User Device

Abstract

This user device comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires service type information showing the types of services usable by a user; a second acquisition device 113 that acquires first data from an external device if service type data shows a first service, and acquires first data and second data from the external device if the service type data shows a second service; and a determination unit that, in response to the service type information and a user position, determines whether to generate an image showing a virtual space on the basis of the first data or to generate an image showing a virtual space on the basis of the first data and the second data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to user equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is a conventional technique in which a user device that displays a virtual space on a display device switches the displayed virtual space depending on the situation around the user device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing method for switching the displayed virtual space as status information of a user device, for example, depending on the position of the user device in real space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-116001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there was no technology that allowed a user device displaying a virtual space on a display device to switch the displayed virtual space based on both the user's position in the virtual space and the type of service used by the user, rather than the user's position in real space.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a display control device that switches the virtual space to be displayed depending on both the position in the virtual space of the user experiencing the virtual space and the type of service used by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A user device according to a first preferred aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires service type data indicating the type of service available to a user, a second acquisition unit that acquires first data from an external device when the service type data indicates a first service, and acquires the first data and second data from the external device when the service type data indicates a second service, a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the user in a virtual space, a decision unit that decides, depending on the service type data and position data indicating the position of the user in the virtual space, whether to generate an image showing the virtual space based on the first data or based on both the first data and the second data, a generation unit that generates the image showing the virtual space based on the decision result by the decision unit, and a display control unit that causes a display device to display the image generated by the generation unit.

[0008] A user device according to a second preferred aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires service type data indicating a type of service available to a user; a second acquisition unit that acquires first data from an external device when the service type data indicates a first service, and acquires the first data and second data from the external device when the service type data indicates a second service; a position calculation unit that calculates a position of an avatar corresponding to the user in a virtual space; a function designation unit that designates a type of function that is displayed in the virtual space and controls an avatar corresponding to the user; a decision unit that decides whether to control the avatar based on the first data or the first data and the second data, depending on the service type data, position data that indicates the position of the avatar in the virtual space, and function type data that indicates the type of function that controls the avatar; and an avatar control unit that controls the avatar based on the decision result by the decision unit.

[0009] A user device according to a third preferred aspect of the present invention is a user device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires service type data indicating the type of service available to the user; a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the user in the virtual space; a transmission control unit that causes an external device to transmit the service type data and position data indicating the position of the user in the virtual space to a communication device; a second acquisition unit that acquires data from the external device that is output in accordance with the service type data and the position data; a generation unit that generates an image indicating the virtual space based on the data acquired by the second acquisition unit; and a display control unit that displays the image generated by the generation unit on a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to switch the virtual space to be displayed depending on both the position in the virtual space of the user experiencing the virtual space and the type of service used by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-J. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VS displayed on a terminal device 10-K. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-J. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VS displayed on a terminal device 10-K. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10-J. [Figure 5] Table showing an example of the database used: UDB. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 20. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 10-J. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VSA displayed on a terminal device 10A-J. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VSA displayed on a terminal device 10A-K. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VSA displayed on a terminal device 10A-J. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a virtual space VSA displayed on a terminal device 10A-K. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10A-J. [Figure 11] An example of an avatar database. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an avatar control unit 119. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 20A. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 10A-J. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10B-J. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 20B. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 10B-J. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10C-K. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1: First embodiment An information processing system 1 including a terminal device 10 as a user device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 1-1: Configuration of the first embodiment 1-1-1: Overall structure Fig. 1 shows the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes terminal devices 10-1, 10-2, ... 10-J, ... 10-K, ... 10-N, and a server 20. N is an integer equal to or greater than 2. J and K are integers equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than N. J and K are different from each other. In this embodiment, the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-N have the same configuration. However, terminal devices with different configurations may be included.

[0014] In the information processing system 1, the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-N and the server 20 are connected to each other via a communication network NET so as to be able to communicate with each other. J On the other hand, user U K It is assumed that the terminal device 10-K is used.

[0015] The server 20 provides various data and cloud services to the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-N via the communication network NET. In particular, the server 20 provides various contents to be displayed in a virtual space to the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-N. Note that, hereinafter, the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-N may be collectively referred to as "terminal devices 10."

[0016] The terminal device 10-J is connected to a display 14 (described later) of the terminal device 10-J, and is used by a user U. J The terminal device 10-J displays virtual objects arranged in a virtual space on XR glasses worn on the head of the user. Here, "XR (Extended Reality) glasses" is a general term for VR (Virtual Reality) glasses, AR (Augmented Reality) glasses, and MR (Mixed Reality) glasses. Also, "the display 14 provided in the terminal device 10-J" and "the display connected to the terminal device 10-J and displayed by the user U" are referred to as "XR (Extended Reality) glasses." J "XR glasses worn on the head" is an example of a "display device."

[0017] Similarly, the terminal device 10-K may display a user U on a display 14 provided in the terminal device 10-K or on a display connected to the terminal device 10-K. K The virtual objects arranged in the virtual space are displayed on the XR glasses worn on the head of the user U. K "XR glasses worn on the head" is an example of a "display device."

[0018] Here, user U J is a general user who can use only general services among the cloud services provided by the server 20. K is a special user who can use both general services and special services among the cloud services provided by the server 20. J On the other hand, first data for using a general service is downloaded from the server 20 to the terminal device 10-J used by the user U. K First data for using a general service and second data for using a special service are downloaded to the terminal device 10-K used by the user U. Note that the "general service" is an example of a "first service." On the other hand, the set of the "general service" and the "special service" is an example of a "second service." In the following, the user U will be referred to as J and user U K A general user who uses the terminal device 10, including the above, may be collectively referred to as a "user U."

[0019] In the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, a user U J or U K The types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space J or U KThe terminal device 10-J or 10-K switches the type of data on which the image showing the virtual space is to be rendered, depending on the position of each of the terminal devices 10-J and 10-K. Specifically, the terminal device 10-J or 10-K switches between rendering the image showing the virtual space using only the first data and rendering the image showing the virtual space based on the first data and the second data.

[0020] 2A to 3B are explanatory diagrams of the virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-J and the terminal device 10-K. Specifically, FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-J. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-K. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-J. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VS displayed on the terminal device 10-K.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2A, a user U who can use the first service J When a user U is located within the area A, a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO1J is displayed. The virtual object VO1J is displayed using a first texture and a first font. The first data is used to render the virtual object VO1J. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, a user U who can use the second service is K are located in the same area A, a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO1K is displayed. The virtual object VO1K is displayed using a second texture and a second font. The first data and the second data are used to render the virtual object VO1K.

[0022] Here, the virtual object VO1J and the virtual object VO1K have the same structure and are virtual objects that represent the same content. J and User U Kis located in region A, virtual object VO1J and virtual object VO1K are identical virtual objects in other respects, although they have different appearances.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3A, a user U who can use the first service J When a user U is located within the area B, a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO2J is displayed. The virtual object VO2J is displayed using a first texture and a first font. The first data is used to render the virtual object VO2J. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when a user U is located within the area B, a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO2J is displayed. The virtual object VO2J is displayed using a first texture and a first font. The first data is used to render the virtual object VO2J. K When virtual objects VO1J, VO1K, VO2J, and VO2K are located within the same region B, a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO2K is displayed. The first data is also used to render the virtual object VO2K. Like virtual object VO2J, virtual object VO2K is displayed using a first texture and a first font. Herein, virtual objects VO1J and VO1K are identical not only in structure but also in appearance, and are virtual objects representing the same content. Note that, hereinafter, general virtual objects including virtual objects VO1J, VO1K, VO2J, and VO2K may be collectively referred to as "virtual object VO." Note that multiple virtual objects VO exist in the virtual space VS. Each of virtual objects VO1J, VO1K, VO2J, and VO2K is one of the multiple virtual objects VO. Each of the other virtual objects VO described below is also one of the multiple virtual objects VO.

