Information processing equipment, methods, programs and systems

Abstract

To support communication among users participating in events held in virtual space, and to improve user satisfaction with events. [Solution] A program executed by a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores first information relating to the preferences of users participating in an event held in a virtual space, and the program performs the following steps: receiving an operation to participate in the event from the first user; evaluating the degree of correlation between the first information of the first user and the first information of the other participating users after receiving the operation to participate; extracting a second user from among the participating users who is a candidate for joint support to perform joint support processing to jointly support the event etc. together with the first user, based on the evaluated degree of correlation; and presenting information about the extracted second user to the first user.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for realizing communication between avatars corresponding to users in order to improve the satisfaction of users participating in events and the like implemented in a virtual space.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for causing predetermined operations such as communication between avatars based on the relationship of character information representing the preferences of users and the like, which is associated with each user's avatar.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 enables communication between users based on character information associated with avatars, but only enables exchanges such as conversations through avatars, and users cannot jointly perform any actions in the event they participate in. Therefore, there is a possibility that only communication between users may not lead to an improvement in user satisfaction with the event.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to support communication between users participating in events and the like implemented in a virtual space and improve user satisfaction with the event.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores first information relating to the preferences of participant users participating in an event held in a virtual space, and the program causes the processor to execute: a step of receiving a participation operation from a first user included in the participant users to participate in the event; a step of evaluating the degree of relevance between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participant users excluding the first user after receiving the participation operation; a step of extracting a second user from among the participant users excluding the first user who is a candidate for joint support to perform joint support processing to jointly support the event or performers of the event together with the first user, based on the evaluated degree of relevance; and a step of presenting information about the extracted second user to the first user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to support communication among users participating in events held in virtual space and improve users' satisfaction with the events. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the overall configuration of System 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of terminal device 10. [Figure 3] This figure shows the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This is the data structure of the user information database stored in the memory unit of server 20. [Figure 5] This is the data structure of the gift information database stored in the memory of server 20. [Figure 6]This flowchart illustrates a series of processes that, in response to an event participation action from the first user, present a second user who is a potential co-supporter and can provide co-support to the first user. [Figure 7] This is another flowchart that shows a series of processes for setting up a communication channel in response to an action from the first user. [Figure 8] This flowchart represents a series of processes for initiating joint support in response to actions taken by at least one of the first or second users. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates a series of processes for extracting a second user, who is a potential co-supporter and can perform co-support with the first user, based on the user's response to refusing co-support from the event participants. [Figure 10] This is an example screen for presenting information about a second user to a first user. [Figure 11] This is an example screen for presenting detailed information about the second user to the first user. [Figure 12] This is an example of a screen showing the communication channel used by the first user and the second user. [Figure 13] This is an example of a screen displayed when the first user and the second user are co-supporting each other. [Figure 14] This is an example of a screen that appears when selecting a gift to offer as part of a joint support effort. [Figure 15] This is an example screen showing a situation where gifts are given to performers as a form of joint support. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Also, not all of the components shown in the embodiments are essential components of the present disclosure. Further, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely.

[0011] Also, in the following description, a "processor" refers to one or more processors. At least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be other types of processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). At least one processor may be single-core or multi-core.

[0012] Also, at least one processor may be a processor in a broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (e.g., FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0013] Also, in the following description, expressions such as "xxx table" may be used to describe information from which an output is obtained for an input. This information may be data of any structure or a learning model such as a neural network that generates an output for an input. Therefore, "xxx table" can be referred to as "xxx information".

[0014] Also, in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the subject of the process may sometimes be "program," but since a program is executed by a processor and performs defined processes using the memory and / or interface as appropriate, the subject of the process may also be the processor (or a device such as a controller that has that processor).

[0016] The program may be installed on a device such as a computer, or it may reside on a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-temporary) recording medium. Furthermore, in the following description, two or more programs may be implemented as a single program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following explanation, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including letters or symbols) may also be used.

[0018] Furthermore, in the following explanations, when describing similar elements without distinction, a reference code (or a common code among reference codes) may be used, and when describing similar elements with distinction, the element's identification number (or reference code) may be used.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following explanation, only control lines and information lines deemed necessary for the explanation are shown, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. All components may be interconnected.

[0020] Each information processing device consists of a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by said hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the terminal device 10 and the server 20, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0021] (First Embodiment) <Overview> The following embodiments describe a technology for enabling communication between users participating as viewers in an event held in a virtual space and other users participating in the event. The devices used in implementing the technology described herein are not limited to those described herein and may include various devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, stationary PCs (Personal Computers), and head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0022] System 1 according to this embodiment provides a technology that can increase the desire of users to gift gifts when they participate as viewers in events held in a virtual space.

[0023] <1 System Configuration Diagram> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of System 1 in the first embodiment.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, System 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 communicate with each other via a network 80.

[0025] Terminal device 10 is a device used by participating users who are taking part in an event held in a virtual space. Terminal device 10 is implemented by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that is compatible with a mobile communication system. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may be a stationary PC (Personal Computer), laptop PC, etc. Terminal device 10 includes a communication interface (IF) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19. Server 20 includes a communication interface (IF) 22, an input / output interface (I / O) 23, a memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29. In this embodiment, when multiple users use terminal device 10, the device used by the first user may be represented as terminal device 10A, and the device used by the second user may be represented as terminal device 10B. Also in this embodiment, terminal devices used by participating users other than the first and second users are represented as terminal device 10.

[0026] Terminal device 10 is connected to server 20 via network 80 in a way that allows communication. Terminal device 10 is connected to network 80 by communicating with communication equipment such as a wireless base station 81 that supports communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN router 82 that supports wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

[0027] The communication interface 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 can communicate with external devices. The input device 13 is an input device (e.g., a touch panel, touchpad, mouse or other pointing device, keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from the user. The output device 14 is an output device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0028] Server 20 is a device that manages a series of processes related to System 1. For example, Server 20 stores first information regarding the preferences of participating users who are taking part in an event held in a virtual space. Server 20 also receives participation requests from users (first users) who are taking part in the event. In response to the participation requests received from the first user, Server 20 refers to the stored first information and extracts second users from among the other users taking part in the event who are potential co-supporters who can jointly support the event's performers with the first user. Server 20 also presents the extracted second user information to the first user.

[0029] Communication IF22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. Input / Output IF23 functions as an interface to an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user. Memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, the collection of each device can be considered as a single "information processing device," and System 1 may be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which the multiple functions required to realize System 1 according to this embodiment are distributed to one or more hardware can be appropriately determined in view of the processing capacity of each hardware and / or the specifications required for System 1.

[0031] <1.1 Configuration of terminal device 10> Figure 2 is a block diagram of the terminal device 10 that constitutes System 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units corresponding to each antenna (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122), an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302), an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations not specifically shown in Figure 2 (for example, a battery for maintaining power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in Figure 2, each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0032] Antenna 111 radiates signals emitted by terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to first wireless communication unit 121.

