Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, etc., with which it is easy for a user to overview the communication being conducted on-line.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an information processing system is provided. This information processing system comprises a control unit. The control unit is constituted so as to execute each of the steps below. In a first acceptance step, a log-in request for logging-in to a space where on-line conversation is possible is accepted from a first user. In a display control step, when the log-in request is accepted, a first region where the first user exists and a second region differentiated from the first region are respectively displayed as at least a partial region in the space, in such a manner as to be visually recognizable by the first user. Here, in the second region, the atmosphere of conversation in the second region is displayed so as to be visually recognizable by the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the opportunities for communication on the Internet have increased, and various technological developments have been made accordingly. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a web conferencing system that can easily select a communication method according to the noise volume when executing a web conference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when conducting a web conference or the like, when the number of participants increases, the members may be divided into smaller groups for group discussion to facilitate the discussion. However, there are also many cases where it is effective to grasp the state of discussions outside the group in which one participates.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an information processing system or the like that makes it easy for a user to overview the communication being performed online.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided. This information processing system includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In a first reception step, it receives a login request from a first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. In a display control step, when a login request is received, it displays a first area where the first user resides and a second area separate from the first area, each as at least a part of the space, so that the first user can see them. In the second area, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed so that the first user can see it.

[0007] According to the above embodiment, an information processing system, etc., is provided that makes it easier for users to get an overview of online communications. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first user terminal 2. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of Server 3. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functions implemented by the control unit 33, etc., in server 3. [Figure 5] This is an example of a login screen displayed on the first user terminal 2. [Figure 6] This is an example of a display screen shown on the first user terminal 2. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the functionality for managing a second user. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating variations in the concept of space. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for implementing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or it may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or it may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "part" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in a broad sense, and the information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, various types of information are handled in this embodiment, and these types of information can be represented, for example, by the physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, the high or low values ​​of signal values ​​as a set of binary bits composed of 0s or 1s, or by quantum superposition (so-called qubits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in a broad sense.

[0012] Furthermore, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by combining at least a suitable combination of circuits, circuits, processors, and memory. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (for example, simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

[0013] 1. Hardware Configuration This section describes the hardware configuration of this embodiment.

[0014] 1.1 Information Processing System 1 Figure 1 is a configuration diagram representing the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In one embodiment, the information processing system 1 comprises a first user terminal 2, a server 3, and a second user terminal 4, which are connected via a network 11. These components will be described further. Note that the system exemplified in the information processing system 1 consists of one or more devices or components. Therefore, even a server 3 alone can be an example of a system. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment receives login requests for a first user to log in to a space and controls the display of predetermined visual information so that the first user can see it. However, this login request and the display of visual information do not necessarily have to be performed by a single first user terminal 2. For example, it is possible to configure the system to receive only login requests from the first user terminal 2 and to display predetermined visual information on another image display device, etc., which is not shown.

[0015] 1.2 First User Terminal 2 The first user terminal 2 is typically a terminal owned by the first user who is attempting to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first user terminal 2. The first user terminal 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a display unit 24, an input unit 25, and an audio output unit 26, and these components are electrically connected within the first user terminal 2 via a communication bus 20. The descriptions of the communication unit 21, storage unit 22, and control unit 23 are substantially the same as those of the communication unit 31, storage unit 32, and control unit 33 in the server 3, which will be described later, and are therefore omitted.

[0016] The display unit 24 may be included in the housing of the first user terminal 2, or may be externally attached. The display unit 24 displays a screen of a graphical user interface (GUI) operable by the user. For example, this is preferably implemented by selectively using display devices such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and a plasma display according to the type of the first user terminal 2.

[0017] The input unit 25 may be included in the housing of the first user terminal 2, or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 25 may be integrated with the display unit 24 and implemented as a touch panel. With a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. Of course, instead of the touch panel, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, etc. may be adopted. That is, the input unit 25 receives the operation input made by the user. The input is transferred to the control unit 23 via the communication bus 20 as a command signal, and the control unit 23 can execute predetermined control and calculations as necessary.

