Information processing device, method, program and system

Abstract

To increase the gifting motivation of viewers of an event held in a virtual space. A program executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, The program causes a processor to execute the following steps: receiving a gift-giving operation from a user watching an event held in a virtual space to provide a gift to a performer of the event; providing the gift to the performer in accordance with the received gift-giving operation; generating reaction information to the gift based on first information regarding the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer; and causing the avatar object or an event object associated with the avatar object to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In order to increase the gifting motivation of viewers of an event held in a virtual space or the like, there is a technique in which avatar objects corresponding to performers of the event react to gifts offered.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which an avatar object corresponding to a performer of an event generates a predetermined facial expression or pose in response to a gift provided by a viewing user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-170168 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 controls the reaction of an avatar object corresponding to a performer based on a gift provided by a viewing user. However, if the reaction of the avatar object is inappropriate for the performance being performed when the gift is provided, the viewing user who provided the gift may feel uncomfortable, which may actually lead to a decrease in their motivation to give gifts.

[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure is to actively increase the gifting motivation of users watching events taking place in a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the program of the present disclosure is a program executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores reference performance information regarding a performance performed by an arbitrary avatar object and reference reaction information regarding a reaction performed by the arbitrary avatar object that is at least associated with the reference performance information, and the program causes the processor to execute the following steps: accepting a gift providing operation from a user watching an event held in a virtual space to provide a gift to a performer of the event; providing the gift to the performer in accordance with the accepted gift providing operation; generating reaction information for the gift by referring to the reference reaction information stored in the memory from first information regarding a performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer; and causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object associated with the avatar object to react in accordance with the generated reaction information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to actively increase the gifting motivation of users who watch an event taking place in a virtual space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a terminal device 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server 20. [Figure 4] 1 shows the data structure of a user information database stored in the storage unit of the server 20. [Figure 5] 1 shows the data structure of a gift information database stored in the storage unit of server 20. [Figure 6] 1 shows the data structure of a reaction information database stored in the storage unit of the server 20. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for causing avatar objects corresponding to performers to react to gifts provided by users viewing the event. [Figure 8] 10 is another flowchart showing a series of processes for causing avatar objects corresponding to performers to react to gifts provided by users watching the event. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for accepting an operation from a user to specify the timing of gift provision. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for accepting an operation from a performer to limit the generation of reaction information. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a screen when a user performs an operation to select performers of an event for which a gift is to be provided. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a screen when a user performs an operation to select a gift to provide. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a screen showing a state in which a gift has been given to a performer. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a screen showing a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer. [Figure 15] 10 is another example screen showing a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer. [Figure 16] 10 is another example screen showing a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

[0011] In the following description, a "processor" refers to one or more processors. The at least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The at least one processor may be single-core or multi-core.

[0012] Furthermore, the at least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0013] In the following explanation, information that produces an output for an input may be described using expressions such as "xxx table," but this information may be data of any structure, or may be a learning model such as a neural network that produces an output for an input. Therefore, an "xxx table" may be referred to as "xxx information."

[0014] Furthermore, in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0015] In addition, in the following explanation, processing may be described using the "program" as the subject, but since a program is executed by a processor to perform specified processing while appropriately using a memory unit and / or an interface unit, etc., the subject of the processing may also be the processor (or a device such as a controller that has that processor).

[0016] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be stored in, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including alphabetic characters or symbols) may also be used.

[0018] In addition, in the following description, when describing elements of the same type without distinguishing between them, reference symbols (or common symbols among the reference symbols) may be used, and when describing elements of the same type with distinction between them, the identification numbers (or reference symbols) of the elements may be used.

[0019] In the following description, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily represent all the control lines and information lines in the product. All components may be interconnected.

[0020] Each information processing device is configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10 and the server 20, descriptions that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0021] (First embodiment) <Summary> In the following embodiment, a technology will be described in which a user participating as a viewer in an event held in a virtual space performs an operation to provide a gift for a performer's performance at the event. Here, there are no limitations on the devices that can be used as appropriate when realizing the technology according to the present disclosure, and various devices can be used, including terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals owned by users, as well as devices such as stationary personal computers (PCs) and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0022] The system 1 according to the present embodiment provides a technique that can increase the gifting motivation of users who participate as viewers in an event held in a virtual space.

[0023] <1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] 1, the system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other via a network 80 for communication.

[0025] The terminal device 10 is a device used by a user watching an event held in a virtual space or a performer of the event. The terminal device 10 is realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary personal computer (PC) or a laptop PC. The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19. The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0026] The terminal device 10 is communicatively connected to the server 20 via a network 80. The terminal device 10 is connected to the network 80 by communicating with communication devices such as a wireless base station 81 conforming to communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN router 82 conforming to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

[0027] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices. The input device 13 is an input device (e.g., a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0028] The server 20 is a device that manages a series of processes related to the system 1. For example, the server 20 stores information about users, information about gifts, information about reactions of avatar objects corresponding to performers of an event (reaction information), etc. Furthermore, for example, the server 20 generates reaction information of avatar objects in response to an operation of providing a gift from a user watching an event held in a virtual space.

[0029] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, a collection of devices can be considered as one "information processing device," and system 1 can be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which multiple functions required to realize system 1 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for system 1.

[0031] <1.1 Configuration of the terminal device 10> FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal device 10 constituting the system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122) corresponding to the respective antennas, an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302), an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.) that are not specifically shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0032] The antenna 111 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first radio communication unit 121.

[0033] The antenna 112 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 112 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second radio communication unit 122.

[0034] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 190.

[0035] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving input operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302. The touch-sensitive device 1301 receives input operations from a user of the terminal device 10. The touch-sensitive device 1301 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 1301 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation. The terminal device 10 may also be provided with a physical keyboard (not shown) that can be used for input, and may receive the user's input operations via the keyboard.

[0036] The display 1302 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 190. The display 1302 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0037] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0038] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may be a transmitting / receiving device based on a communication standard used in a short-range communication system between information devices. Specifically, the position information sensor 150 uses the 2.4 GHz band, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, to receive beacon signals from other information devices equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module.

[0039] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to a subject being photographed. Furthermore, the camera 160 acquires the body movements of the user using the terminal device 10, performers, etc. Specifically, for example, the camera 160 acquires the movement of the user's mouth and the movement of each part of the face (eyes, eyebrows, etc.). Any existing technology may be used to acquire the movements.

[0040] The motion sensor 170 is configured with a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and detects the tilt of the terminal device 10.

[0041] The storage unit 180 is configured with, for example, a flash memory or the like, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In one aspect, the storage unit 180 stores user information 1801 and the like. The information may be held in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10, or may be stored as a database in the storage unit 202 of a server (described later) and acquired via the network 80.

[0042] User information 1801 is information about a user who will be watching an event. The information about the user includes, for example, information about an identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's favorite performers, information about the total amount of gifts provided in the past, gift-giving record information about the gift-giving record at past events held in the virtual space, and log information representing the user's behavioral history at events held in the virtual space or other events. The events that the user watches may include various events held in the virtual space, such as live music events held in the virtual space, talk events held in the virtual space, merchandise sales events held in the virtual space, game events held in the virtual space, fashion show events held in the virtual space, conference events held in the virtual space, and exhibition events held in the virtual space.

[0043] The control unit 190 reads a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executes instructions included in the program to control the operation of the terminal device 10. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an input operation reception unit 1901, a transmission / reception unit 1902, a data processing unit 1903, and a notification control unit 1904.

[0044] The input operation receiving unit 1901 performs processing to receive a user's input operation on an input device such as the touch-sensitive device 1301. The input operation receiving unit 1901 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched the touch-sensitive device 1301 with a finger or the like.

[0045] The transmitting / receiving unit 1902 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0046] The data processing unit 1903 performs calculations on data that the terminal device 10 has received as input in accordance with a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0047] The data processing unit 1903 receives an input operation related to an event from a user and controls processing for executing various processes related to the event. For example, the data processing unit 1903 executes processing for transmitting various information related to the implementation of the event received from the user to a server or a terminal device of an administrator of the virtual space.

[0048] The notification control unit 1904 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 1302, processing for outputting sound from the speaker 142, and processing for causing the camera 160 to generate vibrations.

[0049] <1.2 Functional configuration of server 20> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0050] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0051] The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores a user information database 2021, a gift information database 2022, a reaction information database 2023, and the like.