[0033] Antenna 112 radiates signals emitted by terminal device 10 as radio waves. Antenna 112 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to second wireless communication unit 122.

[0034] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 111 in order to communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 112 in order to communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are a communication module that includes a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, etc. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation and demodulation, and frequency conversion, of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10, and provide the received signal to the control unit 190.

[0035] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving user input operations. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touchscreen and includes a touch-sensitive device 1301 and a display 1302. The touch-sensitive device 1301 receives user input operations of the terminal device 10. The touch-sensitive device 1301 detects the user's contact position with the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. The touch-sensitive device 1301 outputs a signal indicating the user's contact position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation. The terminal device 10 may also be equipped with a physically usable keyboard (not shown) and may receive user input operations via the keyboard.

[0036] The display 1302 displays data such as images, videos, and text in accordance with the control of the control unit 190. The display 1302 is implemented by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0037] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates the audio signal. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal received from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is implemented, for example, by an audio processing processor. The microphone 141 receives an audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to that audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal received from the audio processing unit 140 into sound and outputs the sound to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0038] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In a satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10, which is equipped with a GPS module, is detected based on the received signals. The location information sensor 150 may also be a transmitting and receiving device based on a communication standard used in short-range communication systems between information devices. Specifically, the location information sensor 150 uses the 2.4GHz band, such as a Bluetooth® module, to receive beacon signals from other information devices equipped with a Bluetooth® module.

[0039] Camera 160 is a device that receives light using a photodetector and outputs it as an image. Camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from camera 160 to the object being photographed. Furthermore, camera 160 acquires the body movements of users, performers, etc., using the terminal device 10. Specifically, for example, camera 160 acquires the user's mouth movements and the movements of various parts of the face (eyes, eyebrows, etc.). Any existing technology may be used to acquire these movements.

[0040] The motion sensor 170 is composed of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and the like, and detects the tilt of the terminal device 10.

[0041] The storage unit 180 is composed of, for example, flash memory and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In certain situations, the storage unit 180 stores user information 1801, etc. This information is held in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10, or it may be stored as a database in the storage unit 202 of the server (described later) and retrieved via the network 80.

[0042] User information 1801 is information about a user participating in an event. User information includes, for example, information about an identification ID, the user's name, the user's age, the user's gender, the user's contact information, information about favorite performers, information about the total amount of gifts given in the past, gift provision history information regarding gifts given in past events held in the virtual space, and log information representing the user's activity history at events held in the virtual space or outside of such events. The events that a user participates in are various events held in the virtual space, and can include, for example, live music events held in the virtual space, talk events held in the virtual space, merchandise sales events held in the virtual space, game events held in the virtual space, fashion show events held in the virtual space, conference events held in the virtual space, exhibition events held in the virtual space, etc. If there are multiple users, information about each user using the terminal device 10 is stored. For example, in the terminal device 10A used by the first user, information about the first user is stored as user information 1801. For example, in terminal device 10B used by a second user, information about the second user is stored as user information 1801.

[0043] The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 by reading the program stored in the memory unit 180 and executing the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating according to the program, the control unit 190 performs the functions of an input operation receiving unit 1901, a transmitting / receiving unit 1902, a data processing unit 1903, and a notification control unit 1904.

[0044] The input operation receiving unit 1901 processes input operations from the user to an input device such as a touch-sensitive device 1301. Based on the coordinate information of the touch-sensitive device 1301 where the user's finger or the like has made contact, the input operation receiving unit 1901 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation.

[0045] The transmitting / receiving unit 1902 performs processing to enable the terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as a server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0046] The data processing unit 1903 performs calculations on the data received as input by the terminal device 10 according to the program and outputs the calculation results to memory or the like.

[0047] The data processing unit 1903 receives input operations related to an event from the user and controls the processing to execute various processes related to the event. For example, the data processing unit 1903 executes the process of sending various information related to the execution of the event received from the user to the server or the terminal device of the virtual space administrator.

[0048] The notification control unit 1904 performs the following processes: displaying the image on the display 1302, outputting sound to the speaker 142, and generating vibrations in the camera 160.

[0049] <1.2 Functional Configuration of Server 20> Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0050] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0051] The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 also stores the user information database 2021, the gift information database 2022, and the like.