[0018] The audio output unit 26 may be included in the housing of the first user terminal 2, or may be externally attached. The audio output unit 26 outputs audio recognizable by the user. The audio output unit 26 may be an omnidirectional speaker, a directional speaker, or may have both of them.

[0019] 1.3 Server 3 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 3. The server 3 has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 30 inside the server 3. Each component will be further described.

[0020] The communication unit 31 preferably uses wired communication methods such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt®, and wired LAN network communication, but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, and Bluetooth® communication as needed. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of these multiple communication methods. Specifically, the server 3 communicates various information with the first user terminal 2 and the second user terminal 4 via the network 11 through the communication unit 31.

[0021] The memory unit 32 stores various types of information as defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the server 3 executed by the control unit 33, or as memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. A combination of these may also be used. In particular, the memory unit 32 stores various programs related to the server 3 executed by the control unit 33.

[0022] The control unit 33 performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the server 3. The control unit 33 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the server 3 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 32 is concretely realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33. These will be described in more detail in Section 2. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple control units 33 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0023] 1.4 Second user terminal 4 The second user terminal 4 is a terminal owned by a second user attempting to log in to a space where online calls are possible. The hardware configuration of this second user terminal 4 is typically the same as that of the first user terminal 2 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0024] 2. Functional Configuration This section describes the functional configuration of this embodiment. As mentioned above, the information processing performed by the software stored in the memory unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33.

[0025] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functions realized by the control unit 33 and other components in server 3. Specifically, server 3, which is an example of information processing system 1, comprises a reception unit 331 and a display control unit 332. Figure 4 also shows a configuration in which server 3 is equipped with an audio control unit 333 and a memory management unit 334.

[0026] The reception unit 331 receives various requests and operations from the first user. Details of these requests and operations will be described in more detail later.

[0027] The display control unit 332 is configured to generate various display information and control the display content that is visible to the user. The display information may be the visual information itself that is generated in a manner visible to the user, such as a screen, image, icon, or text, or it may be rendering information for displaying visual information such as a screen, image, icon, or text on various terminals.

[0028] The audio control unit 333 controls the audio output-capable configuration (hardware, device, etc.) to generate various sounds.

[0029] The memory management unit 334 is configured to manage various types of information to be stored in the space related to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment. Typically, the memory management unit 334 is configured to store user attributes, personal information, and input / output items within the space in a memory area. This memory area is exemplified by the memory unit 32 of the server 3, but may also be a memory unit 22 provided in the first user terminal 2, or a memory unit provided in the second user terminal 4. Furthermore, this memory area does not necessarily have to be within the information processing system 1; the memory management unit 334 can also manage to store various types of information in an external storage device or the like.

[0030] 3. Information Processing Methods This section describes each step of the information processing method executed by the aforementioned information processing system 1.

[0031] In other words, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment performs the following steps. (Step 1) The reception unit 331 receives a login request from the first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. (Step 2) When the display control unit 332 receives a login request, it displays the first area where the first user resides and the second area, which is separate from the first area, as at least a portion of the space, so that the first user can see them. In the second area, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed so that the first user can see it. The following explanation will describe each of these steps, referring to the screens displayed on the first user terminal 2. The application scenarios for the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may include business, private, local community, and various other situations, but the following explanation will use an example of its implementation in an educational setting.

[0032] First, let's explain (Step 1). In this step, the reception unit 331 of the server 3 receives a login request from the first user, which is typically done through operations on the login screen displayed on the first user terminal 2. Figure 5 is an example of the login screen displayed on the first user terminal 2.

[0033] In the display screen D shown in Figure 5, various input forms and buttons for entering the space are displayed. First, in input form F11, you can enter the login name when trying to log in to the space. In addition, in input forms F12, F13, and F14, you can configure the camera, microphone, and speaker to be used when logging into the space. Furthermore, display screen D includes object OBJ11 so that users can test whether the microphone is working correctly when logging into the space. Specifically, when a user interacts with display screen D and speaks into the microphone, the seek bar shown as object OBJ11 activates, allowing the logged-in user to see the level of audio output that will be transmitted to the other party when they log into the space. Furthermore, pressing button BT11, shown on display screen D, will mute the user's spoken content.

