Information management device, information management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information management device capable of suppressing a sense of incongruity when the same person acts in both the real world and the virtual world. [Solution] A management computer 11 connected to a terminal device, the management computer 11 performs the following processes: acquiring first behavioral information including the behavior of a user 15A in a foreign world A1 from a terminal device 12A used by the user 15A; providing information on a virtual world B1 to a terminal device 12C used by a user 15C; acquiring behavioral information including the behavior of a character 21 personified as the user 15C in the virtual world B1 from the terminal device 12C when the user 15C accesses the virtual world B1 using the terminal device 12C; and, if the user 15A and the user 15C are the same person, linking the amount of money held by the user 15A managed by the terminal device 12A with the amount of money held by the character 21 acting in the virtual world B1.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information management device, an information management method, and a program that are capable of linking the real world and the virtual world. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a system capable of linking the real world and the virtual world is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The system for linking the real world and the virtual world disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a new service that links the real world and the virtual world. This service provides a new user experience through the virtual world by linking the real world and the virtual world so that visiting a specific area in the real world triggers an action to be performed in a corresponding area in the virtual world. Specifically, when a user visits a specific area in the real world, the user is triggered to access the corresponding area in the virtual world, and the user can perform an action associated with that area in that area in the virtual world.

[0003] The system is connected to a database unit, which stores various information for providing a user experience in a virtual world. The database unit stores various information used to calculate a score representing the user's characteristics. The database unit stores information indicating matters determined by the system. As an example of information association stored in the database unit, the concept of "rich" is associated with keywords such as "Harvard University," "Stanford University," "MBA," "doctor," and "manager." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7158789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present application recognized the problem that the system described in Patent Document 1 does not clearly state the specifics of how to link the real world and the virtual world, and that there is a possibility that a sense of incongruity may be felt when the same person acts in both the real world and the virtual world.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an information management device, an information management method, and a program that can reduce the sense of incongruity when the same person acts in both the real world and the virtual world. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This embodiment is an information management device that includes a processor for executing processing and is communicably connected via a network to a terminal device used by a user 15, and the processor performs a first process of acquiring first behavior information including the behavior of a first user who is in a real world where simulated currency circulates from a first terminal device that is provided in the real world and used by the first user, a second process of providing information about a virtual world that is constructed on a network and in which simulated currency circulates to a second terminal device that is used by a second user in the real world, and when the second user accesses the virtual world using the second terminal device, An information management device is disclosed that is configured to execute a third process of acquiring second behavioral information from the second terminal device, the second behavioral information including the actions that the second user, personified, performs in the virtual world; a fourth process of determining whether the first user using the first terminal device and the second user using the second terminal device are the same person; and a fifth process of linking the amount of simulated currency held by the first user and the amount of simulated currency held by the second user acting in the virtual world, which is managed by the first terminal device, if it is determined in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the information management device of this embodiment, when it is determined that the first user and the second user are the same person, the amount of simulated currency possessed by the first user and the amount of simulated currency possessed by the second user acting in the virtual world are linked. Therefore, if the first user and the second user are the same person, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity when acting in the real world and when acting in the virtual world. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information management system including an information management device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management computer, which is an example of an information management device. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of information and data stored in an auxiliary storage device of a management computer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device included in the information management system. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information management method executed in an information management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Example of information management system configuration) In this embodiment, several specific examples of an information management system, an information management device, an information management method, and a program are described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of an information management system 10. The information management system 10 is composed of a management computer 11, a terminal device 12, and networks 13 and 14. The terminal device 12 includes terminal devices 12A and 12B used in another world country A1, and terminal devices 12C and 12D connected to a virtual world B1. The meanings of another world country A1 and virtual world B1 will be described later.

[0011] Management computer 11 is communicatively connected to terminal devices 12A and 12B via network 13, and management computer 11 is communicatively connected to terminal devices 12C and 12D via network 14. Management computer 11 and terminal devices 12 may all be located within the same country, or each device may be located in a different country.

[0012] The networks 13 and 14 may be any of the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network, etc. The networks 13 and 14 are communication lines for transmitting various types of information, and are realized by base stations, communication satellites, communication antennas, communication equipment (access points), repeaters, communication circuits, communication cables (copper wires, optical fibers), etc. The communication lines include one or more communication means of wireless communication or wired communication. Wireless communication includes short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication includes, for example, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Wireless communication includes electrical signals, optical signals, radio waves, infrared rays, satellite communication, etc. Signals used in communication include digital signals and analog signals.

[0013] (Example of the composition of a different world country) The other-world country A1 is a fictional space set in a specific area in the real world. The other-world country A1 is a fictional space set in the real world. The other-world country A1 is a space where multiple users 15 can actually carry out activities. The users 15 who are active in the other-world country A1 include users 15A and 15B. The other-world country A1 may be set up either outdoors or indoors. The other-world country A1 may be configured, for example, so that children from different residential areas become users 15A and 15B and gather in a specific area to participate in an event in the form of a training camp. Children from the specific area may also become users 15A and 15B and participate in the other-world country A1.

[0014] The otherworld country A1 is managed and operated by a simulated national institution 17. The simulated national institution 17 is a fictitious institution that operates and manages three organizations: a simulated bank 18, a market 19, and a guild counter 20. The simulated bank 18 issues and manages currency (money) circulating in the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1. The currency issued and managed by the simulated bank 18 may be a simulated currency that is valid only in the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1 and does not function as a medium of exchange in the real world. The currency issued and managed by the simulated bank 18 may also include digital assets, such as virtual currencies (tokens), cryptocurrencies, etc., that are valid in the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1 and are designed to function as a medium of exchange in the real world as well.

[0015] Furthermore, the currency issued and managed by the simulated bank 18 may function as a medium of exchange limited to a specific area common to both the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1. As a result, the currency circulating in each specific area fulfills the function of regional revitalization. Furthermore, the currency issued and managed by the simulated bank 18 may be configured to fluctuate in value within a specific area common to both the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1. It may also be configured to allow exchange between different types of currency.

[0016] Furthermore, the simulated bank 18 can obtain information such as the currency circulation status, the amount of goods sold (traded) in the other world country A1 and the virtual world B1, the inflation / deflation status, the lending and borrowing of currency, the amount of currency held by each user 15, and tax collection. The goods sold in the other world country A1 and the virtual world B1 may include local specialties and special products of each region. Furthermore, the goods sold in the other world country A1 and the virtual world B1 may be real items.

[0017] The market 19 serves to provide and manage supplies, such as food ingredients, materials, and rental items, to users 15 as citizens of the otherworld country A1 and characters 21 active in the virtual world B1. The guild counter 20 manages missions issued to users 15 in the otherworld country A1 and missions issued to characters 21 in the virtual world B1. Missions include jobs and quests. Missions include multiple types, such as normal missions, bonus missions, and special missions. Each type of mission allows users 15 and characters 21 to earn different amounts of currency and points each time they complete a mission.

[0018] The guild counter 20 also manages points and skills. Furthermore, the guild counter 20 may determine the missions to be issued to the user 15 or character 21, the amount of currency and number of points that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire each time they complete a mission, the types of skills that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire, etc., based on the management status of the business that the user 15 or character 21 starts. The business that the user 15 or character 21 starts is a simulated business that can only be developed in the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1.

[0019] Here, the guild counter 20 may, for example, relatively increase the number of missions issued to the user 15 or character 21, the amount of currency and number of points that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire each time they complete a mission, the types of skills that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire, etc., the relatively higher the business performance of the business started by the user 15 or character 21.

[0020] Furthermore, the guild counter 20 may determine the amount of currency and number of points that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire each time a mission is completed, the type of skill that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire, etc., depending on whether the idea submitted by the user 15 or character 21 is able to solve the problem of another user 15 or character 21. Here, if the suggestion or idea submitted by the user 15 or character 21 is able to solve the problem of another user 15 or character 21, the guild counter 20 may relatively increase the amount of currency and number of points that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire each time a mission is completed, the type of skill that the user 15 or character 21 can acquire, etc., compared to when the problem is not solved. Furthermore, the guild counter 20 may determine the type of mission to provide to the user 15 based on the user 15's country or region of residence. The meanings of points and skills will be described later.