[0052] The User Information Database 2021 is a database for storing various information about participating users who take part in events held in virtual space. This information includes, for example, information about the user's identification ID, the user's name, information about the user's membership status if the user is a member of the event participation service, information about the number of times the user has taken part in an event, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's preferences, information about the total amount of gifts provided in events held in virtual space (including past and current events), gift provision history information regarding gifts provided in events held in virtual space (including past and current events) (including the gift ID of the gift provided, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to provide the gift was accepted, the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was provided, etc.), and log information representing the user's activity history in or outside of events held in virtual space. Here, user preference information refers to information that represents a user's preferences for events held in the virtual space, their favorite subjects, their favorite activity patterns, etc. User preference information includes, for example, information about events that the user likes or prefers, such as the type of event, the content of the event, and the type or content of performances performed by the performers at the event. Here, the type of event refers to the nature or category of the event and includes music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion shows, conference events, exhibition events, etc. The content of the event refers to the specific content that makes up the event and includes, for example, the program, performers, and duration of individual content that are performed according to the event's time schedule. The type of performances performed by the performers at the event includes, for example, singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking between performers, talking with participating users, etc.), theater, performing arts, etc., and the types of performances performed by avatar objects corresponding to the performers. The content of the performances by the event's performers is the specific content of the performance for each type of performance. If the type of performance is singing, the content of the performance includes, for example, the song title, the style of the song, the main part of the song (the chorus), the lyrics of the song, and, if multiple performers are singing, the parts of the song that each performer sings (the singing parts). If the type of performance is dancing, the content of the performance includes, for example, the specific dance movements performed by the performers, including movements of body parts such as raising the arms, swinging the arms, waving the hands, lifting one leg, bending the knees, jumping, and rotating the body, as well as facial expressions such as making a smile, closing one eye, and opening the mouth wide, and the movements of the avatar object corresponding to the performer.Similarly, when the type of performance is dance, the content of the performance may include, for example, dances performed in conjunction with singing, dance movements performed for each part of the song (singing part), dance movements performed within each part of the song (singing part) that are the most spectacular, and dance movements performed jointly by multiple performers when the song is sung by multiple performers. Furthermore, information regarding user preferences includes, for example, information about specific performers (including groups and individuals) that the user likes or favors, including information about the type of performance the performer gives, the content of the performance given by the performer (including the avatar object corresponding to the performer), and the content of the performer's reactions to support from users (including gift giving, etc.). The type of performance given by a specific performer at an event includes, for example, singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking between performers, talking with participating users, etc.), theater, performing arts, and the types of performances given by the avatar object corresponding to the performer. The content of a performance by a specific performer in an event (including the avatar object corresponding to the performer) includes, for example, specific actions performed by the performer that make up the performance, such as raising an arm, swinging an arm, waving a hand, lifting one leg, bending a knee, jumping, and rotating the body, as well as facial expressions such as making a smile, closing one eye, and opening the mouth wide, and the actions of the avatar object corresponding to the specific performer. The content of a specific performer's reaction to support from users (including gift provision, etc.) includes, for example, the type of reaction, such as a reaction using the avatar object's motion, a reaction using an object other than the avatar object's motion that the avatar object is wearing, a reaction using voice / music, and a reaction using a message. Furthermore, avatar object motion reactions include specific motions performed by the avatar object, such as the avatar object dancing, waving, bowing, jumping, making eye contact with the user who provided the gift, and closing one eye. Furthermore, information regarding user preferences includes, for example, information about users who wish to jointly support events held in virtual space, and includes information about the user's attributes (gender, age, membership status, etc.) and preferences. Furthermore, information regarding user preferences includes, for example, information about gifts offered at events held in virtual space that the user likes or favors, and includes information about the gift's category, data type, content, and the amount charged for the gift (including the amount charged in cash or by means of means other than cash, such as points). Various information about participating users may be stored in the user information database 2021 each time a user initiates a participation operation to take part in an event held in the virtual space, or it may be stored in the user information database 2021 in advance, even before a user initiates a participation operation. Details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0053] The Gift Information Database 2022 is a database for storing information about gifts that users can offer at events held in virtual space, where users participate as viewers. Gifts are provided to performers and others at the request of users to support them, liven up the event, etc. Information about gifts includes, for example, information about the gift ID that identifies the gift, information about the gift name, information about the gift category, information about the gift data type, information about the gift content, and information about the charge price required to provide the gift (including the amount charged in cash or by means of means other than money, such as points). The contents of a gift include, for example, gift content that is placed in the virtual space as an object that visually represents the gift. Gift content mainly consists of video data and image data (including images that move within the virtual space), and is placed in the virtual space in a display manner that represents the characteristics of the gift. Gift content (gift object representing the gift) can be placed at any position in the virtual space, but it can also be placed at a specific position or on a specific target. Specific positions include, for example, a specific position in the virtual space where an event in which the user participates takes place, or a position corresponding to the head of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event in which the user participates. Specific targets also include, for example, positions corresponding to parts of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event in which the user participates (wrist, head, legs, back, etc.), or positions corresponding to objects placed in the virtual space where the event in which the user participates takes place. For example, if the gift content (gift object representing the gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object represents a wristwatch (gift), the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the wrist of the avatar object. For example, if gift content (a gift object representing a gift) is to be placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object is a hat (gift), then the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the head of the avatar object. For example, if gift content (a gift object representing a gift) is to be placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object is a backpack (gift), then the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the back of the avatar object. In addition to gift objects, gifts can also include, for example, gifts consisting of text data, gifts consisting of music or audio data, and gifts equivalent to money or a means of payment, often referred to as "tips." Furthermore, the content of gifts may include gifts other than those directly provided to the event performers. Such gifts may include actions performed by a user avatar when a user avatar corresponding to a user is placed in the virtual space. Actions performed by a user avatar include, for example, actions in which the user avatar attaches or holds an object (for example, an action in which the user avatar attaches or holds an object representing a T-shirt, an object representing a hat, an object representing a towel, an object representing a glow stick, etc., in order to cheer on the performers). In this case, in response to the operation of providing the gift received from the user, the state in which the user avatar in the virtual space is attached or held with the object corresponding to the gift is reflected. In this way, the gift is provided to the performers by the user avatar when the action of attaching or holding an object to the user avatar is reflected in the virtual space. Actions performed by a user avatar may also include, for example, actions related to performances such as dancing, jumping, or waving in the virtual space. In this case, in response to the operation of providing the gift received from the user, the user avatar in the virtual space performs the performance corresponding to the gift. In this way, the action of a user avatar's performance is reflected in the virtual space, and the gift is then provided to the performer. Gifts are primarily provided by users who are event participants, through the payment of money or equivalent means (such as points). Payment refers to the act of paying a set purchase price for a gift (including an indicator such as points equivalent to the purchase price) using money or equivalent means in order to provide the gift. When a user makes a payment, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is intended. Payment is not limited to this act; it can also include, for example, the act of purchasing a special currency usable in the event in advance using money or equivalent means and then paying using the purchased special currency. Details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0054] The control unit 203 is composed of, for example, a processor 29, and by performing processing according to the program, this processor 29 performs functions such as the reception control module 2031, transmission control module 2032, user information acquisition module 2033, participation operation acceptance module 2034, relevance evaluation module 2035, user extraction module 2036, presentation module 2037, extraction operation acceptance module 2038, preference confirmation module 2039, preference operation acceptance module 2040, channel setting module 2041, joint support operation acceptance module 2042, joint support execution module 2043, rejection operation acceptance module 2044, etc.

