Program, method, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technique for providing a user with a gift-giving experience with high satisfaction.SOLUTION: A program executed by a computer including a processor causes the processor to perform the steps of: accepting an operation to provide a gift from a user viewing an event conducted in a virtual space; displaying a gift object representing the gift in a first display mode including a first portion, which is a feature portion of the gift object, and a second portion other than the first portion in response to the accepted operation on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user; determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition; and changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode including the first portion when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In an event held in a virtual space or the like, there is a technique for changing the display mode of a gift object provided at the event depending on the providing status of the gift object.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for changing the display mode of a tipping object provided at an event held in a virtual space when the tipping object passes through a predetermined field of view within a viewing space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-122109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, even if a user has just provided a gift such as a tip, if the object is present in a specified area, the visibility of the entire object is reduced, making it difficult for the user to confirm the existence of the object representing the gift they provided, which could reduce their motivation to give gifts.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technology that can ensure visibility of the entire event while maintaining the presence of gift objects provided by users watching an event taking place in a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, a program executed by a computer having a processor is provided, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: accepting an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event held in a virtual space; in response to the accepted operation to provide a gift, displaying a gift object representing the gift on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including a first portion that is a characteristic portion of the gift object and a second portion that is a portion other than the first portion; determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition; and, if it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined condition, changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode including the first portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in an event held in a virtual space, it is possible to ensure visibility of the entire event while maintaining the presence of gift objects provided by viewing users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a terminal device 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 20. [Figure 4] 1 shows the data structure of a user information database stored in the storage unit of the server 20. [Figure 5] 1 shows the data structure of a gift information database stored in the storage unit of server 20. [Figure 6] 1 shows the data structure of a determination condition information database stored in the storage unit of the server 20. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when a user watching an event performs an operation to offer a gift. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a screen when a user viewing an event performs an operation to select a performer of the event to whom a gift is to be provided. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a screen when a user watching an event offers a gift to a performer. [Figure 10] 10 is a screen example of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 11] 10 is a screen example of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 12] 10 is a screen example of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 13] 10 is a screen example of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 14] 10 is a screen example of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when the display mode of a gift object is changed from the second display mode to the first display mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] First Embodiment <Summary> In the following embodiment, a technology is described in which a user participating as a viewer in an event held in a virtual space provides a gift for a performer's performance at the event. Here, there are no limitations on the devices that can be used as appropriate when realizing the technology according to the present disclosure, and various devices can be used, including terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals owned by users, as well as devices such as stationary personal computers (PCs) and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0012] System 1 of this embodiment provides technology that enables users participating as viewers in an event held in a virtual space to provide gifts in return for the performance of a performer at the event, resulting in high levels of satisfaction for the user. The virtual space is a virtual space in which various objects are arranged, which is generated by the calculations of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. Virtual spaces include those represented by three-dimensional spaces (three-dimensional spaces consisting of height, width, and depth) as well as those represented by two-dimensional spaces (flat spaces consisting of height and width). The virtual space can be realized by various means, and there are no limitations on its form or realization means as long as it is a virtual space.

[0013] <1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] 1, the system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other via a network 80 for communication.

[0015] The terminal device 10 is a device used by a user to view an event held in a virtual space. The terminal device 10 is realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary personal computer (PC) or a laptop PC. The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19. The server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0016] The terminal device 10 is communicatively connected to the server 20 via a network 80. The terminal device 10 is connected to the network 80 by communicating with communication devices such as a wireless base station 81 conforming to communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN router 82 conforming to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

[0017] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices. The input device 13 is an input device (e.g., a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0018] The server 20 is a device that manages a series of processes related to the system 1. For example, the server 20 stores information about users, information about gifts, etc. Furthermore, for example, the server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object when an object representing a gift displayed in response to an operation to provide a gift from a user satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0019] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0020] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, a collection of devices can be considered as one "information processing device," and system 1 can be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which multiple functions required to realize system 1 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for system 1.

[0021] <1.1 Configuration of the terminal device 10> FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal device 10 constituting the system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122) corresponding to the respective antennas, an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302), an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.) that are not specifically shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0022] The antenna 111 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first radio communication unit 121.

[0023] The antenna 112 emits a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 112 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second radio communication unit 122.

[0024] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 190.

[0025] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving input operations from a user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302. The touch-sensitive device 1301 receives input operations from a user of the terminal device 10. The touch-sensitive device 1301 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 1301 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation. The terminal device 10 may also be provided with a physical keyboard (not shown) that can be used for input, and may receive the user's input operations via the keyboard.

[0026] The display 1302 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 190. The display 1302 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0027] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0028] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may be a transmitting / receiving device based on a communication standard used in a short-range communication system between information devices. Specifically, the position information sensor 150 uses the 2.4 GHz band, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, to receive beacon signals from other information devices equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module.

[0029] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to a subject being photographed. Furthermore, the camera 160 acquires the body movements of the user using the terminal device 10, performers, etc. Specifically, for example, the camera 160 acquires the movement of the user's mouth and the movement of each part of the face (eyes, eyebrows, etc.). Any existing technology may be used to acquire the movements.

[0030] The motion sensor 170 is configured with a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and detects the tilt of the terminal device 10.

[0031] The storage unit 180 is configured with, for example, a flash memory or the like, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In one aspect, the storage unit 180 stores user information 1801 and the like. The information may be held in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10, or may be stored as a database in the storage unit 202 of a server (described later) and acquired via the network 80.

[0032] User information 1801 is information related to a user, such as an ID for identifying the user, a user name, age, and gender. Details of the information included in user information 1801 will be described later. Events are various events held in a virtual space, and can include, for example, a live music event held in a virtual space, a talk event held in a virtual space, a sales event held in a virtual space, a game event held in a virtual space, an event related to a fashion show held in a virtual space, a conference event held in a virtual space, and an exhibition event held in a virtual space.

[0033] The control unit 190 reads a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executes instructions included in the program to control the operation of the terminal device 10. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an input operation reception unit 1901, a transmission / reception unit 1902, a data processing unit 1903, and a notification control unit 1904.

[0034] The input operation receiving unit 1901 performs processing to receive a user's input operation on an input device such as the touch-sensitive device 1301. The input operation receiving unit 1901 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched the touch-sensitive device 1301 with a finger or the like.