[0024] In the example shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B, the texture and font of the virtual object VO1J and the virtual object VO1K are switched to each other as the appearance thereof, but the example shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B is merely an example. For example, in the area A, the user U J and user U KThis may change one or more of the appearance of the UI (User Interface) in the displayed virtual space, content attributes, avatar attributes, audio, shading, and lighting. Examples of UI include fonts, text, buttons, emojis, stamps, menu backgrounds, and headers. Examples of content attributes include structural data and texture data for buildings, structures, and other three-dimensional CG. Examples of avatar attributes include structural data and texture data that constitute the avatar's appearance, the avatar's possessions, the avatar's movements, and visual effects when the avatar moves. Examples of audio include background music and sound effects played in the virtual space.

[0025] The distinction between area A and area B may be determined, for example, according to the position and shape of a nearby virtual object VO. Here, the distinction between "area A and area B" refers to the way in which the user U perceives the virtual object VO, which represents the same content, in the virtual space VS. J and user U K The distinction between area A and area B is about which areas will be seen differently from the other areas and which areas will be seen the same. The virtual object VO is, for example, a virtual object representing a building. Alternatively, the distinction between area A and area B may be determined according to the publisher of the content represented by the virtual objects VO1J, VO1K, VO2J, and VO2K. In addition, for some UIs, whether the placement location of the UI is set to area A or area B may be determined taking into consideration visibility and UX (User Experience). Also, by setting the placement location inside the virtual object VO in the shape of a building to area B, it is possible to improve user U's K While the user U is using the second service, the attributes related to the appearance of the interior of the building may be the same as the attributes related to the normal appearance. J and user U KAs another example, only in the area B, the shading and lighting are different from the user U. J and user U K The same applies to the case

[0026] 1-1-2: Configuration of terminal device 10-K 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10-K. The terminal device 10-K includes a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display 14, an input device 15, and an inertial sensor 16. The elements of the terminal device 10-K are connected to each other using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0027] The processing device 11 is a processor that controls the entire terminal device 10-K. The processing device 11 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 11 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 11 may be realized using hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA. The processing device 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0028] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1 executed by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also stores the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 acquired from the server 20 by a second acquisition unit 113 (described later). The storage device 12 also stores a usage database UDB, which is a database of usage data. The usage database UDB defines whether the virtual space VS is rendered using only the first data PD1 or the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, based on both the type of service available to the user U and the location of the user U within the virtual space VS.

[0029] Figure 5 is a table showing an example of a usage database UDB. In the usage database UDB, the row direction is user U. K On the other hand, the column direction defines the position data of the user U K 5, "1" indicates that only the first data PD1 is used, and "1+2" ​​indicates that both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 are used.

[0030] In the table illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, user U K can use the first service, and user U K It is defined that when the user U is located within the area A, the virtual space VS is rendered based on the first data PD1. K can use the second service, and user U K is located within the area A, the virtual space VS is rendered based on the first data PD1 and the second data PD2. K can use the first service, and user U K is located within the region B, the virtual space VS is rendered based on the first data PD1. K can use the second service, and user U K is located within the region B, the virtual space VS is defined to be rendered based on the first data PD1.

[0031] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the communication device 13 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 13 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0032] The display 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display 14 displays various images under the control of the processing device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel are suitably used as the display 14. Note that when XR glasses are connected to the terminal device 10-K, the display 14 does not have to be an essential component. Specifically, by using the XR glasses as the display 14, the terminal device 10-K may be configured not to include the display 14. The display 14 and the XR glasses are examples of a "display device."

[0033] The input device 15 is K For example, the input device 15 includes a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a pointing device such as a mouse. If the input device 15 includes a touch panel, it may also function as the display 14.

[0034] The inertial sensor 16 is a sensor that detects inertial force. The inertial sensor 16 includes, for example, one or more sensors selected from an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and a gyro sensor. The processing device 11 detects the attitude of the terminal device 10-K based on the output data of the inertial sensor 16. Furthermore, the processing device 11 accepts the selection of a virtual object VO, the input of characters, and the input of instructions in the virtual space VS based on the attitude of the terminal device 10-K. For example, when a user U K However, when the user operates the input device 15 with the central axis of the terminal device 10-K facing a predetermined area in the virtual space VS, the virtual object VO placed in the predetermined area is selected. K The operation is, for example, a double tap. K By operating the terminal device 10-K, the user can select the virtual object VO without looking at the input device 15 of the terminal device 10-K.

[0035] The processing device 11 reads and executes the control program PR1 from the storage device 12. As a result, the processing device 11 functions as a first acquisition unit 111, a communication control unit 112, a second acquisition unit 113, a position calculation unit 114, a determination unit 115, a generation unit 116, and a display control unit 117.

[0036] The first acquisition unit 111 acquires the user U K As described above, the user U obtains service type data indicating the types of services that can be used by the user U. K is a special user who can use both the general service and the special service, that is, the second service, among the services provided by the server 20. K Based on the input by the user U using the input device 15 K Alternatively, the first acquisition unit 111 may acquire the type of service that can be used by the user U stored in the storage device 12. K When the user U uses the cloud service provided by the server 20, the user U K may obtain the types of services available.

[0037] The communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit the service type data acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 to the server 20. As will be described later, when the service type data acquired from the terminal device 10-K indicates a first service, the server 20 outputs first data PD1 to the terminal device 10-K. On the other hand, when the service type data acquired from the terminal device 10-K indicates a second service, the server 20 outputs the first data PD1 and second data PD2 to the terminal device 10-K.

[0038] The second acquisition unit 113 acquires the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20 via the communication device 13. Specifically, when the service type data acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 indicates a first service, the second acquisition unit 113 acquires the first data PD1 from the server 20. On the other hand, when the service type data acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 indicates a second service, the second acquisition unit 113 acquires the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20. The server 20 is an example of an "external device."

[0039] The position calculation unit 114 calculates the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. K Specifically, the position calculation unit 114 calculates the position of the user U K The position data indicating which of the multiple regions that make up the virtual space VS the user is in is calculated.

[0040] The determination unit 115 determines whether the user U K service type data indicating the type of service available to the user U; K Based on the position data of the user U acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, the determination unit 115 determines whether an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO is generated based on the first data PD1 or whether the image is generated based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2. K service type data indicating the type of service available to the user U; and KThe usage database UDB is referenced using the location data indicating the area in which the user is located. As a result, the determination unit 115 determines whether the generation unit 116 should generate an image showing the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 or based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2.

[0041] Specifically, user U K can use the first service, and user U K 2A and 2B, the determination unit 115 determines that an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO1J is to be generated based on the first data PD1. K can use the second service, and user U K If the position of the user U is included in the area A, the determination unit 115 determines that an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO1K is to be generated based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2. K When the position of the user U is included in the area B illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, K However, regardless of whether the first service or the second service is available, the determination unit 115 determines that an image showing a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO2 is to be generated based on the first data PD1.

