10 is a computer (information processing device) used by a user. The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a head-mounted device (HMD) including virtual reality (VR) glasses, augmented reality (AR) glasses, mixed reality (MR) glasses, or a personal computer (PC). The terminal device 10 may be a contact-type device that can be worn on the eyes, like contact lenses.

[0012] The terminal device 10 executes an application program installed via a platform that distributes apps, for example. Instead of executing an application program, the terminal device 10 may execute a program acquired via software for browsing websites, i.e., a web browser. By executing the program, the terminal device 10 generates a virtual space image and displays the virtual space image. When generating the virtual space image, the terminal device 10 transmits and receives various data to and from the server 20 as necessary.

[0013] The virtual space is generated using XR technology such as VR, AR, MR, or SR (Substitutional Reality). The virtual space may be common to multiple users, or may be different for each user. That is, multiple objects (hereinafter also referred to as "user objects") operated by multiple users may exist in one virtual space, or one user object may exist in one virtual space.

[0014] The server 20 receives information regarding the user's operation input from the terminal device 10, and transmits virtual space information necessary for generating a virtual space, etc., to the terminal device 10 in accordance with the received information. The virtual space information includes information for generating various objects, such as a virtual camera, user objects, and objects operated by other users (hereinafter also referred to as "other user objects"), which are placed in the virtual space.

[0015] For example, suppose that a user performs an operation on the terminal device 10 to place a user object in a virtual space. In this case, the server 20 transmits information for generating the user object, specifically virtual space information indicating the placement position of the user object, to the terminal device 10 of each user sharing the virtual space. This allows a virtual space image including the user object to be displayed on each terminal device 10 of multiple users sharing the same virtual space.

[0016] [Terminal device configuration] (Configuration overview) Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a memory 24, a display unit 25, and an operation reception unit 26.

[0017] The communication unit 21 functions as an interface for the terminal device 10 to communicate with an external device such as the server 20 (see FIG. 1). For example, when virtual space information is transmitted from the server 20 to the terminal device 10, the communication unit 21 receives the virtual space information and outputs it to the control unit 22.

[0018] The storage unit 23 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. Specifically, the storage unit 23 stores a program 41, user information 42, and the like. The program 41 is a program for the terminal device 10 to execute various processes. The user information 42 includes information about the user, such as identification information of the terminal device 10.

[0019] The memory 24 includes a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 24 temporarily stores various data generated in accordance with the operation of the control unit 22, such as information about user objects operated by the user.

[0020] The display unit 25 is a monitor or the like on which a virtual space image is displayed. For example, if the terminal device 10 is an HMD, the display unit 25 is provided at a position within the field of view of the user when the user wears the terminal device 10.

[0021] The operation receiving unit 26 receives an operation by the user on the terminal device 10, and outputs operation information indicating the operation content to the communication unit 21 or the control unit 22.

[0022] The control unit 22 is a processor including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 22 operates in accordance with a program 41 to fulfill the functions of a space generation unit 31, a placement unit 32, a communication control unit 33, and an image processing unit 34.

[0023] The space generation unit 31 generates a virtual space and objects to be placed in the virtual space based on virtual space information transmitted from the server 20 (see FIG. 1). The objects generated by the space generation unit 31 include a virtual camera, a user object, other user objects, and building objects.

[0024] The arrangement unit 32 arranges various objects in the virtual space. The image processing unit 34 generates a virtual space image, which is an image captured within the virtual space by a virtual camera, and causes the generated virtual space image to be displayed on the display unit 25.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 shown in Fig. 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, when a virtual camera is placed behind a user object 601, a third-person perspective virtual space image including at least a part of the user object 601 is displayed on the display unit 25 (see Fig. 2).

[0026] [Controlling communication inside and outside the booth object] (overview) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the virtual space image displayed on display unit 25 shown in Fig. 2. With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, space generation unit 31 can arrange booth objects 701 that divide the virtual space.

[0027] The user object 601 and other user objects 602 can enter the space inside the booth object 701. Hereinafter, the virtual space outside the booth object 701 will be referred to as the "first virtual space," and the virtual space inside the booth object 701 will be referred to as the "second virtual space." Figure 4 shows a state in which the user object 601 is located in the first virtual space, and the other user object 602 is located in the second virtual space.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 shows a state in which a user object 601 and another user object 602 are located in a second virtual space inside a booth object 701. In this state, the communication control unit 33 shown in Fig. 2 performs control so that communication between the user object 601 and the other user object 602 is possible.

[0029] 5, assume that user A operating user object 601 performs an operation to select microphone button 702 displayed on display unit 25. In this case, operation accepting unit 26 shown in FIG. 2 outputs operation information indicating the operation content by user A to control unit 22.

