Program and information processing device

Abstract

To reduce an adverse influence on a virtual space by leaving an article object in its placed state.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as: object control means which controls a behavior of a user object being an avatar of a user in a virtual space; and image generation means which, if an article object disposed in the virtual space is an article object of the user disposed by the user object itself, generates an image in which the article object of the user is disposed, as an image representing a situation of the virtual space viewed from the user object and, if the article object is an article object of another person which is not disposed by the user object, generates an image in which the article object of the other person is not disposed, as the image representing a situation of the virtual space viewed from the user object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is known a program configured to allow users to interact with each other using user objects (e.g., avatars, characters, etc.) that represent their own identities in a virtual space (e.g., metaverse, game field, etc.) and expand the community (e.g., Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-56409 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a virtual space, user objects can move freely and place their own item objects freely. However, if an item object placed by a user object is left in the virtual space, it may have a negative impact on the virtual space, such as becoming a nuisance for other user objects or disrupting the worldview of the virtual space.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to mitigate the adverse effects on the virtual space caused by leaving the article object in its placed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: Computer, an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in a virtual space is a user's own item object placed by the user object himself, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the user object's own item object is placed, an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in the virtual space is an item object of another person that has not been placed by the user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object of the other person is not placed; It is a program that functions as a Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer 50 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a server device 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of product information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of region information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a world coordinate system, a view coordinate system, and a screen coordinate system when generating an image of a virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an image generation method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first screen of a client terminal 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen of the client terminal 10A. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an image generation method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the presence or absence of a special relationship. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a third screen of the client terminal 10A. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation relating to an image generation method depending on whether or not there is an item belonging to the user or another person, whether or not there is a special relationship, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generation method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the rarity of the item. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generation method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, the rarity of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an image generation method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the size of the item. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation relating to an image generation method according to the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person, the size of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation relating to an image generation method according to the rarity of an item. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation relating to an image generation method according to the size of an article. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to an image generation method according to the rarity of an item and whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation relating to an image generation method according to the size of an article and whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, the computer, an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in a virtual space is a user's own item object placed by the user object himself, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the user object's own item object is placed, an image generating means for generating, when an item object placed in the virtual space is an item object of another person that has not been placed by the user object, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object of the other person is not placed; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, the image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes the user's own item objects but does not include other people's item objects, so even if other people's item objects are left in the virtual space, they are not visible on the user's screen and do not become an obstruction to the user. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original positions, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects on the virtual space.

[0009] Also, such a program, The image generating means may generate an image in which the other person's item object is not placed if the other person's item object is an item object after a predetermined time has passed, and may generate an image in which the other person's item object is placed if the other person's item object is an item object before the predetermined time has passed. According to such a program, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's item objects before a predetermined time has passed, but does not include other people's item objects after the predetermined time has passed. Therefore, even if other people's item objects remain in the virtual space, they will not be visible on the user's screen after the predetermined time has passed, and will not become an annoying residue. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original state, it is possible to mitigate any adverse effects on the virtual space.

[0010] Also, such a program, The image generation means may generate an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object in a case where the other person's item object is a person's item object that does not have a pre-set relationship with the user, in which the other person's item object is not placed, and in a case where the other person's item object has a pre-set relationship with the user, in which the image generation means generates an image in which the other person's item object is placed. According to such a program, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object includes item objects of other people with whom the user has a preset relationship, but does not include item objects of other people with whom the user has no preset relationship. Therefore, even if other people's item objects are left in the virtual space, the related items of other people will be visible on the user's screen, and the unrelated items of other people will be treated as obstructive residue and will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original positions, it is possible to mitigate adverse effects on the virtual space.

[0011] Also, such a program, The image generating means If the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity set, an image is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is not placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and if the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity set, an image is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is placed, or If the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity setting, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object may be generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is not placed, and if the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity setting, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object may be generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is placed. According to such a program, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's item objects with low rarity but does not include other people's item objects with high rarity. Therefore, even if other people's item objects remain in the virtual space, other people's items with low rarity will be visible on the user's screen, while other people's items with high rarity will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of other people's items being easily visible to anyone in the virtual space, even if they are highly rare. Alternatively, in the opposite case, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes other people's item objects with high rarity but does not include other people's item objects with low rarity. Therefore, even if other people's item objects remain in the virtual space, other people's items with high rarity will be visible on the user's screen, while other people's items with low rarity will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with low-rarity, unnoticeable items.

[0012] Also, such a program, The image generation means may generate an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the other person's item object is a small-sized item object and does not include the small-sized item object of the other person, and when the other person's item object is a large-sized item object and does include the large-sized item object of the other person, as an image showing the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the user object. According to such a program, the image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes large-sized item objects of other people but does not include small-sized item objects of other people, so even if other people's item objects remain in the virtual space, the large, conspicuous items of other people will be visible on the user's screen, while the small, inconspicuous items of other people will be treated as obstructive residue and will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original positions, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small, inconspicuous items of other people.

[0013] Also, the computer an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; When a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image in which the item object of low rarity level is placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and when a high rarity level is set, an image in which the item object of high rarity level is not placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, or an image generating means for generating, when a high rarity is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image in which the item object of high rarity is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and, when a low rarity is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, generating an image in which the item object of low rarity is not placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes low-rarity item objects but does not include high-rarity item objects. Therefore, even if the item objects remain in the virtual space, low-rarity items will be visible on the user's screen, while high-rarity items will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of highly rare items being easily visible to anyone in the virtual space. Alternatively, in the opposite case, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes high-rarity item objects but does not include low-rarity item objects. Therefore, even if the item objects remain in the virtual space, high-rarity items will be visible on the user's screen, while low-rarity items will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original state, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with low-rarity, unnoticeable items.

[0014] Also, the computer an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object, which is an avatar of the user, in a virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to be large, an image in which the large-sized article object is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object placed in the virtual space is set to a small size, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; It is a program that functions as a According to such a program, the image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object includes large item objects but does not include small item objects, so even if the item objects remain in the virtual space, the large, conspicuous items will be visible on the user's screen, while the small, inconspicuous items will be treated as intrusive residue and will not be visible. Therefore, by leaving the item objects in their original positions, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects of the virtual space being filled with small, inconspicuous items.