[0021] At the guild counter 20, the user 15 or character 21 can declare a business they are starting in the otherworld country A1, report the management status of the business they have started (business report), accept new quests, consult about borrowing currency, etc. The user 15 can start various businesses in the otherworld country A1, such as a real estate company, a restaurant, a clothing store, an online business company, etc. The character 21 can start various businesses in the virtual world B1, such as a real estate company, a restaurant, a clothing store, an online business company, etc.

[0022] (Example of virtual world configuration) Virtual world B1 is a virtual space, for example, a metaverse, that management computer 11 provides to network 14. When user 15C connects terminal device 12C to management computer 11, virtual world B1 can be displayed on the display device of terminal device 12C. When user 15D connects terminal device 12D to management computer 11, virtual world B1 can be displayed on the display device of terminal device 12D.

[0023] 1 and 4, users 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D with different reference numerals are shown as examples of users 15, but user 15A may be the same person as user 15C or user 15D. Also, user 15B may be the same person as user 15C or user 15D.

[0024] User 15C may be displayed as character 21C in virtual world B1, and user 15D may be displayed as character 21D. Characters 21C and 21D are collectively defined as character 21. Character 21 is an anthropomorphized version of users 15C and 15D, and character 21 includes people, animals, avatars, body clones, etc. On the display device of terminal device 12C, character 21C is displayed in virtual world B1. On the display device of terminal device 12D, character 21D is displayed in virtual world B1. In virtual world B1, a simulated national institution 17 exists, similar to otherworld country A1.

[0025] User 15C can make character 21C act in virtual world B1 by operating terminal device 12C. User 15D can make character 21D act in virtual world B1 by operating terminal device 12D. In other words, users 15C and 15D can interact indirectly through virtual world B1.

[0026] When characters 21C and 21D act in virtual world B1, users 15C and 15D can indirectly interact with each other using a display, a microphone, and an audio output device. Voice input by either user 15C or 15D into the microphone of the terminal device 12 may be displayed in text format on the display of the other user's terminal device 12. Voice input by either user 15C or 15D into the microphone of the terminal device 12 may be output from the audio output device of the other user's terminal device 12. Users 15C and 15D do not need to meet face-to-face, and the countries and regions of residence of users 15C and 15D may be the same or different.

[0027] (Example of management computer configuration) The management computer 11 is a computer implemented by various hardware and software. The software includes an operating system and applications. The management computer 11 is managed and operated by an administrator 33. The management computer 11 may have hardware such as a main body (casing), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a processor 24, a main memory device 25, an auxiliary memory device 26, an input device 27, an output device 28, and a communication device 29.

[0028] The ROM 23 is a non-volatile storage device provided inside the main body. The ROM 23 is a memory for reading data only, and data is written to the ROM 23 at the time of manufacturing and is not changed afterwards. The ROM 23 stores programs such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that are executed first when the management computer 11 is started up.

[0029] The processor 24 is provided inside the main body of the management computer 11, and may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) that integrates an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit). The processor 24 is communicably connected to the ROM 23, main memory device 25, auxiliary memory device 26, input device 27, output device 28, and communication device 29 via a communication bus 30. The processor 24 comprehensively controls other devices and circuits provided inside the main body and devices and circuits provided outside the main body.

[0030] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to a central processing unit, the processor 24 may include an arithmetic processing circuit such as a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a micro processing unit (MPU). The GPU processes video information and audio information.

[0031] The processor 24 executes various processes by running a program. The processes executed by the processor 24 include calculation, judgment, learning, comparison, identification, classification, control, generation, etc. The processes executed by the processor 24 include reading a program from the auxiliary storage device 26, running a program read from the auxiliary storage device 26 in the main storage device 25, retrieving information and data from the auxiliary storage device 26 and processing them in accordance with the program, processing information and data acquired from the terminal device 12, storing the results of processing executed in the main storage device 25 in the auxiliary storage device 26, processing information and data to be transmitted to the terminal device 12, etc. Specific examples of functional configurations realized by the processor 24 through the execution of a program will be described later.

[0032] The main memory device 25 is a volatile memory device, and is realized by, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory device 25 functions as a work area and a buffer area for storing programs, data, instructions, etc. when the processor 24 processes and executes the programs, data, instructions, etc. retrieved from the auxiliary memory device 26. The main memory device 25 is a non-transitory storage medium.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 26 is a non-transitory storage medium. The auxiliary storage device 26 may also be understood as storage. The auxiliary storage device 26 may be provided inside the main body, or may be provided outside the main body and connected to the communication bus 30 via wireless or wired communication. The auxiliary storage device 26 has a larger capacity than the main storage device 25. The auxiliary storage device 26 operates in response to input and output instructions from the processor 24.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 26 is configured using one or more of the following methods: magnetic storage, optical storage, magneto-optical storage, semiconductor storage, etc. The magnetic storage method is realized by a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, etc. The optical storage method is configured to irradiate the surface of the storage medium 26A with laser light to record data using light or heat, and read the reflected laser light with an optical head.

[0035] The optical storage method is realized by an optical drive and storage medium 26A. Optical drives include a Combo drive, a Super Combo drive, a Multi drive, a Super Multi drive, a Hyper drive, etc. Storage medium 26A includes a Compact Disc, a Digital Video Disc, a Blu-ray Disc, etc. The magneto-optical method is realized by, for example, a magneto-optical disc.

[0036] The magnetic storage method and the optical storage method have a head and a storage medium 26A. The storage medium 26A may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body. The semiconductor storage method may be defined as a flash memory. Examples of flash memory include an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, and a solid state drive. The flash memory can also be understood as a storage medium 26A configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body. The auxiliary storage device 26 stores non-transitory programs, various information, and data.

[0037] The input device 27 is a device used by the administrator 33, and may be configured with devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display. The display may be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. Various information, such as images, videos, figures, characters, operation buttons, operation tabs, etc., is displayed on the display screen. The display may also be considered as a monitor. The input device 27 is connected to the communication bus 30 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0038] The output device 28 includes devices such as a display and a sound information output device. The display is the same as the display of the input device 27. The sound information output device is a device that outputs sound information. The sound information output device is realized by a speaker, headphones, earphones, etc. The sound information output device is connected to the communication bus 30 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0039] The communication device 29 includes devices, equipment, and standards that connect the management computer 11 to the networks 13 and 14 via at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The hardware that makes up the communication device 29 may be configured, for example, by a LAN card, a network adapter, a network interface card, a communication cable, a communication antenna, a communication port, a modem, a hub (line concentrator), a router, etc. The management computer 11 can transmit information and data to the terminal device 12 via the communication device 29, and can receive information and data from the terminal device 12 via the communication device 29.

[0040] 2 by running non-transitory programs and cooperating with various pieces of hardware that make up the management computer 11. The processor 24 realizes, for example, a website management unit 34, a user information processing unit 35, an other-world country management unit 36, a virtual world management unit 37, an environment collaboration unit 38, a local information processing unit 39, an artificial intelligence unit 40, and the like.

[0041] When a web application is run by the processor 24, the website management unit 34 provides a website at a predetermined uniform resource locator (URL) on the networks 13, 14. When the terminal device 12 accesses the management computer 11 via a website, the website management unit 34 realizes the functions of transmitting a web page written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format to the terminal device 12, obtaining information and data transmitted from the terminal device 12, and transmitting the information and data to the terminal device 12.

[0042] The user information processing unit 35 processes the user information acquired from the terminal device 12 to register the user, and stores the user information and the fact of registration in the auxiliary storage device 26. The user information includes the user 15's name, country and address of residence, preferred language, date of birth, age, gender, email address, telephone number, account, etc. The account is unique and identifies each different user 15, and includes an identification number and password. If the user 15 is the same person, the same account is assigned to them. When information and data are sent and received between the management computer 11 and the terminal device 12, the information and data are associated with the account.