[0052] The user information database 2021 is a database for storing various information about users who watch events held in virtual space. The various information about users includes, for example, information about an identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's membership status if the user is a member for viewing events, information about the number of events attended, information about the user's favorite performers, information about the total amount of gifts offered at events held in virtual space (including past events and events currently being attended), gift-giving record information about the history of gift offerings at events held in virtual space (including past events and events currently being attended) (including the gift ID of the offered gift, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to offer the gift was accepted, the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was offered, etc.), and log information representing the user's behavior at events held in virtual space or outside of the events. Details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0053] The gift information database 2022 is a database for storing information about gifts that can be provided at an event (ongoing event) held in a virtual space by users participating as viewers in the event. Gifts are provided to performers, etc. in response to a user's request to support performers performing at the ongoing event, to liven up the event, etc. Information about gifts includes, for example, information about a gift ID that identifies the gift, information about the name of the gift, information about the gift category, information about the gift data type, information about gift content that is placed in the virtual space as an object that visually represents the gift, and information about the charge price required to provide the gift (including the charge amount in money or an alternative to money such as points). Here, gift content is primarily composed of video data and image data (including images moving within the virtual space), and is placed in the virtual space in a display manner that reflects the characteristics of the gift. Gift content (an object representing a gift) can be placed anywhere in the virtual space, but can also be placed at a specific position or a specific target. Specific positions include, for example, a specific position in the virtual space where the event being viewed by the user takes place, or a position corresponding to the head of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event being viewed by the user, which are pre-set positions. Specific targets also include, for example, a position corresponding to a body part (wrist, head, legs, back, etc.) of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event being viewed by the user, or a position corresponding to an object placed in the virtual space where the event being viewed by the user takes place, which are pre-set positions. For example, when gift content (an object representing a gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a body part of an avatar object, if the object is a wristwatch (gift), the object can be placed by wearing the object at a position corresponding to the wrist of the avatar object. For example, when gift content (an object representing a gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a body part of an avatar object, if the object is a hat (gift), the object can be placed by wearing the object at a position corresponding to the head of the avatar object. For example, when gift content (an object representing a gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a body part of an avatar object, if the object is a backpack (gift), the object can be placed by wearing the object at a position corresponding to the back of the avatar object. Gifts also include gifts expressed in forms other than gift objects, such as gifts composed of text data, gifts composed of music or audio data, and gifts equivalent to money or a means of substituting money, known as "tips." Gifts also include gifts other than those directly provided to performers at an event. For example, such gifts may include an action performed by a user avatar when the user avatar corresponding to the user is placed in a virtual space. Examples of actions performed by the user avatar include an action in which the user avatar wears or holds an object (e.g., an action in which the user avatar wears or holds an object representing a T-shirt, a hat, a towel, or a glow stick to cheer on a performer). In this case, in response to an operation to provide a gift received from the user, the state in which the user avatar wears or holds the object corresponding to the gift is reflected in the virtual space. In this way, the action of the user avatar wearing or holding the object is reflected in the virtual space, thereby providing the gift to the performer. Examples of actions performed by the user avatar include, for example, an action related to a performance by the user avatar in the virtual space, such as dancing, jumping, or waving. In this case, in response to an operation to provide a gift received from the user, the user avatar performs a performance corresponding to the gift in the virtual space. In this way, the action of the user avatar performing a performance is reflected in the virtual space, thereby providing the gift to the performer. Gifts are primarily provided by users who are viewers of an event charging money or a means of payment in lieu of money (such as points). Charging refers, for example, to the act of paying a purchase amount set for the gift (including an index such as points equivalent to the purchase amount) in money or a means of payment in lieu of money in order to provide the gift. When a user charges, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is to be provided. Charging is not limited to this act, but can also include, for example, the act of purchasing in advance a special currency that can be used at the event in question using money or a means of payment in lieu of money, and then using the purchased special currency to make the payment. The details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0054] The reaction information database 2023 is a database for storing information about reactions to be performed by at least one of avatar objects corresponding to performers of an event and event objects related to the avatar objects. The information about reactions includes, for example, information about the identification ID, information about the reaction target, information about the performed reaction, information about the reference performance, information about the reference gift conditions, information about the reference performer conditions, information about the reference viewing user conditions, etc. The information about the reaction target is information that indicates the target for which a reaction is to be performed. The information that indicates the target for which a reaction is to be performed includes information that indicates that the target is an avatar object corresponding to a performer and information that indicates that the target is an event object related to the avatar object. An event object is an object that is already placed in the virtual space of the event or an object that is newly placed in the virtual space, and that reacts in some way to a gift provided by a user. An event object related to an avatar object is a gift object that is somehow related to the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift, and is an object that the user who provided the gift can easily identify as being related to the avatar object to which the gift is to be provided. Examples of event objects related to an avatar object include event objects that are located or appear within a predetermined distance from the avatar object, event objects that have characteristics related to the avatar object (e.g., event objects with an image related to the avatar object, event objects with a color scheme or image color related to the avatar object, etc.), and other event objects that have characteristics that visually or audibly indicate their relationship to the avatar object. In this embodiment, the reaction information database 2023 is described as including both information representing an avatar object corresponding to a performer and information representing an event object related to the avatar object as information representing the target for which a reaction is to be performed, but this is not limited to this, and the reaction information database 2023 may store either information representing an avatar object corresponding to a performer or information representing an event object related to the avatar object. The information about the executed reaction is information about a reaction to be executed by an avatar object corresponding to a performer who has received a gift from a viewing user or an event object related to the avatar object. The information about the reaction includes, for example, information about the type of reaction. When the target of the reaction is an avatar object corresponding to a performer, the information about the type of reaction is information indicating the type of reaction, such as a reaction based on the motion of the avatar object, a reaction using an object other than the motion of the avatar object and worn by the avatar object, a reaction based on sound or music, or a reaction based on a message. Furthermore, the information about the reaction includes, for example, in the case of a reaction based on the motion of the avatar object, information about the specific motion executed by the avatar object, such as a dancing motion, a waving motion, a bowing motion, a jumping motion, a gazing motion toward the user who provided the gift, or a closing of one eye. Furthermore, when the target of the reaction is an event object related to an avatar object corresponding to a performer, the information on the type of reaction is information that indicates the type of reaction, such as a reaction caused by the motion of the event object (including objects already placed in the virtual space and objects newly placed in the virtual space), a reaction caused by a change in the display mode of the event object, a reaction caused by sound or music accompanying the event object, a reaction caused by a message accompanying the event object, etc. The motion of the event object includes, for example, a motion in which a lighting object (event object) placed behind the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift illuminates the avatar object, a motion in which fireworks are launched as an event object behind the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift, a motion in which a heart object is displayed as an event object above the head of the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift, etc. The information about reactions may also include reaction evaluation information that indicates the scale of the reaction of performers appearing at the event to the gift provided by the user. Even when a performer who received a gift reacts to a gift provided by a user, the scale of the reaction varies, and if a special gift is provided to a performer, the performer may react with greater gratitude to the user who provided the gift compared to when a different gift is provided. The reaction evaluation information may include, for example, numerical evaluation information. In this case, the reaction evaluation information is set as information indicating that the larger the number, the greater the scale of the reaction (the greater the gratitude shown to the user). If the reaction is being performed on an avatar object corresponding to a performer, the value is set to, for example, "10" for a dance motion by the performer, "8" for a jumping motion by the performer, "7" for a bowing motion by the performer, "6" for a waving motion by the performer, "5" for a smiling motion by the performer, "4" for a closing motion by the performer, "3" for a voice reaction (for example, a voice saying "Thank you"), or "2" for a message reaction (for example, a message displayed saying "Thank you"). The information about the reference performance is information about a performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a given performer. The information about the reference performance includes, for example, information about the reference performance category and information about the reference performance action. The information about the reference performance is stored in association with information about the executed reaction. The information on the reference performance category is information on a performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a given performer, and is information on the type of the performance. The information on the type of performance includes, for example, information indicating the type of performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a performer, such as singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talk between performers and talk with viewing users, etc.), theater, and other entertainment. The information on the type of reference performance is information referenced when generating reaction information to a gift based on information (first information) on the performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to a performer at the time a gift is provided to the performer by a user viewing an event held in a virtual space. Specifically, by referring to information on the reference performance category corresponding to the first information (information on the category of the performance being performed by the avatar object), information on an actual reaction associated with the information on the reference performance category can be generated as reaction information to a gift. The information on the reference performance action is information on a performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a given performer, and is information on specific actions of the performance. The information on the actions of the performance includes, for example, information on specific actions performed by the performer in each performance category, such as singing actions without movement, singing actions with movement, singing actions with jumping, singing actions with dancing, singing actions with waving hands, singing actions with raising hands, dancing actions with singing, dance actions without singing, dance actions mainly using hands, dance actions mainly using feet, dance actions with whole body movement, dancing actions with spinning, talking actions with waving hands, talking actions with raising hands, talking actions with movement, and talking actions with jumping. The information on the reference performance action is information referenced when generating reaction information to a gift based on information (first information) on the performance performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time when a gift is offered to the performer by a user watching an event held in a virtual space. Specifically, by referring to information about a reference performance action corresponding to the first information (information about the action of the performance being performed by the avatar object), information about an execution reaction associated with the information about the reference performance action can be generated as reaction information for the gift. In this case, to determine which reference performance action the first information corresponds to, the performance being performed by the avatar object can be divided into actions, and information about the performance being performed by the avatar object at the time the gift is provided to the performer can be determined based on the divided actions, and information about the reference performance action corresponding to the determined information about the performance can be referenced.Since a performance performed by an avatar object typically combines various performance elements, such as singing and dancing, even within a single performance, more accurate reaction information can be generated by dividing a continuous performance into performance types or detailed movements of the avatar object (such as raising the right hand, pointing out the left index finger, spreading the legs, or jumping to about waist height). Information about the reference performance can be stored in the reaction information database 2023 so as to correspond to information about the divided performances performed by the avatar object (first information). When the performance performed by the object is divided into movements in this way, information about the movements performed by the avatar object (first information) can be identified for each divided movement (for example, by the identification module 2039, described later), and information about the reference performance movements corresponding to the identified first information can be referenced. The information regarding the reference gift conditions is information that represents the gift conditions provided to any performer. The information regarding the reference gift conditions is stored in association with the information regarding the executed reaction and the information regarding the reference reaction. The information representing the gift conditions includes, for example, information regarding the type of gift (a gift represented by a specific object, a gift equivalent to a tip, a gift represented by an action performed by an avatar object corresponding to a viewing user, etc.), information regarding the gift category (general gifts, limited gifts that can only be provided at specific events, gifts that can only be provided during a specific period of an event, limited gifts that can only be provided to specific performers, gifts that can only be provided to specific viewing users, etc.), information regarding the amount charged for the gift (a specific amount charged, free of charge, etc.), etc. The information regarding the reference performer conditions is information that represents the performer conditions for any performer who will receive a gift. The information regarding the reference performer conditions is stored in association with information regarding the actual reaction and information regarding the reference reaction. The information representing the performer conditions includes, for example, information regarding the performer's affiliation, information regarding the performer's favorite gifts, information regarding the performer's favorite performances, information regarding the performer's typical reactions, etc. The information on the reference viewing user conditions is information that represents viewing user conditions for users who watch an event. The information on the reference viewing user conditions is stored in association with information on the executed reactions and information on the reference reactions. The information that represents the performer conditions includes, for example, information on the user's age, information on the user's gender, information on the user's membership status if the user is a member for viewing events, information on the number of times the user has participated in the event, information on the user's favorite performers, information on the total amount of gifts provided at events held in virtual space (including events held in the past and events currently being attended), gift provision record information on the record of providing gifts at events held in virtual space (including events held in the past and events currently being attended) (including the gift ID of the provided gift, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to provide the gift was accepted, the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was provided, etc.), and log information that represents behavioral history at events held in virtual space or outside the event.

[0055] The control unit 203 is composed of, for example, a processor 29, and by this processor 29 performing processing according to a program, various modules such as a receiving control module 2031, a sending control module 2032, a user information acquisition module 2033, a gift providing operation reception module 2034, a gift providing module 2035, a generation module 2036, an execution module 2037, a presentation module 2038, an identification module 2039, a detection module 2040, a specified operation reception module 2041, a restriction module 2042, and a restriction operation reception module 2043 are performed.

[0056] The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0057] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0058] The user information acquisition module 2033 controls a series of processes for acquiring information about users viewing events held in virtual space. The user information includes, for example, information about an identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about favorite performers, information about the total amount of gifts provided in the past, gift provision record information about the gift provision record at past events held in virtual space, and log information representing the user's behavioral history at events held in virtual space or other events. Specifically, for example, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by receiving user information 1801 stored in the storage unit 180 from the terminal device 10 used by the user. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by referencing the user information database 2021 stored in the storage unit 202 of the server 20. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by directly receiving various pieces of user information from the first user.