[0042] The generation unit 116 generates an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO based on the data determined by the determination unit 115. As described above, the data determined by the determination unit 115 is first data PD1, or both the first data PD1 and second data PD2. The first data PD1 includes first structure data indicating the structure of the virtual object VO and first texture data indicating the first texture of the virtual object VO. The second data PD2 includes second texture data indicating the second texture of the virtual object VO.

[0043] 2A and 2B, when the determination unit 115 determines that an image showing a virtual space VS including a virtual object VO1 is to be generated based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, and the second data PD2 does not include data related to rendering of the virtual object VO1, the generation unit 116 generates an image showing the virtual space VS including a virtual object VO1J based on the first data PD1, not based on the second data PD2. Note that the virtual object VO1 is an example of a "first virtual object." Furthermore, "virtual object VO1" is a collective term for the virtual objects VO1J and VO1K.

[0044] If the determination unit 115 determines that a virtual object VO1 is to be generated based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, and the second data PD2 includes data related to rendering of the virtual object VO1, the generation unit 116 generates an image showing a virtual space VS including the virtual object VO1K based on the first structure data and the second texture data. Note that the virtual object VO1 is an example of a "second virtual object." Furthermore, the second texture data is an example of "texture data."

[0045] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the display control unit 117 causes the display device to display an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO generated by the generation unit 116. As one example, the display control unit 117 causes the display 14 to display the virtual space VS. As another example, the display control unit 117 causes the virtual space VS to be displayed by the user U. K The image will be displayed on the XR glasses worn by the user.

[0046] 1-1-3: Server 20 configuration 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 20. The server 20 includes a processing device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display 24, and an input device 25. The elements of the server 20 are connected to each other using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0047] The processing device 21 is a processor that controls the entire server 20. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using one or more chips. The processing device 21 is configured, for example, using a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. Some or all of the functions of the processing device 21 may be realized using hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA. The processing device 21 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0048] The storage device 22 is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2 executed by the processing device 21. The storage device 22 also stores the above-mentioned first data PD1 and second data PD2. The first data PD1 is stored by the user U. J and user U K That is, the first data PD1 includes data for a user U to use a general service. J and user U K The first data PD1 includes data that is commonly used by the user U. J The second data PD2 includes data for the user U to use, such as UI appearance, content attributes, avatar attributes, audio, shading, and lighting. K The second data PD2 includes data used by the user U to use special services. K includes data for proprietary use by, for example, UI appearance, content attributes, avatar attributes, audio, shading, and lighting.

[0049] The communication device 23 is hardware serving as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0050] The display 24 is a device that displays images and text information. The display 24 displays various images under the control of the processing device 21. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel are suitably used as the display 24.

[0051] The input device 25 receives operations from an administrator of the server 20. For example, the input device 25 includes a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, if the input device 25 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display 24.

[0052] The processing device 21 reads and executes the control program PR2 from the storage device 22. As a result, the processing device 21 functions as an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, and an output unit 213.

[0053] The acquisition unit 211 receives the user U J On the other hand, the acquiring unit 211 acquires service type data indicating the first service from the terminal device 10-K as the type of service that can be used by the user U. K acquires service type data indicating the second service as a type of service that can be used by the user.

[0054] The determination unit 212 determines whether the user U J and User U K determines whether the user is available to use the first service or the second service.

[0055] The communication control unit 213 transmits only the first data PD1 or transmits both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 according to the determination result of the determination unit 212. Specifically, if the determination result of the determination unit 212 indicates that the user U J If the determination result of the determination unit 212 indicates that the user U is a user who can use the first service, the communication control unit 213 causes the communication device 23 to transmit only the first data PD1 to the terminal device 10-J. K indicates that the user is a user who can use the second service, the communication control unit 213 causes the communication device 23 to transmit both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 to the terminal device 10-K.

[0056] 1-2: Operation of terminal device 10-K 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 10-K as a user device according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal device 10-K will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] In step S1, the processing device 11 functions as a first acquisition unit 111. The processing device 11 acquires the user U K obtains service type data indicating the type of service available to the user.

[0058] In step S2, the processing device 11 functions as the communication control unit 112. The processing device 11 causes the communication device 13 to transmit the service type data to the server 20.

[0059] In step S3, the processing device 11 functions as the second acquisition unit 113. The processing device 11 acquires the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20 via the communication device 13. Specifically, if the service type data acquired in step S1 indicates the first service, the processing device 11 acquires the first data PD1 from the server 20. On the other hand, if the service type data acquired in step S1 indicates the second service, the processing device 11 acquires both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20.

[0060] In step S4, the processing device 11 functions as the position calculation unit 114. The processing device 11 calculates the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. K Calculate the position of

[0061] In step S5, the processing device 11 functions as the determination unit 115. The processing device 11 determines data to be used when an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO is generated, based on the service type data acquired in step S1 and the position data calculated in step S4. More specifically, the processing device 11 determines, based on the service type data and the position data, whether the image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO is generated based on the first data PD1, or whether the image is generated based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2.

[0062] In step S6, the processing device 11 functions as the generation unit 116. The processing device 11 generates an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO, based on the data determined in step S5.

[0063] In step S7, the processing device 11 functions as the display control unit 117. The processing device 11 causes the display device to display an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO generated in step S6.

[0064] 1-3: Effects of the First Embodiment According to the above description, the terminal device 10 as a user device includes a first acquisition unit 111, a second acquisition unit 113, a position calculation unit 114, a determination unit 115, a generation unit 116, and a display control unit 117. The first acquisition unit 111 acquires service type data indicating the types of services available to the user U. If the service type data indicates a first service, the second acquisition unit 113 acquires first data PD1 from an external device. If the service type data indicates a second service, the second acquisition unit 113 acquires first data PD1 and second data PD2 from the external device. The position calculation unit 114 calculates the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. The determination unit 115 determines whether to generate an image indicating the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 or to generate an image indicating the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, depending on the type of service indicated by the service type data and the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. The generation unit 116 generates an image indicating the virtual space VS based on the determination result by the determination unit 115. The display control unit 117 causes the image generated by the generation unit 116 to be displayed on a display device.

[0065] Since the terminal device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to switch the virtual space VS to be displayed depending on both the position in the virtual space VS of the user U experiencing the virtual space VS and the type of service used by the user U.

[0066] In particular, the terminal device 10 switches the data to be acquired from the server 20 between only the first data PD1 and both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, depending on the type of service available to the user U experiencing the virtual space VS. More specifically, when the type of service available to the user U is the first service, the terminal device 10 acquires only the first data PD1 from the server 20. On the other hand, when the type of service available to the user U is the second service, the terminal device 10 acquires both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20. In other words, when the type of service available to the user U is the first service, the terminal device 10 does not bother to acquire the unnecessary second data PD2. As a result, the load on the terminal device 10 is reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 switches between generating an image showing the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 and generating an image showing the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, depending on both the position of the user U experiencing the virtual space VS in the virtual space VS and the type of service available to the user U. That is, depending on the position of the user U in the virtual space VS, the terminal device 10 generates an image showing the virtual space VS based only on the first data PD1, rather than both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2. As a result, the load on the terminal device 10 is reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, in the terminal device 10, the determination unit 115 determines to generate an image showing the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 when the location of the user U is included in the first region and the service type data indicates a first service. Furthermore, the determination unit 115 determines to generate the virtual space VS based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 when the location of the user U is included in the first region and the service type data indicates a second service. Furthermore, the determination unit 115 determines to generate an image showing the virtual space VS based on the first data PD1 when the location of the user U is included in the second region, regardless of the type of service indicated by the service type data.

