Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily use a specific facility in a virtual space when starting the use of the virtual space using an avatar.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 comprises: an acquisition unit 132 that acquires action information indicating results of actions performed in a real space by a provider who provides or manages a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; a determination unit 133 that, on the basis of the action information, determines at least one of a positional relationship between the virtual facility and an avatar capable of moving in the virtual space and a display mode of the virtual facility for a user who operates the avatar; and a virtual space control unit 134 that, when the user starts using the virtual space by using the avatar, performs at least one of arranging the avatar in the above positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the above display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for processing information related to a virtual space.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a system for determining an initial position of an avatar so that avatars of users with common preferences or high intimacy are arranged close to each other in a virtual space accessed by a plurality of users using avatars.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a virtual space, a plurality of virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, are arranged in advance. Further, when a user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the avatar is arranged at any position on the virtual space. At this time, if the avatar is arranged at a position far from a specific virtual facility or at a position where the specific virtual facility cannot be visually recognized, there is a problem that it is difficult for the avatar to use the specific virtual facility.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to make it easier for a user to use a specific facility in a virtual space when starting to use the virtual space using an avatar.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the actual actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of each of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space, which are stored in a storage unit in advance; a determination unit that determines the positional relationship of an avatar that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and a virtual space control unit that, when a user operating the avatar starts using the virtual space with the avatar, positions the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the actions performed in the real world by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of each of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space, which are stored in a storage unit in advance, based on the action information; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space with the avatar, arranges the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

[0008] The decision unit further determines whether or not to provide the user with a predetermined benefit available in the virtual facility based on the behavioral information, and the virtual space control unit may provide the user with the benefit on the condition that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the benefit in the virtual facility.

[0009] The behavioral information indicates the number or frequency of visits by the user to a physical facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in the real world, or to a predetermined area including the physical facility in the real world. The determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the number or frequency satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0010] The behavioral information indicates the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing goods at a physical facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in real space, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship when the purchase amount satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0011] The behavioral information indicates the characteristics of products previously purchased by the user, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the characteristics satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0012] The behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to a business operator that provides or operates the virtual space in the real space, and the decision unit may determine the positional relationship when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee meets predetermined conditions.

[0013] The behavioral information indicates the amount of consideration received by the provider in the real space in accordance with the sales performance of the goods in the virtual facility, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the amount of consideration satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0014] The determination unit may determine the positional relationship that allows the user to view the virtual facility via the avatar.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method comprising: a processor executing a step of acquiring action information indicating the actual actions taken in real space by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the locations of each of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space stored in a memory unit; a step of determining the positional relationship of an avatar that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and a step of positioning the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when a user operating the avatar starts using the virtual space with the avatar.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method which includes the steps of: obtaining action information, which is executed by a processor, that indicates the actions performed in the real world by a user who operates an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determining the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data, which is stored in a memory unit in advance, based on the action information; and when the user starts using the virtual space with the avatar, positioning the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present invention involves a program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire action information indicating the actual actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the locations of each of a plurality of facilities in a virtual space, which are stored in a memory unit beforehand; determine the positional relationship of an avatar that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and when a user operating the avatar starts using the virtual space with the avatar, the program causes the computer to perform the following steps:

[0018] A program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire action information indicating the actions performed in the real world by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determine the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of each of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space, which are stored in a memory unit in advance, based on the action information; and when the user starts using the virtual space with the avatar, place the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

[0019]

[0020] [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, when a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, it is possible to achieve the effect of making it easier to use a specific facility in the virtual space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram for explaining exemplary provider behavior information. <00,00092>It is a schematic diagram for explaining exemplary user behavior information. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method by which a determination unit determines a target user. <0000\095> [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method by which a determination unit determines a positional relationship and a display mode. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying an exemplary target facility. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] [Overview of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to the present embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing apparatus\(1\), a user terminal\(2\), and a provider terminal\(3\). The information processing system S may include a plurality of user terminals\(2\) and provider terminals\(3\). The information processing system S may include other devices such as servers and terminals.

[0024] Information processing device 1 is a computer that processes information related to the virtual space displayed on user terminal 2 and provider terminal 3. The virtual space is a virtual space (e.g., a metaverse) formed on the computer. The virtual space is displayed as a region with area or volume on user terminal 2 and provider terminal 3, respectively. On the other hand, the actual space in which the user lives (e.g., the space on Earth) is called real space.