[0059] The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 controls a series of processes for receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event. Specifically, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation to provide a gift to a performer of the event via the terminal device 10 used by the user watching the event. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift providing operation received from the user to the server 20. The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 of the server 20 receives the information from the terminal device 10. For example, upon receiving the information from the terminal device 10, the server 20 transmits information related to gifts that can be provided at the event watched by the first user to the terminal device 10. Here, the operation of providing a gift is an operation performed by a user watching an event, and can include any operation performed by a user to provide a gift to performers of the event, etc. For example, the operation of providing a gift may include an operation of the user specifying a specific gift. In this case, for example, information about gifts that can be provided at the event (information about a gift list) is presented to the user, and the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the user to specify at least one gift from the presented information about gifts (information about the gift list). Furthermore, for example, the operation of providing a gift may include an operation performed by a user to request that information about gifts available at the event (information about a gift list) be presented to the user. In this case, for example, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the user to request that information about gifts available at the event the user is watching (information about a gift list) be presented to the user. In response to the operation from the user, the server 20 transmits the information about the gifts (information about the gift list) to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the received confirmation information on the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, the operation of providing a gift may include an operation to specify at least one gift from the gifts available at the event. For example, the operation of providing a gift may include an operation performed by a user to purchase a specific gift. In this case, for example, the user is presented with information (information on a gift list) about gifts that can be provided at an event for a fee, and the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the user to designate at least one gift from the presented information (information on the gift list) and purchase the designated gift. The operation of purchasing a gift refers to an operation of making a payment by means (money, etc.) such as money or points that can be substituted for money to purchase a gift. Payment by money, etc. may include not only a payment at the time of the operation to purchase the gift, but also a payment made using an amount charged in advance by the user to provide the gift (purchase a gift for a fee) (including an amount charged by means (money, points, etc.) that can be substituted for money). For example, the operation of providing a gift may include an operation performed by a user to provide a gift designated by the user to a performer of an event. In this case, for example, the user is presented with information about the gift designated by the user, and the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the user to provide the gift designated by the user. For example, if the gift to be provided is a free gift, the gift is placed in the virtual space in response to the user's operation to provide the gift. For example, if the gift to be provided is a paid gift, the user's operation to purchase the gift corresponds to the operation to provide the gift, and the gift is placed in the virtual space in response to the operation to purchase the gift (the operation to provide the gift). Note that the user's operation to purchase a gift may not correspond to the operation to provide the gift, and the gift purchased through the purchasing operation may be temporarily stored as a purchased gift. In such a case, the user selects a gift to be provided from the stored purchased gifts, and the gift is placed in the virtual space in response to the operation to provide the specified gift from the user.

[0060] The gift providing module 2035 controls a series of processes for providing a gift to a performer of an event that a user is watching, in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user that is accepted by the gift providing operation accepting module 2034. Specifically, the gift providing module 2035 provides a gift to a performer of the event in response to an operation to provide a gift that is accepted from a user watching an event held in a virtual space. The gift providing module 2035 can provide a gift to a performer of an event by, for example, placing a gift object representing the gift in the virtual space. In this case, the gift providing module 2035 can place the object representing the gift at any position in the virtual space. However, if a placement position is preset for the object, the gift providing module 2035 can place the object representing the gift at the preset position (for example, a position near the avatar object corresponding to the performer providing the gift). In addition, in this case, if the virtual space is configured with multiple layers, the gift providing module 2035 can place the object representing the gift at any layer selected from the multiple layers. In addition, in this case, if the virtual space is configured as a three-dimensional space, the gift providing module 2035 can place the object representing the gift at any spatial position in the virtual space. The gift object representing the gift provided by the gift providing module 2035 can be placed in a lower section throughout the entire period of the event, or can be placed only for a specific period of the event. In addition, the gift object representing the gift provided by the gift providing module 2035 can be processed to disappear from the virtual space after a certain period of time has passed. The gift providing module 2035 can also provide gifts in a form other than gift objects, for example. Gifts in a form other than gift objects include gifts consisting of text data, gifts consisting of music or audio data, gifts equivalent to money or a means of substituting money, so-called "tips," etc. The gift providing module 2035 can also provide gifts in a manner other than directly to performers of an event. Such gifts can include, for example, an action performed by a user avatar corresponding to the user when the user avatar is placed in the virtual space. Actions performed by the user avatar include, for example, an action in which the user avatar wears or holds an object (e.g., an action in which the user avatar wears or holds an object representing a T-shirt, a hat, a towel, or a glow stick to cheer on a performer). In this case, the gift providing module 2035 reflects the state in which the object corresponding to the gift is worn or held by the user avatar in the virtual space. In this way, the gift providing module 2035 provides the gift to the performer by reflecting the action of the user avatar wearing or holding the object in the virtual space. Actions performed by the user avatar include, for example, a performance-related action in which the user avatar dances, jumps, waves, etc. in the virtual space. In this case, the gift providing module 2035 causes the user avatar in the virtual space to perform a performance corresponding to the gift. In this way, the gift providing module 2035 provides the gift to the performer by reflecting the action of the performance by the user avatar in the virtual space.

[0061] The generation module 2036 controls a series of processes for generating reaction information to the gift based on first information about at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer. Specifically, the generation module 2036 references the information stored in the reaction information database 2023 (information about the reference performance and information about the actual performance associated with that information) and generates the reaction information to the gift based on the first information about at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer by the gift providing module 2035. The first information is, for example, information regarding the type of performance. The information regarding the type of performance includes information indicating the type of performance performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer, such as singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking among performers and talking with viewers), theater, and entertainment. For example, the information regarding the type of performance may be preset for each fixed period of an event. For example, this applies to cases where an event is divided into multiple parts, such as a singing part, a talking part, and a dancing part, each of which is preset for each fixed period of the event. In this case, the first information is determined based on which preset part (period) the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer falls into. Furthermore, for example, the information regarding the type of performance may be designated by the performer during the event. For example, the performer at the event can designate a specific period of the event as a singing part, a talking part, a dancing part, etc., by his or her own operation. In this case, the first information is determined depending on which part (period) designated by the performer the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer corresponds to. The first information is, for example, information about the movements of the performance. For example, the information includes information about specific movements performed by the performer in each performance category, such as singing movements without movement, singing movements with movement, singing movements with jumping, singing movements with dancing, singing movements with hand waving, singing movements with hand raising, dance movements with singing, dance movements without singing, dance movements mainly using the hands, dance movements mainly using the feet, dance movements with whole body movement, dance movements with spinning, talking movements with hand waving, talking movements with hand raising, talking movements with movement, and talking movements with jumping. Note that the information about the movements of the performance can also be set for each detailed movement of the avatar object (such as raising the right hand, sticking out the left index finger, spreading both legs, jumping to about waist height, etc.).

[0062] The first information used in the processing of the generation module 2036 may be, for example, information detected by the detection module 2040, which will be described later. In this case, the generation module 2036 may generate reaction information based on the first information detected by the detection module 2024. The first information used in the processing of the generation module 2036 may also be, for example, information set in advance for each time slot of the event. Specifically, a performance type is set for each time slot of the event, and the first information is information related to the type of performance corresponding to the time slot of the event when the gift is provided to the performer. In this case, the generation module 2036 may generate reaction information based on the first information (information related to the type of performance) corresponding to the time slot of the event when the gift is provided to the performer.

[0063] The generation module 2036 generates the reaction information to the gift based on at least the first information regarding the performance of the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is offered to the performer. However, the timing of the gift being offered to the performer can be set arbitrarily. The timing of the gift being offered to the performer can be, for example, the timing when the gift offering to the performer is completed. If the gift is represented as a gift object, the timing of the gift offering can be the timing when the gift object is placed. In this case, if the gift object is a dynamic object that moves in the virtual space, the timing of the gift offering can be the timing when the gift object is placed within a predetermined distance from the avatar object corresponding to the performer receiving the gift. If the gift is a so-called "tip" that corresponds to money or a means of payment in lieu of money, the timing of the completion of the tip offering can be the timing when a display or notification is displayed. If the gift is an action performed by a user avatar corresponding to a user, the timing can be the timing when the action is reflected in the virtual space. Alternatively, the timing of the gift being offered to the performer can be the timing when the user completes the operation to offer the gift.

[0064] The reaction information generated by the generation module 2036 is information for determining a reaction (an action expressing gratitude to the user who provided the gift) to be performed by at least one of an avatar object corresponding to a performer who received a gift and an event object related to the avatar object. The reaction information includes, for example, information representing the target on which the reaction will be performed. The information representing the target on which the reaction will be performed includes, for example, information representing an avatar object corresponding to a performer or information representing an event object. An event object is an object already placed in the virtual space of the event or an object newly placed in the virtual space, and is an object that reacts in some way to a gift provided by a user. The reaction information also includes, for example, information regarding the type of reaction. When the target on which the reaction will be performed is an avatar object corresponding to a performer, the information regarding the type of reaction is information representing the type of reaction, such as a reaction using the motion of the avatar object, a reaction using an object other than the motion of the avatar object, a reaction using sound or music, a reaction using a message, etc. In this case, the reaction information includes, for example, in the case of a reaction based on the motion of the avatar object, information regarding the specific motion performed by the avatar object, such as a dancing motion of the avatar object, a waving motion of the avatar object, a bowing motion of the avatar object, a jumping motion of the avatar object, a gaze motion of the avatar object turning towards the user who provided the gift, or a closing of one eye.Furthermore, when the target of a reaction is an event object related to an avatar object corresponding to a performer, the reaction information is information that indicates the type of reaction, such as a reaction caused by the motion of the event object (including objects already placed in the virtual space and objects newly placed in the virtual space), a reaction caused by a change in the display mode of the event object, a reaction caused by sound or music accompanying the event object, a reaction caused by a message accompanying the event object, etc. The motion of the event object includes, for example, a motion in which a lighting object (event object) placed behind the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift illuminates the avatar object, a motion in which fireworks are launched as an event object behind the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift, a motion in which a heart object is displayed as an event object above the head of the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift, etc. In this way, by causing an event object associated with an avatar object to perform a reaction, the reaction can be performed without affecting the motion of the avatar object. The generation module 2036 can generate not only reaction information to be performed by either the avatar object or the event object associated with the avatar object, but also reaction information to be performed by both the avatar object and the event object. The reaction information may also include reaction evaluation information that indicates a scale of the reaction of a performer appearing at an event to a gift provided by a user. Even when a performer reacts to a gift provided by a user, the scale of the reaction varies. For example, if a performer receives a special gift, the performer may react more gratefully to the user who provided the gift than if the performer received another gift. The reaction evaluation information may include, for example, numerical evaluation information.In this case, the reaction evaluation information is set as information indicating that the larger the numerical value, the greater the scale of the reaction (the greater the gratitude shown to the user). If the reaction execution target is an avatar object corresponding to a performer, for example, the following is set: "10" for a dance motion of the performer, "8" for a jump motion of the performer, "7" for a bow motion of the performer, "6" for a wave motion of the performer, "5" for a smiling motion of the performer, "4" for a motion of the performer closing one eye, "3" for a voice reaction (for example, a voice saying "Thank you"), "2" for a message reaction (for example, a message displayed saying "Thank you"), etc.