[0034] In addition, a button BT13 is provided to allow users to test whether their speakers are functioning correctly. Specifically, when a user touches the display screen D and presses this button BT13 by clicking or other means, a predetermined sound is generated. This allows the user to check in advance whether they can recognize what the other party is saying while logged into the space.

[0035] Furthermore, display screen D is configured to show an area R100 that displays the user attempting to log in, in order to test whether the camera is functioning correctly. This area R100 displays the visual information captured by the camera set in input form F12, and is used by the user attempting to log in to check whether they are displayed. Note that pressing button BT12 shown on display screen D will turn off the display of the camera's captured content.

[0036] After entering various information, users can request to log in to the space by pressing button BT15 shown on display screen D. Furthermore, pressing button BT14, labeled "Viewing Mode," allows for an additional request to conceal the user's presence, preventing other users in the space from recognizing them, in addition to the login request. The effects of this concealment request will be explained later. As described above, the first user can make a login request to log in to the space, and the reception unit 331 of server 3 accepts it, thereby achieving (step 1).

[0037] Next, we will explain (Step 2). In this step, predetermined visual information is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user. This visual information will be explained using Figure 6.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen shown on the first user terminal 2. This display screen D shows a space SP1 where online conversations are possible, and a control area CT1 where various objects that can be controlled are displayed side by side. In this embodiment, the logged-in first user is displayed in area R1 within space SP1 (in Figure 6, "ABC" is the login name of the first user. Area R1 where this first user resides may also be referred to as the "first table," "first room," or "first area"). Within this space SP1, in addition to the area R1 described above, areas R2 to R6 are displayed (these areas R2 to R6 may be collectively referred to as the "second table," "second room," or "second area"). In each of these first and second areas, it is indicated that users other than the first user are logged in and present in the designated area. In addition, areas R2 to R6 typically display the conversation taking place in that area, allowing the first user present in space SP1 to view the conversations in other areas (areas R2 to R6). Here, being able to view the conversation specifically includes the display of the faces of users present in the second area, making it clear that those users are speaking, and the display of screens shared in the second area in a way that is recognizable to the first user. The display of the conversation may be shown as a video, or it may be a system where still images are captured at regular time intervals and the captured still images are displayed at regular time intervals. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to display the first and second areas in a way that allows them to be distinguished from each other, thereby making it easier for the first user to recognize the area in which they reside. Specifically, this could be done by displaying different colors for the first and second areas, or by applying different patterns to each area. Also, if there are multiple second areas, such as the relationship between area R2 and area R3, it is preferable to make these areas distinguishable from each other as well. In Figure 6, each area is given a name such as "ROOM1" or "ROOM2," but these area names can be arbitrarily set by a person with the appropriate authority. In addition, each area displayed in space SP1 may be displayed in a way that allows users to understand the description of that area (the content of the lessons or conversations that take place in that area), and icons that allow downloads of the subject matter (electronic files) handled in that area may be displayed. Here, an icon is a symbol that represents something using a simple picture. For example, an icon may represent the content of the corresponding file or program using a diagram or picture. Furthermore, if there are groups of related domains, they can be saved together, and this saved content can be retrieved as needed. Examples of groups of related domains include groups of domains that share commonalities related to time, such as those used for Tuesday classes, or groups of domains that share commonalities related to purpose, such as those used for a specific subject. Such domain settings can also be configured by persons with the appropriate authority. While it is preferable that conversations in other regions (regions R2 to R6) be displayed in real time, errors (display time delays) of approximately 5 minutes, or 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, or 1 second are acceptable.

[0039] Thus, the first user in area R1 can be aware of the presence of other users in other areas, and conversely, other users can also be aware that the first user is in area R1. However, if the aforementioned privacy request is accepted (i.e., logged in as "viewer mode"), the first user's presence can be made invisible to other users even while logged into the space. In other words, if a confidentiality request is received as described above, even if the first user is logged in, the icon representing the first user will not be displayed, and even if the first user speaks, voice control will be implemented so that the first user's voice is not broadcast to other users. When this information processing system 1 is applied to an educational setting, it is suitable because the parents of the students can use such functions to view their child's level of proficiency in their studies.