[0030] Upon receiving the operation information, the communication control unit 33 in the control unit 22 switches the voice chat function from off to on. This allows a voice chat conversation between user A, who operates the user object 601, and user B, who operates the other user object 602. Note that the voice chat function may be configured to automatically switch from off to on when the user object 601 enters the second virtual space or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user object 601 entered the second virtual space.

[0031] In the second virtual space, a plurality of other user objects 602 other than the user object 601 can exist. In such a case, user A who operates the user object 601 can have a conversation with a plurality of users who respectively operate these plurality of other user objects 602. On the other hand, user A cannot have an individual conversation with one of these plurality of users.

[0032] Furthermore, when the user object 601 is located in the first virtual space, the communication control unit 33 restricts communication between the user A who operates the user object 601 and the second virtual space.

[0033] For example, assume that a user object 601 is located in a first virtual space and another user object 602 is located in a second virtual space, as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, even if user A performs an operation to switch on the voice chat function, user A cannot converse with user B who is operating the other user object 602.

[0034] That is, communication control unit 33 restricts user A from obtaining voice information in the second virtual space and from providing voice information to the second virtual space. By performing such control, confidential conversations such as business negotiations can be held between multiple user objects in the second virtual space without being heard by user objects in the first virtual space.

[0035] (Variations of communication restrictions) (a) Example 1 The communication control unit 33 is not limited to a configuration that restricts conversation between a user of a user object existing in the first virtual space and a user of a user object existing in the second virtual space. For example, the communication control unit 33 may restrict the acquisition and provision of information related to communication other than voice information between a user of a user object existing in the first virtual space and a user of a user object existing in the second virtual space.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the restriction of information related to communication by the communication control unit 33 shown in Fig. 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, assume that a user object 601 exists in the second virtual space. In this case, the display unit 25 of the terminal device 10 of user A who operates the user object 601 displays characters and the like (in the example shown in Fig. 5, the characters "AAAAA") of a monitor object 703 arranged in the second virtual space in a recognizable manner.

[0037] On the other hand, suppose that a user object 601 exists in the first virtual space as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the communication control unit 33 controls the display unit 25 of the terminal device 10 of the user A so that characters and the like of the monitor object 703 cannot be recognized, for example.

[0038] In addition, the communication control unit 33 may be configured to restrict user A from acquiring not only text information in the second virtual space, but also image information such as posters and pictures displayed in the second virtual space.

[0039] Furthermore, the communication control unit 33 may be configured to restrict conversations via text chat. For example, assume that a user object 601 exists in the second virtual space. In this case, user A, who operates the user object 601, can have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects that exist in the second virtual space. On the other hand, user A cannot have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects that exist in the first virtual space.

[0040] For example, assume that user object 601 exists in the first virtual space. In this case, user A who operates user object 601 can have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects that exist in the first virtual space. On the other hand, user A cannot have a text chat conversation with other users who operate other user objects that exist in the second virtual space.

[0041] (b) Example 2 Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the restriction of information related to communication by the communication control unit 33 shown in Fig. 2. For example, assume that a user object 601 exists in the second virtual space as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, user A operating the user object 601 can see the facial expressions and actions of another user object 602 existing in the second virtual space in the virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 10.

[0042] On the other hand, suppose that a user object 601 exists in the first virtual space as shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the communication control unit 33 controls the virtual space image displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 10 of the user A so that the facial expressions and movements of another user object 602 existing in the second virtual space cannot be seen. In the virtual space image shown in Fig. 7, for example, the figure of the other user object 602 is displayed like a shadow.

[0043] (c) Example 3 In addition, when the user object 601 exists in the first virtual space, the communication control unit 33 may be configured to restrict user A, who is operating the user object 601, to only providing information to the second virtual space, but not restricting the acquisition of information from the second virtual space.

[0044] For example, when user object 601 exists in the first virtual space, communication control unit 33 allows user A to obtain information related to communication in the second virtual space, such as audio information, text information, or image information. On the other hand, communication control unit 33 restricts user A from providing audio information, etc. to user B, who is operating another user object 602 existing in the second virtual space. In other words, in this case, user A can hear the voice of user B, but cannot speak to user B.

[0045] (Subspace setting in the second virtual space) Referring again to Figure 2, the placement unit 32 can set up multiple sub-spaces within the booth object 701 in which some of the multiple user objects currently in the booth object 701 can enter, and in which communication with other spaces is restricted, in response to operational input from a user operating a user object that has entered the second virtual space, or from an administrative side that provides the virtual space.