[0035] The transmitting / receiving unit 1902 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0036] The data processing unit 1903 performs calculations on data that the terminal device 10 has received as input in accordance with a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0037] The data processing unit 1903 receives an input operation related to an event from a user and controls processing for executing various processes related to the event. For example, the data processing unit 1903 executes processing for transmitting various information related to the implementation of the event received from the user to a server or a terminal device of an administrator of the virtual space.

[0038] The notification control unit 1904 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 1302, processing for outputting sound from the speaker 142, and processing for causing the camera 160 to generate vibrations.

[0039] <1.2 Functional configuration of server 20> 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0040] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0041] The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores a user information database 2021, a gift information database 2022, a determination condition information database 2023, and the like.

[0042] The user information database 2021 is a database for storing various information about users who watch events held in virtual space. Details of each record held in this database will be described later.

[0043] The gift information database 2022 is a database for storing information about gifts that can be provided by users who participate as viewers in events held in virtual space. Gifts are provided to performers, etc. in response to requests from users to support performers performing at the event, to liven up the event, etc. The information about the gift includes information about an object (gift object) for visually representing the gift. The information about the gift object can include information about a first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object, and information about a second portion, which is a portion of the gift object other than the characteristic portion. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, the face of the animal, which corresponds to the characteristic portion of the object, can be defined as the first portion, and the portion of the object other than the face of the animal (such as the body) can be defined as the second portion. For example, if the gift object is an object representing a shooting star, the star portion, which corresponds to the characteristic portion of the object, can be defined as the first portion, and the portion of the object other than the star (such as the tail of light) can be defined as the second portion. The information about the gift object can also include information about a third portion, which is different from the second portion, as a portion to replace the second portion. The third portion is a portion that replaces the second portion included in the gift object and is applied when the display mode of the gift object is changed by a change module 2037, which will be described later. The third portion may include, for example, a portion consisting of simple shapes such as a circle, square, or triangle, a portion consisting of shapes with a different color scheme from that of the second portion (for example, the color scheme of the second portion is not similar to the color of the background on which the gift object is displayed, and the color scheme of the third portion is similar to the color of the background on which the gift object is displayed), a portion consisting of shapes that are visually simplified from the second portion, etc. In addition to the above, the information about the gift object may also include a gift object that is displayed in a dynamic manner, such as an animation.For example, if the gift object is a dynamic gift object representing a firework display, and the gift object is composed of a dynamic portion representing the state of the firework display, a dynamic portion representing the state of the firework displaying from the ground into the sky after display, and a dynamic portion representing the state of the firework displaying in the sky, the dynamic portion representing the state of the firework displaying and the dynamic portion representing the state of the firework displaying in the sky can be defined as a first portion, and the dynamic portion representing the state of the firework displaying from the ground into the sky after display can be defined as a second portion. In this case, in the first display mode, the gift object is reproduced as an object that sequentially represents the display of the firework display, launch, and explosion in a dynamic manner, while in the second display mode, the portion of the firework displaying is omitted, and the gift object is reproduced as an object that only represents the display of the firework display and explosion in a dynamic manner. Dynamic gift objects can include objects that are displayed in various display modes, such as a display mode in which the first and second portions are played consecutively or with a time lag, as well as a display mode in which the first and second portions are played simultaneously. Gift objects can also include objects that are displayed in a display mode that combines dynamic and static portions. Gift objects can also include gift objects that consist only of a first portion. In this case, for example, a gift object can be configured to consist only of a first portion, with the first portion being a characteristic feature of the gift object and the second portion other than the first portion being shared. Gifts include, for example, gift content placed in a virtual space as an object. Gift content is primarily composed of video data and image data (including images that move within the virtual space) and is placed in the virtual space in a display format that reflects the characteristics of the gift. Gift content can include not only objects but also non-objects, such as text data and music and audio data. Gifts can also include money or alternatives to money, known as "tips." In this case, tips may be provided to event performers, etc. together with gift content placed in a virtual space as an object, or they may be provided to event performers, etc. alone, without the gift content. Gifts are primarily provided by users who are viewers of an event charging money or a means of payment in lieu of money (such as points). Charging refers, for example, to the act of paying a purchase amount set for the gift (including an index such as points equivalent to the purchase amount) in money or a means of payment in lieu of money in order to provide the gift. When a user charges, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is to be provided. Charging is not limited to this act, but can also include, for example, the act of purchasing in advance a special currency that can be used at the event in question using money or a means of payment in lieu of money, and then using the purchased special currency to make the payment.

[0044] The judgment condition information database 2023 stores information (information about judgment conditions) regarding predetermined conditions that serve as criteria for judgment by the judgment module 2036 (described later). The judgment conditions (predetermined conditions) can be set, for example, as conditions for changing the display mode of gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation by the user to provide a gift, in order to ensure visibility of the entire event. For example, if a certain number of gift objects provided by the user are displayed on the display screen, the gift objects may dominate the display screen, preventing the user from enjoying the event they are watching (e.g., a performance by a performer). To avoid this situation, judgment conditions (predetermined conditions) for changing the display mode of the gift objects can be set. In this case, for example, the display mode of the gift objects can be changed to reduce the visibility of the entire gift objects. For example, the information regarding the determination condition (predetermined condition) may be information indicating that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed. Furthermore, for example, the information regarding the determination condition (predetermined condition) may be information indicating that the total number of gift objects displayed and gift objects displayed in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number (for example, when the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user reaches 10). Furthermore, for example, the information regarding the determination condition (predetermined condition) may be information indicating that the area occupied by the displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain percentage or more on the display screen (for example, when the area occupied by all gift objects on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user reaches 30%). The information on the determination conditions (predetermined conditions) can be set based on the content of the event held in the virtual space, for example, which can include live music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion show events, conference events, exhibition events, etc. Furthermore, the information on the determination conditions (predetermined conditions) can be set based on the content of the performance to be performed at an event held in a virtual space, for example. If the event is a live music event, the content of the performance can include singing performance, dancing performance, talking performance, etc. The details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0045] The control unit 203 is composed of, for example, a processor 29, and by this processor 29 performing processing according to a program, various modules such as a receiving control module 2031, a sending control module 2032, a user information acquisition module 2033, a gift provision operation reception module 2034, a gift display module 2035, a judgment module 2036, and a change module 2037 are performed.