[0015] an object control unit that controls the behavior of a user object that is an avatar of the user in the virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating unit that generates an image in which the user's own item object is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the item object placed in the virtual space is the user's own item object placed by the user object, an image generating unit that, when an item object placed in the virtual space is an item object of another person that has not been placed by the user object, generates an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object of the other person is not placed; The information processing device is provided with: According to such an information processing device, it is possible to mitigate adverse effects on the virtual space by leaving the article object in its placed state.

[0016] an object control unit that controls the behavior of a user object that is an avatar of the user in the virtual space based on an operation by the user; When a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, an image in which the item object of low rarity level is placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and when a high rarity level is set, an image in which the item object of high rarity level is not placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, or an image generating unit that, when a high rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, generates an image in which the item object of high rarity level is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and, when a low rarity level is set for an item object placed in a virtual space, generates an image in which the item object of low rarity level is not placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object; The information processing device is provided with: According to such an information processing device, it is possible to mitigate adverse effects on the virtual space by leaving the article object in its placed state.

[0017] an object control unit that controls the behavior of a user object that is an avatar of the user in the virtual space based on an operation by the user; an image generating unit that generates an image in which a large-sized article object is placed in a virtual space as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the size of the article object placed in the virtual space is set to be large, an image generating unit that, when a size of an article object placed in a virtual space is set to a small size, generates an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; The information processing device is provided with: According to such an information processing device, it is possible to mitigate adverse effects on the virtual space by leaving the article object in its placed state.

[0018] === Implementation form === The following describes in detail a program, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention can be widely applied to a program, an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing system, etc. that employs a virtual space providing service that provides a virtual space to a user. In the embodiment, a case where the virtual space is a virtual three-dimensional space will be described as an example.

[0019] <<System Configuration>> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment has one or more client terminals 10 and a server device 20 connected via a network N.

[0020] The client terminal 10 is a terminal device operated by a user, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, or a terminal device such as a dedicated game machine for home or commercial use. The server device 20 manages and controls the virtual space providing service operated by the user on the client terminal 10, and performs billing processing within the virtual space providing service. The network N is the Internet or the like, and includes a mobile wireless base station, etc.

[0021] In addition to the client-server information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the present invention can also be applied to a standalone game device (information processing device) by providing a separate mechanism for processing billing within the virtual space. The information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 is only one example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configurations depending on the application and purpose. For example, the server device 20 in Fig. 1 may be configured as a distributed system across multiple computers.

[0022] <<Hardware configuration>> <Client terminal and server device> Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 50 according to this embodiment. The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to this embodiment are realized by, for example, a computer 50 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. The computer 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0023] 2, the computer 50 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a communication interface 54, an input device 55, a display device 56, an external interface 57, and an HDD 58, all of which are interconnected by a bus line B. Note that the server device 20 may be configured such that the input device 55 and the display device 56 are connected and used when necessary.

[0024] The CPU 51 is a computing device that reads programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 and HDD 58 onto the RAM 52 and executes various processes based on the read programs and data, thereby controlling the entire computer and realizing its functions.

[0025] The RAM 52 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) for temporarily storing programs and data, and is also used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various processes.

[0026] The ROM 53 is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 53 stores programs and data such as BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 50 starts up.

[0027] The communication interface 54 is an interface for connecting the computer 50 to the network N. This allows the computer 50 to perform data communication via the communication interface 54.

[0028] The input device 55 is a device used by a user or an administrator to input various signals. The input device 55 in this embodiment is, for example, an operation device such as a touch panel, operation keys or buttons, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0029] The display device 56 is a device for displaying various information on a screen to a user or an administrator. The display device 56 in this embodiment is, for example, a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0030] The external interface 57 is an interface for connecting to an external device so as to enable data communication, thereby allowing the computer 50 to read and / or write data from and to a recording medium via the external interface 57. The external device is, for example, a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, or a USB memory.

[0031] The HDD 58 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data, such as the OS, which is the basic software that controls the entire computer, and applications that provide various functions on the OS.

[0032] Instead of the HDD 58, a drive device that uses a flash memory as a storage medium (for example, a solid state drive (SSD)) may be used.

[0033] The client terminal 10 and the server device 20 according to this embodiment can realize various processes, which will be described later, by executing a program on the computer 50 having the hardware configuration described above.

[0034] <<Software configuration>> <Server device> 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the server device 20 according to this embodiment. The server device 20 according to this embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0035] The server device 20 according to this embodiment implements a server control unit 200, a server storage unit 220, and a server communication unit 240 by executing a program.

[0036] The server control unit 200 has a function of executing various processes in the server device 20. The server control unit 200 in this embodiment includes an information management unit 201 and a sales unit 202.

[0037] The information management unit 201 manages various information related to users who use the virtual space provision service, various information for forming a virtual space, etc. The information management unit 201 according to this embodiment receives a management request for various information from the client terminal 10, stores the various information in the server storage unit 220, and transmits the various information obtained from the server storage unit 220 to the client terminal 10.

[0038] The sales unit 202 sells items that can be used in the virtual space. When the sales unit 202 according to this embodiment receives a purchase request for an item from the client terminal 10, it performs a billing process based on the selling price of the item specified by the user (for example, a building, vehicle, decoration, tool, weapon, box, etc. in the virtual space) and the user's possession of money (for example, virtual currency), and transmits the purchased item to the client terminal 10.

[0039] The server storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information in the server device 20. The server storage unit 220 in this embodiment includes an item information storage unit 221, an area information storage unit 222, and a user information storage unit 223.

[0040] The item information storage unit 221 stores item information about items that can be used in the virtual space. The item information stored in the item information storage unit 221 is made up of the following various data.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of item information according to this embodiment. The item information shown in Fig. 4 includes items such as an item ID, an item name, a rarity level, a size, a luxury level, a selling price, and item setting information.

[0042] The item ID is information for uniquely identifying various items. The item name is information indicating the name of the item. The rarity is information indicating the rarity of the item. Here, five levels of rarity can be set from "1" to "5". The size is information indicating the size of the item. The luxury is information indicating the luxury of the item.