[0043] The other-world country management unit 36 ​​manages and processes general information and data about the other-world country A1. General information and data about the other-world country A1 includes the country and region in which the other-world country A1 is established, the purpose of the event in which the other-world country A1 is established, the date on which the other-world country A1 is established, general processing performed by the simulated national agency 17 of the other-world country A1, and information and data about actions taken by the user 15 in the other-world country A1. Information about actions taken by the user 15 in the other-world country A1 includes information and data acquired by the management computer 11 from the terminal device 12 when the user 15 takes action in the other-world country A1, information and data sent from the management computer 11 to the terminal device 12 when the user 15 takes action in the other-world country A1, and the like. The other-world country management unit 36 ​​may store the processed information and data in the auxiliary storage device 26.

[0044] The virtual world management unit 37 manages information and data for generating the virtual world B1 and the characters 21, operation menus displayed in the virtual world B1, information and data on the actions of the characters 21 in the virtual world B1, information and data processed by the simulated national agency 17 in the virtual world B1, etc. The information and data on the actions of the characters 21 in the virtual world B1 includes information and data acquired by the management computer 11 from the terminal device 12 when the characters 21 are active in the virtual world B1, information and data sent from the management computer 11 to the terminal device 12 when the characters 21 are active in the virtual world B1, etc. The virtual world management unit 37 may store the processed information and data in the auxiliary storage device 26.

[0045] The environment linking unit 38 may determine whether the user 15 using the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the user 15 using the terminal devices 12C and 12D are the same person. If the environment linking unit 38 determines that the user 15 using the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the user 15 using the terminal devices 12C and 12D are the same person, the environment linking unit 38 may execute processing to link the amount of currency managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B and held by the user 15 with the amount of simulated currency held by the character 21 acting in the virtual world B1, that is, to make the amounts held the same.

[0046] Furthermore, if the environment linking unit 38 determines that the user 15 using the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the user 15 using the terminal devices 12C and 12D are not the same person, the environment linking unit 38 does not link the amount of currency held by the user 15 managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B with the amount of simulated currency held by the character 21 acting in the virtual world B1.

[0047] Furthermore, if the environment linking unit 38 determines that the user 15 using the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the user 15 using the terminal devices 12C and 12D are the same person, it may execute processing to link the business status of the user 15's business managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B with the business status of the character 21's business in the virtual world B1, i.e., to make them the same business status.

[0048] Furthermore, if the environment linking unit 38 determines that the user 15 using the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the user 15 using the terminal devices 12C and 12D are not the same person, the environment linking unit 38 does not link the business status of the user 15's business managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B with the business status of the character 21 in the virtual world B1.

[0049] Furthermore, the environment linking unit 38 may determine whether the other-world country A1 managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the virtual world B1 provided to the terminal devices 12C and 12D coexist at the same time. If the environment linking unit 38 determines that the other-world country A1 managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the virtual world B1 provided to the terminal devices 12C and 12D coexist at the same time, the environment of the other-world country A1 may be reflected in the environment of the virtual world B1. In other words, the environment of the other-world country A1 may be made the same as the environment of the virtual world B1.

[0050] Furthermore, if the environment collaboration unit 38 determines that the other world country A1 managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the virtual world B1 provided to the terminal devices 12C and 12D do not coexist at the same time, it does not reflect the environment of the other world country A1 in the environment of the virtual world B1.

[0051] The regional information processing unit 39 processes information and data on a predetermined region where the otherworld country A1 is located, information and data on a predetermined region featured in the virtual world B1, etc. The regional information processing unit 39 processes, for example, tasks to revitalize the predetermined region, proposals and ideas submitted by users 15A and 15B to solve the tasks, proposals and ideas submitted by character 21 to solve the tasks, etc. The regional information processing unit 39 may store the processed information and data in the auxiliary storage device 26.

[0052] When the program is run, the artificial intelligence unit 40 cooperates with the auxiliary storage device 26 to execute various processes. The processes executed by the artificial intelligence unit 40 include a learning process (learning stage) and an inference process (inference stage). The information and data used by the artificial intelligence unit 40 to execute the processes include behavioral information and data of the user 15 in the otherworld country A1, and behavioral information and data of the character 21 in the virtual world B1. This includes large amounts of data, text data, various models, etc. used in the learning process and inference process.

[0053] In a learning process, for example, a machine learning process, the artificial intelligence unit 40 processes input learning target data using a learning model, thereby outputting a processing result (output data). The artificial intelligence unit 40 also uses a loss function to calculate the error between the processing result and correct answer data, and trains the learning model based on the error. Specifically, the artificial intelligence unit 40 adjusts weights, biases, and the like to reduce the error. In an inference process, the artificial intelligence unit 40 processes inference target data using the learning model, thereby outputting an inference result. The inference target data may include various information and data acquired from the terminal device 12. The artificial intelligence unit 40 may output suggested information to be sent to the terminal device 12 as an inference result.

[0054] The processing of input data performed by machine learning includes extracting features from the input data. The features of the input data include classification and regression. Classification involves classifying and identifying features. Regression involves grasping the trends of classified features. The learning model is stored in the auxiliary storage device 26, and as machine learning is repeated, the learning model is trained as needed.

[0055] The machine learning performed by the artificial intelligence unit 40 may include three types: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. In supervised learning, the learning model is trained by comparing output data obtained by processing learning data (training data) with pre-prepared correct answer labels. The learning data includes various tasks. The correct answer labels include suggested information for solving various tasks.

[0056] When training data is input, the training model processes the training data using a large amount of data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 and outputs suggested information as an inference result. Then, the artificial intelligence unit 40 compares the suggested information with the correct label and trains the training model based on the error.

[0057] Unsupervised learning is a method of learning using training data that does not contain correct answers, and classifies the training data into groups of data with similar characteristics (regularities, etc.). For example, the training data is processed, and the types of tasks contained in the training data are classified and stored in the auxiliary storage device 26.

[0058] Reinforcement learning involves repeatedly processing input data with a learning model to obtain output data, thereby generating "actions to achieve this goal." Specifically, it may generate optimal actions to achieve the goal. The reinforcement learning performed by the artificial intelligence unit 40 includes the following four-stage process.

[0059] In the first stage, the artificial intelligence unit 40 processes input data using a learning model to determine the state of the environment. In the second stage, the artificial intelligence unit 40 uses the learning model to determine actions that can be performed in the current environment. In the third stage, the artificial intelligence unit 40 uses the learning model to predict the level of reward that can be obtained by adopting the "feasible action determined in the second stage." Then, in the fourth stage, the artificial intelligence unit 40 repeats the process of training the learning model so that, in the future (practical stage), it can select an action that will relatively increase (maximize) the reward based on the results of the environmental determination, the feasible actions, and the predicted results of the level of reward that can be obtained by adopting the feasible actions.

[0060] Furthermore, when the processor 22 runs the program, the artificial intelligence unit 40, in the inference stage, uses various information obtained from the terminal device 12 and various information and data stored in the auxiliary memory device 26, and the learning model performs inference processing and outputs the inference results.

[0061] The artificial intelligence unit 40 can use a convolutional neural network as a learning model to achieve machine learning. A neural network has an input layer, an intermediate layer (hidden layer), and an output layer. The intermediate layer is configured to convert input information into a form that is useful for the output layer. The artificial intelligence unit 40 can also perform deep learning to realize the intermediate layer of the neural network. In deep learning, the intermediate layer is multi-layered with multiple types of stages (nodes), and weights and biases are assigned to functions (features) contained in the information. Deep learning automatically specifies the functions (features) to be focused on by the intermediate layer, thereby reducing noise in the information and data input to the learning model.

[0062] The artificial intelligence unit 40 can use a random forest as a learning model to realize machine learning. A random forest is an algorithm that combines two techniques: a decision tree and ensemble learning (bagging). The artificial intelligence unit 40 can use a light gradient boosting machine as a learning model to realize machine learning. The light gradient boosting machine is an analytical algorithm in machine learning, and is one of the data analysis methods in the field known as "supervised learning," which expresses target variables from given data.