[0046] The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0047] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0048] The user information acquisition module 2033 controls a series of processes for acquiring information about users watching an event held in a virtual space. The information about the user includes, for example, information about the user's identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's favorite performers, and information about the total amount of gifts provided in the past. Specifically, for example, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by receiving user information 1801 stored in the storage unit 180 from the terminal device 10 used by the user. The user information acquisition module 2033 may also acquire the information by referencing the user information database 2021 stored in the storage unit 202 of the server 20. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by directly receiving various pieces of information about the user from the user.

[0049] The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 controls a series of processes for receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event. Specifically, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation to provide a gift to a performer of the event via the terminal device 10 used by the user watching the event. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift providing operation received from the user to the server 20. The gift providing operation receiving module 2034 of the server 20 receives the information from the terminal device 10. For example, upon receiving the information from the terminal device 10, the server 20 transmits information related to gifts that can be provided at the event watched by the user to the terminal device 10. Here, the operation of providing a gift is an operation performed by a user watching an event, and can include any operation performed by the user to provide a gift to a performer or the like of the event. For example, the operation of providing a gift can include an operation requesting the user to present information about gifts available at the event the user is watching (information about a gift list). In this case, for example, the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the user requesting the user to present information about gifts available at the event the user is watching (information about the gift list). In response to the user's operation, the server 20 transmits information about the gifts (information about the gift list) to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays information about the received confirmation on the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, the operation of providing a gift can include an operation of specifying at least one gift from among the gifts available at the event. In this case, for example, the user is presented with information about gifts available at the event (information about the gift list), and the gift providing operation receiving module 2034 receives an operation from the user to specify at least one gift from the presented information about gifts (information about the gift list).

[0050] The gift display module 2035 controls a series of processes for displaying a gift object representing a gift in a first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the gift providing operation accepted by the gift providing operation accepting module 2034. Specifically, the gift display module 2035 displays the gift object in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the gift providing operation accepted from the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object corresponding to the received information (gift object in the first display mode) on the display 1302. The first display mode is the initial display mode of the gift object provided in response to the gift providing operation from the user. The gift object in the first display mode includes, for example, a first portion that is a characteristic portion of the gift object and a second portion other than the first portion. The first portion is a main portion of the gift object that visually represents the characteristic of the gift object. The second portion is a portion of the gift object other than the first portion. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, the face of the object can be defined as the first portion, and the portion of the object other than the face of the animal (such as the body) can be defined as the second portion. For example, if the gift object is an object representing a shooting star, the star portion of the object can be defined as the first portion, and the portion of the object other than the star (such as the tail of light) can be defined as the second portion. Furthermore, if the gift object is a dynamic gift object representing fireworks, the dynamic portion representing the state of the fireworks opening can be defined as the first portion, and the dynamic portion representing the state of the fireworks launching to the information just before they open can be defined as the second portion.

[0051] The determination module 2036 controls a series of processes for determining whether a gift object displayed by the gift display module 2035 satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the determination module 2036 determines whether a gift object displayed in response to a user's gift-giving operation satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition can be set by referring to data stored in the determination condition information database 2023 of the storage unit 202. The predetermined condition is a condition that is set in advance to change the display mode of the displayed gift object. For example, the predetermined condition can be set to change the display mode to reduce the visibility of the displayed gift object. For example, the predetermined condition can be when a certain period of time has passed since the gift object was displayed. Alternatively, the predetermined condition can be when the total number of displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to gift-giving operations from other users reaches a certain number. Alternatively, the predetermined condition can be when the total area of ​​the display screen occupied by the displayed gift object and gift objects displayed in response to gift-giving operations from other users reaches a certain percentage or more. Note that the predetermined condition can be set not only as a single condition, but also as a combination of multiple conditions. For example, if the predetermined conditions are set as a certain period of time having passed since the gift object was displayed and a certain total number of gift objects, including the displayed gift object and those displayed in response to operations provided by other users, reaches a certain number, the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions when the displayed gift object satisfies either of the conditions. In this case, the determination module 2036 can also determine that the gift object satisfies the predetermined conditions when the displayed gift object satisfies all of the set conditions.