[0025] The information processing device 1 places multiple virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, in a virtual space. A virtual facility is, for example, a store that sells one or more types of goods. A virtual facility corresponds to, for example, a real facility in the real world, and has a structure in the virtual space that mimics the real facility. Multiple users using the virtual space can visit the virtual facility using their avatar, thereby experiencing something similar to visiting a real store that corresponds to the virtual facility. An avatar is an image that operates in the virtual space according to the operations performed by the user on the user terminal 2.

[0026] User terminal 2 is an information terminal used by users who utilize the virtual facility. Provider terminal 3 is an information terminal used by users who are providers (such as employees, owners, or administrators of the virtual facility) who provide or operate the virtual facility. Users utilize the virtual facility by operating their avatar in the virtual space. Among the multiple virtual facilities placed in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is referred to as Target Facility E1.

[0027] User terminal 2 and provider terminal 3 are, for example, smartphones, tablet devices, or personal computers. User terminal 2 and provider terminal 3 have an operation unit such as a touch panel or keyboard for receiving operations, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information. User terminal 2 and provider terminal 3 can communicate with information processing device 1 via a network.

[0028] The following describes the process performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 acquires behavioral information that shows the results of actions taken by the provider or user in the real world. The provider's behavioral information includes, for example, the provider paying a predetermined fee to a business operator that provides or operates a virtual space in the real world, or the provider receiving consideration in the real world based on the sales performance of goods in a virtual store. The user's behavioral information includes, for example, visiting a physical facility corresponding to a virtual facility in the real world, visiting a predetermined area including a physical facility, or purchasing goods at a physical facility in the real world.

[0029] The information processing device 1 determines, based on the acquired behavioral information, at least one of the following: the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1, and the display manner of the target facility E1 for the user operating the avatar. The positional relationship is, for example, the relative position of the avatar and the target facility E1 so that the user can see the target facility E1 through the avatar. The display manner is, for example, a display manner (color, pattern, text, etc.) that makes the target facility E1 stand out more than other virtual facilities.

[0030] When a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, the information processing device 1 performs at least one of the following: positioning the avatar relative to the target facility E1 in a determined positional relationship, and displaying the target facility E1 to the user in a determined display manner.

[0031] In this way, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a location that makes it easy to use a specific virtual facility, or displays the specific virtual facility to the user in a display manner that makes it stand out, based on the provider's or user's behavioral information. As a result, the information processing device 1 makes it easier for the user to use a specific virtual facility within the virtual space when they start using the virtual space with their avatar.

[0032] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system S according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the arrows indicate the main data flows, and there may be other data flows besides those shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, each block represents a functional unit configuration, not a hardware (device) unit configuration. Therefore, the blocks shown in Figure 2 may be implemented in a single device, or they may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data exchange between blocks may be performed via any means, such as a data bus, network, or portable storage medium.

[0033] The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing device 1 may be configured by two or more physically separate devices connected by wired or wireless connections. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be configured as a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

[0034] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for sending and receiving data between the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 via the network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of data received via the network from the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices. The communication unit 11 also transmits data output from the control unit 13 to the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices via the network.

[0035] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be located outside the information processing device 1, in which case data may be exchanged with the control unit 13 via a network.

[0036] The control unit 13 includes a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a decision unit 133, and a virtual space control unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, acquisition unit 132, decision unit 133, and virtual space control unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0037] The following describes in detail the processes performed by the information processing device 1. When a user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the user performs a predetermined start operation on the user terminal 2. In response to the user performing the start operation, the user terminal 2 sends a start request to the information processing device 1 indicating that the user is starting to use the virtual space. In the information processing device 1, the reception unit 131 receives the start request sent by the user terminal 2.

[0038] The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information that shows the actions taken by the provider or user in the real world. When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processing for each of the multiple providers and multiple users. Among the multiple virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is called the target facility E1.

[0039] The performance record of an action includes, for example, the action itself performed by the provider or user in real space, and the results caused by that action (such as the amount of assets exchanged as a result of the action, or the evaluation received from others for the action). The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, action information that has been pre-stored in the storage unit 12, or acquires action information from a device other than the information processing device 1.