[0063] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit 40 may use the functions of a large-scale language model to process prompts, generate sentences to create suggested information, and so on. Prompts include those generated when the user 15 inputs a business problem they recognize into the terminal device 12. Large-scale language models (LLMs) are a type of generative artificial intelligence specialized for natural language processing (NLP). Large-scale language models are language models that realize advanced natural language generation (LNG) and are constructed through deep learning of massive amounts of text data. Natural language processing processes natural language by combining processes such as morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, context analysis, and intent analysis, enabling machine translation, text summarization, speech recognition, and so on.

[0064] A language model is a system that predicts the next word after a given word by understanding the patterns of natural language used by humans and analyzing the probability of word occurrence. Examples of large-scale language models include ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) (registered trademark), PaLM2 (registered trademark), and LaMDA2 (registered trademark). Words and sentences used as instructions to be input into these large-scale language models are called prompts.

[0065] When functioning as a generative artificial intelligence unit, the artificial intelligence unit 40 can realize text generation, image generation, video generation, and voice generation. Text generation is a function that, when a prompt (in text format), such as an instruction or question, is input, analyzes the content and intent of the prompt and uses information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 to automatically generate a response to the prompt, such as suggested information, in text format. The use of a large-scale language model enables natural and highly accurate responses to be obtained.

[0066] Image generation is a function that automatically generates an original image that is close to the image of the input prompt (text format) by using information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26. Known models for generating images include stable diffusion, mid-journey, and Dali-Two.

[0067] Video generation is a function that automatically generates an original video that is close to the image of an input prompt (in text format) by utilizing information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26. One known model for generating videos is Gentoo. Voice generation is a function that automatically generates original voice data (optimal actions, responses, music, etc.) by utilizing information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 for an input prompt (in voice or text format). One known model for generating voice is Voice Engine.

[0068] The auxiliary storage device 26 stores information and data obtained from the terminal device 12, information and data resulting from processing by the processor 24, data constituting web pages on a website, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the auxiliary storage device 26 also implements a website information storage unit 41, a user information storage unit 42, an otherworld country information storage unit 43, a virtual world information storage unit 44, a region information storage unit 46, a program storage unit 47, a model storage unit 48, etc.

[0069] The website information storage unit 41 stores HTML files, image files, etc. that make up website pages. The user information storage unit 42 stores user information processed by the user information processing unit 35. The otherworld country information storage unit 43 stores information and data processed by the otherworld country management unit 36. The virtual world information storage unit 44 stores information and data processed by the virtual world management unit 37. The region information storage unit 46 stores information and data processed by the region information processing unit 39.

[0070] 3 shows an example of information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26. User information, information and data on activities in the other-world country, and information and data on activities in the virtual world may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 26, with the user's name as the heading. The auxiliary storage device 26 may also store region names, issues in the region, and proposals and ideas for the issues, with the country name as the heading.

[0071] The program storage unit 47 stores applications run by the processor 24 and various programs run by the processor 24. The applications stored in the program storage unit 47 include non-transitory programs, manuals, setting files, files for storing data, data, various libraries, etc. The model storage unit 48 stores various models used by the artificial intelligence unit 40, etc.

[0072] (Terminal device configuration) The terminal device 12 shown in Fig. 1 is a computer used and operated by a user 15. The terminal device 12 includes, for example, a portable computer and a fixed computer. Portable computers include smartphones and tablet computers. Fixed computers include desktop computers, notebook computers, etc. Fig. 4 shows an example configuration of the terminal device 12. The terminal device 12 includes a main body (casing), a ROM 50, a processor 51, a main memory device 52, an auxiliary memory device 53, an input device 54, an output device 55, a communication device 56, etc.

[0073] The ROM 50 is a non-volatile storage device provided inside the main body. The ROM 50 is a memory for reading data only, and data is written to the ROM 50 at the time of manufacturing and is not changed afterwards. The ROM 50 stores programs such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that are executed first when the terminal device 12 is started up.

[0074] The processor 51 may be provided inside the main body and may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. The processor 51 is communicably connected to the main memory device 52, the auxiliary memory device 53, the input device 54, the output device 55, and the communication device 56 via a communication bus 57. The processor 51 is configured to comprehensively control other devices and circuits provided inside the main body and devices and circuits provided outside the main body.

[0075] The processor 51 processes information and data by running non-transitory programs. Specifically, the processor 51 processes video information, audio information, text data, etc. Video information includes moving images, still images, photographs, etc. Text data includes letters, numbers, sentences, symbols, graphics, etc. The processing performed by the processor 51 includes calculation, judgment, comparison, control, etc.

[0076] The processing executed by the processor 51 includes processing for reading information and data from the auxiliary storage device 53, updating the information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 53, sending the information and data processed by the processor 51 to the management computer 11, processing the information and commands input by the input device 54, processing the information and data to be output by the output device 55, and the like.

[0077] The main memory device 52 is a volatile memory device, and functions as a work area and a buffer area for storing programs, data, instructions, etc. retrieved from the auxiliary memory device 53 when the processor 51 executes processing of programs, data, instructions, etc. The main memory device 52 is a non-transitory storage medium.

[0078] The auxiliary storage device 53 is a non-transitory storage medium. Non-transitory applications are stored in the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 also stores information and data to be processed by the processor 51. The information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 53 include the processing results of the processor 51, various data, operation details of the input device 54, control signals to the output device 55, information and data acquired from the management computer 11, etc.

[0079] The processor 51 is configured to execute various processes by reading and executing non-transitory programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 53. The processor 51 executes, for example, processing of information, data, data, and commands input via the input device 54, processing of information and data sent from the terminal device 12 to the management computer 11, processing of information and data acquired from the management computer 11, processing of information and data output from the output device 55, processing of storing information and data in the auxiliary storage device 53, and the like.

[0080] The auxiliary storage device 53 has a larger capacity than the main storage device 52, and operates in response to input and output commands from the processor 51. The auxiliary storage device 53 is realized, for example, by a head and a non-transitory storage medium 53A. The head writes information and data to the storage medium 53A and reads information and data from the storage medium 53A. The storage medium 53A is realized by a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc. A flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of flash memory include an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, and a solid-state drive. The storage medium 53A may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body.

[0081] The input device 54 is operated when inputting information and data into the terminal device 12, when executing various processes in the terminal device 12, when sending various information and data from the terminal device 12 to the management computer 11, when the terminal device 12 obtains various information and data from the management computer 11, when outputting information from the output device 55, etc.

[0082] The input device 54 is a device operated by the user 15, and may be configured with devices such as a keyboard 54A, a mouse 54B, a microphone 54C, a display 54D, and a camera 54E. The display 54D is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. Images, figures, characters, operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. are displayed on the screen of the display 54D. The display 54D may be defined as a monitor.

[0083] The user 15 can operate one or more of the keyboard 54A, the mouse 54B, and the operation buttons and operation tabs displayed on the screen of the display 54D. The user 15 may input voice information via the microphone 54C. The user 15 may also photograph an object with the camera 54E and store the photographed image in the auxiliary storage device 53.

[0084] The output device 55 includes devices such as a display 54D and a sound information output device 55A. The display 54D is common to the display 54D of the input device 54. The sound information output device 55A is a device that outputs sound information. Various information and data, website information, virtual world B1 information, etc. acquired from the management computer 11 are displayed on the screen of the display 54D. The sound information output device 55A is realized by a speaker, headphones, earphones, etc. The sound information output device 55A is connected to the communication bus 57 by wireless communication or wired communication. The sound information output device 55A outputs voice, music, etc. acquired from the management computer 11.

[0085] The communication device 56 includes devices, equipment, and standards that connect the terminal device 12 to the management computer 11 via at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The devices and equipment that connect the terminal device 12 to the management computer 11 may include cables, antennas, routers, communication circuits, communication ports, communication connectors, communication hubs, etc.