[0052] The change module 2037 controls a series of processes for changing the display mode of the gift object based on the determination by the determination module 2036. For example, when the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object satisfies a predetermined condition, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes a first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object. Specifically, when the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies the predetermined condition (or, if multiple predetermined conditions are set, determines that all of the conditions are satisfied), the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object in the second display mode changed by the change module 2037 to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object corresponding to the received information (the gift object in the second display mode) on the display 1302. The gift object in the second display mode has a different display mode from the gift object in the first display mode and includes the first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object. That is, the gift object in the second display mode is a gift object that has a different display mode from the gift object in the first display mode while retaining the first portion, which is the main portion of the gift object. For example, the gift object in the second display mode may be displayed in a smaller object size than the gift object in the first display mode. For example, if the gift object represents an animal, and the face of the animal is designated as the first portion and the portion of the object other than the face (such as the body) is designated as the second portion, the change module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes the first portion (the face of the animal) but does not include the second portion. Because the gift object in the second display mode does not include the second portion, the gift object in the second display mode has a smaller overall object size than the gift object in the first display mode before the change. This change to a smaller object size reduces the proportion of the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, thereby improving the visibility of the event being viewed by the user. Furthermore, because the changed second gift object includes the first portion, which is a characteristic feature of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift presentation can be maintained even when the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode can be displayed in a manner that includes only the characteristic portion (first portion) of the gift object. For example, if the gift object is an object representing a shooting star, and the star portion of the object is defined as the first portion and the portion of the object other than the star (such as a tail of light) is defined as the second portion, the change module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in a second display mode that includes only the first portion (the star portion) (and does not include the second portion). By changing the gift object to the second display mode that includes only the first portion, the object size of the entire object is reduced or the object is visually simplified, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, because the changed second gift object includes the first portion, which is the characteristic portion of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode may be displayed in a manner that includes the first portion and a second portion other than the first portion, which is included in the gift object in the first display mode, in a reduced size. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, and the face of the animal in the object is defined as the first portion and the portion of the object other than the face (such as the body) is defined as the second portion, the change module 2037 may change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes the first portion (the face of the animal) without changing the size and has the second portion reduced (reduced in size). By changing the gift object to the second display mode in such a manner that the first portion remains unchanged while the second portion is reduced, the object size of the entire object is reduced or the object is visually simplified, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, since the changed second gift object includes the first portion, which is a characteristic feature of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift offering can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. For example, the gift object in the second display mode may be displayed in a manner that includes the first portion and a second portion other than the first portion that is included in the gift object in the first display mode, but is transparent. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, and the animal's face is the first portion and the portion other than the animal's face (such as the body) is the second portion, the change module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in a second display mode that includes the first portion (the animal's face) without changing its size and makes the second portion visually transparent (the background of the second portion is visible through the first portion). By changing the gift object to a second display mode that maintains the first portion and makes the second portion transparent, the visibility of the object as a whole is reduced, thereby improving the visibility of the event viewed by the user. Furthermore, because the changed second gift object includes the first portion, which is a characteristic feature of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift provided can be maintained even if the object size is reduced. Furthermore, for example, the gift object in the second display mode may be displayed in a manner that includes the first portion and a third portion other than the first portion, which substitutes for the second portion included in the gift object in the first display mode. For example, if the gift object is an object representing an animal, and the face of the animal in the object is defined as the first portion and the portion of the object other than the face of the animal (such as the body) is defined as the second portion, the change module 2037 can change the gift object in the first display mode to a gift object in the second display mode that includes the first portion (the face of the animal) without changing its size and includes a third portion that substitutes for the second portion. The third portion may include, for example, a portion consisting of a simple shape such as a circle, square, or triangle; a portion consisting of a shape with a different color scheme from the second portion (for example, the color scheme of the second portion is not similar to the color of the background on which the gift object is displayed, and the color scheme of the third portion is similar to the color of the background on which the gift object is displayed); or a portion consisting of a shape that visually simplifies the second portion. By changing the gift object to a second display mode that includes a third portion that replaces the second portion while maintaining the first portion as is, for example, the visibility of the object as a whole can be reduced, thereby improving the visibility of the event being viewed by the user. Furthermore, because the changed second gift object includes the first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object, the user's satisfaction with the gift can be maintained even if the object size is reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, when the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object satisfies a predetermined condition, and then determines that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the change module 2037 can change the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode. A case in which the gift object is determined to no longer satisfy the predetermined condition occurs, for example, when the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user no longer affects the visibility of the entire event. For example, when the predetermined condition is a condition representing that the total number of displayed gift objects and gift objects displayed in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number, a condition is set for a specific gift object, such as disappearing from the display screen after a certain period of time has elapsed since its display, and therefore the total number of gift objects on the display screen does not reach the certain number, and thus the predetermined condition is determined to not be satisfied. Another example is when the predetermined condition is a condition based on the content of a performance viewed by the user, and after it is determined that one performance (e.g., a singing performance) satisfies the predetermined condition, it is determined that another performance (e.g., a talk performance) does not satisfy the predetermined condition. In this case, the predetermined condition for the change module 2037 to change the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode can be the same as the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode, or can be a condition different from the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode. For example, if the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode is a condition indicating that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed, the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode can be a condition indicating that the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and the number of gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to operations provided by other users has reached a certain number.

[0054] <2 Data Structure> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user information database 2021 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the user information database 2021 includes the items "User ID", "User Name", "Age", "Gender", "Contact Information", "Favorite Performers", "Gifts Provided in the Past", "Total Charged Amount", "Notes", etc.

[0056] The item "user ID" is information for identifying a user who will be viewing an event held in a virtual space.

[0057] The item "user name" is information indicating the user's name. In this case, the record may hold not only the user's real name but also information on the name (handle name) used by the user in the virtual space.

[0058] The item "age" is information indicating the age of the user.

[0059] The item "gender" is information indicating the gender of the user.

[0060] The item "contact information" is information indicating the user's contact information, including the user's address, telephone number, etc.

[0061] The item "Favorite Performers" is information indicating performers that the user has registered in advance as performers. The information about the performers stored in the record is, for example, information about at least one performer selected by the user from information about multiple performers registered in advance (including performers who have appeared in events held in virtual space in the past as well as performers who may appear in the future). The information about the performers includes, for example, the names of the performers, information about the performers' affiliations, etc.

[0062] The item "Gifts provided in the past" is information about gifts that users provided to performers and the like at past events held in virtual space.

[0063] The "Total Charges" item is information about the total amount of money paid by users at past events held in virtual space, such as money equivalent to the charges made when providing gifts to performers, money paid as participation fees for the event, and money paid when purchasing goods and merchandise related to the event. The total gift amount can include money paid by the user as well as money that can be used in place of money (points, etc.).

[0064] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes, etc. in the user information. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the gift information database 2022 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the gift information database 2022 includes an item "gift ID," an item "gift name," an item "data type," an item "category," an item "charged price," an item "first part," an item "second part," an item "third part," an item "second display mode," an item "notes," etc.

[0067] The item "gift ID" is information that identifies gifts that can be provided in an event held in virtual space.

[0068] The item "gift name" is information indicating the name of the gift.

[0069] The item "data type" is information indicating the type of data related to the gift content representing the gift. Information indicating the type of data includes video data, image data, music / audio data, text data, etc.

[0070] The item "Category" is information indicating the category of the gift. The information indicating the category of the gift includes information on the type of gift (object-type gift, text-type gift, tip-type gift), information on the type of object if the gift is an object-type gift (e.g., food, animal, plant, etc.), information on the rank of the gift (e.g., A, B, C), etc.

[0071] The "Charged Price" item is information about the charged price for purchasing the gift required to provide the gift. The charged price information includes information about the specific amount of the charge equivalent to money, as well as information corresponding to money in the case of points or other means of payment. In addition, in the case of a free gift that does not require a charge, information expressed as "0 yen" or "free" is included.

[0072] The item "first portion" is a portion included in a gift object representing a gift provided by a user, and is information indicating a characteristic portion of the gift object. The first portion is a portion included in both the gift object in the first display mode and the gift object in the second display mode.