[0040] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary provider behavior information. In the example shown in Figure 3(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to a business operator that provides or operates a virtual space in the real world, or that such fee has been paid. The fee paid by the provider to the business operator is a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) necessary to apply the positional relationship or display method described later to the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the fee paid by the provider to the business operator from a device that manages information about the business operator.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 3(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the amount of consideration (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) received by the provider in the real world, based on the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1. The consideration received by the provider is, for example, an asset (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) of a predetermined amount corresponding to the price or number of products that the provider sold to avatars at the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires information indicating the consideration received by the provider from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

[0042] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire behavioral information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 by users who purchased products at the target facility E1. The evaluation of the target facility E1 is, for example, information indicating an index (score, etc.) corresponding to good or bad for the target facility E1 as specified by the user. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

[0043] Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary user behavior information. In the example shown in Figure 4(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the number or frequency of visits by the user to the actual facility E2, which corresponds to the target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the history of location information of the user terminal 2 over a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency of visits by the user to the actual facility E2.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 4(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the number or frequency of visits by a user to a predetermined area A in real space. Area A is a predetermined area that includes, for example, a real facility E2 which corresponds to the target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the history of location information of the user terminal 2 over a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency of visits by the user to area A.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 4(c), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating purchase information about products previously purchased by the user in the real world. Purchase information includes, for example, the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product in the real world, or information indicating the characteristics (type, name, etc.) of the product purchased by the user. The acquisition unit 132 may acquire purchase information about products purchased by the user at a physical facility E2, which is a facility corresponding to the target facility E1 in the real world, or it may acquire purchase information about products purchased by the user at a store different from physical facility E2. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire purchase information from, for example, a device that manages information about the physical facility E2 or other store where the user purchased the product.

[0046] The determination unit 133 determines that some of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space are target users to whom at least one of the positional relationships and display modes described later will apply. Alternatively, the determination unit 133 may determine all of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space as target users.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the decision unit 133 determines target users. Based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the decision unit 133 determines some of the users among multiple users utilizing the virtual space as target users. For example, the decision unit 133 determines target users such that the number of target users increases with respect to the fees paid by the provider to the business operator, the consideration received by the provider according to the sales performance of the product, or the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user.

[0048] In this case, the decision unit 133 determines the number of users to whom at least one of the location relationship and display pattern should be applied, based on the fees paid by the provider to the business operator as indicated by the behavioral information, the consideration received by the provider according to the sales performance of the products, or the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the user. The decision unit 133 randomly selects users to be selected from among multiple users using the virtual space, or selects users to be selected according to a predetermined rule (such as the order in which they logged into the virtual space). As a result, the information processing device 1 can increase the number of users to whom the location relationship or display pattern of the target facility E1 provided or operated by the provider should be applied, for providers who pay a lot of fees to the business operator, have high sales of products, or have good evaluations from users.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 133 determines, based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, at least one of the following: the positional relationship between the avatar operated by the target user and the target facility E1, and the display manner of the target facility E1 to the target user. For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies predetermined conditions for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display manner.

[0050] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating how the determination unit 133 determines the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1. The determination unit 133 determines a positional relationship in which the target user can see the target facility E1 via the avatar if the behavioral information satisfies predetermined conditions, and does not determine such a positional relationship if the behavioral information does not satisfy those conditions (i.e., does not apply such a positional relationship to the target facility E1).

[0051] A positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible means that when the target user starts using the virtual space (when they log in, etc.), the avatar is positioned so that the target facility E1 is visible within the field of view of the avatar operated by the target user (i.e., within the target user's display screen). A positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible includes, for example, at least one of the following: positioning the avatar within a predetermined distance from the target facility E1, and positioning the avatar so that it is facing the target facility E1.

[0052] The determination unit 133 acquires information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, which indicates conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen, and uses the conditions indicated by the acquired information to determine the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen.

[0053] The conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen may, for example, be that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator that provides or operates the virtual space. Alternatively, the conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen may also be that the amount of the fee paid by the provider to the operator that provides or operates the virtual space, as indicated by the behavioral information, is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users to use the target facility E1 of providers who have paid a predetermined fee to the operator that provides or operates the virtual space.

[0054] The conditions for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may, for example, be that the compensation received by the provider in the real world, in accordance with the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information, is above a threshold. This makes it easier for target users to use the target facility E1 of providers who have received high compensation in accordance with the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1.

[0055] The conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may, for example, be that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information, or to the area A including the physical facility E2, is above a threshold. This makes it easier for target users who frequently visit the physical facility E2 or area A to use the target facility E1.

[0056] The conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may, for example, be that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing goods at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is above a threshold. This makes it easier for target users who have spent a high amount on goods at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0057] The conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen may, for example, be that the characteristics of the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavioral information are predetermined characteristics (e.g., the type of product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). This makes it easier for the information processing device 1 to use the target facility E1 if the target user has purchased a product with specific characteristics.