[0055] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0056] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0057] The user information acquisition module 2033 controls a series of processes for acquiring information about users participating in events held in a virtual space. User information includes, for example, information about the identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's membership status if the user is a member of the event participation service, information about the number of times the user has participated in an event, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about the user's preferences (first information), information about the total amount of gifts provided in events held in a virtual space (including past events and events currently being participated in), gift provision history information regarding the history of gifts provided in events held in a virtual space (including past events and events currently being participated in) (including the gift ID of the gift provided, the gift category, the timing (date and time) when the operation to provide the gift was accepted, the recipient of the gift (performer), etc.), and log information representing the activity history of events held in a virtual space or other events. Here, information about user preferences (first information) refers to information that represents the user's preferences for events held in the virtual space, favorite subjects, favorite activity patterns, etc. Information about user preferences includes, for example, information about events that the user likes or likes, such as the type of event, the content of the event, and the type or content of performances performed by the performers at the event. Here, the type of event refers to the nature or category of the event and includes music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion shows, conference events, exhibition events, etc. The content of the event refers to the specific content that makes up the event and includes, for example, the program, performers, and duration of individual content that are performed according to the event's time schedule. The type of performances performed by the performers at the event includes, for example, singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking between performers, talking with participating users, etc.), theater, performing arts, etc., and the types of performances performed by avatar objects corresponding to the performers. The content of the performances by the event's performers includes, for example, the specific actions that make up the performance, such as movements of body parts like raising arms, swinging arms, waving hands, lifting one leg, bending knees, jumping, and rotating the body, as well as facial expressions such as making a smile, closing one eye, and opening the mouth wide, and the actions of avatar objects corresponding to the performers. Furthermore, information regarding user preferences includes, for example, information about specific performers (including groups and individuals) that the user likes or favors, including information about the type of performance the performer gives, the content of the performance given by the performer (including the avatar object corresponding to the performer), and the content of the performer's reactions to support from users (including gift giving, etc.). The type of performance given by a specific performer at an event includes, for example, singing (including up-tempo singing, slow-tempo singing, ballad singing, etc.), dancing (including up-tempo dancing, slow-tempo dancing, etc.), talking (including talking between performers, talking with participating users, etc.), theater, performing arts, and the types of performances given by the avatar object corresponding to the performer. The content of a performance by a specific performer in an event (including the avatar object corresponding to the performer) includes, for example, specific actions performed by the performer that make up the performance, such as raising an arm, swinging an arm, waving a hand, lifting one leg, bending a knee, jumping, and rotating the body, as well as facial expressions such as making a smile, closing one eye, and opening the mouth wide, and the actions of the avatar object corresponding to the specific performer. The content of a specific performer's reaction to support from users (including gift provision, etc.) includes, for example, the type of reaction, such as a reaction using the avatar object's motion, a reaction using an object other than the avatar object's motion that the avatar object is wearing, a reaction using voice / music, and a reaction using a message. Furthermore, avatar object motion reactions include specific motions performed by the avatar object, such as the avatar object dancing, waving, bowing, jumping, making eye contact with the user who provided the gift, and closing one eye. Furthermore, information regarding user preferences includes, for example, information about users who wish to jointly support events held in virtual space, and includes information about the user's attributes (gender, age, membership status, etc.) and preferences. Furthermore, information regarding user preferences includes, for example, information about gifts offered at events held in virtual space that the user likes or favors, and includes information about the gift's category, data type, content, and the amount charged for the gift (including the amount charged in cash or by means of means other than cash, such as points). Information regarding user preferences is stored in the user information acquisition module 2033 through user operations, for example, through free input by the user, or through an operation in which the user selects from a set of multiple information items (an operation in which one or more information items are selected). Information regarding user preferences is referenced by the user extraction module 2036 when it performs the process of extracting a second user who is a co-support candidate. Specifically, the user extraction module 2036 compares the information regarding the preferences of the first user with the information regarding the preferences of participating users excluding the first user, and performs the process of extracting a second user who is a co-support candidate based on the degree of relevance between the compared pieces of information. For this reason, for example, parameter information may be assigned to each piece of information included in the information regarding user preferences so that the degree of agreement or relevance between the compared pieces of information can be evaluated. Parameter information is set, for example, as information represented by a combination of numbers and symbols (for example, information represented as 1-A, 1-B, 2-A, 3-B, etc.). Alternatively, for example, keyword information may be assigned to each piece of information included in the information regarding user preferences so that the degree of agreement or relevance between the compared pieces of information can be evaluated. Keyword information, for example, is information included in the first piece of information that directly represents the user's preferences, such as information representing the names of performers the user likes or prefers, information representing gifts the user likes or prefers, or information representing performances the user likes or prefers. Specifically, for example, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by receiving user information 1801 stored in the storage unit 180 from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. Alternatively, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by referring to the user information database 2021 held in the storage unit 202 of the server 20. In addition, the user information acquisition module 2033 may acquire the information by directly receiving various user-related information input from the first user.

[0058] The participation operation reception module 2034 controls a series of processes for receiving participation operations from a first user to participate in an event held in a virtual space. Specifically, the participation operation reception module 2034 receives participation operations to participate in the event via a terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by a first user who wishes to participate in the event (including viewing the event). In this case, the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) transmits information about the participation operation received from the first user to the server 20. The participation operation reception module 2034 of the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A). For example, when the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A), it transmits information to the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) indicating that the first user's participation in the event has been accepted. Here, participation is an operation performed by a first user, and may include any operation performed to enable participation in an event held in a virtual space (including viewing the event). For example, participation may include an operation by the first user to access a website where an event held in a virtual space is taking place. For example, participation may include an operation by the first user to apply to participate in an event held in a virtual space. For example, participation may include an operation by the first user to charge (including charging with money or by means of a substitute for money, such as points) to participate in a paid event held in a virtual space. For example, participation may include an operation by the first user to support an event or the performers of the event (including an operation to provide a gift).

[0059] The relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates the degree of relevance between the first information regarding the preferences of the first user and the first information regarding the preferences of participating users excluding the first user, after the participation operation reception module 2034 has received a participation operation. Specifically, after the participation operation reception module 2034 has received a participation operation, the relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates the degree of relevance between the first information regarding the preferences of the first user stored in the memory unit 202 and the first information regarding the preferences of participating users excluding the first user, also stored in the memory unit 202 (user information database 2021). If there are multiple participating users, the relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates the degree of relevance between the first information regarding the preferences of the first user and the first information regarding the preferences of each participating user. The relevance evaluation module 2035 can perform relevance evaluation based, for example, on parameter information contained in the first information about user preferences stored in the user information database 2021. Parameter information may be assigned to each piece of information contained in the information about the user's preferences so that the degree of relevance between the compared pieces of information can be evaluated. Parameter information is set, for example, as information represented by a combination of numbers and symbols (e.g., information represented as 1-A, 1-B, 2-A, 3-B, etc.). In this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 can compare the parameter information contained in the first information about the preferences of the first user with the parameter information contained in the first information about the preferences of participating users and evaluate the degree of relevance based on the number of matching parameter pieces. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 can evaluate the degree of relevance as follows: relevance A if there are five or more matching parameter pieces, relevance B if there are two to four matching parameter pieces, and relevance C if there is one or fewer matching parameter pieces. The relevance evaluation by the relevance evaluation module 2035 is not limited to the above. For example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 may be performed based on keyword information contained in the first information on user preferences stored in the user information database 2021. Keyword information is, for example, information contained in the first information that directly represents the user's preferences, such as information representing the names of performers the user likes or prefers, information representing gifts the user likes or prefers, or information representing performances the user likes or prefers. In this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 can compare the keyword information contained in the first information on the preferences of the first user with the keyword information contained in the first information on the preferences of participating users and evaluate the relevance based on the number of matching keyword information. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 can evaluate the relevance as follows: relevance A if there are 5 or more matching keyword information, relevance B if there are 2 to 4 matching keyword information, and relevance C if there is 1 or fewer matching keyword information. The relevance evaluation performed by the relevance evaluation module 2035 is explained with an example. For example, the first information regarding a user's preferences includes information representing the name of the performer the user likes (so-called "favorite" information), information about the song titles of the performances that the performer likes, information about the parts of the song that the performer likes to sing (vocal parts), and information about the dances that the performer likes to perform along with the songs. The relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates the degree of relevance between the first information regarding the preferences of the first user and the first information regarding the preferences of participating users excluding the first user, based on the degree of agreement of these first pieces of information stored in the user information database 2021, or parameter information assigned to each piece of first information (in this case, for example, information represented as 1-A, 1-B, 2-A, 3-B, etc.). In this case, the relevance evaluation module 2035 can evaluate the relevance as follows: for example, if the only information that matches between the two (the first user and the other user) is the name of the performer the user likes (so-called "favorite information"), then it can evaluate the relevance as "Relevance C (relatively low relevance regarding preferences)"; if, in addition to the name of the performer the user likes (so-called "favorite information"), the user also matches information about the song title that the performer sings, which is part of their performance; then it can evaluate the relevance as "Relevance A (very high relevance regarding preferences)" if, in addition to the name of the performer the user likes and the song title that the performer sings, the user also matches information about the part of the song that the performer sings (the vocal part) or the dance that the performer performs along with the song, which is part of their performance; and then it matches information about the dance that the performer performs, which is part of their performance.