[0043] The selling price is information indicating the selling price set for an item that can be used in the virtual space. The item setting information is information including model data and texture data for forming the item as a 3D model (item object) in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a placement cost set based on the number of polygons that make up the 3D model. Here, the more demanding the rendering process is on an item object, the higher the placement cost is set.

[0044] The area information storage unit 222 stores area information relating to areas in the virtual space. The area information stored in the area information storage unit 222 is made up of the following various data.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of region information according to this embodiment. The region information shown in Fig. 5 includes items such as a region ID, a region name, position information, size information, shape information, and region setting information.

[0046] The section ID is information for uniquely identifying an area in a virtual space that is divided according to a predetermined criterion. The section name is information indicating the name of the area in the virtual space. The location information is information for specifying the location of the area in the virtual space.

[0047] The size information is information for specifying the size of an area in a virtual space. The shape information is information for specifying the shape of an area in a virtual space. The area setting information is information including model data, texture data, etc. for forming the area as a 3D model (land object) in a virtual three-dimensional space.

[0048] The user information storage unit 223 stores user information related to users who use the virtual space providing service. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 223 is made up of the following various data.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information according to this embodiment. The user information shown in Fig. 6 includes items such as a user ID, a name, avatar setting information, money, possessions, location information, behavior history information, purchase history information, and friends.

[0050] The user ID is information for uniquely identifying a user. The name is information indicating the user's name. The avatar setting information is information about the avatar that the user uses in the virtual space. It includes model data and texture data for forming the avatar as a 3D model (user object) in the virtual three-dimensional space.

[0051] The possession money is information about the virtual currency owned by the user. The possession items are information for identifying the items owned by the user from among the items that can be used in the virtual space set in the item information shown in Figure 4.

[0052] The location information is information about the location of the property. The location information includes information for identifying who placed which property in which location within the property area and when. The behavior history information is information about the behavior history of the avatar in the virtual space.

[0053] The purchase history information is information relating to the purchase history of items that can be used in the virtual space. The friend information is information indicating other users (friend users) with whom a friend relationship has been established through mutual approval.

[0054] The server communication unit 240 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 10 via the network N.

[0055] <Client terminal> 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the client terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment is realized by, for example, the functional blocks shown in FIG.

[0056] The client terminal 10 according to this embodiment implements a client control unit 100, a client storage unit 120, a client communication unit 140, an operation input receiving unit 150, and a screen display unit 160 by executing a program.

[0057] The client control unit 100 has a function of executing various processes in the client terminal 10. The client control unit 100 in this embodiment includes an object control unit 101, a virtual camera control unit 102, an image generation unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a purchase unit 105.

[0058] The object control unit 101 controls objects in the virtual space. The object control unit 101 according to this embodiment controls various behaviors, such as moving a user object (avatar) in the virtual space and placing or removing an item object on a land object, based on a user's operation. Placing (placing) an item object by a user object (avatar) in the virtual space includes not only a case where a motion for placing an item is set for the avatar (giving the avatar a motion for placing an item), but also a case where such a motion is not set (no motion for placing an item is given to the avatar).

[0059] The virtual camera control unit 102 controls the virtual camera in the virtual space. The virtual camera control unit 102 according to this embodiment places the virtual camera at three-dimensional coordinates expressed in a world coordinate system, and changes the appearance of the virtual space as seen from the virtual camera by controlling the viewpoint position, viewing direction, angle of view, zoom, movement path, movement speed, etc. of the virtual camera based on the virtual camera setting data. In addition, when an avatar in the virtual space moves in response to a user operation, the virtual camera is controlled to follow the movement of the avatar.

[0060] The image generation unit 103 generates a two-dimensional image of the state of the virtual space when an object placed in the virtual space is viewed from a virtual camera. The image generation unit 103 according to this embodiment performs coordinate conversion of an object placed in three-dimensional coordinates expressed in a world coordinate system into a view coordinate system based on the virtual camera. Then, it performs perspective transformation and the like on the object placed in the view coordinate system to generate a two-dimensional image of the state of the virtual three-dimensional space when viewed from the virtual camera. At this time, it also performs geometry processing, texture mapping processing, hidden surface processing, alpha blending processing, and the like.

[0061] The display control unit 104 controls the screen display of the client terminal 10. The display control unit 104 in this embodiment creates a two-dimensional image of an object placed in a virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera for each frame (for example, every 1 / 60 seconds), and outputs the state of the virtual space to the screen display unit 160.

[0062] The purchasing unit 105 performs processing to allow the user to purchase items that can be used in the virtual space. When an item is specified by a user's operation from the list of items for sale presented on the screen display unit 160 of the client terminal 10, the purchasing unit 105 according to this embodiment transmits a purchase request for the specified item to the server device 20, and receives the purchased item from the server device 20 according to the result of the billing process.

[0063] The operation input receiving unit 150 receives operation input from a user who operates the client terminal 10. When the user performs a touch operation on the screen, the operation input receiving unit 150 according to this embodiment receives the operation input from the user via a touch panel.

[0064] The client storage unit 120 stores various programs and information required by the client terminal 10. The various programs include a program that enables the user to use the virtual space providing service. As with the server storage unit 220, the various information includes all or part of item information, area information, user information, etc. In other words, the client storage unit 120 also functions as an item information storage unit, area information storage unit, and user information storage unit.

[0065] The client communication unit 140 communicates with the server device 20 via the network N.

[0066] The screen display unit 160 receives a control signal from the display control unit 104 and displays the screen of the client terminal 10 .

[0067] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the client terminal 10 performs object control, virtual camera control, image generation processing, display control, etc., but the server device 20 may perform various controls and processes. Specifically, at least some of the object control unit, virtual camera control unit, image generation unit, and display control unit may be configured not to be provided in the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10, but to be provided in the server control unit 200 of the server device 20.

[0068] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is an application-type system in which the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 performs processing related to the virtual space providing service based on an installed program. That is, FIG. 7 shows the application-type system as an example. Alternatively, the information processing system 1 may be a browser-type system in which the client control unit 100 of the client terminal 10 receives page data written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like and scripts included in the page data from the server device 20 and performs processing related to the virtual space providing service. Alternatively, the information processing system 1 may be a cloud-based system in which the server device 20 or a server device dedicated to image processing (not shown) performs processing related to the virtual space providing service instead of the client terminal 10, and the client terminal 10 receives the image data generated there and displays a two-dimensional image showing the state of the virtual space based on the image data.