[0040] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the voice control unit 333 may generate a first voice generated in a conversation within the first domain and a second voice generated in a conversation within the second domain in a manner that can be recognized by the first user. In other words, a first user residing in region R1 may be able to recognize both the speech generated from conversations within region R1 and the speech generated from conversations in other regions (for example, regions R2 and R3). That is, the speech control unit 333 can output speech in such a way that the first user can recognize the conversations in both regions.

[0041] Here, the audio control unit 333 can control the output of the second audio to be attenuated relatively more than the output of the first audio. In other words, the audio control unit 333 can control the audio output so that a first user residing in the first region perceives audio generated in their own region (region R1) as relatively louder, and audio generated in other regions (regions R2 to R6) as relatively quieter. This makes it easier for the user to distinguish between audio in their own region and audio in other regions.

[0042] Here, this second audio output can also be controlled to attenuate audio output in a specific frequency range and / or audio output from a specific user. Although not shown in the diagram, the first user can also control the audio output to restrict specific frequency ranges (typically high-frequency and low-frequency ranges) or to specific users. This also makes it easier to distinguish between audio in their own domain and audio in other domains. This control may be applied to specific domains (i.e., a collection of users in a specific domain) as well as individual users, so that audio from other domains cannot be heard in domain R1 where the first user resides. Furthermore, to make other users aware that audio from other domains cannot be heard in domain R1, a mark or other indicator may be placed on domain R1 in the display screen D. Furthermore, the control of the attenuation of this audio output may be a combination of multiple technologies, and the manner is not limited. Specifically, it is sufficient that the first user recognizes that the degree of attenuation of the audio output is being reduced for a certain portion of the second audio, and the audio information input to the audio control unit 333 may be subjected to any of the following controls: phase control, expansion / compression control on the time axis, gain (amplification factor), etc.

[0043] Furthermore, when the information processing system 1 is equipped with an audio output device having multiple audio output units, the audio control unit 333 can control each of the multiple audio output units based on the relative positional relationship between the first region and the second region within the space. To give a specific example, the "audio output device having multiple audio output units" is a stereo speaker with left and right audio output units provided in the first user terminal 2, and the audio control unit 333 can control the audio output of this stereo speaker based on the relative positional relationship between areas within space SP1. In other words, in Figure 6, regions R2 and R3 are located to the left of region R1. In this case, the sound generated in regions R2 and R3 can be controlled to be output from the left audio output section of the stereo speaker. Even in this case, it is possible to do so while attenuating the output from the right audio output section of the stereo speaker.

[0044] The above explanation uses the example of a first user logged into space SP1 who resides in area R1. However, the first user logged into space SP1 can also move their presence to other areas. For example, to move to area R2, the user can move their presence by clicking on the area R2 portion on display screen D. In this case, the display control is typically adjusted so that the area R2 portion where the user resides is located approximately in the center of display screen D. Whether the first user can move their presence to other areas may be controlled, for example, by whether the first user has certain privileges. That is, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, each area in space SP1 may be equipped with a lock function that prevents certain users from entering. If a user wishes to enter an area that is currently inaccessible, they may need to apply to a person with certain privileges, and entry may be restricted to those who are granted permission. This application may be made by generating a sound (specifically, a knocking sound like knocking on a door) to a user in a certain area, or by a certain user operation in a certain area (specifically, an operation of knocking on a door).

[0045] Additionally, users logged into Space SP1 can create new areas for specific purposes. In other words, the reception unit 331 can receive a request from the first user to integrate the second area and the third area which is distinct from the second area, and when the display control unit 332 receives the integration request, it can display the area formed by integrating the second area and the third area in a way that is visible to the first user.

[0046] In other words, the first user logged into space SP1 can merge a certain area (for example, area R6) within space SP1 with another area (a third area). This other area (the third area) may be area R1 where the first user resides, one of the second areas within space SP1 (for example, areas R2, R3, R4, R5, etc.), or an area in a different space outside of space SP1. This integration request can be made, for example, by having the user enter the unique address of the area to be integrated into a predetermined form. Such integration makes it possible to expand the scope of online communication.

[0047] Furthermore, various buttons are displayed in the control area CT1 in the display screen D of Figure 6, so the functions of these buttons will be explained.