[0060] The user extraction module 2036 controls a series of processes to extract a second user from among the participating users excluding the first user, based on the relevance evaluated by the relevance evaluation module 2035. This second user is a candidate for joint support, meaning they will jointly support the event or the performers of the event together with the first user. Specifically, the user extraction module 2036 uses the relevance of the first information regarding the first user's preferences, evaluated by the relevance evaluation module 2035, to select the second user. The module then extracts participating users whose first information regarding preferences is evaluated to have a relevance of at least a predetermined level to the first information regarding the first user's preferences as the second user. Let's explain with a specific example. For instance, when the relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates relevance based on parameter information contained in the first information about user preferences stored in the user information database 2021, the relevance evaluation module 2035 compares the parameter information contained in the first information about the preferences of the first user with the parameter information contained in the first information about the preferences of participating users excluding the first user, and evaluates relevance based on the number of matching parameter pieces. In this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates relevance as follows: if there are five or more matching parameter pieces, relevance is A; if there are two to four matching parameter pieces, relevance is B; and if there is one or fewer matching parameter pieces, relevance is C. In this case, if the condition for extracting the second user is set to be relevance A or relevance B, the user extraction module 2036 extracts participating users whose relevance to the first information about the preferences of the first user is evaluated as relevance A or relevance B as the second user. Let's explain with another specific example. For instance, if the relevance evaluation module 2035 performs its relevance evaluation based on keyword information contained in the first information about user preferences stored in the user information database 2021, the relevance evaluation module 2035 compares the keyword information contained in the first information about the preferences of the first user with the keyword information contained in the first information about the preferences of participating users excluding the first user, and evaluates the relevance based on the number of matching keyword information. In this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates the relevance as follows: if there are five or more matching keyword information, the relevance is A; if there are two to four matching keyword information, the relevance is B; and if there is one or fewer matching keyword information, the relevance is C. In this case, if the condition for extracting the second user is set to be relevance A or relevance B, the user extraction module 2036 extracts participating users whose relevance to the first information about the preferences of the first user is evaluated as relevance A or relevance B as the second user. The second user extracted by user extraction module 2036 is a user who, like the first user, is participating in an event held in a virtual space, and together with the first user, is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or the performers of that event. A joint support process is a process in which multiple users jointly support an event or the performers of that event, and is executed by an action of at least one of those multiple users. The second user extracted by the user extraction module 2036 is a user who possesses first information regarding the preferences of the first user and first information regarding preferences with a degree of relevance above a predetermined level. Therefore, it is possible to connect users with common or related preferences as partners in co-supporting events, which is expected to increase the satisfaction of users participating in the event.

[0061] Here, "support" refers to any action performed by a user participating in an event, and includes all actions that represent support for the event or its performers. For example, support can include providing gifts to the event or its performers. Specifically, providing a gift is the act of providing a gift to the performers of the event by referring to information about gifts that can be provided at the event, which is stored in the Gift Information Database 2022. The gifts provided include, for example, gift content that is placed in the virtual space as an object that visually represents the gift. The gift content mainly consists of video data and image data (including images that move within the virtual space), and is placed in the virtual space in a display manner that represents the characteristics of the gift. The gift content (gift object representing the gift) can be placed at any position in the virtual space, but it can also be placed at a specific position or on a specific object. Specific positions include, for example, a specific position in the virtual space where the event the user is watching takes place, or a position corresponding to the head of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event the user is watching. Specific objects also include, for example, a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event the user is watching (wrist, head, legs, back, etc.), or a position corresponding to an object placed in the virtual space where the event the user is watching takes place. For example, if the gift content (gift object representing the gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object represents a wristwatch (gift), the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the wrist of the avatar object. For example, if gift content (a gift object representing a gift) is to be placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object is a hat (gift), then the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the head of the avatar object. For example, if gift content (a gift object representing a gift) is to be placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object is a backpack (gift), then the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the back of the avatar object. The gifts offered may also include, for example, gifts other than gift objects, such as gifts consisting of text data, gifts consisting of music or audio data, and gifts equivalent to money or a means of payment, often referred to as "tips." Furthermore, the gifts offered include, for example, gifts other than those directly provided to the event performers. Such gifts may include, for example, actions performed by a user avatar when a user avatar corresponding to a user is placed in the virtual space. Actions performed by a user avatar include, for example, actions in which the user avatar attaches or holds an object (for example, an action in which the user avatar attaches or holds an object representing a T-shirt, an object representing a hat, an object representing a towel, an object representing a glow stick, etc., in order to cheer on the performers). In this case, in response to the operation of providing the gift received from the user, the state in which the user avatar in the virtual space is attached or held with the object corresponding to the gift is reflected. In this way, the gift is provided to the performers by the user avatar when the action of attaching or holding an object to the user avatar is reflected in the virtual space. Actions performed by a user avatar also include, for example, actions related to performances such as dancing, jumping, and waving in the virtual space. In this case, in response to the operation of providing the gift received from the user, the user avatar in the virtual space performs the performance corresponding to the gift. In this way, the action of a user avatar's performance is reflected in the virtual space, and the gift is then provided to the performer. Such gifts are primarily provided by users, who are viewers of the event, through a payment of money or a monetary equivalent (such as points). Payment refers to the act of paying a set purchase price for a gift (including an indicator such as points equivalent to the purchase price) using money or a monetary equivalent in order to provide the gift. When a user makes a payment, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is intended. Payment is not limited to this act; it can also include, for example, the act of purchasing a special currency usable in the event in advance using money or a monetary equivalent, and then paying using the purchased special currency.

[0062] The presentation module 2037 controls a series of processes for presenting information about a second user extracted by the user extraction module 2036 to the first user. Specifically, the presentation module 2037 presents the information about the second user extracted by the user extraction module 2036 by displaying it on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. The second user presented by the presentation module 2037 may be singular or plural. If multiple second users are presented, the presentation module 2037 may prioritize and present information about the second users based on a scale such as the degree of relevance between the first user and the extracted second users. Also, if multiple second users are presented, the presentation module 2037 can present information about all extracted second users, or it may present information about only some of the extracted second users. In this case, the criteria for selecting some of the second users to be presented may be set based on a scale such as the degree of relevance between the first user and the extracted second users.