[0065] The generation module 2036 can generate reaction information to a gift by referring to information other than the first information, in addition to the first information regarding the performance of an avatar object corresponding to a performer. For example, the generation module 2036 may also generate reaction information to a gift based on information regarding a gift provided to the performer. In this case, the generation module 2036 generates reaction information to a gift based on the first information and information regarding the gift. The information regarding the gift includes, for example, information regarding the name of the gift, information regarding the gift category, information regarding the data type of the gift, information regarding gift content placed in the virtual space as an object visually representing the gift, and information regarding the charge required to provide the gift (including the charge amount in money or an alternative to money, such as points). When generating the reaction information, the information regarding the gift is referenced in addition to the first information, so that the reaction information is generated taking into account the content, nature, etc. of the gift provided to the performer. This allows users who have expressed their willingness to give to expect appropriate reaction information from the performer, thereby increasing the user's willingness to give. For example, generation module 2036 may also generate reaction information to the gift based on information about the performer receiving the gift. In this case, generation module 2036 generates reaction information to the gift based on the first information and information about the performer receiving the gift. The information about the performer includes, for example, information about the performer's name, information about the performer's affiliation, information about the performer's favorite gifts, information about the performer's specialty performances, and information about the performer's typical reactions. When generating the reaction information, information about the performer receiving the gift is referenced in addition to the first information, so that reaction information is generated that takes into account the performer's characteristics, preferences, etc. This allows a user who has provided a gifting motivation to expect more appropriate reaction information from the performer, thereby increasing the user's gifting motivation. For example, the generation module 2036 may further generate reaction information to the gift based on information about the user providing the gift. In this case, the generation module 2036 generates the reaction information to the gift based on the first information and information about the user providing the gift. The information about the user includes, for example, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's membership status if the user is a member for viewing events, information about the number of events the user has attended, information about the user's favorite performers, information about the total amount of gifts provided at events held in virtual space (including past events and events the user is currently participating in), gift provision record information about the record of gift provision at events held in virtual space (including past events and events the user is currently participating in) (including the gift ID of the provided gift, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to provide the gift was accepted, the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was provided, etc.), and log information representing the user's behavior at events held in virtual space or other events. When generating the reaction information, information about the user providing the gift is referenced in addition to the first information, so the reaction information is generated taking into consideration the preferences of the user providing the gift, their membership status, their track record of gift giving, etc. This allows the user who has expressed their willingness to give a gift to expect more appropriate reaction information from the performers, thereby increasing the user's willingness to give a gift. When generating the reaction information, the information about the gift provided to the performer, the information about the performer receiving the gift, and the information about the user providing the gift, which are referenced in addition to the first information, can also be combined. Specifically, generation module 2036 can generate reaction information to the gift based on the first information and any or all of the information about the gift provided to the performer, the information about the performer receiving the gift, and the information about the user providing the gift.

[0066] The execution module 2037 controls a series of processes for causing an avatar object or an event object associated with an avatar object to execute a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information. Specifically, the execution module 2037 causes an avatar object corresponding to a performer who has received a gift or an event object associated with an avatar object to execute a reaction in accordance with the reaction information generated by the generation module 2036. For example, if the reaction information generated by the generation module 2036 is reaction information to be executed by an avatar object corresponding to a performer and is reaction information related to a waving motion of the avatar object, the execution module 2037 causes the avatar object to execute a waving motion as a reaction. At this time, the execution module 2037 can execute the reaction by taking into consideration the action or motion the avatar object is performing at the timing when the avatar object is to execute the reaction. In this case, for example, if the avatar object is performing a motion of raising its right arm upward at the timing when the avatar object is to execute the reaction, the execution module 2037 can execute a waving motion using the raised right arm. For example, if the avatar object is talking at the time when the avatar object is to execute a reaction, the execution module 2037 can execute some kind of reaction when the talk is temporarily stopped (for example, when one conversation ends).For example, if the reaction information generated by generation module 2036 is reaction information to be executed by an event object associated with an avatar object corresponding to a performer, and the reaction information is related to a motion of launching a firework object as an event object behind the avatar object corresponding to the performer who has received a gift, execution module 2037 executes a motion of launching a firework object behind the avatar object performing at the event.

[0067] The presentation module 2038 controls a series of processes for presenting the reaction performed by the avatar object or the event object associated with the avatar object to the user who provided the gift. Specifically, the presentation module 2038 presents the reaction performed by the avatar object or the event object associated with the avatar object by the execution module 2037 by displaying it on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the presentation module 2038 can present the reaction to all viewing users of the event, including the user who provided the gift, but can also present the reaction only to the user who provided the gift. If gifts are frequently given during an event, presenting all of the reactions of the performers who received gifts to all viewing users may result in the reactions displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user becoming cluttered and creating a sense of incongruity. Therefore, by presenting the reaction performed by the avatar object only to the user who provided the gift, the user can enjoy the reaction without feeling out of place.

[0068] The identification module 2039 controls a series of processes for identifying first information at the time when the gift is provided to the performer. Specifically, the identification module 2039 identifies first information related to the performance of at least the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time when the gift is provided to the performer by the gift providing module 2035. The first information about the performance identified by the identification module 2039 is, for example, information about the type of performance. The information about the type of performance includes information indicating the type of performance performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer, such as singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking among performers and talking with viewers), theater, and entertainment. For example, the information about the type of performance may be preset for each fixed period of an event. For example, this applies when an event is divided into multiple parts, such as a singing part, a talking part, and a dancing part, each for a fixed period of the event. In this case, the first information is determined based on which of the preset parts (periods) corresponds to the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer. Furthermore, for example, the information about the type of performance may be designated by the performer during the event. For example, the performer at the event can designate a specific period of the event as a singing part, a talking part, a dancing part, etc., by his or her own operation. In this case, the first information is determined depending on which part (period) designated by the performer the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer corresponds to. The first information about the performance identified by the identification module 2039 is, for example, information about the movements of the performance. For example, the information includes information about specific movements performed by the performers in each performance category, such as singing movements without movement, singing movements with movement, singing movements with jumping, singing movements with dancing, singing movements with hand waving, singing movements with hand raising, dance movements with singing, dance movements without singing, dance movements mainly using the hands, dance movements mainly using the feet, dance movements with whole body movement, dance movements with spinning, talking movements with hand waving, talking movements with hand raising, talking movements with movement, and talking movements with jumping. Note that the information about the movements of the performance can also be set for each detailed movement of the avatar object (such as raising the right hand, sticking out the left index finger, spreading both legs, jumping to about waist height, etc.). In this case, the identification module 2039 can identify the performance being performed by the avatar object for each detailed movement, and the generation module 2036 can generate reaction information for the gift based on the information (first information) about the performance identified for each detailed movement by the identification module 2039, by referring to the information stored in the reaction information database 2023 (information about the reference performance and information about the execution performance associated with that information). The identification module 2039 can also identify the first information detected by the detection module 2040, which will be described later. The timing at which the gift is provided to the performer when the identification module 2039 identifies the first information can be set arbitrarily. For example, the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer can be the timing at which the gift is completely provided to the performer. If the gift is represented as a gift object, the timing at which the gift is completely provided to the performer can be the timing at which the gift object is placed. In this case, if the gift object is a dynamic object that moves within the virtual space, the timing at which the gift is completely provided can be the timing at which the gift object is placed within a predetermined distance of the avatar object corresponding to the performer receiving the gift. If the gift is a so-called "tip," which is a gift equivalent to money or an alternative to money, the timing at which the completion of the tip is displayed or notified can be set. If the gift is an action performed by a user avatar corresponding to a user, the timing at which the action is reflected in the virtual space can be set. Alternatively, the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer can be the timing at which the user completes the operation to provide the gift.

[0069] The detection module 2040 controls a series of processes for detecting first information at the time when a gift is provided to a performer. Specifically, the detection module 2040 detects first information related to the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time when the gift is provided to the performer by the gift providing module 2035. The first information related to the performance identified by the detection module 2040 is, for example, information related to the type of performance. The information related to the type of performance includes information indicating the type of performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer, such as singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talk between performers and talk with viewers), theater, and entertainment. For example, the information related to the type of performance may be information that is preset for each fixed period of an event. For example, this applies to a case where an event is divided into multiple parts, such as a singing part, a talking part, and a dancing part, each of which is preset for each fixed period of the event. In this case, the first information is determined depending on which pre-set part (period) the timing at which the gift is presented to the performer corresponds to. Furthermore, for example, information regarding the type of performance can be designated by the performer during the event. For example, the performer at the event can designate a specific period in the event as a singing part, a talking part, a dancing part, etc., by his or her own operation. In this case, the first information is determined depending on which part (period) designated by the performer the timing at which the gift is presented to the performer corresponds to. Furthermore, the first information is, for example, information regarding the movements of the performance.For example, it includes information about specific movements that the performers make in each performance category, such as singing movements without movement, singing movements with movement, singing movements with jumping, singing movements with dancing, singing movements with waving hands, singing movements with raising hands, dance movements with singing, dance movements without singing, dance movements that mainly involve hands, dance movements that mainly involve feet, dance movements that involve whole body movement, dance movements with spinning, talking movements with waving hands, talking movements with raising hands, talking movements with movement, and talking movements with jumping. The timing at which the gift is presented to the performer when the detection module 2040 detects the first information can be set arbitrarily. For example, the timing at which the gift is presented to the performer can be the timing at which the presentation of the gift to the performer is completed. If the gift is represented as a gift object, the timing at which the gift is presented can be the timing at which the gift object is placed. In this case, if the gift object is a dynamic object that moves within the virtual space, the timing at which the gift is presented can be the timing at which the gift object is placed within a predetermined distance from the avatar object corresponding to the performer receiving the gift. If the gift is a so-called "tipping" gift equivalent to money or a means of payment, the timing at which the presentation of the tip is completed can be the timing at which a display or notification is made. If the gift is an action performed by a user avatar corresponding to a user, the timing at which the action is reflected in the virtual space can be the timing at which the user completes the operation to present the gift. Alternatively, the timing at which the gift is presented to the performer can be the timing at which the user completes the operation to present the gift.