[0069] <<System Overview>> An overview of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment will be described below. The information processing system 1 in this embodiment allows users to use a virtual space providing service.

[0070] In the virtual space provision service of this embodiment, users can act within a virtual space using their avatars (user objects). This virtual space is set up with multiple areas where the avatars can act. An "area" in the virtual space corresponds to a "land" in the real world.

[0071] In the virtual space of this embodiment, an avatar can move to an area corresponding to, for example, a "town square" or a "park," where it can communicate with other avatars and freely place its own items (item objects). However, if an avatar moves to another area leaving its own item in place, it may have a negative impact on the virtual space, such as becoming a nuisance for other avatars or disrupting the worldview of the virtual space.

[0072] Therefore, in the virtual space provision service of this embodiment, when an image showing the virtual space as seen from the avatar of a user operating an avatar is displayed on the screen, for example, the image displayed on the screen includes the user's own items but does not include items belonging to other people. As a result, even if items placed by other people's avatars are left behind in the virtual space, they will not be displayed or visible on the user's screen, making it possible to mitigate the adverse effects of other people's leftover items being a nuisance.

[0073] Furthermore, when an image showing the virtual space as seen from the avatar of a user operating an avatar is displayed on the screen, an image that includes low-rarity items but does not include high-rarity items is displayed on the screen. As a result, even if items remain in the virtual space, low-rarity items will be displayed and visible on the user's screen, but high-rarity items will not be displayed and cannot be seen, making it possible to mitigate the adverse effect of high-rarity items being easily seen by anyone in the virtual space.

[0074] Furthermore, when an image showing the virtual space as seen from the avatar of a user operating an avatar is displayed on the screen, an image that includes large-sized objects but does not include small-sized objects is displayed on the screen. This makes it possible to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small, inconspicuous objects that can be placed relatively easily, even if objects remain in the virtual space, while large, conspicuous objects are displayed and visible on the user's screen, and small, inconspicuous objects are not displayed and invisible.

[0075] <<System Operation>> In this embodiment, it is assumed that user A uses the virtual space providing service using client terminal 10 A. In this case, user A can view an image of the virtual space on screen display unit 160 of client terminal 10 A.

[0076] Avatar A is a user object that represents user A and acts in the virtual space according to touch operations by user A using client terminal 10A. Also, item A is an item object owned by user A, and item B is an item object owned by user B who uses the virtual space providing service.

[0077] Under these assumptions, a method for generating an image when the virtual space is viewed from a virtual viewpoint associated with avatar A in client terminal 10A will be specifically described below.

[0078] <Image generation in virtual space> Image generation in a virtual space in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the world coordinate system, view coordinate system, and screen coordinate system when generating an image of a virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint.

[0079] In the following, the three-dimensional coordinates (Xw, Yw, Zw) with the origin Ow as the reference point of the virtual space will be referred to as the world coordinate system, the three-dimensional coordinates (Xc, Yc, Zc) with the origin Oc of the virtual camera will be referred to as the view coordinate system, and the two-dimensional coordinates (Xs, Ys) with the origin Os at the center of the screen surface (projection surface) corresponding to the screen of the client terminal 10 will be referred to as the screen coordinate system.

[0080] The virtual camera control unit 102 places the virtual camera (virtual viewpoint) so that it looks down obliquely on the Xw-Zw plane from a height in the Yw-axis direction of the world coordinate system at a depression angle θ with respect to the Zw-axis direction. By placing the virtual camera in the virtual space in this way, a view coordinate system is set in association with the world coordinate system.

[0081] The Zc axis direction of the view coordinate system is a direction perpendicular to the screen surface (origin Os of the screen coordinate system) corresponding to the screen of the client terminal 10, and coincides with the viewing direction of the virtual camera. The Xc-Yc plane of the view coordinate system is parallel to the screen surface, and the distance from the origin Oc of the view coordinate system to the origin Os of the screen coordinate system coincides with the focal length of the virtual camera.

[0082] In this embodiment, the object control unit 101 places avatar A, which is a user object, on the Xw-Zw plane of the world coordinate system. The Xw-Zw plane of the world coordinate system coincides with the movement plane on which avatar A moves in the virtual space. The object control unit 101 can move avatar A on the movement plane by changing the coordinate position on the Xw-Zw plane of the world coordinate system over time in accordance with the user's operation.

[0083] In this case, the virtual camera control unit 102 can move the virtual camera to follow avatar A by changing the coordinate position in the world coordinate system of the virtual camera associated with avatar A over time in accordance with the movement of avatar A.

[0084] The image generation unit 103 in this embodiment generates an image of avatar A on a plane of movement in virtual space, viewed from a virtual camera positioned so as to look down obliquely on the plane of movement on which avatar A moves.

[0085] Specifically, by using a coordinate transformation matrix calculated from the positional relationship between the virtual camera and avatar A shown in Figure 8, avatar A placed in the world coordinate system (Xw, Yw, Zw) is transformed into the view coordinate system (Xc, Yc, Zc). After clipping, avatar A placed in the view coordinate system (Xc, Yc, Zc) is transformed into the screen coordinate system (Xs, Ys) using a perspective projection technique or the like. By repeating this geometric calculation and coordinate transformation, a two-dimensional image of avatar A placed in the virtual space can be generated.

[0086] <Your own or someone else's belongings> <<Example>> First, an embodiment of a method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending on the presence or absence of an item belonging to the user or another person will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to a method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item belonging to the user or another person. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first screen in client terminal 10A. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second screen in client terminal 10A.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S11).

[0088] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0089] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S11: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself or herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S12).

[0090] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S12: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S13).

[0091] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on client terminal 10A, in which an item object 501, which is user A's item A, is placed in area 502 together with avatar A when the item object, which is user A's item A, is present within the specified range in the virtual space.

[0092] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but another person's item object (step S12: NO), the object control unit 101 removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S14).