[0058] Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating how the decision unit 133 determines the display mode for the target facility E1. The decision unit 133 determines a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out when the behavioral information meets predetermined conditions, and does not determine a display mode (i.e., does not apply the display mode to the target facility E1) when the behavioral information does not meet those conditions.

[0059] The display method for making the target facility E1 stand out is a display method that makes the appearance of the target facility E1 different from other facilities in the virtual space that are not the target facility E1. The display method for making the target facility E1 stand out includes, for example, setting the target facility E1 to a different color or pattern from other virtual facilities, and displaying predetermined characters or images in association with the target facility E1. The characters or images displayed in association with the target facility E1 are, for example, characters or images that represent "recommended," or characters or images that indicate that the target user can use coupons or other benefits at the store.

[0060] The determination unit 133 acquires information that is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, which indicates conditions for determining a display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and uses the conditions indicated by the acquired information to determine a display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out.

[0061] The conditions for determining how to display the target facility E1 to make it stand out may, for example, be that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the business operator that provides or operates the virtual space. Alternatively, the conditions for determining how to display the target facility E1 to make it stand out may also be that the amount of the fee paid by the provider to the business operator that provides or operates the virtual space, as indicated by the behavioral information, is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users to use the target facility E1 of providers who have paid a predetermined fee to the business operator that provides or operates the virtual space.

[0062] The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the compensation received by the provider in the real world, in accordance with the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information, is above a threshold. This makes it easier for target users to use the target facility E1 of providers who have received high compensation in accordance with the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1.

[0063] The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information, or to the area A including the physical facility E2, is above a threshold. This makes it easier for target users who frequently visit the physical facility E2 or area A to use the target facility E1.

[0064] The conditions for determining how to display the target facility E1 to make it stand out may, for example, be that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing goods at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is above a threshold. This makes it easier for target users who have spent a high amount on goods at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0065] The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the characteristics of the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavioral information are predetermined characteristics (such as the product being of a specific type or having a specific name). This makes it easier for the information processing device 1 to use the target facility E1 if the target user has purchased a product with specific characteristics.

[0066] Furthermore, the decision unit 133 may further determine, based on the behavioral information, whether or not to provide the target user with a predetermined benefit that can be used at the target facility E1. Benefits that can be used at the target facility E1 include, for example, coupons, points, etc., that allow the target user to receive goods or discounts at the target facility E1. For example, the decision unit 133 decides to provide the target user with a benefit if the behavioral information of the target user satisfies either of the conditions for determining the positional relationship that makes the target facility E1 visible or the conditions for determining the display manner that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and decides not to provide the benefit otherwise. In this way, the information processing device 1 can encourage the target user to use the target facility E1.

[0067] When a target user begins using the virtual space using their avatar, the virtual space control unit 134, in response to, for example, the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start using the virtual space from the target user's user terminal 2, places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to placement data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, and also places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space. The placement data is, for example, information indicating the shape and position of each of the multiple virtual facilities.

[0068] When arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatars of target users, the virtual space control unit 134 performs at least one of the following: arranging the avatars of target users in a positional relationship determined by the determination unit 133 with respect to the target facility E1, and displaying the target facility E1 to the target users in a display manner determined by the determination unit 133.

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal 2 displaying an exemplary target facility E1. In the example shown in Figure 7, the virtual space control unit 134 positions the avatar so that the target user can see the target facility E1 via the avatar, and displays the target facility E1 to the target user in a way that makes it stand out. As a result, the information processing device 1 makes it easy for the target user to visit a specific target facility E1 when they start using the virtual space using their avatar, thus making it easier for the target user to use a specific target facility E1.

[0070] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the location relationship and display mode based on the provider's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the location relationship and display mode to the target facility E1, which is a virtual facility provided or operated by the provider. As a result, the information processing device 1 can, for example, prioritize the use of the target facility E1 of a provider with a specific behavioral history by the user.

[0071] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and display mode based on the user's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and display mode to the target facility E1, which is not limited to virtual facilities provided or operated by a specific provider. As a result, the information processing device 1 can, for example, allow the user to preferentially use a target facility E1 that corresponds to a real facility E2 that the user has visited in the real world, or a real facility E2 that is included in area A that the user has visited.

[0072] Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 provides the target user with a predetermined benefit that can be used at the target facility E1, provided that the decision unit 133 has determined that the target user should be provided with the predetermined benefit. For example, the virtual space control unit 134 sets the target user's avatar in the virtual space to be able to use the predetermined benefit at the target facility E1, and allows the target user to use the benefit after they have moved their avatar to the target facility E1 and performed a predetermined operation.