[0070] The specifying operation receiving module 2041 controls a series of processes for receiving, from a user, an operation for specifying the timing at which a gift is to be placed in the virtual space as the timing at which the gift is to be provided. Specifically, the specifying operation receiving module 2041 receives, via the terminal device 10 used by a user watching an event, an operation for specifying the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information about the operation for specifying the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space, received from the user, to the server 20. The specifying operation receiving module 2041 of the server 20 receives the information from the terminal device 10. The timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space, specified by the user and received by the specifying operation receiving module 2041, includes, for example, a timing at which a specific singing performance is being performed, a timing at which a specific motion (e.g., a jumping motion, a moving motion, a hand-raising motion, etc.) is being performed during a singing performance, a timing at which a specific dance performance is being performed, a timing at which a talk is being held, etc. In this way, by allowing a user to specify the timing at which a gift is placed in the virtual space, the avatar object corresponding to the performer can be made to react in the way that the user who provided the gift expects, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0071] The restriction module 2042 controls a series of processes that restrict the generation of reaction information or the execution of a reaction according to the reaction information. Specifically, the restriction module 2042 restricts the generation of reaction information by the generation module 2036 or the execution of a reaction in response to the reaction information in accordance with certain conditions. For example, the restriction module 2042 can restrict the generation of reaction information by the generation module 2036 in response to a restriction operation for restricting the generation of reaction information from a performer or the execution of a reaction in response to the reaction information, which is received by a restriction operation receiving module 2043 described below. Furthermore, for example, the restriction module 2042 can restrict the generation of reaction information by the generation module 2036 or the execution of a reaction in response to the reaction information during a preset period of the event. For example, a period during which the generation of reaction information may create an unnatural effect, such as a period during which the performer is performing a specific performance such as singing or dancing, or a period during which the performer is talking, is set in advance, and the restriction module 2042 restricts the generation of reaction information by the generation module 2036 or the execution of a reaction in response to the reaction information during that period of the event.

[0072] The restriction operation receiving module 2043 controls a series of processes for receiving, from performers, a restriction operation for restricting the generation of reaction information or the execution of a reaction in response to the reaction information. Specifically, the restriction operation receiving module 2043 receives a restriction operation for restricting the generation of reaction information from the terminal device 10 of the performer of the event. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the restriction operation for restricting the generation of reaction information received from the user to the server 20. The restriction operation receiving module 2043 of the server 20 receives the information from the terminal device 10. Depending on the situation of the event, the performer may wish to react to a gift themselves. In such a case, the performer can perform a restriction operation for restricting the generation of reaction information or the execution of a reaction in response to the reaction information.

[0073] <2 Data Structure> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user information database 2021 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the user information database 2021 includes the items "User ID", "User Name", "Age", "Gender", "Contact Information", "Membership Status", "Number of Events Attended", "Favorite Performers", "Total Charges", "Gift Delivery History", "Log", "Notes", etc.

[0075] The item "ID" is information that identifies a user who will be viewing an event held in a virtual space.

[0076] The item "user name" is information indicating the user's name. In this case, the record may hold not only the user's real name but also information on the name (handle name) used by the user in the virtual space.

[0077] The item "age" is information indicating the age of the user.

[0078] The item "gender" is information indicating the gender of the user.

[0079] The item "contact information" is information indicating the user's contact information, including the user's address, telephone number, etc.

[0080] The item "membership status" is information about the membership status when the user is a member related to watching an event. The information about the membership status includes information indicating the rank of the member, such as S, A, B, or C.

[0081] The item "Event Participation Count" is information indicating the number of events the user has participated in (including viewing) in the past. Information indicating the number of events participated in includes, for example, information indicating the total number of times the user has participated in all events the user has participated in, information indicating the number of times the user has participated in each type of event the user has participated in, information indicating the number of times each performer has participated in the event the user has participated in, etc.

[0082] The item "Favorite Performers" is information indicating performers that the user has registered in advance as performers. The information about the performers stored in the record is, for example, information about at least one performer selected by the user from information about multiple performers registered in advance (including performers who have appeared in events held in virtual space in the past as well as performers who may appear in the future). The information about the performers includes, for example, the names of the performers, information about the performers' affiliations, etc.

[0083] The "Total Charges" item is information that indicates the total amount of money paid by the user at past events held in virtual space, such as money equivalent to the charges paid when providing gifts to performers, money paid as participation fees for the event, and money paid when purchasing goods and merchandise related to the event. The total gift amount can include money paid by the user as well as money that can be used in place of money (points, etc.).

[0084] The item "gift giving history" is information indicating the user's history of giving gifts in past events (past events) held in the virtual space. The information indicating the gift giving history includes information indicating the total number of gifts given by the user in the past, information indicating the number of gifts given by each type of gift given by the user in the past, information indicating the number of gifts given by each event that the user has participated in (including watched), information indicating the number of gifts given by each performance being held in an event that the user has participated in (including watched), information indicating the number of gifts given by the user at the time a specific performance was being held, information regarding the gift ID of the gift given, information regarding the timing (date and time) when the operation to give the gift was accepted, information regarding the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was given, etc.

[0085] The "log" item is information about a log that represents an event held in a virtual space or a history of actions other than the event. Information about the log includes, for example, information about past events held in a virtual space in which the user participated, information about the user's reactions to the performances by the event performers at past events held in a virtual space (reactions other than the act of providing a gift), information about the purchase history of content, goods, services, etc. other than gifts provided to the performers at past events held in a virtual space, information about the access history to websites, etc. set at past events held in a virtual space, information about the sending and receiving history of information, such as messages, by the user at past events held in a virtual space, etc.

[0086] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes, etc. in the user information. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the gift information database 2022 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0088] As shown in Figure 5, the gift information database 2022 includes the items "ID", "gift name", "category", "data type", "content", "charged price", "remarks", etc.

[0089] The item "ID" is information for identifying gifts that can be provided in an event held in virtual space.

[0090] The item "gift name" is information indicating the name of the gift.

[0091] The item "Category" is information indicating the category of the gift, such as a gift object type gift, a tip type gift, a wearable type gift worn by a user avatar corresponding to the user, or a performance type gift in which a user avatar corresponding to the user performs a performance.

[0092] The "data type" field contains information indicating the type of data related to the gift content representing the gift. The information indicating the data type includes, for example, information indicating the data type such as video data, image data, music / audio data, text data, etc.

[0093] The item "content" is information about gift content that is placed in the virtual space as an object that visually represents a gift.

[0094] The "Charged Price" item is information about the charged price for purchasing the gift required to provide the gift. The charged price information includes information about the specific amount of the charge equivalent to money, as well as information corresponding to money in the case of points or other means of payment. In addition, in the case of a free gift that does not require a charge, information expressed as "0 yen" or "free" is included.

[0095] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes, etc. in the gift information. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the reaction information database 2023 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, the reaction information database 2023 includes an item "ID", an item "reaction target", an item "executed reaction", an item "reference performance", an item "reference gift conditions", an item "reference viewing user conditions", an item "reference performer conditions", an item "remarks", etc.

[0098] The item "ID" is information for identifying reaction information.

[0099] The item "reaction target" is information representing the target for which a reaction is to be performed. Information representing the target for which a reaction is to be performed includes information representing an avatar object corresponding to a performer and information representing an event object. An event object is an object that is already placed in the virtual space of the event, or an object that is newly placed in the virtual space, and is an object that will perform some kind of reaction to a gift provided by a user.

[0100] The "executed reaction" item is information about a reaction to be executed by an avatar object corresponding to a performer who has received a gift from a viewing user or an event object related to the avatar object. The information about the reaction includes, for example, information about the type of reaction. When the target of the reaction is an avatar object corresponding to a performer, the information about the type of reaction is information indicating the type of reaction, such as a reaction based on the motion of the avatar object, a reaction using an object other than the motion of the avatar object but worn by the avatar object, a reaction based on sound or music, or a reaction based on a message. Furthermore, the information about the reaction includes, for example, in the case of a reaction based on the motion of the avatar object, information about the specific motion executed by the avatar object, such as a dancing motion, a waving motion, a bowing motion, a jumping motion, a gazing motion toward the user who provided the gift, or a closing of one eye.

[0101] The item "reference performance" is information about a performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a given performer. The information about the reference performance includes, for example, information about the reference performance category and information about the reference performance action. The information on the reference performance category is information on the performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a given performer, and is information on the type of the performance. The information on the type of performance includes, for example, information indicating the type of performance performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer, such as singing (including fast-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including fast-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking between performers and with viewers), theater, and entertainment. The information about the reference performance movements is information about a performance performed by an avatar object corresponding to a given performer, and is information about specific movements of the performance. The information about the movements of the performance includes information about specific movements performed by the performer in each performance category, such as singing movements without movement, singing movements with movement, singing movements with jumping, singing movements with dancing, singing movements with hand waving, singing movements with hand raising, dance movements with singing, dance movements without singing, dance movements mainly using hands, dance movements mainly using feet, dance movements with whole body movement, dance movements with spinning, talking movements with hand waving, talking movements with hand raising, talking movements with movement, and talking movements with jumping.

[0102] The item "Reference Gift Conditions" is information that indicates the gift conditions provided to any performer. The information that indicates the gift conditions includes, for example, information about the type of gift (a gift represented by a specific object, a gift equivalent to a tip, a gift represented by an action performed by an avatar object corresponding to a viewing user, etc.), information about the gift category (a general gift, a limited gift that can only be provided at a specific event, a gift that can only be provided during a specific period of the event, a limited gift that can only be provided to a specific performer, a gift that can only be provided to a specific viewing user, etc.), information about the amount charged for the gift (a specific amount charged, free of charge, etc.), etc.

[0103] The item "Reference Viewing User Conditions" contains information about the reference performer conditions, which are information that represents the performer conditions for any performer who will receive a gift. Information that represents the performer conditions includes, for example, information about the performer's affiliation, information about the performer's favorite gifts, information about the performer's favorite performances, information about the performer's typical reactions, etc.

[0104] The item "reference performer conditions" is information regarding the reference viewing user conditions, which represents viewing user conditions for users viewing an event. Information regarding the performer conditions includes, for example, information regarding the user's age, information regarding the user's gender, information regarding the user's membership status if the user is a member for viewing events, information regarding the number of times the user has participated in the event, information regarding the user's favorite performers, information regarding the total amount of gifts provided at events held in virtual space (including past events and events currently being attended), gift provision record information regarding the record of providing gifts at events held in virtual space (including past events and events currently being attended) (including the gift ID of the provided gift, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to provide the gift was accepted, the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was provided, etc.), and log information representing behavioral history at events held in virtual space or outside the event.

[0105] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes in the reaction information, etc. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0106] <3 Example of operation> Below, we will explain a series of processes in which the system 1 causes an avatar object corresponding to a performer who has received a gift to react in response to an operation of providing a gift from a user watching an event held in a virtual space.

[0107] 7 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes for providing a gift to a performer in response to a gift-offering operation from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space, generating reaction information to the gift based on first information regarding at least the performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer, and causing the avatar object to react in accordance with the generated reaction information. Note that, in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the entire series of processes may be performed by terminal device 10 or by server 20.