[0048] Button BT21 is used to switch the camera on and off, and button BT22 is used to switch the microphone on and off (to mute or unmute any microphones that can output).

[0049] Furthermore, this mute function may be used to audibly distinguish between the region R1 where the first user resides and other regions. That is, when the reception unit 331 receives a mute request from the first user to make the first sound generated in region R1 unrecognizable in other regions different from region R1, the sound control unit 333 may configure the system to make the first sound unrecognizable from those other regions. In this case, even if the first user makes a sound, voice control is implemented to prevent the first user's sound from being output to other users (however, an icon representing the first user may be displayed to indicate that the first user is logged in).

[0050] Button BT23 is a sharing button that allows users to share specific screens, documents (files), etc., within their own domain. For example, in Figure 6, domain R3 is shown as a scenario where a specific video is being shared. If the first user uses button BT23 to share a document, they can perform the same sharing within their own domain R1 as is happening in domain R3.

[0051] Button BT24 is a button that activates a megaphone function, which allows the user to adjust the volume of their voice output to a level that is recognizable to all users, both inside and outside their immediate area.

[0052] Button BT25 is a button that allows you to access a screen where you can change various settings, such as the settings for your camera, microphone, and speaker. The configurable items are generally the same as those shown in Figure 5.

[0053] Button BT26 is used to set and manage information related to each area (each table). For example, pressing button BT26 switches the screen from one showing areas R1 to R6 within space SP1 (as shown in Figure 6) to one showing only area R1 within space SP1. Additionally, if a user with the authority to manage space SP1 is logged in, pressing button BT26 will display the names of users participating in each area (either the login name or real name, or both) and the operating status of devices such as cameras and microphones. Typically, the names of users participating in each area and the operating status of their devices are displayed in a list format.

[0054] Button BT27 is a chat function that allows users within the same area to chat. This chat can be text-only, or it can include the display of objects such as stamps or images.

[0055] Button BT28 is a recording function that allows the user to record what happens while logged into space SP1. This recorded content is stored in the memory unit 22. This recording function records the screen displayed on display screen D shown on the first user terminal 2, which is logged into space SP1. Furthermore, this recording function automatically records the facial expressions and display screens of each user logged into space SP1 to a specific memory area via the memory management unit 334, regardless of user operation. It may also be configured to allow for later review of all streams, including each user's actions and reactions within a given time period. In other words, the latter configuration may allow for the reorganization of the saved data. Additionally, the recording function is not limited to users logged into space SP1; it may also be configured to save and manage images of the faces of users logged into other spaces, as well as images of shared documents, in a predetermined memory area according to the time axis.

[0056] Button BT29 is the logout button; pressing it will log you out of the space.

[0057] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may have the following management functions. These functions are particularly effective when the information processing system 1 is introduced into an educational setting.

[0058] In other words, the display control unit 332 can display the login name of a second user present in the space as the first name, making it visible to the first user. Furthermore, the display control unit 332 can display the name of the second user as a second name (typically the second user's real name), different from the first name, on the condition that the first user has predetermined privileges and / or that the first user has performed a predetermined operation, making it visible to the first user.

[0059] Figure 7 illustrates the function for managing the second user. Specifically, Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show the contents of region R2 in Figure 6, where it is assumed that there are two users, "XYZ" and "OPQ". The login status of these users can be identified by the presence of objects OBJ21 and OBJ22. In other words, these objects represent users present in a specific area, and the initials of the username or an image that identifies the user are displayed on these objects. For example, if the first user aligns object OBJ23 (which may be called the "cursor") with object OBJ21, the login name of the second user, "XYZ", will be displayed as object OBJ24 (see Figure 7(a)).

[0060] Furthermore, when the first user manipulates object OBJ23 to align with object OBJ24 (using cursor manipulation), object OBJ24 changes and is displayed as object OBJ25, which represents the actual names "XYZ" (see Figure 7(b)). Whether or not a user is permitted to display their real name in this manner may be controlled by whether or not the first user performing the operation has the necessary permissions. For example, if this information processing system 1 is implemented in an educational setting, such display may be controlled to be possible when logged in with a teacher account. Furthermore, the name displayed as the second name does not have to be the real name; for example, it could be a name used by the second user in spaces other than Space SP1, or on other social networking services.