[0073] The item "second part" is a part included in the gift object representing the gift provided by the user, and is information indicating a part other than the characteristic part of the gift object. The second part is a part included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0074] The item "Third Part" is information that represents the part included in the gift object in the second display mode, instead of the second part included in the gift object in the first display mode. The information about the third part is not essential for all gifts, but is information that is required when the gift object in the second display mode includes the third part.

[0075] The item "Second Display Mode" is information indicating requirements for the gift object in the second display mode. Examples of the information indicating the requirements for the gift object in the second display mode include information indicating a display mode in which the object size is smaller than that of the gift object in the first display mode, information indicating a display mode including only the first portion, information indicating a display mode in which the first portion is included and a second portion other than the first portion and included in the gift object in the first display mode is reduced (e.g., reduction ratio of 50%), information indicating a display mode in which the first portion is included and a second portion other than the first portion and included in the gift object in the first display mode is made transparent (e.g., transparency of 60%), information indicating a display mode in which the first portion is included and a third portion other than the first portion and substituting for the second portion included in the gift object in the first display mode, etc.

[0076] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes, etc. in the gift information. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the determination condition information database 2023 stored in the server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the judgment condition information database 2023 includes an item "judgment condition", an item "event to be applied", an item "performance to be applied", an item "remarks", and the like.

[0079] The item "judgment condition" is information indicating a predetermined condition that serves as a criterion when the judgment module 2036 makes a judgment.

[0080] The item "Applicable Event" is information indicating the event to which the judgment condition is applied. Information indicating the event includes, for example, a live music event, a talk event, a sales event, a game event, an event related to a fashion show, a conference event, an exhibition event, etc.

[0081] The item "Performance to be applied" is information indicating the content of the performance in the event to which the judgment condition is applied. Information indicating the content of the performance includes, for example, a singing performance, a dance performance, a talking performance, etc.

[0082] The item "Notes" is information that is stored when there are special notes in the judgment condition information. For example, if there is information that needs to be stored other than the above items, the server 20 may record it in the record.

[0083] <3. Operational Example of the First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a series of processes executed by the system 1 when providing gifts to performers of an event held in a virtual space based on operation inputs from a user watching the event will be described.

[0084] 7 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when a user watching an event held in a virtual space performs an operation to offer a gift to a performer of the event. Note that in the present disclosure, the operational flow is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform the entire series of processes, or the server 20 may perform the entire series of processes.

[0085] In step S601, an operation to provide a gift is accepted from a user. For example, the gift offering operation acceptance module 2034 accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, via the terminal device 10 used by the user watching the event. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user accepts an operation to designate a gift for a performer to whom the gift is to be offered, on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information related to the gift offering operation accepted from the user to the server 20. The gift offering operation acceptance module 2034 receives the information from the terminal device 10.

[0086] In step S651, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays a gift object representing a gift in a first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the received gift providing operation. For example, the gift display module 2035 displays a gift object representing a gift in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the gift providing operation received by the gift providing operation receiving module 2034. Specifically, for example, the gift display module 2035 displays a gift object in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to the gift providing operation received from the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information related to the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays a gift object corresponding to the received information (the gift object in the first display mode) on the display 1302.

[0087] In step S652, the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines whether the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in step S651 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the determination module 2036 determines whether the gift object displayed by the gift display module 2035 satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the determination module 2036 determines whether the gift object displayed in response to the user's gift providing operation satisfies a predetermined condition that has been set in advance.

[0088] In step S653, if it is determined in step S652 that the gift object satisfies the predetermined condition, the control unit 203 of the server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes a first portion that is a characteristic part of the gift object. For example, if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object satisfies the predetermined condition, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes the first portion that is a characteristic part of the gift object. Specifically, if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies the predetermined condition (for example, if multiple predetermined conditions are set, it is determined that all of the conditions are satisfied), the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode.

[0089] In step S653, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays the gift object whose display mode has been changed in the second display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. Specifically, for example, the gift display module 2035 displays the gift object in the second display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object (the gift object in the second display mode) corresponding to the received information on the display 1302.

[0090] By this process, when it is determined that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the display mode of the gift object is changed from a first display mode to a second display mode including the first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object, thereby changing the display mode of the gift object so as to reduce the visibility of the entire gift object. This allows users watching the event to ensure the visibility of the entire event while maintaining the presence of the gift object they provided.

[0091] In one aspect, the server 20 may cause the gift display module 2035 to display a gift module representing a gift in a first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user who provides the gift, and also display the gift module in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by other users who do not provide the gift. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 transmits information about gift objects to the terminal devices 10 used by the user who provides the gift and the other users who do not provide the gift. The terminal devices 10 used by each user display gift objects (gift objects in the first display mode) corresponding to the received information on the display 1302. This process allows each user to see gift objects representing gifts provided by other users, which may foster a sense of rivalry between users and increase the users' motivation to provide gifts.

[0092] In one aspect, when the server 20 accepts an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event via the gift providing operation accepting module 2034, the server 20 may present to the user information about the gift object in a first display mode and information about the gift object in a second display mode as display modes of the gift object representing the gift. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 transmits the information about the gift object in the first display mode and the information about the gift object in the second display mode to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 used by the user displays the received gift object in the first display mode and the gift object in the second display mode on the display 1302. This process allows the user to know in advance that the display mode of the gift object representing the gift they are providing will be changed under certain conditions and the changed display mode of the gift object, thereby providing the user with an opportunity to select a gift taking into account the changed display mode.

[0093] In one aspect, when a gift object representing a gift provided by a user is a gift object consisting only of a first portion, which is a characteristic portion, in a first display mode (initial display mode when providing a gift), the server 20 may not change the display mode of the gift object using the change module 2037. Specifically, even if the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition in response to an operation by the user to provide a gift, the control unit 203 of the server 20 does not change the display mode of the gift object and maintains the first display mode. This processing allows even simple gifts consisting only of a first portion to be applied to the system 1 according to this embodiment, thereby increasing the variety of gifts that the user can choose from and increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0094] <4. Screen Examples of the First Embodiment> Figures 8 to 12 are diagrams showing examples of various screens that are displayed during a series of processes in which a user who uses system 1 disclosed in the present invention to watch an event held in a virtual space performs an operation to provide a gift to performers of the event based on operational input from the user.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen displayed when a user viewing an event selects a performer of the event to whom a gift is to be given.