[0093] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on client terminal 10A, in which when an item object, which is user B's item B, is present within the specified range in the virtual space, user B's item B is not placed in area 502, but avatar A is placed instead.

[0094] In this way, even if item B (another person's item object) placed by user B is left behind in the virtual space, it will not be visible on user A's screen. Therefore, the item placed by another person will not become an annoying residue for user A.

[0095] <<Variation 1>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending not only on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person but also on the presence or absence of a preset special relationship will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and on the presence or absence of a special relationship. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the third screen on client terminal 10A.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S21).

[0097] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0098] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S21: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself or herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S22).

[0099] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S22: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S23).

[0100] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not its own item object but another person's item object (step S22: NO), it determines whether or not there is a special relationship between the client terminal 10A and the other person (step S24).

[0101] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the user information shown in FIG. 6 and determines that there is a special relationship if a friend relationship has been established with the other person, and determines that there is no special relationship if a friend relationship has not been established with the other person.

[0102] Then, if it is determined that there is a special relationship between the client terminal 10A and the other person (step S24: YES), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S25).

[0103] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on client terminal 10A, in which an item object 503, which is user B's item B, is placed in area 502 together with avatar A when the item object, which is user B's item B, is present within the specified range of the virtual space.

[0104] In this way, even if an item B (another person's item object) has been placed by a different user B, if it has been placed by a different person with whom a special relationship has been established, it will be visible on the screen of user A. This allows user A to make item B a common topic of conversation with user B, thereby stimulating communication between users.

[0105] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that there is no special relationship with the other person (step S24: NO), it removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. Thereafter, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S26).

[0106] In this way, if item B (someone else's item object) is placed by user B, who is a stranger with whom user A has no special relationship, it is highly likely to be perceived as an intrusive remnant with little interest by user A. Therefore, even if item B (someone else's item object) is left behind in the virtual space, it will not be visible on user A's screen and will not be an intrusive remnant for user A.

[0107] <<Variation 2>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending on whether or not a user owns or another user's item, whether or not there is a special relationship, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of operation related to the method for generating an image depending on whether or not a user owns or another user's item, whether or not there is a special relationship, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 14, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S31).

[0109] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0110] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S31: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself or herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S32).

[0111] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S32: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S33).

[0112] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not its own item object but another person's item object (step S32: NO), it determines whether there is a special relationship between the client terminal 10A and the other person (step S34).

[0113] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that there is a special relationship with the other person (step S34: YES), it determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 12 hours) has passed since the other person's item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S35).

[0114] If it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the other person's item object was placed (step S35: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S36).

[0115] In this way, even if item B (someone else's item object) has been placed by user B, who is a different person with whom a special relationship has been established, it can be seen on the screen of user A if a predetermined time has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can make item B a common topic of conversation with user B within a limited period of time while taking into consideration any adverse effects on third parties, thereby stimulating communication between users.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no special relationship between the client terminal 10A and the other person (step S34: NO), or if it is determined that a predetermined time has passed since the other person's item object was placed (step S35: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. Thereafter, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S37).

[0117] <<Variation 3>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending not only on the presence or absence of an item of the player or another player but also on the rarity of the item will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item of the player or another player and on the rarity of the item.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 15, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S41).

[0119] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0120] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S41: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself or herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S42).

[0121] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S42: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S43).

[0122] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S42: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object has a high rarity set (step S44).

[0123] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in Figure 4 and the user information shown in Figure 6, and determines that if a rarity level of "4" to "5" is set for another person's item object, a high rarity level is set, and if a rarity level of "1" to "3" is set, a low rarity level is set.

[0124] If it is determined that the other person's item object has a high rarity level (step S44: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S45).

[0125] In this way, even if item B (another person's item object) placed by user B is left in the virtual space, if the item is set to a high rarity, it will not be visible on user A's screen. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effect of anyone being able to easily see someone else's highly rare item.

[0126] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S44: NO), it generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Figure 13 (step S46).

[0127] <<Variation 4>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of the virtual space depending on whether or not a predetermined time has passed, in addition to whether or not the player or another player has an item and the rarity of the item, will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the method for generating an image depending on whether or not the player or another player has an item, the rarity of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 16, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S51).

[0129] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0130] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S51: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself / herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S52).

[0131] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S52: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S53).

[0132] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S52: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object has a high rarity set (step S54).

[0133] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object has a high rarity set (step S54: YES), it determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the other person's high rarity item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S55).

[0134] When the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the first time has not elapsed since the other person's high rarity item object was placed (step S55: NO), it generates an image including the other person's high rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Figure 13 (step S53).

[0135] In this way, even if Item B (another person's item object) belonging to User B has a high rarity setting, it will be visible on User A's screen if the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, User A can only view the rare and valuable items belonging to other people for a limited, short period of time, taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties.

[0136] In response to this, when it is determined that a first time has elapsed since the other person's high-rarity item object was placed (step S55: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's high-rarity item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S56).

[0137] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object is not set to a high rarity but is set to a low rarity (step S54: NO), it determines whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has passed since the other person's item object with a low rarity was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S57).

[0138] When it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the other person's low-rarity item object was placed (step S57: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the other person's low-rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S58).

[0139] In this way, even if item B (other person's item object) of user B, who is another person, is set to a low rarity, it will be visible on user A's screen if the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see other person's item of low rarity within a longer time limit than other person's item of high rarity.

[0140] In response to this, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the other person's low-rarity item object was placed (step S57: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's low-rarity item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S56).

[0141] <<Variation 5>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending not only on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person but also on the size of the item will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to the method for generating an image depending on the presence or absence of an item of the user or another person and the size of the item.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 17, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S61).

[0143] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0144] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S61: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself or herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S62).

[0145] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S62: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S63).

[0146] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S62: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S64).

[0147] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in FIG. 4 and the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines that if the size "small" is set for another person's item object, a small size is set, and if the size "large" is set, determines that a large size is set.

[0148] If it is determined that the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S64: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S65).

[0149] In this way, even if an item B (another person's item object) placed by another user B is left in the virtual space, if it is a small and inconspicuous item, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. This can mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small and inconspicuous items that can be placed relatively easily.