[0069] Since the terminal device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, when a user U who can use the second service is located within the second area, the user can be set to experience a virtual space VS that looks similar to that of a user U who can use the first service.

[0070] Furthermore, multiple virtual objects VO, including a first virtual object VO, exist in the virtual space VS in the terminal device 10. If the determination unit 115 determines that an image representing the virtual space VS is to be generated based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, and the second data PD2 does not include data related to the rendering of the first virtual object VO, the generation unit 116 generates an image representing the first virtual object VO based on the first data PD1, not based on the second data PD2.

[0071] Since the terminal device 10 has the above-mentioned configuration, a user U who can use the second service can experience a virtual space VS that looks different from a user U who can use the first service, while being able to experience some of the multiple virtual objects VO that exist in the virtual space VS in the same way as a user U who uses the first service.

[0072] Furthermore, in the terminal device 10, a plurality of virtual objects VO, including a second virtual object VO, exist in the virtual space VS. The first data PD1 includes first structure data indicating the structure of the second virtual object VO and first texture data indicating a first texture of the second virtual object VO. The second data PD2 includes second texture data indicating a second texture of the second virtual object VO. When the determination unit 115 determines to generate an image indicating the virtual space VS based on both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, the generation unit 116 generates an image indicating the second virtual object VO based on the first structure data and the second texture data.

[0073] Since the terminal device 10 has the above configuration, the user U who uses the first service and the user U who uses the second service use common data as data indicating the structure of the virtual object VO. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 replaces the data indicating the texture, so that the same virtual object VO appears differently to the user U who uses the first service and the user U who uses the second service.

[0074] 2: Second embodiment An information processing system 1A including a terminal device 10A as a user device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 8A to 14. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the components included in the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment that are the same as those included in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0075] 2-1: Configuration of the second embodiment 2-1-1: Overall structure The overall configuration of the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, and therefore is not shown in the figure. The information processing system 1A differs from the information processing system 1 in that it includes a terminal device 10A instead of the terminal device 10 and a server 20A instead of the server 20.

[0076] In the information processing system 1A according to this embodiment, a user U J or U K The types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space J or U K The user U J or U K At least one of the appearance and the behavior of the avatar corresponding to the user U is different. J The first data is downloaded to the terminal device 10A-J used by the user U. K The second data is downloaded to the terminal device 10A-K used by the user U. J or U K The types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space J or U K Depending on the position of each avatar corresponding to the first data, the terminal device 10A-J or 10A-K switches between controlling the appearance and movement of the avatar based on the first data but not based on the second data, or controlling the appearance and movement of the avatar based on both the first data and the second data.

[0077] 8A to 9B are explanatory diagrams of the virtual space VSA displayed on the terminal device 10A-J and the terminal device 10A-K. Specifically, FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VSA displayed on the terminal device 10A-J. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VSA displayed on the terminal device 10A-K. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VSA displayed on the terminal device 10A-J. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of the virtual space VSA displayed on the terminal device 10A-K.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8A, a user U who can use the first service J When an avatar AO1J corresponding to the user U1 is located in the area C, a virtual space VSA including the avatar AO1J is displayed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when a user U2 who can use the second service is located in the area C, a virtual space VSA including the avatar AO1J is displayed. K When the corresponding avatar AO1K is located in area C, a virtual space VSA including the avatar AO1K is displayed. In area C, the avatar AO1K has more functionality in terms of appearance and movement than the avatar AO1J. For example, in area C, the avatar AO1J cannot change its clothes, cannot change its size, and can only move horizontally. On the other hand, the avatar AO1K can change its clothes, change its size, and can move in directions other than horizontal. Note that in the following, general avatars including the avatars AO1J and AO1K may be collectively referred to as "avatar AO."

[0079] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, user U J Avatar AO1J corresponding to user U K When avatar AO1K corresponding to avatar AO1J is located in area D, as in the example shown in Figures 8A and 8B, avatar AO1K has more functions in terms of appearance and movement than avatar AO1J. However, avatar AO1K does not have as many additional functions compared to when avatar AO1J is located in area C, which has additional functions in addition to the functions of avatar AO1J. For example, in area D, avatar AO1J cannot change its clothes, cannot change its size, and can only move horizontally. On the other hand, avatar AO1K can change its clothes, but cannot change its size and can only move horizontally.

[0080] Furthermore, the distinction between areas C and D may be determined, for example, based on the position and shape of a nearby virtual object VO. Specifically, the "distinction between areas C and D" refers to the distinction between areas in the virtual space VSA that have a large amount of additional functionality and areas that have a small amount of additional functionality, based on the amount of additional functionality that the avatar AO1K has in addition to the functionality of the avatar AO1J. The virtual object VO may be, for example, a virtual object VO representing a building. Alternatively, the distinction between areas C and D may be determined, for example, based on the publisher of content placed in the virtual space VSA. Furthermore, with regard to a portion of the appearance of the avatar AO, whether an area in the virtual space VSA is set as area C or area D may be determined taking into account visibility and user experience (UX).

[0081] 2-1-2: Configuration of terminal device 10A-K 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device 10A-K. The terminal device 10A-K includes a processing device 11A, a storage device 12A, a communication device 13, a display 14, an input device 15, and an inertial sensor 16. The elements of the terminal device 10A-K are connected to each other using one or more buses for communicating information. Note that the functions of the communication device 13, the display 14, the input device 15, and the inertial sensor 16 are the same as the functions of the communication device 13, the display 14, the input device 15, and the inertial sensor 16 included in the terminal device 10-K according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of those functions will be omitted.

[0082] The storage device 12A is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 11A. The storage device 12A also stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1A executed by the processing device 11A. The storage device 12A also stores first data AD1 and second data AD2 acquired from the server 20A by a second acquisition unit 113A (described later). The storage device 12A also stores an avatar database ADB, which is a database of data related to the control of the avatar AO. The avatar database ADB is a database of data related to the control of the user U. KThe types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space VS K The avatar database ADB defines whether the avatar AO is controlled based on only the first data AD1, the avatar AO is controlled based on the whole of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, or the avatar AO is controlled based on the first data AD1 and a part of the second data AD2, depending on both the position of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U. Furthermore, the avatar database ADB defines whether the avatar AO is controlled based on only the first data AD1, the whole of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, or the part of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, depending on both the position of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U. K The types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space VS K Depending on both the positions of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, it may be defined whether the function of the avatar AO is enabled based on only the first data AD1, whether the function of the avatar AO is enabled based on the first data AD1 and all of the second data AD2, or whether the function of the avatar AO is enabled based on the first data AD1 and part of the second data AD2.