[0096] 8, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer list display area 801, a performer selection operation display area 802, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0097] The performer list display area 801 displays a list of performers for the event. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, images 8011 and performer names 8012 of all performers appearing in the event in the performer list display area 801. The information on the image 8011 and performer name 8012 of each performer functions as a button that can be pressed by the user or other operational input. When the control unit 190 receives operational input from the user, such as pressing the image, the control unit 190 executes processing to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided.

[0098] The performer selection operation display area 802 displays information for the user to select and confirm a performer to whom a gift is to be provided. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer selection list 8021, a gift provision button 8022, etc. in the performer selection operation display area 802.

[0099] The performer selection list 8021 displays information about performers that the user can select as recipients of a gift in a pull-down menu. The display method for performer information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 receives operational input from the user to select a performer included in the list, it executes a process to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided. Note that the performer selection operation display area 802 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the process to select a performer to whom a gift will be provided can also be executed by operational input such as pressing the image 8011 and performer name 8012 of each performer described above.

[0100] The gift providing button 8022 is a button for the user to confirm the performer to whom the gift is to be provided and to perform the operation of providing the gift. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, the control unit 190 executes the operation of providing the gift.

[0101] FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen when a user watching an event offers a gift to a performer.

[0102] 9, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays an explanatory text display area 901, a gift list display area 902, a gift selection operation display area 903, etc. on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Furthermore, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that an event such as a live concert can be seen. In this way, the user can operate the screen while enjoying an event such as a live concert.

[0103] The explanatory text display area 901 displays explanatory text, etc., which the user can refer to in order to check information related to the determination result. For example, the explanatory text display area 901 displays information about the performer to whom the user has selected to receive a gift.

[0104] The gift list display area 902 displays a list of gifts to be provided at the event the user is viewing. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays, for example, images (gift objects) 9021, 9022, 9023, and 9024 of all gifts that can be provided at the event the user is viewing, and gift names 9025 in the gift list display area 902. The information of each gift object 9021, 9022, 9023, and 9024 and gift name 9025 functions as a button that accepts an operation input such as a user pressing it. Each gift object 9021, 9022, 9023, and 9024 includes a first portion 9021A, 9022A, 9023A, and 9024A that is a characteristic portion of the gift object, and a second portion 9021B, 9022B, 9023B, and 9024B that is a portion other than the first portion. For example, in gift object 9021 representing an animal, the head of the animal is first part 9021A, and the part other than the head (the body part) is second part 9021B. For example, in gift object 9022 representing a shooting star, the star part is first part 9022A, and the part other than the star part (the tail of light) is second part 9022B. For example, in gift object 9023 representing a collection of heart-shaped objects, the largest heart object is first part 9023A, and the objects other than the largest heart object (multiple objects) are second part 9023B. For example, in gift object 9024 representing a plant, the flower part is first part 9024A, and the part other than the flower part (the stem and leaf part) is second part 9024B. When control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the image, control unit 190 executes a process of selecting a gift.

[0105] The gift selection operation display area 903 displays information for a user to perform an operation to confirm a gift to be provided. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a gift selection list 9031, a confirmation button 9032, etc. in the gift selection operation display area 903.

[0106] Gift selection list 9031 displays information about gifts provided by the user in a pull-down menu. The display method for gift information is not limited to this. When control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user to select a gift included in the list, it executes a gift selection process. Note that the gift selection operation display area 903 displays the text "You can also select by clicking on the image," and the gift selection process can also be executed by an operation input such as pressing the image of each gift object (gift objects 9021, 9022, 9023, 9024) and the information on gift name 9025.

[0107] The confirm button 9032 is a button for confirming a gift selected by a user operation. When the control unit 190 receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, the control unit 190 executes a process for confirming (designating) the selected gift.

[0108] 10 shows an example screen of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user watching the event. In this example screen, a case will be described in which a gift object representing a gift is displayed in a first display mode on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user.

[0109] In FIG. 10, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1001 and the like on the display 1302.

[0110] Performer display area 1101 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, four performers are displayed, with avatar object 10011A corresponding to a performer who receives a gift (gift object 10012) from one user and avatar object 10011B corresponding to a performer who receives a gift (gift object 10013) from another user. For example, in response to an operation to provide a gift from a user, gift display module 2035 of server 20 displays gift objects 10012 and 10013 representing gifts on display 1302 of terminal device 10 used by the user. Both gift objects 10012 and 10013 are displayed as gift objects in the first display mode.

[0111] 11 shows an example screen of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user watching the event. This screen example describes a case where the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in the second display mode in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user.

[0112] In FIG. 11, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1101 and the like on the display 1302.

[0113] The performer display area 1101 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, four performers are displayed, with avatar object 11011A corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 11012) from one user and avatar object 11011B corresponding to a performer receiving a gift (gift object 11013) from another user. For example, when the determination module 2036 determines that a gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by a user satisfies a predetermined condition, the change module 2037 of the server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object from a first display mode to a second display mode. In this case, for example, a gift object representing an animal is changed from a gift object in a first display mode (gift object 10012 in FIG. 10 ) representing the entire animal to gift object 11012 in a second display mode representing only the animal's head, which is a characteristic part (first part) of the gift object. For example, a gift object representing a shooting star is displayed in a different manner from a gift object in a first display mode (gift object 10013 in Figure 10) that represents the entire shooting star to gift object 11013 in a second display mode that represents only the star portion, which is the characteristic part (first part) of the gift object.

[0114] 12 shows an example screen of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user watching the event. This screen example describes a case where a gift object in a first display mode and a gift object in a second display mode are simultaneously displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user. Specifically, a case where a gift object is displayed in the second display mode, and a new gift object is displayed in the first display mode in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user will be described.

[0115] In FIG. 12, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays the performer display area 1201 and the like on the display 1302.