[0150] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the other person's item object is not set to a small size but is set to a large size (step S64: NO), it generates an image including the other person's item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S66).

[0151] <<Variation 6>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending on whether or not a predetermined time has passed, in addition to whether or not the user or another person has an item and the size of the item, will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of operation related to the method for generating an image depending on whether or not the user or another person has an item, the size of the item, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 18, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S81).

[0153] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0154] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the specified range (step S81: YES), it determines whether the item object is an item object that the user placed himself or herself based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S82).

[0155] Then, when the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is the user's own item object (step S82: YES), it generates an image including the user's own item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 10 (step S83).

[0156] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the existing item object is not the user's own item object but someone else's item object (step S82: NO), it determines whether the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S84).

[0157] Then, when it is determined that the other person's item object is set to a small size (step S84: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the other person's small-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S85).

[0158] When it is determined that the first time has not elapsed since the small-sized item object of the other person was placed (step S85: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the small-sized item object of the other person as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S83).

[0159] In this way, even if a small-sized item B (another person's item object) belonging to user B, who is a different person, is placed, it will be visible on the screen of user A if the first time (predetermined time) has not yet elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can only see the small, inconspicuous item belonging to another person for a limited, short period of time while taking into consideration the adverse impact on third parties.

[0160] In response to this, when it is determined that a first time has elapsed since the small-sized item object of the other person was placed (step S85: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the small-sized item object of the other person from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the item object of the other person as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in Fig. 11 (step S86).

[0161] Then, when it is determined that the other person's item object is not set to a small size but is set to a large size (step S84: NO), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the other person's large-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S87).

[0162] If it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the large-sized item object of the other person was placed (step S87: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the large-sized item object of the other person as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 13 (step S88).

[0163] In this way, even if a large-sized item B (other person's item object) belongs to user B, who is a different person, it will be visible on user A's screen if the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can view a large-sized item belonging to another person within a longer time limit than a small-sized item belonging to another person.

[0164] In response to this, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the other person's large-sized item object was placed (step S87: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the other person's large-sized item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the other person's item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S86).

[0165] <Item rarity> <<Example>> Next, an example of a method for generating an image showing a state of a virtual space according to the rarity of an item will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to a method for generating an image according to the rarity of an item.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 19, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S91).

[0167] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0168] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S91: YES), it determines whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object (step S92). Note that here, it is determined whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object, regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's.

[0169] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in Figure 4 and the placement information of the user information shown in Figure 6, and determines that if a rarity level of "4" to "5" is set for the item object, a high rarity level is set, and if a rarity level of "1" to "3" is set, a low rarity level is set.

[0170] If it is determined that a high rarity level is set for the item object (step S92: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the high rarity item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the high rarity item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S93).

[0171] On the other hand, if the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A determines that the item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S92: NO), it generates an image including the item object of a low rarity level as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S94).

[0172] In this way, even if the item object remains in the virtual space, if it is an item with a high rarity setting, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the negative effect of anyone being able to easily see the highly rare item.

[0173] <<Modifications>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending not only on the rarity of an item but also on whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the method for generating an image depending on the rarity of an item and whether or not a predetermined time has passed. As shown in FIG. 20, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S101).

[0174] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0175] Next, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S101: YES), it determines whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object (step S102). Note that here, it is determined whether or not a high rarity level is set for the item object, regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's.

[0176] Then, when the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that a high rarity level is set for the other person's item object (step S102: YES), it determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the high rarity item object was placed based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S103).

[0177] If it is determined that the first time has not elapsed since the high rarity item object was placed (step S103: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the high rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S104).

[0178] In this way, even if an item is set to be highly rare, it will be visible on the screen of User A if the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, User A can only view highly rare items for a limited, short period of time, taking into consideration the adverse effects on third parties.

[0179] In response to this, when it is determined that a first time has elapsed since the high-rarity item object was placed (step S103: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the high-rarity item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the high-rarity item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S105).

[0180] Then, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that the item object is not set to a high rarity level but is set to a low rarity level (step S102: NO), it determines whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the item object of the low rarity level was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in Figure 6 (step S106).

[0181] If it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the low-rarity item object was placed (step S106: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the low-rarity item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S107).

[0182] In this way, even if an item is set to a low rarity, it will be visible on the screen of user A if the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, user A can see other people's items with low rarity within a longer time limit than other people's items with high rarity.

[0183] In response to this, when it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the item object of low rarity was placed (step S106: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the item object of low rarity from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the item object of low rarity as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S105).

[0184] <Item size> <<Example>> Next, an embodiment of a method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space according to the size of an article will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to a method for generating an image according to the size of an article.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 21, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S111).

[0186] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0187] Next, when it is determined that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S111: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not a large size is set for the item object (step S112). Note that here, whether or not a large size is set is determined regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's item.

[0188] Specifically, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A refers to the item information shown in FIG. 4 and the user information shown in FIG. 6, and determines that a small size is set for the item object if the size "small" is set for the item object, and determines that a large size is set for the item object if the size "large" is set for the item object.

[0189] Then, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that a large size is set for the item object (step S112: YES), it generates an image including the large-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S113).

[0190] On the other hand, if the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines that a large size is not set for the item object, but a small size is set (step S112: NO), it generates an image that does not include the small-sized item object as the image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S114).

[0191] In this way, even if the article object remains in the virtual space, if it is a large and conspicuous article, it will be visible on the screen of user A, and if it is a small and inconspicuous article, it will not be visible on the screen of user A. This makes it possible to draw attention to large and conspicuous articles in the virtual space, and also to mitigate the adverse effect of the virtual space being filled with small and inconspicuous articles that can be placed relatively easily.

[0192] <<Modifications>> Next, a modified example of the method for generating an image showing the state of a virtual space depending not only on the size of an item but also on whether or not a predetermined time has passed will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of operation relating to the method for generating an image depending on the size of an item.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 22, first, the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range in the direction of travel based on the current position of avatar A in the virtual space (step S121).

[0194] However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined range based on the virtual camera associated with avatar A (for example, within a clipping region corresponding to the view volume of a quadrangular pyramid), or it may be determined whether or not an item object exists within a predetermined field of view range seen from a virtual camera overlooking the virtual space including avatar A.