[0108] In step S701, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space. For example, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 accepts an operation to specify a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be provided, via the terminal device 10 used by the user viewing the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user accepts an operation to specify a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be provided, on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. The gift providing operation accepted by the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 in this step is, for example, an operation to specify a specific gift performed by the user. The gift providing operation may also be, for example, an operation performed by the user to request that information regarding gifts available at the event (information regarding a gift list) be presented to the user. The gift providing operation may also be, for example, an operation performed by the user to purchase a specific gift. The gift providing operation may also be, for example, an operation performed by the user to provide a gift specified by the user to a performer of the event. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the gift providing operation accepted from the user to the server 20. The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives the information from the terminal device 10.

[0109] In step S751, the control unit 203 of the server 20 provides a gift to a performer in response to the gift provision operation received from the user in step S601. For example, the gift provision module 2035 provides the gift to the performer of the event by placing a gift object representing the gift in the virtual space. The gift provision module 2035 can also provide gifts in forms other than gift objects. For example, the gift provision module 2035 can provide gifts in forms other than gift objects, such as gifts composed of text data, gifts composed of music or audio data, and gifts equivalent to money or means of payment, known as "tips." The gift provision module 2035 can also provide gifts in forms other than those directly provided to the performers of the event. Such gifts can include, for example, an action performed by a user avatar corresponding to the user when the user avatar is placed in the virtual space. Actions performed by the user avatar include, for example, an action in which the user avatar wears or holds an object (e.g., an action in which the user avatar wears or holds an object representing a T-shirt, a hat, a towel, a glow stick, or the like to cheer on a performer). In this case, the gift providing module 2035 reflects a state in which the object corresponding to the gift is worn or held by the user avatar in the virtual space. In this way, the gift providing module 2035 provides the gift to the performer by reflecting the action of the user avatar wearing or holding the object in the virtual space. Actions performed by the user avatar also include, for example, performance-related actions such as the user avatar dancing, jumping, or waving in the virtual space. In this case, the gift providing module 2035 causes the user avatar in the virtual space to perform a performance corresponding to the gift.In this way, the gift providing module 2035 provides the gift to the performer by reflecting the action of the performance by the user avatar in the virtual space.

[0110] In step S752, the control unit 203 of the server 20 generates reaction information to the gift based on first information about at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer in step S751. For example, the generation module 2036 references the information stored in the reaction information database 2023 (information about the reference performance and information about the actual performance associated with that information) and generates the reaction information to the gift based on the first information about at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer by the gift providing module 2035. The first information is, for example, information regarding the type of performance. The information regarding the type of performance includes information indicating the type of performance performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer, such as singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking among performers and talking with viewers), theater, and entertainment. For example, the information regarding the type of performance may be preset for each fixed period of an event. For example, this applies to cases where an event is divided into multiple parts, such as a singing part, a talking part, and a dancing part, each of which is preset for each fixed period of the event. In this case, the first information is determined based on which preset part (period) the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer falls into. Furthermore, for example, the information regarding the type of performance may be designated by the performer during the event. For example, the performer at the event can designate a specific period of the event as a singing part, a talking part, a dancing part, etc., by his or her own operation. In this case, the first information is determined depending on which part (period) designated by the performer the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer corresponds to. The first information is, for example, information about the movements of the performance, including information about specific movements performed by the performers in each performance category, such as singing movements without movement, singing movements with movement, singing movements with jumping, singing movements with dancing, singing movements with hand waving, singing movements with hand raising, dance movements with singing, dance movements without singing, dance movements that mainly involve hands, dance movements that mainly involve feet, dance movements that involve whole body movement, dance movements with spinning, talking movements with hand waving, talking movements with hand raising, talking movements with movement, and talking movements with jumping.

[0111] In step S753, the control unit 203 of the server 20 causes the avatar object or the event object related to the avatar object to execute a reaction according to the reaction information generated in step S752. For example, the execution module 2037 causes the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift to execute a reaction according to the reaction information generated by the generation module 2036. For example, if the reaction information generated by the generation module 2036 is information regarding a hand waving motion of the avatar object, the execution module 2037 causes the avatar object to execute a hand waving motion as a reaction.

[0112] In the above operational example, after processing step S751, the control unit 203 of the server 20 may perform processing to detect first information regarding at least the performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer. For example, the detection module 2040 detects the first information regarding at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer. Then, in step S752 of the above operational example, the control unit 203 of the server 20 may perform processing to generate reaction information regarding the gift based on the first information detected by the detection module 2040. For example, the generation module 2036 generates the reaction information regarding the gift based on the first information detected by the detection module 2040.

[0113] By this processing, reaction information is generated based on first information regarding the performance of the avatar object at the time the gift is provided, and the avatar object is caused to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information, so that a reaction appropriate to the performance being performed by the avatar object is performed, actively increasing the gifting motivation of users watching the event taking place in the virtual space.

[0114] 8 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes for providing a gift to a performer in response to a gift-offering operation from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space, identifying first information related to the performance of at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer, generating reaction information to the gift based on the identification result, and causing the avatar object to react in accordance with the generated reaction information. Note that, in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the entire series of processes may be performed by terminal device 10 or by server 20.

[0115] In step S801, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space. For example, the gift offering operation acceptance module 2034 accepts an operation to specify a gift to be provided to a performer via the terminal device 10 used by the user viewing the event. This step executes the same processing as step S701 in the above operation example.

[0116] In step S851, the control unit 203 of the server 20 provides a gift to the performer in response to the gift providing operation received from the user in step S601. For example, the gift providing module 2035 provides the gift to the performer of the event by placing a gift object representing the gift in the virtual space. This step executes the same processing as step S711 in the above operation example.

[0117] In step S852, the control unit 203 of the server 20 identifies first information regarding at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time when the gift is provided to the performer in step S851. For example, the identification module 2039 identifies first information regarding at least the performance being performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time when the gift is provided to the performer by the gift providing module 2035.

[0118] In step S853, the control unit 203 of the server 20 generates reaction information based on the first information identified in step S852. For example, the generation module 2036 refers to the information stored in the reaction information database 2023 (information related to the reference performance and information related to the execution performance associated with the information) and generates reaction information for the gift based on the first information identified in step S852.

[0119] In step S854, the control unit 203 of the server 20 causes the avatar object or the event object related to the avatar object to execute a reaction according to the reaction information generated in step S853. For example, the execution module 2037 causes the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift to execute a reaction according to the reaction information generated by the generation module 2036. This step executes the same processing as step S753 in the above operation example.

[0120] In the above operational example, after processing step S851, the control unit 203 of the server 20 may perform processing to detect first information related to the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer. For example, the detection module 2040 detects the first information related to the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer. Then, in step S852 of the above operational example, the control unit 203 of the server 20 may perform processing to identify the first information based on the detection result by the detection module 2040. For example, the generation module 2036 identifies the first information based on the detection result by the detection module 2040.

[0121] This processing identifies first information regarding the performance of the avatar object at the time the gift is provided, generates reaction information based on the identification results, and causes the avatar object to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information, thereby performing a reaction appropriate to the performance being performed by the avatar object and actively increasing the gifting motivation of users watching the event taking place in the virtual space.

[0122] 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for accepting a gift-giving operation from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space and a designation operation for designating the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space as the timing for providing the gift. Note that, in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may execute the entire series of processes, or the server 20 may execute the entire series of processes.

[0123] In step S901, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space. For example, the gift offering operation acceptance module 2034 accepts an operation to specify a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, via the terminal device 10 used by the user viewing the event. This step executes the same processing as steps S701 and S801 in the above operation example.

[0124] In step S902, the control unit 203 of the server 20 receives, from the user, a designation operation specifying the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space as the timing at which the gift is to be provided. For example, the designation operation receiving module 2041 receives, via the terminal device 10 used by the user watching the event, the designation operation specifying the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space.

[0125] A gift is provided to a performer in accordance with the gift providing operation received from the user in step S901 and the designation operation received from the user in step S902. For example, the gift providing module 2035 provides the gift to a performer of the event by placing a gift object representing the gift in the virtual space based on the timing of the gift placement in the virtual space designated by the user.

[0126] This type of processing allows the user to specify the timing at which the gift is placed in the virtual space, thereby causing the avatar object corresponding to the performer to react in the way that the user who provided the gift expects, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0127] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for restricting the generation of reaction information in response to an operation to restrict the generation of reaction information received from a performer of an event held in a virtual space. Note that, in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may execute the entire series of processes, or the server 20 may execute the entire series of processes.

[0128] In step S1001, the control unit 203 of the server 20 accepts an operation to restrict the generation of reaction information from a performer. For example, the restriction operation receiving module 2043 accepts an operation to restrict the generation of reaction information via the terminal device 10 used by the performer of the event.

[0129] In step S1051, the generation of reaction information is restricted in response to an operation to restrict the generation of reaction information received from a performer. For example, the restriction module 2042 restricts the generation of reaction information by the generation module 2036 in response to an operation to restrict the generation of reaction information received from a performer.

[0130] With this processing, when a performer wants to react to a gift himself / herself depending on the situation of the event, the performer can limit the generation of reaction information by his / her own operation, so that the reaction that the performer wants to make can be provided to the user who provided the gift.

[0131] In some aspects, the server 20 may generate reaction information for a gift by referring to information other than the first information regarding the performance of an avatar object corresponding to a performer, in addition to the first information regarding the performance. For example, the generation module 2036 constituting the server 20 may further generate reaction information for a gift based on information regarding the gift provided to the performer. In this case, the generation module 2036 generates reaction information for a gift based on the first information and the information regarding the gift. The information regarding the gift may include, for example, information regarding the name of the gift, information regarding the gift category, information regarding the data type of the gift, information regarding gift content placed in the virtual space as an object visually representing the gift, and information regarding the charge required to provide the gift (including the charge amount in money or an alternative to money, such as points). When generating the reaction information, the information regarding the gift is referenced in addition to the first information, so that the reaction information is generated taking into account the content, nature, etc. of the gift provided to the performer. This allows users who have expressed their willingness to give to expect appropriate reaction information from the performer, thereby increasing the user's willingness to give. For example, generation module 2036 may also generate reaction information to the gift based on information about the performer receiving the gift. In this case, generation module 2036 generates reaction information to the gift based on the first information and information about the performer receiving the gift. The information about the performer includes, for example, information about the performer's name, information about the performer's affiliation, information about the performer's favorite gifts, information about the performer's specialty performances, and information about the performer's typical reactions. When generating the reaction information, information about the performer receiving the gift is referenced in addition to the first information, so that reaction information is generated that takes into account the performer's characteristics, preferences, etc. This allows a user who has provided a gifting motivation to expect more appropriate reaction information from the performer, thereby increasing the user's gifting motivation. For example, the generation module 2036 may further generate reaction information to the gift based on information about the user providing the gift. In this case, the generation module 2036 generates the reaction information to the gift based on the first information and information about the user providing the gift. The information about the user includes, for example, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's membership status if the user is a member for viewing events, information about the number of events the user has attended, information about the user's favorite performers, information about the total amount of gifts provided at events held in virtual space (including past events and events the user is currently participating in), gift provision record information about the record of gift provision at events held in virtual space (including past events and events the user is currently participating in) (including the gift ID of the provided gift, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to provide the gift was accepted, the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was provided, etc.), and log information representing the user's behavior at events held in virtual space or other events. When generating the reaction information, information about the user providing the gift is referenced in addition to the first information, so the reaction information is generated taking into consideration the preferences of the user providing the gift, their membership status, their track record of gift giving, etc. This allows the user who has expressed their willingness to give a gift to expect more appropriate reaction information from the performers, thereby increasing the user's willingness to give a gift. When generating the reaction information, the information about the gift provided to the performer, the information about the performer receiving the gift, and the information about the user providing the gift, which are referenced in addition to the first information, can also be combined. Specifically, generation module 2036 can generate reaction information to the gift based on the first information and any or all of the information about the gift provided to the performer, the information about the performer receiving the gift, and the information about the user providing the gift.