[0116] Performer display area 1201 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, four performers are displayed, with avatar object 12011A corresponding to a performer who receives gifts (gift objects 12013 and 12014) from one user, and avatar object 12011B corresponding to a performer who receives a gift (gift object 12013) from another user. For example, when gift objects 12012 and 12013 in the second display mode are displayed on display 1302 of terminal device 10 used by a user, gift display module 2035 of server 20 newly displays gift object 12014 representing a gift on display 1302 of terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user. For example, if the specified condition is a condition indicating that a certain period of time has passed since the gift object was displayed, the already displayed gift objects 12012 and 12013 are determined to satisfy the specified condition (a certain period of time has passed since the gift objects 12012 and 12013 were displayed), and therefore are displayed in the second display mode (a display mode consisting of only the first part, which is the characteristic part of the gift object), but the newly displayed gift object 12014 is not determined to satisfy the specified condition (a certain period of time has not passed since the gift object 12014 was displayed), and therefore is displayed in the first display mode.

[0117] 13 shows an example screen of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user watching the event. This screen example illustrates a case where the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user is displayed in a second display mode, in which a second portion other than the characteristic portion (first portion) of the gift object is made transparent.

[0118] In FIG. 13, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1311 and the like on the display 1302.

[0119] Performer display area 1311 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 13111A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (gift object 13112) from one user, and avatar object 13111B corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (gift object 13113) from another user. For example, when determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on display 1302 of terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, change module 2037 of server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object from a first display mode to a second display mode. In this case, for example, in the case of a gift object representing an animal, gift object 13112 in a first display mode representing the entire animal is displayed in a second display mode including head 13112A of the animal, which is a characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and a part (second part) of the gift object other than the head (the animal's body) included in the first display mode, in which the part (second part) of the gift object other than the head (the animal's body) is displayed in a transparent state (a state in which the background of the part is visible through the part). Also, for example, in the case of a gift object representing a shooting star, gift object 13113 in a first display mode representing the entire shooting star is displayed in a second display mode including star part 13113A, which is a characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and a part (second part) of the gift object other than the star part (a tail of light) included in the gift object in the first display mode, in which the part (second part) of the gift object other than the star part (a tail of light) is displayed in a transparent state (a state in which the background of the part is visible through the part).

[0120] 14 shows an example screen of a gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user watching the event. This screen example illustrates a case where the gift object displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to an operation to provide a gift from the user is displayed in a second display mode, and where the gift object in the second display mode includes a characteristic portion (first portion) of the gift object and a third portion other than the first portion that substitutes for the second portion included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0121] 14, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a performer display area 1401 and the like on the display 1302. In addition, FIG. 14 also provides a detailed explanation of the display mode of the gift object displayed in the performer display area 1401.

[0122] Performer display area 1401 displays performances and the like by performers appearing in an event held in a virtual space. In this example screen, two performers are displayed, with avatar object 13111A corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (gift object 1402) from one user, and avatar object 13111B corresponding to the performer who receives a gift (gift object 1403) from another user. For example, when determination module 2036 determines that the gift object displayed on display 1302 of terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, change module 2037 of server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object from a first display mode to a second display mode. In this case, for example, in the case of a gift object representing an animal, gift object 1402 in the first display mode representing the entire animal is changed and displayed as gift object 1402F in the second display mode including head 1402A of the animal, which is a characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and third part 1402C substituting part (second part) 1402B of the gift object other than the head (the animal's body) in the first display mode. Also, for example, in the case of a gift object representing a shooting star, gift object 1403 in the first display mode representing the entire shooting star is changed and displayed as gift object 1403F in the second display mode including star part 1403A, which is a characteristic part (first part) of the gift object, and third part 1403C substituting part (second part) 1403B of the gift object other than the star part (the tail of light) in the first display mode.

[0123] <Second embodiment> In the following embodiment, a technique for changing the display mode of a gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode when it is determined that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined condition after the display mode of the gift object has been changed from the first display mode to the second display mode when it is determined that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined condition will be described. Note that a description of parts having a configuration in common with the first embodiment (e.g., the terminal device 10, the server 20, etc.) will be omitted, and only the configuration and processing unique to the second embodiment will be described.

[0124] <5. Operational Example in the Second Embodiment> Below, we will explain the series of processes that the system 1 performs when it determines that a gift object satisfies a specified condition, and then determines that the gift object does not satisfy the specified condition, and then changes the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0125] 15 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for changing the display mode of a gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode when it is determined that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined condition after it has been determined that the gift object satisfies the predetermined condition. Note that this flowchart also discloses an example in which the series of processes are executed by exchanging information between the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user and the server 20, but is not limited to this.

[0126] In step S1551, when it is determined that the gift object satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 203 of the server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object from a first display mode to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode and includes the first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object. In this step, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays the gift object in the second display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. This step is the same as the processing of step S653 in the first embodiment.

[0127] In step S1552, the control unit 203 of the server 20 determines whether or not the gift object (gift object in the second display mode) displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the determination module 2036 determines whether or not the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition for maintaining the second display mode.

[0128] In step S1553, when it is determined that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit 203 of the server 20 changes the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode. For example, when the determination module 2036 determines that the gift object does not satisfy the predetermined condition after the display mode of the gift object is changed from the first display mode to the second display mode, the change module 2037 changes the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode, which is the display mode of the gift object before the display mode of the gift object was changed.

[0129] In step S1553, the control unit 203 of the server 20 displays the gift object whose display mode has been changed in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. Specifically, for example, the gift display module 2035 displays the gift object in the first display mode on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits information about the gift object to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 displays the gift object corresponding to the received information (the gift object in the second display mode) on the display 1302.

[0130] By performing such processing, for example, if the display mode of the gift object is changed from a first display mode to a second display mode including a first portion, which is a characteristic portion of the gift object, in order to reduce the visibility of the entire gift object, and the gift object displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user no longer satisfies a predetermined condition, the display mode of the gift object can be changed back to the previous first display mode, thereby improving the visibility of the entire gift object. This allows users watching the event to more clearly see the gift object provided on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user, thereby increasing the user's motivation to give gifts.

[0131] In one aspect, the server 20 may set the predetermined condition for the change module 2037 to change the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode to a condition different from the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode. Specifically, the control unit 203 of the server 20 may set the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode as a condition indicating that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed, while setting the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode as a condition indicating that the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and the number of gift objects displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10 used by the user in response to operations provided by other users has reached a certain number. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 203 of the server 20 can set the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to the second display mode as a condition that all of a plurality of conditions are satisfied, and can set the predetermined condition for changing the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode as a condition that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied. By such processing, the conditions for changing the display mode of the gift object can be flexibly set, thereby ensuring appropriate visibility of the entire event.