[0046] The user objects that can enter each subspace can be designated by the user operating the user object that is in the second virtual space, or by the administrator. Also, multiple user objects that are in the second virtual space may be randomly assigned to each subspace.

[0047] The number of objects that can enter each subspace may be set in response to an operation by a user who operates a user object that is currently in the second virtual space or an operation by the management side. The set subspace may also be cancelled in response to an operation by a user who operates a user object that is currently in the second virtual space or an operation by the management side.

[0048] The communication control unit 33 controls communication between a user object that has entered one of the subspaces and a user object that has entered another subspace. That is, the communication control unit 33 restricts at least one of the acquisition and provision of information related to communication between different subspaces.

[0049] For example, suppose that a user object 601 and another user object 602 are in the same second virtual space, and that the user object 601 and the other user object 602 are in the same subspace. In this case, user A, who operates user object 601, and user B, who operates the other user object 602, can have a conversation using the subspace.

[0050] On the other hand, suppose that user object 601 and other user object 602 are in the same second virtual space, but are in different subspaces. In this case, user A and user B cannot have a conversation. By setting such subspaces, it becomes possible for only some of the users who are operating the multiple user objects in the second virtual space to have a conversation with each other.

[0051] [Setting the second virtual space] (Setting of location and usage time) 2, operation receiving unit 26 receives a setting operation for the second virtual space by the user. For example, the user can set the location and usage time of the second virtual space in advance by inputting an operation to terminal device 10.

[0052] The placement unit 32 places the booth object 701 in the first virtual space in accordance with the user's operation content accepted by the operation acceptance unit 26. In this way, the placement position and usage time of the second virtual space can be reserved in advance, so that communication between user objects in the second virtual space can be smoothly initiated.

[0053] The location and usage time of the second virtual space may be set by the administrator. Also, there may be areas or time periods in the first virtual space where the second virtual space cannot be placed.

[0054] Furthermore, the user or the management side can select a booth object 701 to be used by the user from among a plurality of booth objects 701 that have already been placed. For example, a dedicated placement area is provided in the first virtual space for placing a plurality of booth objects 701. The user or the management side can then select one booth object 701 from a plurality of private booths placed in the dedicated placement area, and further set the usage time of the selected booth object 701.

[0055] Furthermore, when a user sets up a second virtual space, a fee for using the second virtual space may be charged by the management side, etc. In such a case, the fee may be changed depending on, for example, the location of the second virtual space and the duration of use.

[0056] Furthermore, the user or the administrator can set up a second virtual space immediately before the user uses the second virtual space, without necessarily having to make a reservation in advance. For example, assume that all of the second virtual spaces corresponding to the booth objects 701 already placed in the first virtual space are in use. In such a case, the user can set up a new second virtual space immediately before using it.

[0057] Additionally, a limit may be set for the number of times or duration of use of the second virtual space for each user, which prevents the same user from repeatedly using the second virtual space and provides more users with opportunities to use the second virtual space.

[0058] In addition, the configuration may be such that advance reservations or settings immediately before use of the second virtual space by a user operating the user object 601 are accepted only when the user object 601 exists in a specified area of ​​the first virtual space.

[0059] (Setting the number of people allowed in the room) The second virtual space has a limit on the number of objects that can enter (hereinafter referred to as the "number of allowed entries"). The number of allowed entries may be set by the user or an administrator, for example, when setting up the second virtual space, or may be set automatically.

[0060] The virtual space image also displays the number of rooms that can be entered into the second virtual space. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, in the virtual space image, a display area 704 showing the number of rooms that can be entered is displayed near the booth object 701. In the example shown in Fig. 4, it is shown that the number of rooms that can be entered into the second virtual space inside the booth object 701 is "5," and the number of objects currently in the space is "1."

[0061] The number of people allowed to enter the room may be changed by the user or administrator. For example, by setting the number of people allowed to enter the room to "2," a user can use the second virtual space to have individual conversations with other users.

[0062] Furthermore, when a usage fee for the second virtual space is charged to the user by the management side or the like, the usage fee may be changed depending on the number of people allowed to enter the second virtual space.

[0063] 2 can change the size of the second virtual space, i.e., the size of booth object 701, depending on the number of people allowed to enter the second virtual space. This makes it possible to provide a second virtual space of an appropriate size for the number of objects in the second virtual space.

[0064] (Settings for user objects that can enter the room) The operation receiving unit 26 shown in FIG. 2 may be configured to receive advance settings regarding user objects that can enter the second virtual space.