[0061] As described above, the information processing system of this embodiment provides a space that makes it easy for users to get an overview of online communications.

[0062] 4. Others The following embodiments may be adopted for the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0063] In the embodiments described above, the configuration of the information processing system 1 was explained, but a program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, the regions R1 to R6 in the display screen D shown in Figure 6 are shown as rectangles, but each region may have a shape other than a rectangle. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the space. As shown in Figure 8, each region (regions R1 to R4) in space SP2 may be displayed as having a hexagonal shape. In this case, the sides of the shapes constituting the other regions may be displayed so as to be opposite the sides of the hexagonal shape of region R1 where the first user is located. With this display content, for example, by making the audio output device controlled by the audio control unit 333 a device capable of outputting audio from multiple directions, like a surround speaker, it becomes possible to output conversational audio generated in each area with a greater sense of realism.

[0065] In the embodiments described above, confidentiality requests are accepted on the login screen shown in Figure 5. However, the timing for accepting confidentiality requests is not limited to login; it may also occur after login. For example, an object capable of accepting confidentiality requests may be provided in the control area CT1 in Figure 6, and the server 3 may accept confidentiality requests as needed by the user.

[0066] In the embodiments described above, pressing the button BT22 in the control area CT1 in Figure 6 was shown to prevent the user's own voice from being heard externally, but this mute function may be performed automatically. For example, if the logged-in first user is not displayed on the camera, the reception unit 331 of the server 3 may recognize that the first user is not present, and the voice control unit 333 may control the audio collected by the first user terminal 2 so that it cannot be recognized by other users.

[0067] In the embodiments described above, various functions were shown to be activated by pressing various buttons in the control area CT1 in Figure 6. However, the system may also be configured to activate the above-mentioned functions by entering a predetermined command in the chat field, for example. Typically, this predetermined command is a combination of " / (slash)" and a command that corresponds to a specific function.

[0068] In the embodiments described above, a method was shown in which user login requests are received via the login screen shown in Figure 5. However, it is not necessary to log in to the space via such a login screen. For example, it is also possible to set a password for an area within the space, and users can enter this password to enter that area (i.e., log in to the space).

[0069] In the above embodiment, server 3 performed various storage and control functions, but multiple external devices may be used instead of server 3. That is, various types of information may be stored in a distributed manner across multiple external devices using blockchain technology or the like.

[0070] Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments. In the aforementioned information processing system, the voice control step generates a first voice generated in a conversation within the first area and a second voice generated in a conversation within the second area, in a manner that can be recognized by the first user. In the aforementioned information processing system, the voice control step controls the output of the second voice to be attenuated relatively more than the output of the first voice. In the aforementioned information processing system, the voice control step controls the output of the second voice to attenuate the voice output in a specific frequency range and / or the voice output of a specific user. In the aforementioned information processing system, the voice control step involves controlling each of the multiple voice output units based on the relative positional relationship between the first region and the second region within the space, when the information processing system includes a voice output device having multiple voice output units. In the aforementioned information processing system, the second reception step receives a mute request from the first user that makes the first voice unrecognizable in areas other than the first area, and the voice control step, upon receiving the mute request, makes the first voice unrecognizable from the other areas. In the aforementioned information processing system, the third reception step receives an integration request from the first user to integrate the second area and the third area which is distinct from the second area, and the display control step, upon receiving the integration request, displays the area formed by integrating the second area and the third area in a way that is visible to the first user. In the aforementioned information processing system, the fourth reception step receives a confidentiality request that prevents the presence of the first user from being recognized by other users in the space, and the display control step, upon receiving the confidentiality request, makes the presence of the first user invisible to other users, even if the first user is logged into the space. In the aforementioned information processing system, the display control step includes displaying the login name of a second user present in the space as a first name, visible to the first user, and, on the condition that the first user has predetermined authority and / or that the first user has performed a predetermined operation, displaying the name of the second user as a second name different from the first name, visible to the first user. In the aforementioned information processing system, the second name is the real name of the second user. In the aforementioned information processing system, the display control step involves displaying the first area and the second area in a manner that allows them to be identified from each other. An information processing method comprising each step of the information processing system. A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the aforementioned information processing system. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0071] Finally, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0072] 1: Information Processing System 2: First user terminal 3: Server 4: Second user terminal 11: Network 20: Communications bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Control Unit 24: Display section 25: Input section 26: Audio output section 30: Communications bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Control Unit 331: Reception Department 332: Display Control Unit 333: Voice Control Unit 334: Memory management department BT11~BT15, BT21~BT29: Buttons CR1: Control area D:Display screen F11~F14: Input Forms OBJ11, OBJ21~OBJ25: Objects R1~R6, R100: Area SP1, SP2: Space