[0195] Next, when it is determined that an item object exists within the predetermined range (step S121: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether or not a small size is set for the item object (step S122). Note that here, whether or not a small size is set is determined regardless of whether the item is the user's own item or someone else's item.

[0196] Then, when it is determined that a small size is set for the item object (step S122: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a first time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the small-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S123).

[0197] If it is determined that the first time period has not elapsed since the small-sized item object was placed (step S122: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the small-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S125).

[0198] In this way, even if the item is small, it will be visible on the screen of User A as long as the first time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, User A can see other people's small, inconspicuous items only for a limited, short period of time while taking into consideration the adverse impact on third parties.

[0199] In response to this, if it is determined that a first time has elapsed since the small-sized item object was placed (step S123: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the small-sized item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the small-sized item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S124).

[0200] Then, if it is determined that a small size is not set for the item object and that a large size is set (step S122: NO), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A determines whether a second time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the first time has elapsed since the large-sized item object was placed, based on the placement information set in the user information shown in FIG. 6 (step S126).

[0201] If it is determined that the second time has not elapsed since the large-sized item object was placed (step S126: NO), the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image including the large-sized item object as an image seen from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S127).

[0202] In this way, even if the item is large, it will be visible on User A's screen as long as the second time (predetermined time) has not elapsed since it was placed. Therefore, User A can view the large item within a longer time limit than other people's small items.

[0203] In response to this, if it is determined that a second time has elapsed since the large-sized item object was placed (step S126: YES), the object control unit 101 of the client terminal 10A removes the large-sized item object from the virtual space. After that, the image generation unit 103 of the client terminal 10A generates an image that does not include the large-sized item object as an image viewed from the virtual camera associated with avatar A (step S124).

[0204] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments with the embodiments described below.

[0205] Furthermore, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some invention-specifying matters from all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-described embodiments, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above-described embodiments with invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiments described below.

[0206] <Item rarity> In the above-described embodiment, the modified examples and examples were explained using examples in which an image including an item of low rarity is generated while an image not including an item of high rarity is generated, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0207] For example, it is possible to generate an image including a high-rarity item while generating an image that does not include a low-rarity item. As a result, even if the item object remains in the virtual space, if it is a high-rarity item, it will be visible on the user's screen, and if it is a low-rarity item, it will not be visible on the user's screen. This makes it possible to draw attention to items with high rarity value in the virtual space and to mitigate the negative effect of the virtual space being filled with items with low rarity value that are relatively easy to obtain.

[0208] <Item size> In the above-described embodiment, the modified examples and examples are described using examples in which an image including a large-sized item is generated while an image not including a small-sized item is generated, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0209] For example, it is possible to generate an image that includes small-sized items while generating an image that does not include large-sized items. This allows small-sized items to be visible on the user's screen even if the item objects remain in the virtual space, while large-sized items will not be visible on the user's screen. This can mitigate the negative effect of the virtual space being filled with large-sized items that occupy a large area.

[0210] <Item placement cost> In the above-described embodiment, it is possible to generate an image that includes items with low placement costs, while also generating an image that does not include items with high placement costs. As a result, even if item objects remain in the virtual space, items with low placement costs will be visible on the user's screen, while items with high placement costs will be invisible on the user's screen. This can mitigate the negative effects of filling the virtual space with items with high placement costs, which require a high load of rendering processing, and thereby reducing the quality of the image.

[0211] <Item placement area> In the above-described embodiment, images that do not include other people's items are generated in areas of the virtual space where many avatars tend to gather (for example, areas equivalent to town squares and parks, areas filled with many treasure chests, areas where many enemy characters appear, etc.), while images that include other people's items can be generated in areas of the virtual space where many avatars do not tend to gather (for example, areas deep in the mountains far from town, etc.). As a result, even if item objects are left behind in the virtual space, in places where many avatars tend to gather, other people's items will not be visible on the user's screen, and will not be recognized as an intrusive residue.

[0212] <Relationship> Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in a modified example, a case where a friend relationship is set between users is described as an example of a pre-set "special relationship," but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0213] For example, if there is a blacklist listing users who engage in nuisance behavior in a virtual space, it is possible to assume that a user has a "special relationship" with users included on that blacklist, and generate images that include items belonging to users outside the blacklist, while also generating images that do not include items belonging to users on the blacklist.

[0214] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in a modified example, the determination of whether or not there is a "special relationship" is made in two stages ("yes" and "no"), and a decision as to whether or not to generate an image including another person's items is made based on the result of that determination. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0215] For example, it is possible to determine whether or not a user has a "special relationship" in three or more stages. Specifically, the "special relationship" is divided into five stages ("deep relationship," "somewhat deep relationship," "normal relationship," "somewhat shallow relationship," and "shallow relationship"), and the level to which the user belongs is determined by a point-based evaluation. For example, points are assigned to each evaluation item, such as 5 points for "being friends," 3 points for "having had a conversation in a virtual space," and 2 points for "having participated in an event together in a virtual space." One of the five levels is determined based on the total points earned by the user, and assigned to the user (for example, if a user's total points are 10 points, the user is assigned a "deep relationship," and if the user's total points are 5 points, the user is assigned a "normal relationship"). Under this premise, if a user has a "deep relationship" or "somewhat deep relationship" with another person, an image including the other person's items may be generated, whereas if the relationship is one of "normal relationship," "somewhat shallow relationship," or "shallow relationship," an image not including the other person's items may be generated.

[0216] In addition, in a modified example of the above-described embodiment, it is also possible to set a plurality of patterns for the timing of determining whether or not there is a "special relationship." For example, it may be determined whether or not there is a "special relationship" at the current time, it may be determined whether or not there is a "special relationship" at the time of item placement, or it may be determined whether or not there is a "special relationship" both at the current time and at the time of item placement.

[0217] <Specified time> In the above embodiment, a modified example was described in which, after a "first time" has passed since an item of high rarity was placed, the item of high rarity becomes invisible on the user's screen, and after a "second time" (where the "second time" is longer than the "first time") has passed since an item of low rarity was placed, the item of low rarity becomes invisible on the user's screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "first time" may be set to be longer than the "second time."