[0086] (User behavior in other world countries) Users 15 can perform various actions in the other-world country A1. Users 15 are, for example, assumed to be elementary or junior high school students reincarnated as adults. Users 15 can also interact with each other face-to-face in the other-world country A1. When users 15 take action in the other-world country A1, for example, when conducting business, buying goods, receiving services, etc., they can pay and receive currency. Users 15 manage the amount of currency they receive and pay. When users 15 start a business, they can procure supplies at the market. Furthermore, users 15A can receive investment from other users 15B in a company started by user 15A. User 15A can also invest in a company started by other users 15B.

[0087] For example, user 15A can receive currency from another user 15B in the otherworld country A1, and can also receive points from user 15B. User 15A can also obtain points from the guild counter 20 when completing a mission. Points have the meaning of expressing qualitative concepts other than simulated currency, such as the meaning of gratitude in the otherworld country A1, as points.

[0088] In the otherworld country A1, not only are users 15 who have earned a relatively large amount of currency commended by the guild counter 20, but users 15 who have acquired a relatively large number of points are also commended as heroes by the guild counter 20. Points serve to increase the credibility of users 15 in the otherworld country A1. When users 15 borrow currency from the simulated bank 18, the relatively higher the number of points, the relatively higher the amount of currency they can borrow.

[0089] By carrying out missions in the otherworld country A1, the user 15 can collect skill experience points. The user 15 can acquire skills and power up skills in the otherworld country A1. Skills include various types such as negotiation skills, fundraising skills, planning skills, etc., and the type of business that the user 15 can utilize varies depending on the type of skill that the user 15 possesses.

[0090] The user 15 may use the terminal device 12 in the other-world country A1. The user 15 may act in the other-world country A1 and transmit all of the action information from the terminal device 12 to the management computer 11. The action information includes the total amount of currency the user 15 possesses and a history of increases and decreases in the total amount, the amount of currency the user 15 has paid and a history of the amount, the amount of currency the user 15 has received and a history of the amount, the number of points the user 15 has acquired, a history of the reasons for acquiring points, the skills the user 15 possesses, etc.

[0091] The behavioral information also includes the types of missions performed by user 15 and their history, the number of missions performed and their history, information on actions taken by user 15A and user 15B together, challenges recognized by user 15 after user 15 started a business in otherworld country A1 or virtual world B1, etc. Furthermore, terminal device 12 may or may not be owned by user 15. If terminal device 12 is owned by user 15, behavioral information of user 15 may be recorded in terminal device 12.

[0092] (Example 1 of user behavior in a different world country) User 15A may start a business in other-world country A1, for example, an office, a store, a company, etc. When starting a business, user 15A creates a business plan. User 15A may borrow currency from simulated bank 18 to start the business. In the business that user 15A has started, user 15A can provide goods or services to user 15B and receive currency, create accounting reports based on the currency paid and received in the business, create financial statements, file tax returns, complete missions that user 15A has received, and purchase goods and services from user 15B by paying currency to user 15B.

[0093] (Learning from User Behavior Example 1 in Another World Country) In the otherworld country A1, users 15 can learn various things, such as experiencing the rewards of work. Specifically, users 15 can realize things like, "My hard work made other users smile," "I was able to acquire currency through my hard work," "I was able to buy goods or services with the currency I acquired through hard work," and "My work changed the vitality of the otherworld country." This gives users 15 an opportunity to think about the meaning of work and deepen their understanding of it.

[0094] The user 15 can experience the flow of currency and the increase and decrease of the currency he / she possesses in the other-world country A1. Specifically, the user 15 can learn about the flow of currency and the workings of the economy, such as what actions will increase the currency he / she possesses and what actions will decrease the currency he / she possesses.

[0095] User 15A can learn how to express gratitude and receive gratitude from other users 15B in the other world country A1. For example, user 15A can learn that other users 15B who purchase a business provided by user 15A say "thank you" (receive points), and that the points received contribute to user 15A's credibility in the other world country A1. In other words, user 15A can learn that gratitude and credibility are linked not only to currency but also to the value of user 15A himself.

[0096] (Example 2 of user behavior in another world country) User 15 can acquire currency and live in the other-world country A1. Specifically, User 15 considers food and living expenses for his or her own life. User 15 manages the currency necessary for not only business but also food, clothing, and shelter. For example, User 15 can use currency to purchase clothes, buy or rent a home, buy ingredients and eat meals, etc.

[0097] In addition, the user 15 must determine the amount of currency that can be acquired in one mission, the number of times to perform the mission, etc., taking into consideration the amount of currency to purchase clothes, the amount of currency to pay for today's meal, the amount of currency to pay for monthly housing costs, etc. In terms of business, the user can not only earn currency (cash), but also borrow currency to expand the business and perform missions with an eye to the future.

[0098] User 15 may also manage a company by planning a business, purchasing goods and materials, selling goods and services, settling accounts as a result of the sale of goods and services, preparing financial statements, and paying taxes. Financial statements include, for example, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This allows user 15 to understand the flow of currency that cannot be confirmed with the currency on hand, such as fixed costs of a store, company, factory, etc. where the business is conducted, borrowing currency, and repaying borrowed currency.

[0099] Furthermore, when user 15A prepares business funds (currency) required for a business, in addition to acquiring currency by completing missions themselves, there is also a method of receiving currency investment from other users 15B. For example, user 15A can raise currency from other users 15B as an investor when necessary for future business expansion, etc. In this case, user 15A needs to make a presentation to other users 15B, for example, to explain the business plan, revenue structure, etc.

[0100] Note that user 15A can invest currency by himself / herself to conduct business, or can jointly invest currency with other users 15B to conduct business. User 15A can also hire other users 15B as employees to conduct business. User 15A pays currency as wages to other users 15B hired as employees.

[0101] Furthermore, the user 15 can also use two-dimensional codes for payment and receipt of currency. Examples of two-dimensional codes include QR Code (registered trademark), SP Code, CP Code, etc. The user 15 may operate the terminal device 12 to read the two-dimensional code with the camera 54E.

[0102] (Lessons from User Behavior Example 2 in Another World Country) By moving around in the otherworldly country A1 and understanding the currency needed for food, clothing, and shelter, the user 15 can recognize the amount of currency needed to live and can recognize that they should carry out missions according to the amount of currency needed. Since the user 15 also handles invisible currency such as fixed expenses such as housing costs and taxes incurred at the time of business settlement, the user 15 can be conscious of using currency in a planned manner. The user 15 can also operate the terminal device 12 to experience a currency payment method using a two-dimensional code.

[0103] When user 15A receives investment from other user 15B, user 15A first gets a chance to receive investment from other user 15B after communicating his / her business plan, objectives, etc. to other user 15B in a presentation. Therefore, when user 15A's challenge to communicate with other user 15B is returned in the form of investment from other user 15B, user 15A can experience a heartfelt connection and joy that is not monetary.

[0104] (The skills users acquire in a different world) In the other-world country A1, the user 15 can think, judge, and act for himself. As a result, the user 15 can broaden his or her own possibilities and develop a sense of independence by experiencing challenges, successes, failures, suggestions, etc. in the other-world country A1. Specifically, the user 15 acquires thinking skills, such as logical thinking and imagination. The user 15 acquires initiative and independence. The user 15 also acquires adjustment skills, such as adaptability, response ability, flexibility, and judgment. Furthermore, the user 15 acquires interpersonal skills, such as negotiation skills, sociability, communication skills, etc. Furthermore, the user 15 acquires the ability to gather information.

[0105] (Explanation of the virtual world) The virtual world B1 is a virtual space, for example, a metaverse, provided to the network 14 by the management computer 11. The users 15C and 15D may connect terminal devices 12 to the management computer 11 and display the virtual world B1 on the display 54D of each terminal device 12. A character 21 may be displayed in the virtual world B1. Furthermore, the virtual world B1 may include a simulated national organization 17, similar to the other-world country A1 in the real world.

[0106] By operating the terminal device 12, the users 15C and 15D can act in the virtual world B1 in the same way as in the otherworld country A1, and the users 15C and 15D can interact with each other in the virtual world B1. In the virtual world B1, the users 15C and 15D can act as characters 21, 21C, and 21D. The characters 21 include people, animals, avatars, body clones, etc. The virtual world B1 and the characters 21 are displayed on the displays 54D of the terminal devices 12C and 12D.