Claims

1. An information processing system, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the first registration step, a login request is received from the first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. In the display control step, when the login request is received, the first area where the first user resides and the second area, which is separate from the first area, are displayed as at least a portion of the space so that the first user can see them. Here, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user. In the voice control step, a first voice generated in the conversation within the first region and a second voice generated in the conversation within the second region are generated in a manner that the first user can recognize. In the aforementioned voice control step, when the information processing system is equipped with a voice output device having a plurality of voice output units, each of the plurality of voice output units is controlled based on the relative positional relationship between the first region and the second region within the space.

2. An information processing system, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the first registration step, a login request is received from the first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. In the display control step, when the login request is received, the first area where the first user resides and the second area, which is separate from the first area, are displayed as at least a portion of the space so that the first user can see them. Here, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user. In the voice control step, a first voice generated in the conversation within the first region and a second voice generated in the conversation within the second region are generated in a manner that the first user can recognize. In the aforementioned voice control step, the output of the second voice is controlled to be attenuated relatively more than the output of the first voice. The voice control step involves controlling the output of the second voice to attenuate the voice output in a specific frequency range and / or the voice output of a specific user.

3. An information processing system, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the first registration step, a login request is received from the first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. In the display control step, when the login request is received, the first area where the first user resides and the second area, which is separate from the first area, are displayed as at least a portion of the space so that the first user can see them. Here, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user. In the voice control step, a first voice generated in the conversation within the first region and a second voice generated in the conversation within the second region are generated in a manner that the first user can recognize. In the second reception step, the first user submits a mute request that makes the first audio unrecognizable in areas other than the first area. In the aforementioned voice control step, when the mute request is received, the first voice is made unrecognizable from the other areas.

4. An information processing system, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the first registration step, a login request is received from the first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. In the display control step, when the login request is received, the first area where the first user resides and the second area, which is separate from the first area, are displayed as at least a portion of the space so that the first user can see them. Here, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user. In the fourth reception step, a confidentiality request is received to prevent the presence of the first user from being recognized by other users in the space. In the display control step, when the confidentiality request is received, the presence of the first user is made invisible to other users, even if the first user is logged into the space.

5. An information processing system, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: In the first registration step, a login request is received from the first user to log in to a space where online conversations are possible. In the display control step, when the login request is received, the first area where the first user resides and the second area, which is separate from the first area, are displayed as at least a portion of the space so that the first user can see them. Here, the conversation taking place within the second area is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user. In the display control step, the login name of the second user present in the space is displayed as the first name in a way that is visible to the first user. A system that, on the condition that the first user has predetermined authority and / or that the first user has performed predetermined operations, displays the name of the second user as a second name different from the first name, in a manner visible to the first user.

6. In the information processing system described in claim 5, The second name is the real name of the second user.

7. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, The voice control step involves generating a first voice generated during a conversation in the first area and a second voice generated during a conversation in the second area, in a manner that the first user can recognize.

8. In the information processing system described in claim 7, The voice control step involves controlling the output of the second voice to be attenuated relatively more than the output of the first voice.

9. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, In the third reception step, the first user receives an integration request to integrate the second area and a third area distinct from the second area. In the display control step, when the integration request is received, the area formed by integrating the second area and the third area is displayed in a way that is visible to the first user.

10. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The display control step involves displaying the first region and the second region in a way that allows them to be identified from each other.

11. Information processing method, A method comprising each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. It is a program, A device that causes a computer to perform each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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