[0132] <8 Variations> A modification of this embodiment will be described below. That is, the following aspects may be adopted. (1) An information processing device in which the program may be pre-installed or may be installed later, or such a program may be stored on an external non-transitory storage medium or may be run using cloud computing. (2) A method in which a computer functions as an information processing device, and the program may be pre-installed on the information processing device or may be installed later, or such a program may be stored on an external non-transitory storage medium, or may be operated using cloud computing.

[0133] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0134] (Appendix 1) A program executed by a computer having a processor 29, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: accepting an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event held in a virtual space (S601); in response to the accepted operation to provide a gift, displaying a gift object representing the gift on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including a first part that is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part that is a part other than the first part (S651); determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition (S652); and, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined condition, changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode including the first part (S653).

[0135] (Appendix 2) The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode has a smaller object size than the gift object in the first display mode.

[0136] (Appendix 3) The program according to claim 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode is a display mode including only the first portion.

[0137] (Appendix 4) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes a first portion and is a display mode in which a second portion other than the first portion that is included in the gift object in the first display mode is reduced in size.

[0138] (Appendix 5) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes a first portion and is a display mode in which a second portion other than the first portion, which is included in the gift object in the first display mode, is made transparent.

[0139] (Appendix 6) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes a first portion and a third portion other than the first portion that replaces the second portion included in the gift object in the first display mode.

[0140] (Appendix 7) 2. The program of claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition indicating that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed.

[0141] (Appendix 8) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the specified condition is a condition that indicates that the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and gift objects displayed on the display screen in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number.

[0142] (Appendix 9) 2. The program of claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition based on the content of the event.

[0143] (Appendix 10) 1. The program described in Appendix 1, wherein the specified conditions are conditions based on the content of the performance to be performed at the event.

[0144] (Appendix 11) The program described in Appendix 1 further causes the processor to execute a step (S1553) of changing the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode when it is determined that the gift object does not satisfy the specified condition after it has been determined that the gift object satisfies the specified condition.

[0145] (Appendix 12) A method executed by a computer having a processor 29, wherein the processor 29 executes the following steps: a step (S601) of accepting an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event held in a virtual space; a step (S651) of displaying a gift object representing the gift on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including a first part that is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part that is a part other than the first part, in response to the accepted operation to provide the gift; a step (S652) of determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition; and a step (S653) of changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode including the first part, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0146] (Appendix 13) An information processing device having a control unit 203, the control unit 203 having a function (S601) of accepting an operation to provide a gift from a user watching an event held in a virtual space, a function (S651) of displaying a gift object representing the gift on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including a first part which is a characteristic part of the gift object and a second part which is a part other than the first part, in accordance with the accepted operation to provide the gift, a function (S652) of determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition, and a function (S653) of changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode including the first part when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the predetermined condition. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 10 terminal device, 12 communication interface, 13 input device, 14 output device, 15 memory, 16 storage unit, 19 processor, 20 server, 22 communication interface, 23 input / output interface, 25 memory, 26 storage, 29 processor, 80 network, 1801 user information, 1901 input operation reception unit, 1902 transmission / reception unit, 1903 data processing unit, 1904 notification control unit, 1302 display, 140 audio processing unit, 141 microphone, 142 speaker, 150 position information sensor, 160 camera, 170 motion sensor, 2021 user information database, 2022 gift information database, 2023 judgment condition information database, 2031 reception control module, 2032 transmission control module, 2033 user information acquisition module, 2034 gift provision operation reception module, 2035 gift display module, 2036 Judgment module, 2037 change module

Claims

1. A program executed by a computer having a processor, the program causing the processor to: receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space; In response to the received operation to provide the gift, a gift object representing the gift consisting of at least a first part and a second part is displayed on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object, and the second part, which is a part other than the first part, which is set in advance for each gift; determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition; A program that executes a step of changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode, which is a display mode in which the display mode of the first part set in advance for each gift is not changed but the display mode of the second part is changed, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the specified condition.

2. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the second display mode is a display mode in which visibility is reduced compared to the first display mode.

3. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the gift object in the second display mode has a smaller object size than the gift object in the first display mode.

4. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the gift object in the second display mode is a display mode including only the first portion.

5. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first portion and is a display mode in which the second portion is reduced.

6. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the gift object in the second display mode includes the first portion and the second portion is in a transparent state.

7. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the gift object in the second display mode is a display mode including the first portion and a third portion that substitutes for the second portion.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that indicates that a certain period of time has elapsed since the gift object was displayed.

9. The program described in claim 1, wherein the specified condition is a condition that indicates that the total number of gift objects displayed on the display screen and gift objects displayed on the display screen in response to operations provided by other users reaches a certain number.

10. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is a condition based on the content of the event.

11. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition based on the content of a performance to be performed at the event.

12. The program further causes the processor to The program of claim 1, which executes a step of changing the display mode of the gift object from the second display mode to the first display mode when it is determined that the gift object no longer satisfies the specified condition after it has been determined that the gift object satisfies the specified condition.

13. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising a processor, the processor comprising: receiving an operation to provide a gift from a user viewing an event held in a virtual space; In response to the received operation to provide the gift, a gift object representing the gift consisting of at least a first part and a second part is displayed on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object, and the second part, which is a part other than the first part, which is set in advance for each gift; determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition; A method for executing a step of changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode, which is a display mode in which the display mode of the first part set in advance for each gift is not changed but the display mode of the second part is changed, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the specified condition.

14. An information processing device including a control unit, the control unit A function to receive gift-giving operations from users viewing the event held in the virtual space; a function of displaying a gift object representing the gift, which is composed of at least a first part and a second part, on a display screen of a terminal device used by the user in a first display mode including the first part, which is a characteristic part of the gift object, and the second part, which is a part other than the first part, which is set in advance for each gift, in response to an operation to provide the gift that has been received; a function of determining whether the displayed gift object satisfies a predetermined condition; An information processing device having a function of changing the display mode of the gift object from the first display mode to a second display mode, which is a display mode in which the display mode of the first part set in advance for each gift is not changed but the display mode of the second part is changed, when it is determined that the displayed gift object satisfies the specified condition.

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