[0218] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a modified example was described in which a small-sized item becomes invisible on the user's screen after a "first time" has passed since the placement of a small-sized item, and a large-sized item becomes invisible on the user's screen after a "second time" (where the "second time" is longer than the "first time") has passed since the placement of a large-sized item, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "first time" may be set to be longer than the "second time."

[0219] In the above embodiment, the predetermined time is defined as the time that has elapsed since the item was placed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the avatar moves a predetermined distance away from the item after it is placed, the predetermined time may be the time that has elapsed since the avatar left the item.

[0220] <System configuration> In the above-described embodiment, a distributed network system using blockchain technology (distributed ledger technology) may be adopted instead of a centralized network system equipped with a server device. In a distributed network system, various information stored in the server device in the centralized network system can be distributed and stored on each terminal connected via peer-to-peer (P2P). By using blockchain technology, various information is managed in a mutual monitoring manner, making it possible to prevent unauthorized data tampering, etc. In a distributed network system, objects (items, avatars, etc.) utilizing blockchain technology may be issued and circulated as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), thereby increasing the asset value of the objects.

[0221] Virtual Reality In the above-described embodiment, it is also possible to include VR (Virtual Reality) goggles, a head-mounted display, or a head-up display as part of the client terminal 10. In this case, an image of a virtual space can be displayed on the VR goggles or the like worn by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0222] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Client Terminal 10A Client Terminal 20 Server equipment 50 Computers 51 CPU 52 RAM 53 ROM 54 Communication Interface 55 Input Device 56 Display device 57 External Interface 58 HDD 100 Client control section 101 Object Control Unit 102 Virtual camera control unit 103 Image generation unit 104 Display control unit 105 Purchasing Department 120 Client Storage 140 Client Communication Section 150 Operation input reception unit 160 Screen display section 200 Server control unit 201 Information Management Department 202 Sales Department 220 Server Storage 221 Article information storage unit 222 Area information storage unit 223 User information storage unit 240 Server Communication Department 501 Item Object 502 areas 503 Item Objects B Bus Line N Network

Claims

1. Computer, an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object representing the user in a virtual space based on an operation by the user, and determining whether or not an article object is located within a predetermined range in a moving direction from a current position of the user object in the virtual space; an image generating means for generating, when the item object determined to be placed in the virtual space is an item object placed by the user object himself / herself, an image in which the item object is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, an image generating means for generating an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the item object determined to be placed in the virtual space is another person's item object not placed by the user object, without the other person's item object being placed, as an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object; A program that functions as a

2. the image generating means generates an image in which the other person's item object is not placed when the other person's item object is an item object after a predetermined time has elapsed, and generates an image in which the other person's item object is placed when the other person's item object is an item object before the predetermined time has elapsed. The program according to claim 1.

3. the image generating means generates an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the other person's item object is a third person's item object that does not have a preset relationship with the user, in which the other person's item object is not placed, and when the other person's item object is a third person's item object that has a preset relationship with the user, in which the image generating means generates an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the other person's item object is placed. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The image generating means If the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity set, an image is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is not placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and if the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity set, an image is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is placed, or When the other person's item object is an item object with a low rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a low rarity is not placed, and when the other person's item object is an item object with a high rarity set, an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object is generated in which the other person's item object with a high rarity is placed. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the image generating means generates an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized item object of the other person is not placed, when the other person's item object is a small-sized item object, and generates an image in which the large-sized item object of the other person is placed, when the other person's item object is a large-sized item object. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Computer, an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object representing the user in a virtual space based on an operation by the user, and determining whether or not an article object is located within a predetermined range in a moving direction from a current position of the user object in the virtual space; When a low rarity level is set for an item object determined to be placed in a virtual space, an image in which the item object of low rarity is placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and when a high rarity level is set, an image in which the item object of high rarity is not placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, or an image generating means for generating, when a high rarity is set for an item object determined to be placed in a virtual space, an image in which the item object of high rarity is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and, when a low rarity is set for an item object determined to be placed in a virtual space, generating an image in which the item object of low rarity is not placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object; A program that functions as a

7. Computer, an object control means for controlling the behavior of a user object representing the user in a virtual space based on an operation by the user, and determining whether or not an article object is located within a predetermined range in a moving direction from a current position of the user object in the virtual space; an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object determined to be placed in a virtual space is set to a large size, an image in which the large-sized article object is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, an image generating means for generating, when a size of an article object determined to be placed in the virtual space is set to a small size, an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; A program that functions as a

8. an object control unit that controls the behavior of a user object representing the user in the virtual space based on a user operation and determines whether or not an item object is located within a predetermined range in a moving direction from a current position of the user object in the virtual space; an image generating unit that generates an image in which the user's own item object is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object when the item object determined to be placed in the virtual space is the user's own item object placed by the user object, an image generating unit that, when the item object determined to be placed in the virtual space is another person's item object that has not been placed by the user object, generates an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the other person's item object is not placed; An information processing device comprising:

9. an object control unit that controls the behavior of a user object representing the user in the virtual space based on a user operation and determines whether or not an item object is located within a predetermined range in a moving direction from a current position of the user object in the virtual space; When a low rarity level is set for an item object determined to be placed in a virtual space, an image in which the item object of low rarity is placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and when a high rarity level is set, an image in which the item object of high rarity is not placed is generated as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, or an image generating unit that, when a high rarity is set for an item object determined to be placed in a virtual space, generates an image in which the item object of high rarity is placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, and, when a low rarity is set for an item object determined to be placed in a virtual space, generates an image in which the item object of low rarity is not placed as an image showing the state of the virtual space as seen from the user object; An information processing device comprising:

10. an object control unit that controls the behavior of a user object representing the user in the virtual space based on a user operation and determines whether or not an item object is located within a predetermined range in a moving direction from a current position of the user object in the virtual space; an image generating unit that, when a size of an article object determined to be placed in a virtual space is set to a large size, generates an image in which the large-sized article object is placed as an image showing a state of the virtual space as seen from the user object, an image generating unit that, when the size of an article object determined to be placed in the virtual space is set to a small size, generates an image showing the virtual space as seen from the user object, in which the small-sized article object is not placed; An information processing device comprising:

Images