[0083] 11 is a table showing an example of the avatar database ADB. In the avatar database ADB, the rows are arranged in the order of user U. K On the other hand, the first column defines the position data of the user U K The second column defines the function type data indicating the type of the function of the avatar AO1K corresponding to the user U. K 11 defines service type data indicating the type of service that can be used. In the table of FIG. 11, "1" indicates that only the first data AD1 is used. "1+2" ​​indicates that the first data AD1 and all of the second data AD2 are used. "1+2'" indicates that the first data AD1 and part of the second data AD2 are used.

[0084] In the table illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, for function A, user U K can use the first service, and user U K When the avatar AO1K corresponding to the function A is located in the area A, the avatar AO1K is controlled based only on the first data AD1. Kcan use the second service, and user U K When the avatar AO1K corresponding to the function A is located in the area A, the avatar AO1K is controlled based on the first data AD1 and the second data AD2. K can use the first service, and user U K When the avatar AO1K corresponding to the function A is located in the area B, the avatar AO1K is controlled using only the first data AD1. K can use the second service, and user U K is located within area B, the avatar AO1K is controlled using the first data AD1 and a part of the second data AD2.

[0085] 10, processing device 11A reads and executes control program PR1A from storage device 12A. As a result, processing device 11A functions as first acquisition unit 111, communication control unit 112, second acquisition unit 113A, position calculation unit 114A, function designation unit 118, determination unit 115A, and avatar control unit 119. Note that first acquisition unit 111 and communication control unit 112 are the same as first acquisition unit 111 and communication control unit 112 as functions of processing device 11 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description of their functions will be omitted.

[0086] As will be described later, when the service type data acquired from the terminal device 10A-K indicates a first service, the server 20A outputs first data AD1 to the terminal device 10A-K. On the other hand, when the service type data acquired from the terminal device 10A-K indicates a second service, the server 20A outputs both the first data AD1 and second data AD2 to the terminal device 10A-K. The first data AD1 is transmitted to the user U. K The second data AD2 is data for using the general functions of the avatar AO1K. K This is data for using the special functions of avatar AO1K.

[0087] The second acquisition unit 113A acquires the first data AD1 or both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 from the server 20 via the communication device 13. Specifically, when the service type data acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 indicates a first service, the second acquisition unit 113A acquires the first data AD1 from the server 20. On the other hand, when the service type data acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 indicates a second service, the second acquisition unit 113A acquires both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 from the server 20. The server 20 is an example of an "external device."

[0088] The position calculation unit 114A calculates the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. K Specifically, the position calculation unit 114 calculates the position of the avatar AO1K corresponding to the user U K The system calculates which of the multiple areas that make up the virtual space VS the corresponding avatar AO1K is in.

[0089] The function designation unit 118 designates the type of function of the avatar AO. K Based on the data input by the user U via the input device 15, K Specifically, the function type of the avatar AO1K corresponding to the user U K The user U uses the input device 15 K When operating the avatar AO1K corresponding to the user, the type of function of the avatar AO1K to be used in the operation is designated based on the content of the operation.

[0090] The determination unit 115A determines whether the user U K Function type data indicating the type of function of the avatar AO1K corresponding to the user U K service type data indicating the type of service used by the user U, KBased on the position data, the avatar control unit 119 determines the data to be used when controlling the avatar AO1K. More specifically, the determination unit 115A determines the data to be used for control by the avatar control unit 119 based on the function type data, the service type data, and the position data. More specifically, the determination unit 115A determines whether the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K based on the first data AD1, or whether the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K based on the first data AD1, or based on the first data AD1 and the second data AD2. Even more specifically, the determination unit 115A determines whether the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K based on the first data AD1, or based on the entire first data AD1 and the second data AD2, or based on a portion of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2. Specifically, the determination unit 115A determines whether the user U has a function of the avatar AO1K, and whether the user U has a function of the avatar AO1K. K service type data indicating the type of service used by the user U, and K The avatar database ADB is referenced using the area data indicating the area in which the user U is located. K When controlling the avatar AO1K corresponding to the first data AD1, the decision unit 115A decides whether to control it based on the first data AD1, the entire first data AD1 and the second data AD2, or a part of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2.

[0091] For example, user U K can use the first service, and user U K 8A and 8B, the determination unit 115A determines that the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K based on the first data AD1. K can use the second service, and user U KIf the position of the user U is included in the area C, the determination unit 115A determines that the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K based on both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2. K can use the first service, and user U K 9A and 9B, the determination unit 115A determines that the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K based on the first data AD1. K can use the second service, and user U K If the position of avatar AO1K is included in area D, determination unit 115A determines that avatar control unit 119 controls avatar AO1K based on the first data AD1 and part of the second data AD2.

[0092] Avatar control unit 119 controls avatar AO based on the data determined by determination unit 115A. As described above, the data determined by determination unit 115A is first data PD1 or second data PD2. More specifically, the data determined by determination unit 115A is first data PD1, both the first data PD1 and all of second data PD2, or both the first data PD1 and part of second data PD2.

[0093] 12 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of avatar control unit 119. Avatar control unit 119 includes appearance control unit 119-1 and movement control unit 119-2.

[0094] The appearance control unit 119-1 controls the appearance of the avatar AO. For example, the appearance control unit 119-1 controls the size of the avatar AO, the clothes worn by the avatar AO, the texture of the surface of the avatar AO, and the facial expression of the avatar AO. The appearance control unit 119-1 controls the appearance of the avatar AO based on the data determined by the determination unit 115A.

[0095] The movement control unit 119-2 controls the movement of the avatar AO. The movement control unit 119-2 controls, for example, the movement speed of the avatar AO, the movement direction of the avatar AO, and the jump height when the avatar AO jumps. Furthermore, the movement control unit 119-2 controls at least one of the visual effect when the avatar AO moves and the audio effect when the avatar AO moves. The movement control unit 119-2 controls the movement of the avatar AO based on the data determined by the determination unit 115A.

[0096] 2-1-3: Server 20A configuration 13 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the server 20A. The server 20A includes a processing device 21A, a storage device 22A, a communication device 23, a display 24, and an input device 25. The elements of the server 20A are connected to one another using one or more buses for communicating information. The functions of the communication device 23, the display 24, and the input device 25 are the same as those of the communication device 23, the display 24, and the input device 25 provided in the server 20 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of those functions will be omitted.

[0097] The storage device 22A is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21A. The storage device 22A also stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR2A executed by the processing device 21A. The storage device 22A also stores the above-mentioned first data AD1 and second data AD2. The first data AD1 is stored by the user U. J and user U K The first data AD1 includes data for using the general functions of the corresponding avatar AO. J and user U K The first data PD1 includes data used to utilize general functions commonly used by the user U. J The second data AD2 includes data about the appearance, possessions, and behavior of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U. K The second data PD2 includes data used by the user U to utilize special functions of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U. KContains data about the appearance, possessions, and behavior of Avatar AO for proprietary use by .

[0098] The processing device 21A reads and executes the control program PR2A from the storage device 22A. As a result, the processing device 21A functions as an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, and a communication control unit 213A. Note that the acquisition unit 211 and the determination unit 212 are the same as the acquisition unit 211 and the determination unit 212 as the functions of the processing device 11 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of their functions will be omitted.