[0065] For example, assume that user A, who operates user object 601, performs an input operation on terminal device 10 to preset another user object 602 that can enter the second virtual space, the date and time of entry into the second virtual space, and the date and time of exit from the second virtual space. In this case, server 20 shown in Fig. 1 can send a notification to terminal device 10 of user B, who operates the other user object 602, a predetermined time before each of the entry date and time and exit date and time set by user A. This allows user B to be notified of the date and time of entry into and the date and time of exit from the second virtual space.

[0066] Furthermore, the server 20 may move the other user's object 602 from outside the second virtual space into the second virtual space, for example, a predetermined time before a preset entry date and time. Furthermore, the server 20 may move the other user's object 602 from within the second virtual space to outside the second virtual space, for example, a predetermined time before a preset exit date and time. This allows the other user's object 602 to automatically enter or exit the second virtual space even if user B does not perform a movement operation on the other user's object 602.

[0067] (Booth object settings) 4, booth object 701 may be semi-transparent or opaque. When booth object 701 is semi-transparent, as shown in FIG. 4, the situation in the second virtual space, such as the number of other user objects 602 present in the second virtual space, can be grasped on terminal device 10 of user A, who is operating user object 601 present in the first virtual space. This can reduce the difficulty for user A to enter the second virtual space.

[0068] Furthermore, when the number of user objects in the second virtual space reaches the maximum number of users allowed to enter the second virtual space, booth object 701 forming the second virtual space may be configured to switch from semi-transparent to opaque.

[0069] Furthermore, the booth object 701 may be transparent (i.e., invisible) on the terminal device 10 of user A who operates the user object 601 existing in the first virtual space. In this case, the booth object 701 may be displayed semi-transparently or opaquely on the terminal device 10 of user A only if the user object 601 is a user object permitted to enter the second virtual space.

[0070] Furthermore, whether the booth object 701 is transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque can be set by the user or the administrator.

[0071] (Silent zone setting) Here, when user object 601 exists in a first virtual space, user A who operates user object 601 can have a voice chat conversation with user B of another user object 602 who exists in the first virtual space.

[0072] Also, assume that user object 601 is located near the boundary between the inside and outside of the second virtual space. In this case, user A, who operates user object 601, may frequently switch between being able to participate in voice chat in the second virtual space and being able to participate in voice chat in the first virtual space. This may cause errors or other issues in processing related to voice chat between users.

[0073] For this reason, a space (hereinafter referred to as a "silent zone") in which user A cannot participate in any voice chat may be provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating silent zone 705 provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space shown in Figure 4. Silent zone 705 includes, for example, an area of ​​a predetermined range that includes the boundary between the first virtual space and the second virtual space.

[0074] When a user object 601 is located inside the silent zone 705, user A who operates the user object 601 cannot participate in conversations with user B who operates another user object 602 that exists in the second virtual space, nor in conversations with other users of other user objects that exist in the first virtual space.

[0075] By providing such silent zone 705, when user object 601 enters or leaves the second virtual space, user A goes through a state where he or she cannot participate in either the conversation in the second virtual space or the conversation in the first virtual space. This allows for gradual changes in the conversation process between users, thereby reducing the occurrence of errors, etc.

[0076] In addition, when the user object 601 is located inside the silent zone 705, user A may not only be unable to participate in any conversations, but may also be controlled so that he or she cannot hear either the sounds output in the first virtual space or the sounds output in the second virtual space.

[0077] Alternatively, instead of providing silent zone 705, control may be performed so that user A can participate in conversations in the second virtual space when user object 601 has stayed in the second virtual space for a predetermined period of time or longer. This configuration can prevent frequent switching between a state in which user A can participate in conversations in the second virtual space and a state in which user A can participate in conversations in the first virtual space. In other words, the same effect as when silent zone 705 is provided can be achieved.

[0078] [Additional Notes] The contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed as follows. [assignment] The purpose is to improve convenience.

[0079] [Solution] (Item 1) On the computer, A second virtual space is provided in which an object operated by a user can be placed in a part of the first virtual space in which the object can move, and in which the number of objects that can enter and exit is limited; The objects existing in the second virtual space are allowed to communicate with each other, restricting other objects present in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space from at least one of obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space and providing information about communication to objects present in the second virtual space; program.

[0080] With this configuration, for example, communication between multiple objects in the second virtual space, such as confidential conversations such as business negotiations, can be conducted without being overheard by objects outside the second virtual space, thereby increasing the interest of the user.

[0081] (Item 2) Item 1. The program according to item 1, wherein the size of the second virtual space is changed according to the number of objects that are set to be allowed to enter the second virtual space.