[0107] When the characters 21C and 21D act in the virtual world B1, the users 15C and 15D can indirectly communicate with each other using a microphone 54C, a display 54D, and a sound information output device 55A. The voice input by the user 15C or the user 15D into the microphone 54C may be displayed in text format on the display 54D of the terminal device 12 of the other user. Furthermore, the voice input by the user 15C or the user 15D into the microphone 54C may be output from the sound information output device 55A of the terminal device 12 of the other user. The users 15C and 15D may or may not meet face-to-face. Furthermore, the countries and regions of residence of the users 15C and 15D may be the same or different.

[0108] (Example of user behavior in a virtual world) Users 15C and 15D can interact in virtual world B1 as characters 21C and 21D. For example, characters 21C and 21D may exchange ideas about activities and business challenges in a specific area. Users 15C and 15D may then use the ideas for marketing through social media to contribute to regional revitalization in the specific area. Furthermore, characters 21C and 21D may exchange ideas about how to increase awareness and sales of local specialties sold in the specific area. Users 15C and 15D may cause characters 21C and 21D to act in virtual world B1 and transmit all behavioral information from terminal device 12 to management computer 11.

[0109] (Functions of information management systems) Each user 15 may operate the terminal device 12 to send information about actions taken in the otherworld country A1 and the virtual world B1, such as currency acquired, currency paid, points acquired, points given, skills acquired, missions completed, business conducted, business settlements, and interactions between users 15, from the terminal device 12 to the management computer 11. The management computer 11 may process the information and data acquired from the terminal device 12 and store it in the auxiliary storage device 26. Furthermore, the management computer 11 may process all information about actions taken by the character 21 in the virtual world B1, regardless of whether or not each user 15 operates the terminal device 12, and store it in the auxiliary storage device 26.

[0110] Furthermore, the user 15 who acts in the other-world country A1 and the user 15 who acts in the virtual world B1 may be the same person. In this case, the management computer 11 may perform a process to link the behavioral information of the user 15 between the other-world country A1 and the virtual world B1, i.e., a process to take over. The timing when the user 15 acts in the other-world country A1 and the timing when the user 15 acts in the virtual world B1 may overlap in part or in whole, or may be completely different. The timing includes the date and time.

[0111] (Example of information management system operation) 5 shows an example of an information management method performed by information management system 10. Management computer 11 may acquire user information from terminal devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D in step S10, and store the acquired user information in auxiliary storage device 26. Management computer 11 may provide a usage screen to terminal devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D in step S11 following step S10.

[0112] The usage screen provided to terminal devices 12A and 12B displays rules of conduct limited to the other-world country A1, a schematic diagram of the other-world country A1, etc. The schematic diagram of the other-world country A1 may include simulated national institutions 17, companies, stores, etc. that exist in the other-world country A1. The usage screen provided to terminal devices 12C and 12D displays rules of conduct limited to the virtual world B1, a schematic diagram of the virtual world B1, etc. The schematic diagram of the virtual world B1 may include simulated national institutions 17, companies, stores, etc. that exist in the virtual world B1.

[0113] In step S12 following step S11, the management computer 11 may acquire behavioral information of the user 15 from the terminal devices 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. In step S12, the management computer 11 may determine whether the proposal or idea submitted by the user 15 has solved the problem of the other user 15, and may determine the amount of currency and the number of points that the user 15 can acquire by completing the mission, the type of skill that the user 15 can acquire, etc. Furthermore, in step S12, the management computer 11 may determine the mission to be issued to the user 15, the amount of currency and the number of points that the user 15 can acquire by completing the mission, the type of skill that the user 15 can acquire, etc., based on the management status of the business that the user 15 is starting up.

[0114] The behavioral information of user 15 is associated with the account of user 15. The management computer 11 stores the behavioral information of user 15 in the auxiliary storage device 26. The management computer 11 may update the behavioral information stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 in step S12. Furthermore, the management computer 11 may transmit the result of processing the behavioral information of user 15 in step S12, i.e., the updated behavioral information result, to terminal devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D in step S13. The updated behavioral information result is the result of updating the behavioral information before user 15 took action to the behavioral information after the action.

[0115] Furthermore, in step S13, the management computer 11 may send information to the terminal devices 12A and 12B that relatively increases the amount of currency that the users 15A and 15B can borrow from the simulated bank 18 in the other world country A1, the higher the number of points that the users 15A and 15B have earned in the other world country A1.

[0116] Furthermore, in step S13, the management computer 11 may send information to the terminal devices 12C, 12D that relatively increases the amount of currency that the character 21 can borrow from the simulated bank 18 in the virtual world B1, the higher the number of points that the character 21 has earned in the virtual world B1.

[0117] Furthermore, management computer 11 may determine in step S13 whether user 15 who acts in other-world country A1 using terminal device 12A or terminal device 12B and user 15 who accesses virtual world B1 using terminal device 12C or terminal device 12D are the same person. Whether user 15 is the same person is determined based on user information acquired from terminal device 12, specifically, the account.

[0118] If management computer 11 determines that user 15 acting in other-world country A1 using terminal device 12A or terminal device 12B and user 15 accessing virtual world B1 using terminal device 12C or terminal device 12D are the same person, management computer 11 may perform linking processing in step S13. The linking processing performed by management computer 11 is to generate linking information that links the behavioral information of user 15 between other-world country A1 and virtual world B1. Furthermore, management computer 11 may transmit the linking information to each of the terminal devices 12 used by users 15 that it determined to be the same person in step S13.

[0119] In addition, if the management computer 11 determines in step S13 that the user 15 operating in the other world country A1 using terminal device 12A or terminal device 12B and the user 15 accessing the virtual world B1 using terminal device 12C or terminal device 12D are not the same person, the management computer 11 does not perform the collaboration process.

[0120] Furthermore, the behavioral information that management computer 11 acquires from terminal devices 12A and 12B in step S12 may include the management status of the business that users 15A and 15B have started in other world country A1 and the amount of currency that users 15A and 15B can acquire if they complete a mission in other world country A1. Management computer 11 may then send information to terminal devices 12A and 12B that relatively increases the amount of currency that users 15A and 15B can acquire if they complete a mission in other world country A1, the relatively higher the management status of users 15A and 15B's business in other world country A1.

[0121] Furthermore, the behavior information that management computer 11 acquires from terminal devices 12C, 12D in step S12 may include the management status of the business that character 21 has started in virtual world B1 and the amount of currency that character 21 can acquire when completing a mission in virtual world B1. Management computer 11 may then execute processing to relatively increase the amount of currency that character 21 can acquire each time character 21 completes a mission in virtual world B1, as the management status of the business that character 21 has started in virtual world B1 becomes relatively better.

[0122] Furthermore, the behavioral information that management computer 11 acquires from terminal devices 12A and 12B in step S12 may include information on points that users 15A and 15B have earned by providing products to others in a business that they have established in other world country A1. Management computer 11 may then send to terminal devices 12A and 12B in step S13 information that relatively increases the amount of currency that users 15A and 15B can borrow from simulated bank 18 in other world country A1, the higher the number of points that users 15A and 15B have earned in other world country A1.

[0123] Furthermore, the behavioral information acquired by management computer 11 from terminal devices 12C, 12D in step S12 may include information on points earned by character 21 by providing products to others in a business established by character 21 in virtual world B1. Management computer 11 may then execute a process to relatively increase the amount of currency that character 21 can borrow from simulated bank 18 in virtual world B1 as the number of points earned by character 21 in virtual world B1 increases.

[0124] Furthermore, in step S13, management computer 11 may determine whether other-world country A1 managed by terminal devices 12A and 12B and virtual world B1 provided to terminal devices 12C and 12D coexist at the same time. If environment linking unit 38 determines that other-world country A1 managed by terminal devices 12A and 12B and virtual world B1 provided to terminal devices 12C and 12D coexist at the same time, management computer 11 may reflect the environment of other-world country A1 in the environment of virtual world B1 in step S13.