[0099] The communication control unit 213A causes the communication device 23 to transmit only the first data AD1, or to transmit both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, depending on the determination result by the determination unit 212. Specifically, when the determination result by the determination unit 212 indicates that the user U J On the other hand, if the determination result by the determination unit 212 indicates that the user U is a user who can use the first service, the communication control unit 213A causes the communication device 23 to transmit only the first data AD1 to the terminal device 10A-J. K indicates that the user is a user who can use the second service, the communication control unit 213A causes the communication device 23 to transmit both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 to the terminal device 10A-K.

[0100] 2-2: Operation of the terminal device 10A-K 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 10A-K as a user device according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal device 10A-K will be described with reference to FIG.

[0101] In step S11, the processing device 11A functions as the first acquisition unit 111. The processing device 11A acquires the user U K obtains service type data indicating the type of service available to the user.

[0102] In step S12, the processing device 11A functions as the communication control unit 112. The processing device 11A causes the communication device 13 to transmit the service type data to the server 20A.

[0103] In step S13, the processing device 11A functions as a second acquisition unit 113A. The processing device 11A acquires the first data AD1 or both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 from the server 20A via the communication device 13. Specifically, if the service type data acquired in step S11 indicates the first service, the processing device 11 acquires the first data AD1 from the server 20A. On the other hand, if the service type data acquired in step S11 indicates the second service, the processing device 11 acquires both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 from the server 20A.

[0104] In step S14, the processing device 11A functions as a position calculation unit 114A. K The position of the avatar AO1K corresponding to the position is calculated.

[0105] In step S15, the processing device 11A functions as the function designation unit 118. The processing device 11A designates the type of function of the avatar AO1K.

[0106] In step S16, the processing device 11A functions as the determination unit 115A. The processing device 11A determines whether or not the service type data acquired in step S11 and the user U calculated in step S14 are used. K The avatar control unit 119 determines whether the user U is a user of the avatar AO1K based on the position data indicating the position of the avatar AO1K corresponding to the user U and the function type data indicating the type of function of the avatar AO1K designated in step S15. KThe processing device 11A determines data to be used when controlling the avatar AO1K corresponding to the service type data, the location data, and the function type data. More specifically, the processing device 11A determines whether, when the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K, the control will be based on the first data AD1 or on both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, based on the service type data, the location data, and the function type data. More specifically, when the avatar control unit 119 controls the avatar AO1K, the control will be based on the first data AD1, on all of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, or on part of the first data AD1 and the second data AD2.

[0107] In step S17, the processing device 11A functions as the avatar control unit 119. The processing device 11A determines whether the user U K Control the corresponding avatar AO1K.

[0108] 2-3: Effects of the second embodiment According to the above description, terminal device 10A as a user device includes first acquisition unit 111, second acquisition unit 113A, position calculation unit 114A, function designation unit 118, determination unit 115A, and avatar control unit 119. First acquisition unit 111 acquires service type data indicating the types of services available to user U. If the service type data indicates a first service, second acquisition unit 113A acquires first data AD1 from an external device, and if the service type data indicates a second service, acquires first data AD1 and second data AD2 from the external device. Position calculation unit 114A calculates the position of an avatar AO corresponding to user U in virtual space VS. Function designation unit 118 designates the type of function to control avatar AO corresponding to user U, which is displayed in virtual space VS. The determination unit 115A determines whether to control the avatar AO based on the first data AD1 or based on the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, depending on the type of service indicated by the service type data, the position of the user U in the virtual space VS, and the type of function for controlling the avatar AO.

[0109] Since the terminal device 10A has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to switch the control method of the avatar AO representing the user U depending on three factors: the position in the virtual space VS of the user U experiencing the virtual space VS, the type of service available to the user U, and the type of function performed by the avatar AO.

[0110] In particular, the terminal device 10A switches between acquiring only the first data AD1 or acquiring both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 from the server 20A depending on the type of service available to the user U experiencing the virtual space VSA. More specifically, when the type of service available to the user U is the first service, the terminal device 10A acquires only the first data AD1 from the server 20A. On the other hand, when the type of service available to the user U is the second service, the terminal device 10A acquires both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 from the server 20A. In other words, when the type of service available to the user U is the first service, the terminal device 10A does not bother to acquire the unnecessary second data AD2. As a result, the load on the terminal device 10A is reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, the terminal device 10A switches between controlling the avatar AO based on the first data AD1 and controlling the avatar AO based on both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2, depending on both the position in the virtual space VS of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U experiencing the virtual space VSA and the type of service available to the user U. In other words, depending on the position in the virtual space VS of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U, the terminal device 10A controls the avatar AO based only on the first data AD1, rather than both the first data AD1 and the second data AD2. As a result, the load on the terminal device 10A is reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, in terminal device 10A, avatar control unit 119 includes appearance control unit 119-1 and movement control unit 119-2. Appearance control unit 119-1 controls the appearance of avatar AO. Movement control unit 119-2 controls the movement of avatar AO.

[0113] Since the terminal device 10A has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to switch the control method related to the appearance and operation of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U depending on both the position of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U in the virtual space VS and the type of service available to the user U.

[0114] Furthermore, in the terminal device 10A, the movement control unit 119-2 controls at least one of the visual effect when the avatar AO moves and the audio effect when the avatar AO moves.

[0115] Since the terminal device 10A has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to switch the visual effects when the avatar AO moves, and the visual effects when the avatar AO moves, depending on both the position of the avatar AO corresponding to the user U in the virtual space VS and the type of service available to the user U.

[0116] 3: Third embodiment An information processing system 1B including a terminal device 10B as a user device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the components included in the information processing system 1B according to the third embodiment that are the same as those included in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0117] 3-1: Configuration of the third embodiment 3-1-1: Overall structure The overall configuration of the information processing system 1B according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, and therefore is not shown in the figure. The information processing system 1B differs from the information processing system 1 in that it includes a terminal device 10B instead of the terminal device 10 and a server 20B instead of the server 20.

[0118] In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, a user U J or U K The first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 are downloaded from the server 20 to the terminal device 10-J or 10-K depending on the service available to the user U. Furthermore, the terminal device 10-J or 10-K can refer to the usage database UDB to download the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2. J or U K The types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space J or U K Depending on the position of each of the objects, the system switches between different data to render the image showing the virtual space VS.

[0119] On the other hand, in the information processing system 1B according to this embodiment, the server 20B refers to the usage database UDB to obtain the user U J or U K The types of services that can be used by users U in the virtual space VS J or U K The server 20B switches the data to be output to the terminal device 10B-J or 10B-K depending on the location of each of the terminal devices 10B-J and 10B-K. Specifically, the server 20B switches whether to output only the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 to the terminal device 10B-J or 10B-K depending on the service type and the location.

[0120] 3-1-2: Configuration of terminal device 10B-K 15 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device 10B-K. The terminal device 10B-K includes a processing device 11B, a storage device 12B, a communication device 13, a display 14, an input device 15, and an inertial sensor 16. The elements of the terminal device 10B-K are connected to each other using one or more buses for communicating information. Note that the functions of the communication device 13, the display 14, the input device 15, and the inertial sensor 16 are the same as the functions of the communication device 13, the display 14, the input device 15, and the inertial sensor 16 provided in the terminal device 10-K according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of those functions will be omitted.

[0121] The storage device 12B is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 11B. The storage device 12B also stores a plurality of programs including a control program PR1B executed by the processing device 11B. The storage device 12B also stores first data PD1 and second data PD2 acquired from the server 20 by a second acquisition unit 113B (described later).