[0082] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second virtual space from being too large or too small relative to the number of objects in the second virtual space, and to provide a second virtual space of an appropriate size.

[0083] (Item 3) 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein an upper limit is set on at least one of the usage time and the number of times the second virtual space can be used.

[0084] With this configuration, for example, it is possible to prevent the same user from continuously using the second virtual space, and to provide many users with an opportunity to use the second virtual space.

[0085] (Item 4) 4. The program according to any one of items 1 to 3, which accepts presetting of at least one of a placement position of the second virtual space, a usage date and time, and an object that can be entered.

[0086] With this configuration, communication between objects in the second virtual space can be started smoothly.

[0087] (Item 5) Accepting a date and time of use of the second virtual space and a pre-setting of objects that can be entered; 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein a preset object is moved between the second virtual space and outside the second virtual space based on a preset date and time of use.

[0088] With this configuration, even if the user does not perform a movement operation on an object that is set as an object that can enter the second virtual space, the object can automatically enter or exit the second virtual space.

[0089] (Item 6) setting a plurality of subspaces in the second virtual space; 6. The program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein an object existing in one of a plurality of subspaces is restricted from at least one of obtaining information about communication in other subspaces and providing information about communication to other objects existing in the other subspaces.

[0090] With this configuration, among the plurality of objects existing in the second virtual space, conversations can be carried out between only some of the objects.

[0091] (Item 7) An object existing in the second virtual space can participate in a conversation with another object existing in the second virtual space; An object that exists in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space can participate in a conversation with another object that exists in the first virtual space, The program described in any one of items 1 to 6, wherein a space is provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space in which an object cannot participate in conversations with other objects existing in the second virtual space or other objects existing in the first virtual space.

[0092] Assume that an object exists near the boundary between the second virtual space and the outside of the second virtual space. In this case, the object may frequently switch between a state in which it can participate in a conversation in the second virtual space and a state in which it can participate in a conversation in the first virtual space. This may cause errors in the conversation processing between the objects.

[0093] In contrast, with the above configuration, when an object enters or leaves the second virtual space, the object goes through a state where it cannot participate in either the conversation in the second virtual space or the conversation in the first virtual space. This allows for gradual changes in the conversation processing between objects, thereby reducing the occurrence of errors, etc.

[0094] The solution constituted by the above program may be appropriately applied to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media.

[0095] Furthermore, the operations of the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) in the terminal device 10 of each of the above-described embodiments may be executed by one processor or by multiple processors. For example, some or all of the operations of the control unit 22 may be executed by the server 20 shown in FIG.

[0096] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified, improved, or partially deleted from the configuration of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1: Information processing system, 10, 10A, 10B: Terminal device, 13: Network, 14: Wireless router, 20: Server, 21: Communication unit, 22: Control unit, 23: Storage unit, 24: Memory, 25: Display unit, 26: Operation reception unit, 31: Space generation unit, 32: Placement unit, 33: Communication control unit, 34: Image processing unit, 41: Program, 42: User information, 601: User object, 602: Other user object, 701: Booth object, 702: Microphone button, 703: Monitor object, 704: Display area, 705: Silent zone

Claims

1. On the computer, placing a booth object that divides the virtual space in a virtual space in which an object operated by a user can move; enabling communication between objects existing in a second virtual space, which is a space inside the booth object and has a limit on the number of objects that can enter the second virtual space; restricting other objects that exist in a first virtual space that is outside the booth object and that is continuous with the second virtual space from at least one of obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space and providing information about communication to objects that exist in the second virtual space; an object existing in the second virtual space can participate in a conversation with another object existing in the second virtual space; an object existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space can participate in a conversation with another object existing in the first virtual space; a space is provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space in which an object cannot participate in conversations with other objects existing in the second virtual space or other objects existing in the first virtual space; program.

2. An information processing system including one or more information processing devices, A booth object is placed in a virtual space in which an object operated by a user can move, the booth object dividing the virtual space; enabling communication between objects existing in a second virtual space, which is a space inside the booth object and has a limit on the number of objects that can enter the second virtual space; restricting other objects that exist in a first virtual space that is outside the booth object and that is continuous with the second virtual space from at least one of obtaining information about communication in the second virtual space and providing information about communication to objects that exist in the second virtual space; an object existing in the second virtual space can participate in a conversation with another object existing in the second virtual space; an object existing in the first virtual space outside the second virtual space can participate in a conversation with another object existing in the first virtual space; An information processing system in which a space is provided at the boundary between the second virtual space and the first virtual space in which an object cannot participate in conversations with other objects existing in the second virtual space or other objects existing in the first virtual space.

Images