[0063] The extraction operation reception module 2038 controls a series of processes that receive an extraction operation from the first user to extract the second user, after the participation operation reception module 2034 has received a participation operation. Specifically, the extraction operation reception module 2038 receives an extraction operation to extract the second user via the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. In this case, the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) transmits information about the extraction operation received from the first user to the server 20. The extraction operation reception module 2038 of the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A). For example, when the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A), it executes an extraction process to extract the second user by the user extraction module 2036.

[0064] The preference confirmation module 2039 controls a series of processes to confirm the first user's desire to communicate with the second user. Specifically, the preference confirmation module 2039 confirms the first user's desire to communicate with the second user based on the information about the second user presented by the presentation module 2037. Confirming the desire to communicate with the second user means, for example, confirming with the first user whether or not they wish to communicate with the presented second user. If there are multiple target second users (second users corresponding to the information about the second user presented by the presentation module 2037), the preference confirmation module 2039 may, for example, confirm the communication desire of each second user with the first user. Alternatively, in this case (when there are multiple second users), the preference confirmation module 2039 may, for example, confirm the communication desire of all second users with the first user all at once. In this case, the preference confirmation module 2039 transmits information to the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user to confirm the first user's preference for communication with the second user. The first user's preference is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10) they are using. In another embodiment, the preference confirmation module 2039 controls a series of processes to confirm the first user and the second user's preference for communication between the first user and the second user. Specifically, the preference confirmation module 2039 confirms the preference for communication between the first user and the second user (the second user corresponding to the information about the second user presented by the presentation module 2037) with both the first user and the second user. If there are multiple target second users (the second users corresponding to the information about the second user presented by the presentation module 2037), the preference confirmation module 2039 may, for example, confirm the preference for communication between the first user and each of the second users with the first user. In this case, the preference confirmation module 2039 transmits information for confirming the preference for communication between the first user and the second user to the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user. The first user is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10) that they are using.

[0065] The request operation reception module 2040 controls a series of processes for receiving a request operation from the first user who has received confirmation from the request confirmation module 2039 that they wish to communicate with the second user. Specifically, the request operation reception module 2040 receives a request operation from the first user who wishes to communicate with the second user via the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. In this case, the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) transmits information about the request operation received from the first user to the server 20. The request operation reception module 2040 on the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A). For example, when the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A), it transmits information to the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) indicating that the request for communication with the second user has been accepted. In another configuration, the request operation reception module 2040 controls a series of processes that receive request operations from the first user and the second user indicating their desire for communication between the first user and the second user. Specifically, the request operation reception module 2040 receives request operations indicating the desire for communication between the first user and the second user via the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user. In this case, the terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A) and 10 (terminal device 10B) transmit information regarding the request operations received from both the first user and the second user to the server 20. The request operation reception module 2040 on the server 20 receives this information from the terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A) and 10 (terminal device 10B). For example, when server 20 receives the information from terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A) and 10 (terminal device 10B), it sends information to terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A) and 10 (terminal device 10B) indicating that the request for communication with the second user has been accepted. Note that if there are multiple second users, not all of them will necessarily want to communicate with other users. For example, if some of the multiple second users want to communicate with other users, the request operation acceptance module 2040 can accept requests from both the first user and those some second users.

[0066] The channel setting module 2041 controls a series of processes that set up a communication channel for communication between the first user and the second user, based on a requested operation received by the requested operation reception module 2040, through an operation by at least one of the first user or the second user. Specifically, when the request confirmation module 2039 has confirmed the first user's desire for communication, the request operation reception module 2040 sets up a communication channel between the first user and the second user when it receives a communication request operation from the first user. Furthermore, when the request confirmation module 2039 has confirmed the communication preferences of the first user and the second user, the request operation reception module 2040 sets up a communication channel between the first user and the second user when it receives communication preference operations from both the first user and the second user. When the request confirmation module 2039 has confirmed the communication preferences of the first user and the second user, if the request operation reception module 2040 receives a preference operation from only one of the first user or the second user, communication between both the first user and the second user will not be established, and therefore the channel setting module 2041 will not set up a communication channel between the first user and the second user. Furthermore, if there are multiple second users, and the request operation reception module 2040 accepts request operations from only some of the second users, the channel setting module 2041 will set up a communication channel only between those second users and the first user, and will not set up a communication channel between the second users whose request operations were not accepted by the request operation reception module 2040 and the first user.

[0067] The communication channel set by the channel setting module 2041 is a dedicated channel for communication between the first user and the second user through an operation by at least one of the first user and the second user, and can be used, for example, through an operation by the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the terminal device 10 (terminal device B) used by the second user. In the configured communication channel, for example, an operation to perform joint cheering (joint cheering operation) between a first user and a second user can be accepted. This process is executed, for example, by the joint cheering operation acceptance module 2042. In this case, the communication channel presents information to encourage both the first user and the second user to perform joint cheering operations. Specifically, the server 20 displays information regarding joint cheering guidance on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device B) used by the second user, in order to encourage joint cheering operations. The information regarding joint cheering guidance includes, for example, information regarding the procedure for performing joint cheering, and information regarding gifts to be offered to the event or performers of the event in order to participate in joint cheering. By accepting joint cheering operations in this way in the communication channel, users who have common or related preferences can jointly cheer for an event or performers of the event, thereby providing a more satisfying experience to participating users. Furthermore, the configured communication channel can accept operations for sending and receiving messages, for example, between a first user and a second user. Once such operations are accepted, the first user and the second user can send and receive messages. By accepting operations for sending and receiving messages in this communication channel, users who share common or related interests can interact directly, thus providing a more satisfying experience for participating users. Furthermore, the established communication channel can accept requests, for example, for a first user and a second user to jointly purchase (jointly buy) goods, content, or services related to an event held in the virtual space or the performers of that event. Once such a request is accepted, both the first and second users will be presented with information on how to proceed with the joint purchase. By accepting joint purchase requests through this communication channel, users with common or related preferences can purchase the same goods, services, or content, thereby providing a more satisfying experience for participating users. In addition to the above, the communication channel can accept various operations to facilitate communication between the first user and the second user, and can also provide the first user and the second user with the information necessary to accept such operations.