[0122] The processing device 11B reads out and executes the control program PR1B from the storage device 12B. As a result, the processing device 11B functions as a first acquisition unit 111, a communication control unit 112B, a second acquisition unit 113B, a position calculation unit 114, a generation unit 116B, and a display control unit 117. Note that the first acquisition unit 111, the position calculation unit 114, and the display control unit 117 are the same as the first acquisition unit 111, the position calculation unit 114, and the display control unit 117 as the functions of the processing device 11 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of their functions will be omitted.

[0123] The communication control unit 112B receives the user U K service type data indicating the type of service available to the user U in the virtual space VS, and the position of the user U calculated by the position calculation unit 114. K The communication device 13 transmits the position data to the server 20B.

[0124] The second acquisition unit 113B acquires the user U Kservice type data indicating the type of service available to the user U in the virtual space VS; K In accordance with the position data, the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 output from the server 20B are acquired.

[0125] The generation unit 116B generates an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO, based on the data acquired by the second acquisition unit 113B.

[0126] 3-1-3: Configuration of Server 20B 16 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the server 20B. The server 20B includes a processing device 21B, a storage device 22B, a communication device 23, a display 24, and an input device 25. The elements of the server 20B are connected to one another using one or more buses for communicating information. The functions of the communication device 23, the display 24, and the input device 25 are the same as those of the communication device 23, the display 24, and the input device 25 provided in the server 20 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of those functions will be omitted.

[0127] The storage device 22B is a recording medium that can be read and written by the processing device 21B. The storage device 22B also stores a plurality of programs, including a control program PR2B executed by the processing device 21B. The storage device 22B also stores the first data PD1 and second data PD2 described above. The storage device 22B also stores a usage database UDB. The usage database UDB stored in the storage device 22B is the same as the usage database UDB stored in the terminal device 10-K according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description of its configuration will be omitted.

[0128] The processing device 21B reads out and executes the control program PR2B from the storage device 22B. As a result, the processing device 21B functions as an acquisition unit 211B, a communication control unit 213B, and a determination unit 214.

[0129] The acquisition unit 211B receives the user U JOn the other hand, the acquiring unit 211B acquires service type data indicating the first service as a type of service that can be used by the user U from the terminal device 10B-K. K acquires service type data indicating the second service as a type of service that can be used by the user.

[0130] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 211B acquires the user U in the virtual space VS from the terminal device 10B-J. J On the other hand, the acquiring unit 211B acquires position data indicating the position of the user U in the virtual space VS from the terminal device 10B-K. K Obtain location data indicating the location of

[0131] Based on the service type data indicating the type of service acquired by the acquisition unit 211B and the location data, the determination unit 214 determines whether the communication control unit 213B will output the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2. Specifically, the determination unit 214 refers to the usage database UDB using the service type data indicating the type of service acquired by the acquisition unit 211B and the location data. As a result, the determination unit 214 determines whether the communication control unit 213B will output the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2.

[0132] Specifically, user U J can use the first service, and user U J 2A and 2B, the communication control unit 213B determines that the communication device 23 transmits the first data PD1 to the terminal device 10B-J. K can use the second service, and user U K 2A and 2B, the communication control unit 213B determines that the communication device 23 transmits both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 to the terminal device 10B-K. J or U KWhen the position of the user U is included in the area B illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, J or U K However, regardless of whether the first service or the second service is available, the communication control unit 213B determines to cause the communication device 23 to transmit the first data PD1 to the terminal device 10B-J or 10B-K.

[0133] Depending on the determination result by the determination unit 214, the communication control unit 213B causes the communication device 23 to output only the first data PD1 to the terminal device 10, or to transmit both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2.

[0134] 3-2: Operation of the terminal device 10B-J 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 10B-K as a user device according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal device 10B-K will be described with reference to FIG.

[0135] In step S21, the processing device 11B functions as the first acquisition unit 111. The processing device 11B acquires the user U K obtains service type data indicating the type of service available to the user.

[0136] In step S22, the processing device 11B functions as the position calculation unit 114. The processing device 11B calculates the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. K Calculate the position of

[0137] In step S23, the processing device 11B functions as the communication control unit 112B. The processing device 11B causes the communication device 13 to transmit the service type data and the location data to the server 20B.

[0138] In step S24, the processing device 11B functions as a second acquisition unit 113B. The processing device 11B acquires the first data PD1 or both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20 via the communication device 13.

[0139] In step S25, the processing device 11B functions as the generation unit 116. The processing device 11B generates an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO, based on the data acquired in step S24.

[0140] In step S26, the processing device 11B functions as the display control unit 117. The processing device 11B causes the display device to display an image showing the virtual space VS including the virtual object VO generated in step S25.

[0141] 3-3: Effects of the third embodiment According to the above description, the terminal device 10B as a user device includes a first acquisition unit 111, a position calculation unit 114, a transmission control unit 112B, a second acquisition unit 113B, a generation unit 116B, and a display control unit 117. The first acquisition unit 111 acquires service type data indicating the types of services available to the user U. The position calculation unit 114 calculates the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. The transmission control unit 112B causes the communication device 23 to transmit the type of service indicated by the service type data and the position of the user U in the virtual space VS to an external device. The second acquisition unit 113B acquires data output from the external device according to the type of service indicated by the service type data and the position of the user U in the virtual space VS. The generation unit 116B generates an image indicating the virtual space VS based on the data acquired by the second acquisition unit 113B. The display control unit 117 causes the display device to display the image generated by the generation unit 116B.

[0142] Since the terminal device 10B has the above-described configuration, it is possible to switch the virtual space VS to be displayed depending on both the position in the virtual space VS of the user U experiencing the virtual space VS and the type of service used by the user U.

[0143] In particular, the terminal device 10B switches the data to be acquired from the server 20 between only the first data PD1 and both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2, depending on both the position of the user U in the virtual space VS and the type of service available to the user U. That is, depending on the position of the user U in the virtual space VS and the type of service available to the user U, the terminal device 10B downloads only the first data PD1, rather than both the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 from the server 20B. As a result, the load on the terminal device 10B is reduced.

[0144] 4: Variation The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected arbitrarily from the following examples may be combined.

[0145] 4-1: Variation 1 In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment and the information processing system 1B according to the third embodiment, the first data PD1 and the second data PD2 are downloaded from the server 20 to the terminal device 10-K or 10B-K. K The second data PD2 is data for using general services. K This is data for using special services.

[0146] In the information processing system 1A according to the second embodiment, the first data AD1 and the second data AD2 are downloaded from the server 20A to the terminal device 10A-K. K The second data AD2 is the data for using the general functions of the avatar AO. K This is data for using the special features of Avatar AO.

[0147] The servers 20 to 20B may further download first voice data SD1 and second voice data SD2 to the terminal devices 10-K to 10B-K. K The second voice data SD2 is voice data for using a general voice function. K is audio data for using special audio functions.

[0148] 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 10C-K according to this modification. The terminal device 10C-K differs from the terminal device 10-K mainly in that it further includes the functions of a third acquisition unit 120, a second determination unit 121, and an audio output unit 122.

[0149] The third acquisition unit 120 acquires the first voice data SD1 from the external device when the service type data indicates the first service, and acquires the first voice data SD1 and the second voice data SD2 from the external device when the service type data indicates the second service.