[0073] Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 may allow the target user to enter the target facility E1 if the user's behavior information satisfies either of the conditions for determining a positional relationship that makes the target facility E1 visible or the conditions for determining a display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and may not allow them to enter the target facility E1 otherwise. This allows the information processing device 1 to allow only specific target users to participate in specific events (such as pre-openings or family sales) held at the target facility E1.

[0074] [Information Processing Method Flowchart] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary information processing method performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The acquisition unit 132 acquires action information indicating the actual actions taken by the provider or user in real space (S11). When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processing for each of the multiple providers and multiple users.

[0075] Based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the decision unit 133 determines that some of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space are target users to whom at least one of the positional relationship and display mode should be applied (S12). Alternatively, the decision unit 133 may determine all of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space as target users.

[0076] The determination unit 133 determines, for example, whether the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies predetermined conditions for determining at least one of the positional relationship and display mode to be applied to the target user (S13).

[0077] If the behavioral information meets the predetermined conditions (YES in S14), the decision unit 133 determines at least one of the following: the positional relationship that allows the target user to see the target facility E1 via the avatar, and the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out (S15).

[0078] When a target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, for example, when the reception unit 131 receives a request to start using the virtual space from the target user's user terminal 2, the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to the placement data stored in advance in the storage unit 12, and also places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space.

[0079] When the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities and the avatars of target users, it places the avatars of target users in a positional relationship determined by the determination unit 133 with respect to the target facility E1 (S16), and displays the target facility E1 to the target users in a display manner determined by the determination unit 133 (S17).

[0080] If the behavioral information does not meet the predetermined conditions (NO in S14), the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities and avatars in the virtual space without applying at least one of the positional relationships and display modes determined by the determination unit 133.

[0081] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the information processing system S of this embodiment, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a location that is easily accessible to a specific target facility E1, or displays a specific virtual facility to the user in a conspicuous manner, based on the behavioral information of the provider or user. As a result, the information processing device 1 makes it easier for the user to access a specific virtual facility within the virtual space when they start using the virtual space with their avatar.

[0082] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] S Information Processing System 1. Information Processing Device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Reception Department 132 Acquisition Department 133 Decision Section 134 Virtual Space Control Unit 2. User terminals 3. Provider terminal

Claims

1. An acquisition unit acquires action information indicating the actions taken in the real world by a provider that provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the location of each of multiple facilities in a virtual space, which is pre-stored in a memory unit. Based on the aforementioned behavioral information, a determination unit determines the positional relationship of avatars that can move within the virtual space relative to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, and determines some of the users among the multiple users who operate the avatars as target users. A virtual space control unit that, when the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performs the process of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the placement data, and does not perform the said process when a user other than the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, Having, Information processing device.

2. The decision unit further determines, based on the behavioral information, whether or not to provide the user with predetermined benefits available at the virtual facility. The virtual space control unit provides the user with the benefit, on the condition that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the benefit in the virtual facility. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned behavioral information indicates that the provider paid a predetermined fee to the business operator that provides or operates the virtual space in the real space. The determination unit determines the positional relationship when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee meets predetermined conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned behavioral information indicates the amount of consideration received by the provider in the real world in accordance with the sales performance of the products in the virtual facility. The determination unit determines the positional relationship when the amount of the consideration satisfies predetermined conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The determination unit determines the positional relationship that allows the user to view the virtual facility via the avatar. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The processor executes The steps include: acquiring action information indicating the actions taken in the real world by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the location of each of the multiple facilities in the virtual space that are pre-stored in the memory unit; Based on the aforementioned behavioral information, the step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar, which is movable within the virtual space, with respect to the virtual facility, which is arranged according to the arrangement data; The steps include: determining some of the users among the multiple users who operate the avatar as target users; When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is performed to place the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility which is arranged according to the placement data, and when a user other than the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is not performed. An information processing method having the following characteristics.

7. On the computer, The steps include: acquiring action information indicating the actions taken in the real world by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the location of each of the multiple facilities in the virtual space that are pre-stored in the memory unit; Based on the aforementioned behavioral information, the step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar, which is movable within the virtual space, with respect to the virtual facility, which is arranged according to the arrangement data; The steps include: determining some of the users among the multiple users who operate the avatar as target users; When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is performed to place the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility which is arranged according to the placement data, and when a user other than the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is not performed. A program that executes something.

Images