[0132] In one aspect, the server 20 may control the timing of the avatar object's reaction according to the generated reaction information, based on first information about the performance of the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is presented to the performer. Depending on the content of the performance (e.g., a performance with intense movements), causing the avatar object to react immediately after the gift is presented may create a gap in the motion between the avatar object's performance immediately before the gift is presented and the reaction, resulting in an unnatural motion seen by the user. Therefore, for example, the execution module 2037 of the server 20 may limit the execution of the reaction until the performance transitions to one in which the gap between the reaction to be performed and the motion narrows, based on the first information about the performance of the avatar object corresponding to the performer, and cause the avatar object to react when the gap between the reaction to be performed and the motion narrows. This allows the user who presented the gift to see a natural reaction to the gift, thereby increasing the user's satisfaction with the gift and increasing their motivation to give gifts.

[0133] In one aspect, when multiple avatar objects corresponding to multiple performers are performing at an event held in a virtual space, the server 20 may cause not only the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift but also the avatar objects corresponding to other performers who did not receive the gift to execute reactions. For example, the execution module 2037 of the server 20 may cause the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift to execute a reaction according to the generated reaction information, and cause the avatar objects corresponding to the other performers who did not receive the gift to execute reactions related to or incidental to the reaction. This allows the user who gave the gift to see the reaction (main reaction) from the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift and also see reactions related to or incidental to the main reaction from the other avatar objects, thereby increasing satisfaction with gifting and encouraging users to give gifts.

[0134] <4 Screen example> Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams showing examples of various screens that are displayed during a series of processes in which a user who uses the system 1 disclosed in the present invention to watch an event held in a virtual space performs an operation to provide a gift to performers of the event based on operational input from the user.

[0135] FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen when a user viewing an ongoing event being held in a virtual space performs an operation to select a performer of the event to whom a gift is to be provided.

[0136] 11, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer list display area 1101, a performer selection operation display area 1102, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0137] The performer list display area 1101 displays a list of performers for the event. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, images 11011 and performer names 11012 of all performers appearing in the event in the performer list display area 1101. The information on the image 11011 and performer name 11012 of each performer functions as a button that can be pressed by the user. When the control unit 190 receives operation input from the user, such as pressing an image, the control unit 190 executes processing to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided.

[0138] The performer selection operation display area 1102 displays information for the user to select and confirm the performer to whom a gift is to be provided. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer selection list 11021, a gift provision button 11022, etc. in the performer selection operation display area 802.

[0139] The performer selection list 11021 displays information about performers that the user can select as recipients of gifts in a pull-down menu. The display method of performer information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives operational input from the user to select a performer included in the list, it executes a process to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided. Note that the performer selection operation display area 1102 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the process to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided can also be executed by operational input such as pressing the image 11011 and performer name 11012 of each performer described above.

[0140] The gift providing button 11022 is a button for the user to confirm the performer to whom the gift is to be provided and to perform the operation of providing the gift. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, the control unit 190 executes the operation of providing the gift.

[0141] FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen when information about gifts, including recommended gift information, is presented to a user viewing an ongoing event being held in a virtual space.

[0142] 12, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays an explanatory text display area 1201, a gift list display area 1202, a gift selection operation display area 1203, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0143] The explanatory text display area 1201 displays explanatory text and the like that the user can refer to in order to confirm information about the recipient of the gift selected by the user. For example, information about the performer to whom the user is to provide the gift is displayed in the explanatory text display area 1201.

[0144] The gift list display area 1202 displays a list of gifts presented to a user viewing an ongoing event. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, gift images (objects representing gifts) 12021 and gift names 12022 in the gift list display area 1202. The information on each object 12021 and gift name 12022 functions as a button that accepts an operational input such as pressing by the user. When the control unit 190 accepts an operational input such as pressing the image from the user, it executes a process for selecting a gift.

[0145] The gift selection operation display area 1203 displays information for the user to perform an operation to confirm the gift to be provided. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a gift selection list 12031, a confirmation button 12032, etc. in the gift selection operation display area 1203.

[0146] The gift selection list 12031 displays information about gifts provided by the user in a pull-down menu. The display method for gift information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user to select a gift included in the list, it executes a gift selection process. Note that the gift selection operation display area 1203 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the gift selection process can also be executed by an operation input such as pressing the image of each object and the gift name information described above.

[0147] The confirm button 12032 is a button for confirming a gift selected by a user operation. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, the control unit 190 executes a process for confirming (designating) the selected gift.

[0148] Figures 13 to 16 show examples of screens that are displayed when an avatar object corresponding to a performer reacts to a gift provided by a user watching an event held in a virtual space using the system 1 disclosed in the present invention.

[0149] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a gift has been provided by a user viewing an event held in a virtual space.

[0150] In FIG. 13, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1401 and the like on the display 1302.

[0151] Performer display area 1401 displays performances, etc., performed by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, a first avatar object 1411 and a second avatar object 1412 are displayed as two performers. In this example screen, the two avatar objects are performing, for example, singing. In performer display area 1401, gift objects representing gifts already provided by gift-giving operations from users viewing the event and other viewing users are displayed. In this example screen, multiple gifts have been provided to second avatar object 1412, and gift object 1421 representing the provided gifts is placed near second avatar object 1412. In addition, in this example screen, first avatar object 1411 is performing a performance immediately before receiving a gift, i.e., at the time of receiving the gift. In other words, the performance performed by the first avatar object in this example screen corresponds to the performance performed by at least the avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time when gifts are provided to the performers from users viewing the event. Specifically, in this example screen, the first avatar object is shown performing a performance with one arm raised.

[0152] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer by a user watching an event held in a virtual space. Fig. 14 shows a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer from the state shown in Fig. 13.

[0153] In FIG. 14, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1401 and the like on the display 1302.

[0154] Performer display area 1401 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, a first avatar object 1411 and a second avatar object 1412 are displayed as two performers. In this example screen, a new gift is provided to first avatar object 1411, and a gift object 1422 representing the gift is placed near first avatar object 1411 (in this case, above first avatar object 1411). In this example screen, first avatar object 1411, which corresponds to the performer who received the gift, is made to perform a hand-waving reaction. That is, as shown in FIG. 13 , the first avatar object is performing a performance with one arm raised (singing performance) immediately before receiving the gift, in other words, as a performance at the time of receiving the gift. However, after receiving the gift, it uses the raised arm to perform a hand-waving reaction, thereby expressing gratitude and joy for the gift. In this way, when a gift is offered while an avatar object is performing a singing performance, for example, the avatar object (first avatar object 1411) corresponding to the performer who received the gift can be made to perform a hand waving reaction. Furthermore, when performing a hand waving reaction, the avatar object can be made to perform a hand waving reaction using the arm that was raised when the gift was offered. By performing such a reaction, the user who provided the gift can confirm the gratitude and joy of the performer for the gift, and can also confirm a natural reaction by the avatar object.

[0155] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer by a user watching an event held in a virtual space. Fig. 15 shows a state in which a new gift has been provided to a performer from the state shown in Fig. 13.

[0156] In FIG. 15, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1401 and the like on the display 1302.

[0157] Performer display area 1401 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, a first avatar object 1411 and a second avatar object 1412 are displayed as two performers. In this example screen, a new gift is provided to first avatar object 1411, and a gift object 1422 representing the gift is placed near first avatar object 1411 (in this case, above first avatar object 1411). In this example screen, first avatar object 1411, which corresponds to the performer who received the gift, is made to react by jumping on the spot. That is, as shown in FIG. 13 , the first avatar object is performing a performance with one arm raised (singing performance) as a performance immediately before receiving the gift, in other words, as a performance at the time of receiving the gift. However, after receiving the gift, the first avatar object reacts by jumping on the spot, thereby expressing gratitude and joy for the gift. In this way, when a gift is provided while an avatar object is performing a singing performance, the avatar object (first avatar object 1411) corresponding to the performer who received the gift can react by jumping on the spot, for example. By causing such a reaction to occur, the user who provided the gift can confirm the performer's gratitude and joy for the gift, and can also confirm a natural reaction by the avatar object.

[0158] Fig. 16 shows a state in which a new gift is given by a user watching an event held in a virtual space, and explains an example in which an event object related to an avatar object reacts to the gift. Fig. 14 shows a state in which a new gift has been given to a performer from the state in Fig. 13.

[0159] In FIG. 16, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1401 and the like on the display 1302.

[0160] Performer display area 1401 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, a first avatar object 1411 and a second avatar object 1412 are displayed as two performers. In this example screen, a new gift is provided to first avatar object 1411, and a gift object 1422 representing the gift is placed near first avatar object 1411 (in this case, to the right of the head of first avatar object 1411). In this example screen, first avatar object 1411 corresponding to the performer who received the gift is made to perform a hand-waving reaction. In this example screen, a fireworks object (event object) 1431 is launched from behind first avatar object 1411 that has received the new gift, and a motion of it exploding above first avatar object 1411's head is performed as a reaction to the gift. By performing such a reaction, the user who provided the gift can see the performer's gratitude and joy for providing the gift, and can also see a natural reaction without affecting the avatar object's motion.

[0161] <5 Basic computer hardware configuration> 16 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 50. The computer 50 includes at least a processor 501, a main memory device 502, an auxiliary memory device 503, and a communication IF 591 (interface), which are electrically connected to one another by a communication bus 521.