[0150] The second determination unit 121 determines whether the audio output unit 122 will output the first audio data SD1 or the first audio data SD1 and the second audio data SD2, depending on the type of service indicated by the service type data and the position of the user U in the virtual space VS.

[0151] The audio output unit 122 outputs the audio data determined by the second determination unit 121. For example, the audio output unit 122 outputs the audio data to a sound emitting device. The sound emitting device emits audio based on the audio data to the outside of the terminal device 10C-K.

[0152] Because the terminal device 10C-K has the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to switch the audio to be output depending on both the position in the virtual space VS of the user U experiencing the virtual space VS and the type of service available to the user U.

[0153] 4-2: Variation 2 In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment to the information processing system 1B according to the third embodiment, the service type data indicates the type of service available to the user U. However, the service type data is not limited to data indicating the type of service available to the user U. For example, the service type data may be data indicating the type of service currently being used by the user U.

[0154] In this case, for example, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a user U who can use the second service K However, only during the period when the special service out of the general services and special services included in the second service is being used, the terminal device 10-K may display a virtual object VO1K displayed using a second texture and a second font, as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0155] 5:Other (1) In the above-described embodiment, terminal devices 10 to 10C and servers 20 to 20B are exemplified. However, the storage devices provided in terminal devices 10 to 10C and servers 20 to 20B may be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) discs), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media. Furthermore, programs executed by external devices may be transmitted from a network via telecommunications lines. Furthermore, programs may be transmitted from a communications network NET via telecommunications lines.

[0156] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0157] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0158] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made by a value (0 or 1) represented using one bit, by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0159] (5) The order of the process procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0160] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 1 to 18 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized by using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized by using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). A functional block may also be realized by combining software with the one device or the multiple devices.

[0161] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0162] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0163] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0164] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0165] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the terminal devices 10 to 10C and the servers 20 to 20B may be mobile stations (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term. In addition, in the present disclosure, terms such as "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0166] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variations thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0167] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0168] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0169] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0170] (15) In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are plural.

[0171] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0172] (17) Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0173] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1, 1A, 1B... Information processing system, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C... Terminal device, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C... Processing device, 12, 12A, 12B... Storage device, 13... Communication device, 14... Display, 15... Input device, 16... Inertial sensor, 20, 20A, 20B... Server, 21, 21A, 21B... Processing device, 22, 22A, 22B... Storage device, 23... Communication device, 24... Display, 25... Input device, 111... First acquisition unit, 112, 112B... Output unit, 113, 113A, 113B... Second acquisition unit, 114, 114A... Position calculation unit, 115, 115A... Determination unit, 116, 116B... Generation unit, 117... Display control unit, 1 18...function designation unit, 119...avatar control unit, 119-1...appearance control unit, 119-2...motion control unit, 120...third acquisition unit, 121...second decision unit, 122...audio output unit, 211, 211B...acquisition unit, 212...determination unit, 213, 213A, 213B...output unit, 214...decision unit, AO, AO1J, AO1K...avatar, AD1...first data, AD2...second data, PD1...first data, PD2...second data, PR1, PR1A, PR1B, PR2, PR2A, PR2B...control program, SD1...first audio data, SD2...second audio data, VO, VO1J, VO1K, VO2J, VO2K...virtual object

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires service type data indicating types of services available to the user; a second acquisition unit that acquires first data from an external device when the service type data indicates a first service, and acquires the first data and second data from the external device when the service type data indicates a second service; a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the user in a virtual space; a determination unit that determines whether to generate an image showing the virtual space using the first data or to generate an image showing the virtual space using both the first data and the second data, depending on the type of service indicated by the service type data, which are two mutually independent parameters, and the position of the user in the virtual space; a generation unit that generates an image showing the virtual space based on a determination result by the determination unit; a display control unit that causes a display device to display the image generated by the generation unit; A user device comprising:

2. The determination unit If the user's location is included in a first area and the service type data indicates the first service, determining to generate an image showing the virtual space based on the first data, and if the user's location is included in the first area and the service type data indicates the second service, determining to generate the virtual space based on both the first data and the second data; If the user's location is included in a second area, determining to generate an image showing the virtual space based on the first data, regardless of the type of service indicated by the service type data. The user device of claim 1 .

3. a plurality of virtual objects including a first virtual object exist in the virtual space; when the determination unit determines to generate an image showing the virtual space based on both the first data and the second data and the second data does not include data related to rendering of the first virtual object, the generation unit generates an image showing the first virtual object based on the first data; 3. The user device of claim 2.

4. a plurality of virtual objects including a second virtual object are present in the virtual space; the first data includes first structure data indicating a structure of the second virtual object; the second data includes texture data indicating a texture of the second virtual object; when the determination unit determines to generate an image showing the virtual space based on both the first data and the second data, the generation unit generates an image showing the second virtual object based on the first structure data and the texture data.

4. The user device of claim 3.

5. a first acquisition unit that acquires service type data indicating types of services available to the user; a second acquisition unit that acquires first data from an external device when the service type data indicates a first service, and acquires the first data and second data from the external device when the service type data indicates a second service; a position calculation unit that calculates a position of an avatar corresponding to the user in a virtual space; a function designation unit that designates a type of function to control an avatar that is displayed in the virtual space and corresponds to the user; a determination unit that determines whether to control the avatar using the first data or to control the avatar using both the first data and the second data, depending on the type of service indicated by the service type data, which are two independent parameters, the position of the avatar in the virtual space, and the type of function for controlling the avatar; an avatar control unit that controls the avatar based on a determination result by the determination unit; A user device comprising:

6. The avatar control unit an appearance control unit that controls the appearance of the avatar; a movement control unit that controls the movement of the avatar; The user equipment of claim 5, comprising:

7. the movement control unit controls at least one of a visual effect when the avatar moves and an audio effect when the avatar moves; 7. A user device according to claim 6.

8. a first acquisition unit that acquires service type data indicating types of services available to the user; a position calculation unit that calculates the position of the user in a virtual space; a transmission control unit that causes a communication device to transmit to an external device the service type data and position data indicating the user's position in the virtual space, which are two parameters independent of each other; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from the external device, data to be output in accordance with two mutually independent parameters: a type of service indicated by the service type data; and a position of the user in the virtual space; a generation unit that generates an image showing the virtual space using the data acquired by the second acquisition unit; a display control unit that causes a display device to display the image generated by the generation unit; A user device comprising:

9. a third acquisition unit that acquires first voice data from the external device when the service type data indicates a first service, and acquires the first voice data and second voice data from the external device when the service type data indicates a second service; a second determination unit that determines whether to output the first voice data or both the first voice data and the second voice data according to a type of service indicated by the service type data, which are two parameters independent of each other, and a position of the user in the virtual space; an audio output unit that outputs audio data according to a result of the determination by the second determination unit; The user device of claim 1 or claim 5, further comprising:

10. a third acquisition unit that acquires first voice data from the external device when the service type data indicates a first service, and acquires the first voice data and second voice data from the external device when the service type data indicates a second service; a second determination unit that determines whether to output the first voice data or both the first voice data and the second voice data according to a type of service indicated by the service type data, which are two parameters independent of each other, and a position of the user in the virtual space; an audio output unit that outputs audio data according to a result of the determination by the second determination unit; The user equipment of claim 8 further comprising:

Images