[0068] The joint cheer operation reception module 2042 controls a series of processes for receiving joint cheer operations from at least one of the first user and the second user in the communication channel set up by the channel setting module 2041, for the first user and the second user to jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event. Specifically, the joint cheer operation reception module 2042 receives joint cheer operations for the event or the performers of the event via at least one of the terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user participating in the event and the terminal device 10 (terminal device B) used by the second user. In this case, the terminal device 10 (at least one of terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B) transmits information about the joint cheer operations received from each user to the server 20. The joint cheer operation reception module 2042 of the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10 (at least one of terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B). For example, when server 20 receives the information from terminal device 10 (at least one of terminal device 10A and terminal device 10B), it transmits the information regarding the joint support to terminal device 10 used by the first user (terminal device 10A) and terminal device 10 used by the second user (terminal device B). The joint support operation reception module 2042 accepts joint support operations that can be performed by both the first user and the second user, or by either the first user or the second user. For example, either the first user or the second user can perform a joint support operation on behalf of the two, and the joint support operation reception module 2042 can accept this operation, thereby enabling joint support between the first user and the second user. Here, joint support processing includes processes performed jointly by a first user and a second user participating in the event, in order to support the event or the performers of that event. For example, joint support processing is the process of providing gifts to the event or the performers of that event. Specifically, the gift provision process is the process of providing gifts to the performers of the event by referring to information about gifts that can be provided at the event, which is stored in the Gift Information Database 2022. The gifts provided include, for example, gift content that is placed in the virtual space as an object that visually represents the gift. The gift content mainly consists of video data and image data (including images that move within the virtual space), and is placed in the virtual space in a display manner that represents the characteristics of the gift. The gift content (gift object representing the gift) can be placed at any position in the virtual space, but it can also be placed at a specific position or on a specific object. Specific positions include, for example, a specific position in the virtual space where the event the user is watching takes place, or a position corresponding to the head of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event the user is watching. Specific objects also include, for example, a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object corresponding to a performer in the event the user is watching (wrist, head, legs, back, etc.), or a position corresponding to an object placed in the virtual space where the event the user is participating takes place. For example, if the gift content (gift object representing the gift) is placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object represents a wristwatch (gift), the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the wrist of the avatar object. For example, if gift content (a gift object representing a gift) is to be placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object is a hat (gift), then the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the head of the avatar object. For example, if gift content (a gift object representing a gift) is to be placed at a position corresponding to a part of an avatar object, and the object is a backpack (gift), then the object can be placed by attaching it to the position corresponding to the back of the avatar object. The gifts offered may also include, for example, gifts other than gift objects, such as gifts consisting of text data, gifts consisting of music or audio data, and gifts equivalent to money or a means of payment, often referred to as "tips." Furthermore, the gifts provided may include, for example, gifts other than those directly provided to the event or the performers of the event. Such gifts may include, for example, actions performed by the first and second user avatars when a first user avatar (first user avatar) and a second user avatar (second user avatar) are placed in a virtual space. Actions performed by the first and second user avatars may include, for example, actions in which each user avatar attaches or holds an object (for example, an action in which the user avatar attaches or holds an object representing a T-shirt, an object representing a hat, an object representing a towel, an object representing a glow stick, etc., in order to cheer on the performers). In this case, in response to the operation of providing a gift received from the user, the state in which the object corresponding to the gift is attached or held by each user avatar in the virtual space is reflected. In this way, the gift is provided to the performers by the reflection in the virtual space of the action of attaching or holding an object to the first and second user avatars. Actions performed by the first and second user avatars include, for example, performance actions such as dancing, jumping, and waving in the virtual space. In this case, in response to a joint gift-giving operation (joint support operation) received from at least one of the first or second user, the user avatars in the virtual space perform a performance corresponding to the gift. In this way, the performance action by the first and second user avatars is reflected in the virtual space, and the gift is provided to the event or the performers of the event. Such gifts are provided when the first user and the second user pay money or a means equivalent to money (such as points). Paying means, for example, paying the purchase price set for the gift (including an indicator such as points equivalent to the purchase price) with money or a means equivalent to money in order to provide the gift. When each user pays, the purchase of the gift is confirmed and the gift is provided to the performer or other person to whom it is intended. Paying is not limited to this act, and can also include, for example, purchasing a special currency usable in the event in advance with money or a means equivalent to money, and then paying with the purchased special currency.

[0069] The joint cheering execution module 2043 controls a series of processes that execute a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for an event or the performers of that event, in response to a joint cheering operation received by the joint cheering operation reception module 2042. Specifically, the joint cheering execution module 2043 executes a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for an event or the performers of that event, in response to a joint cheering operation from at least one of the first user and the second user via a communication channel. The joint cheering execution module 2043 executes joint cheering processing corresponding to the specified cheering content in a joint cheering operation received from, for example, at least one of the first user and the second user. For example, if the joint cheering process is the process of providing a gift to an event or the performers of that event, the joint cheering execution module 2043 executes the joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for the event or the performers of that event by placing a gift object representing the gift specified by at least one of the first user and the second user in the joint cheering operation received by the joint cheering operation reception module 2042 into the virtual space where the event is being held. At this time, the gift object representing the gift is placed into the virtual space where the event is being held in such a way that it is clear that it was provided to the event or the performers of that event through the joint cheering of the first user and the second user. In this case, for example, the gift object representing the gift is placed into the virtual space where the event is being held with information visually displayed indicating that the gift was provided to the event or the performers of that event by the first user and the second user. In this case, for example, an avatar object corresponding to the first user (first user avatar) and an avatar object corresponding to the second user (second user avatar) are placed in the virtual space, and a gift object representing a gift is placed in the virtual space where the event is being held so that it can be visually recognized that it has been provided by the first user avatar and the second user avatar to the event or the performers of the event. Furthermore, if the recipient of the gift is a performer of the event, the joint cheering execution module 2043 can also perform the joint cheering process by providing the gift to the event or the performer of the event by having the gift object move within the virtual space from the respective positions of the first user avatar and the second user avatar towards the position of the performer avatar corresponding to the performer. For example, if the joint support process is the process of providing a gift equivalent to money or a means equivalent to money, known as a "tip," the joint support execution module 2043 executes a process to deposit a tip equivalent to the amount specified by at least one of the first user and the second user (including amounts deposited in money or by means equivalent to points, etc.) to the event or the performers of the event. At this time, the gift equivalent to the tip is deposited in a way that makes it clear that it was provided to the event or the performers of the event through joint support by the first user and the second user. In this case, for example, the gift equivalent to the tip is represented as an object corresponding to the gift, and the object corresponding to the gift is placed in the virtual space where the event is being held so that it can be visually recognized that the gift was provided through joint support by the first user and the second user, thereby depositing it to the event or the performers of the event. In this case, for example, a gift equivalent to a tip is sent to the event or the performers of the event, with information visually displayed at the time the gift is sent indicating that the gift was provided through the joint support of the first user and the second user. For example, if the joint cheering process is a gift provision process other than one directly provided to the event or the performers of the event, and involves the placement of a user avatar corresponding to a first user (first user avatar) and a user avatar corresponding to a second user (second user avatar) in a virtual space, and the joint cheering execution module 2043 executes a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event by having the first user avatar and the second user avatar perform. In this case, for example, if the performance performed by the first user avatar and the second user avatar is an action such as dancing, jumping, or waving, the process of executing the performance is performed in such a way that the performance corresponding to the action can be visually recognized as a joint cheer by the first user and the second user for the event or the performers of the event.