[0125] Furthermore, if the environment collaboration unit 38 determines that the other world country A1 managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B and the virtual world B1 provided to the terminal devices 12C and 12D do not coexist at the same time, it does not reflect the environment of the other world country A1 in the environment of the virtual world B1.

[0126] The management computer 11 may process the behavioral information acquired from the terminal devices 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D in step S14 and generate proposal information. The proposal information includes issues in a specific region discussed in the otherworld country A1 or the virtual world B1, ideas and proposals corresponding to issues recognized by the user 15, information useful for revitalizing the specific region, and the like. The management computer 11 may also generate the proposal information through cooperation between the artificial intelligence unit 40 and the auxiliary storage device 26. In this case, the management computer 11 may generate the proposal information based on performance information previously acquired from the terminal devices 12.

[0127] The management computer 11 may generate proposal information in such a way that the higher the management status of the business started by the user 15, the higher the difficulty of solving the problems recognized in the business. The meaning of the outcome information will be described later. The management computer 11 may transmit the generated proposal information in step S15 to the terminal device 12 of the user 15 who resides in a specified area, or to a terminal device used by a public institution in the specified area.

[0128] An example of processing by terminal devices 12A and 12B is as follows. Terminal devices 12A and 12B may transmit user information to management computer 11 in step S20. After user registration is performed in management computer 11, terminal devices 12A and 12B obtain a usage screen from management computer 11 in step S21. User 15 may take action in other-world country A1 in step S21. User 15 may cause output device 55 to output information about the action taken by user 15 in other-world country A1, regardless of whether terminal device 12 is connected to management computer 11 or not.

[0129] In step S22, terminal devices 12A and 12B transmit the behavioral information to management computer 11. In step S23, terminal devices 12A and 12B may acquire linkage information from management computer 11. In step S24, terminal devices 12A and 12B may acquire the update results of the proposal information or the behavioral information from management computer 11. In step S24, terminal devices 12A and 12B may store the update results of the proposal information or the behavioral information acquired from management computer 11 in auxiliary storage device 53 and output them from output device 55.

[0130] In step S23, the terminal devices 12A and 12B obtain from the management computer 11 information that relatively increases the amount of currency that the users 15A and 15B can obtain each time they complete a mission in the other world country A1, as the business management situation in the other world country A1 becomes relatively better.

[0131] Furthermore, in step S23, the terminal devices 12A and 12B may obtain from the management computer 11 information that relatively increases the amount of currency that the users 15A and 15B can borrow from the simulated bank 18 in the other world country A1, the higher the number of points that the users 15A and 15B have earned in the other world country A1.

[0132] Furthermore, user 15 may input result information, which is the result of addressing the problem using the acquired proposal information, to terminal devices 12A and 12B. Terminal devices 12A and 12B may then proceed to step S22 and transmit the result information to management computer 11. Note that management computer 11 may process the result information acquired from terminal devices 12A and 12B in the above-mentioned step S12 and store it in auxiliary storage device 26.

[0133] Further, an example of processing by the terminal devices 12C and 12D is as follows. The terminal devices 12C and 12D may transmit user information to the management computer 11 in step S30. After user registration is performed in the management computer 11, the terminal devices 12C and 12D acquire a usage screen from the management computer 11 in step S31. The user 15 may act in the virtual world B1 as the character 21. The user 15 may also display the virtual world B1 and the character 21 on the display 54D of the terminal devices 12C and 12D.

[0134] In step S32, terminal devices 12C and 12D transmit the behavioral information to management computer 11. In step S33, terminal devices 12C and 12D may acquire linkage information from management computer 11. In step S34, terminal devices 12C and 12D may acquire the update results of the proposal information or the behavioral information from management computer 11. In step S34, terminal devices 12C and 12D may store the update results of the proposal information or the behavioral information acquired from management computer 11 in auxiliary storage device 53 and output them from output device 55.

[0135] In step S33, terminal devices 12C, 12D may acquire from management computer 11 information that relatively increases the amount of currency that character 21 can acquire for each mission that character 21 completes in virtual world B1, as the business performance in virtual world B1 becomes relatively better. Furthermore, terminal devices 12C, 12D may acquire from management computer 11 in step S33 information that relatively increases the amount of currency that character 21 can borrow from simulated bank 18 in virtual world B1, as the number of points that character 21 has acquired in virtual world B1 becomes relatively higher.

[0136] Furthermore, user 15 may input result information, which is the result of addressing the problem using the acquired proposal information, to terminal devices 12C and 12D. Terminal devices 12C and 12D may then proceed to step S32 and transmit the result information to management computer 11. Note that management computer 11 may process the result information acquired from terminal devices 12C and 12D in the above-mentioned step S12 and store it in auxiliary storage device 26.

[0137] (Effects of the embodiment) In this embodiment, the management computer 11 may perform processing to link the behavioral information of the user 15 between the other world country A1 and the virtual world B1. Therefore, the management computer 11 does not need to separately manage the behavioral information of the same user 15 in the other world country A1 and the behavioral information in the virtual world B1.

[0138] For example, processor 24 of management computer 11 may execute the process of step S13. Then, when the same user 15 acts in both otherworld country A1 and virtual world B1, the amount of currency possessed by user 15 managed by terminal devices 12A and 12B executing step S23 is linked with the amount of currency possessed by character 21 in virtual world B1 managed by terminal devices 12C and 12D executing step S33.

[0139] Therefore, when it is determined that user 15A or user 15B and user 15C or user 15D are the same person, the amount of simulated currency possessed by user 15A or user 15B and the amount of simulated currency possessed by character 21 acting in virtual world B1 are linked. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity felt by user 15 when user 15 acting in the real world and user 15 corresponding to character 21 acting in virtual world B1 are the same person.

[0140] Furthermore, processor 24 of management computer 11 may execute the processing of step S13. Then, when the same user 15 acts in both otherworld country A1 and virtual world B1, the business status of user 15 managed by terminal devices 12A and 12B executing step S23 is linked to the business status of user 15 in virtual world B1 managed by terminal devices 12C and 12D executing step S33.

[0141] Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of information and data processed by the processor 24, thereby reducing the load on the processor 24. It is also possible to suppress an increase in the amount of information and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 26, thereby reducing the capacity used by the auxiliary storage device 26.

[0142] Furthermore, a solution to a problem in a specific area that appears in virtual world B1 may be communicated to a user 15 who is living in the specific area among the users 15 operating in the other-world country A1. The user 15 can then execute the solution to the problem in the other-world country A1. Therefore, even if the users 15 operating in virtual world B1 do not include a user 15 who lives in the specific area, the solution can be useful in solving the problem in the other-world country A1.

[0143] Children living in different regions can act as users 15 in the other-world country A1 or the virtual world B1. Because users 15 living in different regions have different lifestyles, values, economic views, etc., by acting in the other-world country A1 or the virtual world B1, they can propose new ideas or businesses in response to the challenges provided.

[0144] Furthermore, the management computer 11 sends information to the terminal devices 12A and 12B that relatively increases the amount of currency that the users 15A and 15B can acquire for each mission they complete in the other world country A1, as the business conditions in the other world country A1 become relatively better. This increases the motivation of the users 15A and 15B to be active in the other world country A1.

[0145] Furthermore, the relatively higher the business performance of the business in the virtual world B1, the relatively higher the amount of currency that the character 21 can acquire each time he or she completes a mission in the virtual world B1. Therefore, the character 21 becomes more motivated to be active in the virtual world B1.

[0146] Furthermore, the relatively higher the number of points that users 15A and 15B have earned in other-world country A1, the relatively higher the amount of currency that users 15A and 15B can borrow from the simulated bank 18 in other-world country A1. Therefore, users 15A and 15B are more motivated to be active in other-world country A1.

[0147] Furthermore, the relatively higher the number of points that the character 21 has acquired in the virtual world B1, the relatively higher the amount of currency that the character 21 can borrow from the simulated bank 18 in the virtual world B1. Therefore, the character 21 is more motivated to be active in the virtual world B1.