[0162] The processor 501 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0163] The main storage device 502 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0164] The auxiliary storage device 503 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0165] The communication IF 591 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using a wired or wireless communication standard. The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0166] It should be noted that the computer 50 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 50 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 50 is a concept that includes not only a computer 50 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0167] <6 Basic functional configuration of computer 50> The following describes the functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration (FIG. 13) of the computer 50. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0168] The functional units of the computer 50 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 50 interconnected via a network. The computer 50 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 50 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0169] The control unit is realized by the processor 501 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 503, loading them into the main storage device 502, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0170] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 502 and an auxiliary storage device 503. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 501 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 502 or the auxiliary storage device 503 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 501 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0171] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called masters and tables in a tabular format structurally defined by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a master, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables and masters can be set and associated. Typically, each table and each master has a column set as a primary key to uniquely identify a record, but setting a primary key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 501 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the storage unit according to various programs. Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the storage unit, it can be considered that the information processing device and information processing system according to the present disclosure have been manufactured.

[0172] Note that the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structure in which information is structurally defined (such as a list, dictionary, associative array, or object). The data structure also includes data that can be considered as a data structure by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc. written in any programming language.

[0173] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 591. The communication unit realizes a function of communicating with other computers 50 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 50 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 501 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. Furthermore, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 50.

[0174] Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The present invention can also be realized by software program code that implements the functions of the embodiments. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and a processor included in the computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media for providing such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs.

[0175] Furthermore, the program code that realizes the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of program or script languages, such as assembler, C / C++, perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0176] Furthermore, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiments may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the processor of the computer may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0177] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0178] <7 Variations> A modification of this embodiment will be described below. That is, the following aspects may be adopted. (1) An information processing device in which the program may be pre-installed or may be installed later, or such a program may be stored on an external non-transitory storage medium or may be run using cloud computing. (2) A method in which a computer functions as an information processing device, and the program may be pre-installed on the information processing device or may be installed later, or such a program may be stored on an external non-transitory storage medium, or may be operated using cloud computing.

[0179] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0180] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0181] (Appendix 1) A program executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: accepting a gift-offering operation from a user watching an event held in a virtual space to offer a gift to a performer of the event; offering the gift to the performer in accordance with the accepted gift-offering operation; generating reaction information to the gift based on first information regarding the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is offered to the performer; and causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object associated with the avatar object to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information.

[0182] (Appendix 2) The program described in Appendix 1 further causes the processor to perform a step of identifying first information at the time when the gift is provided to the performer, and generates reaction information based on the identified first information.

[0183] (Appendix 3) The program described in Appendix 1 further causes the processor to execute a step of detecting first information at the time when the gift is provided to the performer, and generating reaction information based on the detected first information.

[0184] (Appendix 4) The program of Appendix 3, further causing the processor to perform a step of identifying the detected first information and generating reaction information based on the identified first information.

[0185] (Appendix 5) 2. The program of claim 1, wherein the first information is information regarding a type of performance.

[0186] (Appendix 6) 6. The program of claim 5, wherein the information regarding the type of performance is preset for each fixed period of the event.

[0187] (Appendix 7) A program as described in Appendix 5, in which information regarding the type of performance is specified by the performers during the event.

[0188] (Appendix 8) 2. The program of claim 1, wherein the first information is information about the behavior of a performance.

[0189] (Appendix 9) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein in the step of generating reaction information, the reaction information is further generated based on information regarding gifts provided to the performers.

[0190] (Appendix 10) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein in the step of generating reaction information, the reaction information is generated based on information about the performer who receives the gift.

[0191] (Appendix 11) The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating reaction information, the reaction information is further generated based on information about the user providing the gift.

[0192] (Appendix 12) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer is the timing at which a gift object representing the gift is placed in the virtual space.

[0193] (Appendix 13) A program as described in Appendix 12, wherein, when the gift object is a dynamic object that moves within a virtual space, the timing at which the gift is presented to the performer is the timing at which the gift object is placed within a predetermined distance of the avatar object corresponding to the performer receiving the gift.

[0194] (Appendix 14) 2. The program of claim 1, wherein the gift is an action performed by a user avatar corresponding to the user when the user avatar is placed in a virtual space.

[0195] (Appendix 15) The program described in Appendix 14, wherein the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer is the timing at which the action is reflected in the virtual space.

[0196] (Appendix 16) The program further causes the processor to execute a step of receiving a designation operation from the user specifying the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space as the timing for providing the gift, and provides the gift to the performer in accordance with the received designation operation.

[0197] (Appendix 17) The program according to claim 16, which accepts an operation from a user to specify the timing at which a specific performance is to be performed by an avatar object corresponding to a performer as the timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space.

[0198] (Appendix 18) The program described in Appendix 1 further causes the processor to execute the steps of receiving a restriction operation from a performer to restrict the generation of reaction information, and restricting the generation of reaction information in accordance with the received restriction operation.

[0199] (Appendix 19) The program of claim 1, further causing the processor to execute a step of limiting generation of reaction information for a preset period of time during the event.

[0200] (Appendix 20) The program of claim 1, further causing the processor to perform a step of presenting the reaction performed by the avatar object to the user who provided the gift.

[0201] (Appendix 21) 19. The program according to claim 19, wherein the reaction performed by the avatar object is presented only to the user who provided the gift.

[0202] (Appendix 22) A method executed by a computer having a processor, wherein the processor executes the following steps: accepting a gift-offering operation from a user watching an event held in a virtual space to offer a gift to a performer of the event; offering the gift to the performer in accordance with the accepted gift-offering operation; generating reaction information to the gift based on first information regarding the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is offered to the performer; and causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object associated with the avatar object to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information.

[0203] (Appendix 23) An information processing device having a control unit, the control unit having the following functions: a function of accepting a gift provision operation from a user watching an event held in a virtual space to provide a gift to a performer of the event; a step of providing the gift to the performer in accordance with the accepted gift provision operation; a function of generating reaction information to the gift based on first information regarding the performance being performed by at least an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer; and a function of causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object related to the avatar object to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 10 terminal device, 12 communication interface, 13 input device, 14 output device, 15 memory, 16 storage unit, 19 processor, 20 server, 22 communication interface, 23 input / output interface, 25 memory, 26 storage, 29 processor, 50 computer, 80 network, 501 processor, 502 main memory device, 503 auxiliary memory device, 521 communication path, 591 communication IF, 1801 user information, 1901 input operation acceptance unit, 1902 transmission / reception unit, 1903 data processing unit, 1904 notification control unit, 1302 display, 140 audio processing unit, 141 microphone, 142 speaker, 150 position information sensor, 160 camera, 170 motion sensor, 2021 user information database, 2022 gift information database, 2023 gift recommendation information, 2031 reception control module, 2032 Transmission control module, 2033 user information acquisition module, 2034 gift offering operation reception module, 2035 gift offering module, 2036 generation module, 2037 execution module, 2038 identification module, 2040 detection module, 2041 presentation module, 2041 specified operation reception module, 2042 restriction module, 2043 restriction operation reception module

Claims

1. A program executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, The program causes the processor to: receiving a gift providing operation from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space to provide a gift to a performer of the event; providing the gift to the performer in response to the received gift providing operation; generating reaction information for the gift based on first information regarding at least a performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer; causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object associated with the avatar object to execute a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information.

2. The program further causes the processor to specifying the first information at the time when the gift is to be provided to the performer; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction information is generated based on the identified first information.

3. The program further causes the processor to Execute a step of detecting the first information at the time when the gift is provided to the performer; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction information is generated based on the detected first information.

4. The program further causes the processor to performing a step of identifying the detected first information; The program according to claim 3 , wherein the reaction information is generated based on the identified first information.

5. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the first information is information relating to a type of the performance.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information regarding the type of performance is preset for each fixed period in the event.

7. 6. The program of claim 5, wherein the information regarding the type of performance is specified by the performer during the event.

8. The program of claim 1 , wherein the first information is information about the behavior of the performance.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the reaction information, the reaction information is generated based on information about the gift provided to the performer.

10. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the reaction information, the reaction information is generated based on information about the performer who receives the gift.

11. The program according to claim 1 , wherein in the step of generating the reaction information, the reaction information is generated further based on information about the user to whom the gift is provided.

12. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer is the timing at which a gift object representing the gift is placed in the virtual space.

13. When the gift object is a dynamic object that moves within the virtual space, The program according to claim 12, wherein the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer is the timing at which the gift object is placed within a predetermined distance from the avatar object corresponding to the performer receiving the gift.

14. When a user avatar corresponding to the user is placed in the virtual space, The program of claim 1 , wherein the gift is an action performed by the user avatar.

15. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the timing at which the gift is provided to the performer is the timing at which the action is reflected in the virtual space.

16. The program further causes the processor to receiving, from the user, a designation operation for designating a timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space as the timing at which the gift is to be provided; The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: providing the gift to the performer in response to the received designation operation.

17. The program according to claim 16 , further comprising an operation from the user to specify a timing at which the gift is to be placed in the virtual space when a specific performance is to be performed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer.

18. The program further causes the processor to receiving a restriction operation from the performer to restrict generation of the reaction information or execution of the reaction according to the reaction information; The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: a step of restricting generation of the reaction information or execution of the reaction according to the reaction information in response to the received restricting operation.

19. The program further causes the processor to The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: a step of restricting generation of the reaction information or execution of the reaction according to the reaction information during a predetermined period of the event.

20. The program further causes the processor to The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: a step of presenting the reaction performed by the avatar object to the user who provided the gift.

21. The program according to claim 20 , wherein the reaction performed by the avatar object is presented only to the user who provided the gift.

22. The program further causes the processor to executing a step of controlling the timing of executing the reaction in accordance with the first information; The program according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction is executed at the controlled timing.

23. The program described in claim 22, wherein in the controlling step, the timing of executing the reaction is controlled by limiting the execution of the reaction in accordance with a motion corresponding to the performance of the avatar object included in the first information and a motion corresponding to the reaction.

24. The program of claim 1, wherein in the step of executing the reaction, an avatar object corresponding to another performer other than the performer who received the gift is caused to execute a reaction related to or accompanying the reaction to be executed by the avatar object corresponding to the performer who received the gift.

25. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: The processor: receiving a gift providing operation from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space to provide a gift to a performer of the event; and providing the gift to the performer in response to the received gift providing operation; generating reaction information for the gift based on first information regarding at least a performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer; causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object associated with the avatar object to perform a reaction in accordance with the generated reaction information.

26. An information processing device including a control unit, The control unit A function of receiving a gift providing operation from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space to provide a gift to a performer of the event, and a function of providing the gift to the performer in response to the received gift providing operation; a function of generating reaction information to the gift based on first information regarding at least a performance being performed by an avatar object corresponding to the performer at the time the gift is provided to the performer; an information processing device having a function of causing at least one of the avatar object and an event object related to the avatar object to execute a reaction according to the generated reaction information.

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