[0148] Furthermore, when the other-world country A1 and the virtual world B1 coexist at the same time, the environment of the other-world country A1 managed by the terminal devices 12A and 12B is reflected in the environment of the virtual world B1. Therefore, the user 15 acting in the other-world country A1 and the user 15 corresponding to the character 21 acting in the virtual world B1 can experience the same environment in real time, increasing the degree of interaction between the users 15.

[0149] (supplementary explanation) An example of the technical meaning disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: The processor 24 is an example of a processor. The users 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are examples of users. The users 15A and 15B are examples of a first user. The users 15C and 15D are examples of a second user. The terminal devices 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are examples of terminal devices. The terminal devices 12A and 12B are examples of a first terminal device. The terminal devices 12C and 12D are examples of a second terminal device. The networks 13 and 14 are examples of networks. The management computer 11 is an example of an information management device and a computer. The otherworldly country A1 is an example of the real world. The virtual world B1 is an example of a virtual world.

[0150] 5 is an example of the first and third processes. Step S11 is an example of the second process. Step S13 is an example of the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth processes.

[0151] The computer constituting management computer 11 may be either a single computer or a distributed computer composed of multiple devices. Management computer 11 may be composed of one or more computers such as a server, a supercomputer, a mainframe, or a workstation. The program that operates management computer 11 may be stored in auxiliary storage device 26. Furthermore, the program that causes processor 24 of management computer 11 to execute various processes may be either a program that is downloaded and installed to management computer 11 and runs within management computer 11, or a program that runs on networks 13 and 14. The first and second users may be either children or adults, as long as they are human (persons), and there are no age restrictions.

[0152] In this embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium stores a non-transitory program that causes a computer connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network to execute a process, the program causing the computer to perform a first process of acquiring first behavior information including the behavior of a first user who is in a real world where simulated currency circulates from a first terminal device that is provided in the real world and used by the first user, a second process of providing information about a virtual world that is constructed on a network and where simulated currency circulates to a second terminal device that is provided to a second user who is in the real world and used by the second user, and a second process of providing information about a virtual world that is constructed on a network and where simulated currency circulates to a second terminal device that is provided to a second user in the real world and used by the second user. A storage medium configured to execute the following steps is disclosed: a third process for acquiring behavioral information including the behavior of the second user personified in the virtual world when the second user accesses the virtual world; a fourth process for determining whether the first user using the first terminal device and the second user using the second terminal device are the same person; and a fifth process for linking the amount of simulated currency held by the first user, which is managed by the first terminal device, with the amount of simulated currency held by the second user acting in the virtual world, if the fourth process determines that the first user and the second user are the same person. The storage medium 26A shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a storage medium. The program disclosed in this embodiment can also be understood as a program product. [Industrial Applicability]

[0153] This embodiment can be used as an information management device, an information management method, and a program that can link the real world and the virtual world. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10...information management system, 11...management computer, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D...terminal equipment, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D...user, 24...processor, A1...Otherworld Country, B1...Virtual World

Claims

1. An information management device that includes a processor that executes processing and is communicably connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network, The processor: a first process for acquiring first behavior information including behavior of a first user in the real world where simulated currency is circulated from a first terminal device provided in the real world and used by the first user; a second process of providing information about a virtual world constructed on a network in which simulated currency is circulated to a second terminal device used by a second user in the real world; a third process of acquiring, from the second terminal device, second behavior information including behavior of the second user personified and performed in the virtual world when the second user accesses the virtual world using the second terminal device; a fourth process of determining whether the first user who uses the first terminal device and the second user who uses the second terminal device are the same person based on an account acquired from the first terminal device and an account acquired from the second terminal device; a fifth process for making the amount of simulated currency held by the first user and the amount of simulated currency held by the second user who acts in the virtual world equal to the amount of simulated currency managed by the first terminal device when it is determined in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person; This is a configuration that runs the first behavioral information acquired by the processor from the first terminal device includes a management status of a simulated business established by the first user in the real world; the second behavioral information acquired by the processor includes a management status of a simulated business established by the second user in the virtual world; An information management device configured such that, when the processor determines in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person, it executes a sixth process to make the business status of the simulated business of the first user managed by the first terminal device and the business status of the business of the second user in the virtual world the same business status.

2. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, The first behavior information acquired by the processor from the first terminal device, The business status of a simulated business launched by the first user in the real world; an amount of currency that the first user can acquire when completing a mission in the real world; The second behavioral information acquired by the processor is The business status of a simulated business established by the second user in the virtual world; an amount of currency that the second user can acquire when completing a mission in the virtual world; The processor: a seventh process of sending to the first terminal device information that relatively increases the amount of currency that the first user can acquire when completing a mission in the real world as the business situation of the simulated business in the real world becomes relatively better; an eighth process of relatively increasing the amount of currency that the second user can acquire when completing a mission in the virtual world as the business status of the simulated business in the virtual world becomes relatively better; An information management device configured to execute the above.

3. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, the first behavioral information acquired by the processor from the first terminal device includes information on points acquired by the first user by providing products to others in a simulated business established in the real world; the second behavioral information acquired by the processor includes information on points earned by the second user by providing products to others in a simulated business established by the second user in the virtual world; The processor: a ninth process for sending to the first terminal device information that relatively increases the amount of simulated currency that the first user can borrow from a simulated bank in the real world as the number of points the first user has acquired in the real world increases; a tenth process of relatively increasing the amount of simulated currency that the second user can borrow from a simulated bank in the virtual world as the number of points the second user has acquired in the virtual world increases; An information management device configured to execute the above.

4. An information management method executed by a computer communicably connected via a network to a terminal device used by a user, comprising: The computer a first process for acquiring first behavior information including behavior of a first user in the real world where simulated currency is circulated from a first terminal device provided in the real world and used by the first user; a second process of providing information about a virtual world constructed on a network in which simulated currency is circulated to a second terminal device used by a second user in the real world; a third process of acquiring second behavior information including behaviors of the second user personified and performed in the virtual world when the second user accesses the virtual world using the second terminal device; a fourth process of determining whether the first user who uses the first terminal device and the second user who uses the second terminal device are the same person based on an account acquired from the first terminal device and an account acquired from the second terminal device; a fifth process for making the amount of simulated currency held by the first user and the amount of simulated currency held by the second user who acts in the virtual world equal to the amount of simulated currency managed by the first terminal device when it is determined in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person; This is a configuration that runs the first behavioral information acquired by the computer from the first terminal device includes a management status of a simulated business established by the first user in the real world; the second behavioral information acquired by the computer includes a management status of a simulated business established by the second user in the virtual world; An information management method in which, when the computer determines in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person, it executes a sixth process to make the business status of the simulated business of the first user managed by the first terminal device and the business status of the business of the second user in the virtual world the same business status.

5. A non-transitory program that causes a computer connected to a terminal device used by a user via a network to execute a process, The computer, a first process for acquiring first behavior information including behavior of a first user in the real world where simulated currency is circulated from a first terminal device provided in the real world and used by the first user; a second process of providing information about a virtual world constructed on a network in which simulated currency is circulated to a second terminal device used by a second user in the real world; a third process of acquiring second behavior information including behaviors of the second user personified and performed in the virtual world when the second user accesses the virtual world using the second terminal device; a fourth process of determining whether the first user who uses the first terminal device and the second user who uses the second terminal device are the same person based on an account acquired from the first terminal device and an account acquired from the second terminal device; a fifth process for making the amount of simulated currency held by the first user and the amount of simulated currency held by the second user who acts in the virtual world equal to the amount of simulated currency managed by the first terminal device when it is determined in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person; It is a configuration that executes the first behavioral information acquired by the computer from the first terminal device includes a management status of a simulated business established by the first user in the real world; the second behavioral information acquired by the computer includes a management status of a simulated business established by the second user in the virtual world; A program configured to cause the computer to execute a sixth process, when the computer determines in the fourth process that the first user and the second user are the same person, to make the business status of the simulated business of the first user managed by the first terminal device the same as the business status of the business of the second user in the virtual world.

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