[0070] The rejection operation reception module 2044 controls a series of processes for receiving operations to reject joint support processing from participating users other than the first user. Specifically, the rejection operation reception module 2044 receives operations to reject joint support processing via terminal devices 10 used by participating users other than the first user. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information about the operation to reject joint support processing received from any participating user to the server 20. The rejection operation reception module 2044 of the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10. For example, when the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10, it can store the participating user in the storage unit 202 as a user who does not wish to participate in joint support with the first user. Furthermore, if the rejection operation reception module 2044 receives an operation to reject the joint support process, the user extraction module 2036 extracts a second user, excluding the participating user who submitted the rejection operation.

[0071] <2 Data Structure> Figure 4 shows the data structure of the user information database 2021 stored by server 20.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the user information database 2021 includes items such as "User ID", "User Name", "Age", "Gender", "Contact Information", "Membership Status", "Number of Event Participations", "User Preferences", "Favorite Performers", "Total Amount Spent", "Gift Provision History", "Log", and "Remarks".

[0073] The "ID" field is information that identifies users participating in events held in a virtual space.

[0074] The "User Name" field contains information indicating the user's name. In this case, the record may also hold information about the name (handle name) the user uses in the virtual space, in addition to the user's real name.

[0075] The "Age" field contains information indicating the user's age.

[0076] The "Gender" field indicates the user's gender.

[0077] The "Contact Information" field contains information that shows the user's contact details. This information includes the user's address, phone number, etc.

[0078] The "Membership Status" field contains information about the user's membership status when they are a member for event viewing. This information includes, for example, information representing the member's rank, such as S, A, B, or C.

[0079] The "Event Attendance Count" item indicates the number of times a user has participated in (including viewing) events in the past. This information includes, for example, the total number of times a user has participated in all events, the number of times a user has participated in each type of event, and the number of times a user has participated in each performer's event.

[0080] The item "User Preferences" refers to information about user preferences, including their likes, favorite subjects, and favorite activity patterns regarding events held in the virtual space. This information includes, for example, information about events that the user likes or enjoys, such as the type of event, the content of the event, and the type or content of performances given by the performers at the event.

[0081] The item "Favorite Performers" is information indicating performers that the user has registered in advance. The performer information stored in this record is, for example, information about at least one performer selected by the user from among multiple performers that have been registered in advance (including performers who have appeared in events held in the virtual space in the past, as well as performers who may appear in the future). The performer information includes, for example, the performer's name and information about the performer's affiliation.

[0082] The item "Total Amount Spent" is information that shows the total amount of money a user has spent on past events held in the virtual space, including money equivalent to charges for providing gifts to performers, money paid as participation fees for events, and money paid for purchasing items and goods related to events. The total gift amount may include not only money paid by the user but also means of payment that can be used in lieu of money (such as points).

[0083] The item "Gift Provision History" is information that shows a user's history of providing gifts in past events held in the virtual space. This information includes the total number of gifts provided by the user in the past, the number of gifts provided by each type of gift, the number of gifts provided for each event the user participated in (including viewing), the number of gifts provided for each performance held in an event the user participated in (including viewing) (the number of gifts provided by the user at the time a specific performance was being held), information about the gift ID of the gift provided, information about the timing (date and time) when the gift provision operation was accepted, and information about the recipient (performer) to whom the gift was provided.

[0084] The "Log" item refers to information about logs representing events held in the virtual space or user activity outside of those events. Log information includes, for example, information about past events held in the virtual space in which the user participated; information about user reactions (reactions different from providing gifts) to performers at past events held in the virtual space; information about purchase history of content, goods, services, etc., other than gifts provided to performers at past events held in the virtual space; information about access history to websites etc. set up at past events held in the virtual space; and information about the sending and receiving history of messages etc. made by the user at past events held in the virtual space.

[0085] The "Remarks" field is used to store information if there are any special notes or other important details in the user's information. Server 20 may, for example, record any other information that needs to be stored in the record.

[0086] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the gift information database 2022 stored by server 20.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5, the gift information database 2022 includes fields such as "ID", "Gift Name", "Category", "Data Type", "Content", "Charging Price", and "Remarks".

[0088] The "ID" field is information that identifies the gifts available for events held in the virtual space.

[0089] The item "Gift Name" contains information indicating the name of the gift.

[0090] The "Category" field contains information indicating the category of the gift. This information includes, for example, gift object-type gifts, tip-type gifts, wearable gifts that are attached to a user avatar, and performance-type gifts in which a user avatar performs.

[0091] The "Data Type" field indicates the type of data related to the gift content representing the gift. This information includes, for example, data types such as video data, image data, music / audio data, and text data.

[0092] The item "Content" refers to information (data) about gift content that represents a gift. This information (data) includes, for example, data about gift objects placed in a virtual space that visually represents a gift, data that visually represents when a tip is deposited into the virtual space, data about wearable objects that are attached to the user avatar corresponding to the user, and information (data) about performances that the user avatar corresponding to the user performs. This information (data) consists of data such as video data, image data, music / audio data, and text data.

[0093] The "Charging Price" item contains information about the price charged to purchase the gifts necessary to provide them. This information includes not only the specific monetary amount charged, but also information corresponding to monetary amounts in the case of alternative means such as points. In the case of free gifts that do not require payment, this information includes indications such as "0 yen" or "free."

[0094] The "Remarks" field is used to store information if there are any special notes or other details in the gift information. Server 20 may, for example, record any other information that needs to be stored in the record.

[0095] <3 Examples of Operation> The following describes a series of processes by which System 1 extracts a second user who is a candidate for joint support and can perform joint support together with the first user, in response to an event participation operation by the first user in the virtual space.

[0096] Figure 6 is a flowchart representing a series of processes that, after receiving an operation from the first user to participate in an event held in a virtual space, extract a second user who is a candidate for joint cheering with the first user to the event's performers by referring to the first information stored in the memory unit from among the participating users excluding the first user, and present this to the first user. However, the operation flow in this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform all of the series of processes, or the server 20 may perform all of the series of processes.

[0097] In step S601, the system receives a participation operation from the first user to participate in an event held in the virtual space. For example, the participation operation reception module 2034 receives a participation operation to participate in an event held in the virtual space via the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an operation to participate in an event held in the virtual space on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. The terminal device 10A transmits information regarding the gift provision operation received from the user to the server 20. The participation operation reception module 2034 receives this information from the terminal device 10A.

[0098] In step S651, after receiving a participation operation from the first user in step S601, the control unit 203 of the server 20 evaluates the degree of relevance between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participating users excluding the first user. For example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 compares the parameter information included in the first information regarding the preferences of the first user with the parameter information included in the first information regarding the preferences of the participating users, and evaluates the degree of relevance based on the number of matching parameter information. In this case, for example, the relevance evaluation module 2035 evaluates the degree of relevance as follows: if there are five or more matching parameter information, the degree of relevance is A; if there are two to four matching parameter information, the degree of relevance is B; and if there is one or fewer matching parameter information, the degree of relevance is C.

[0099] In step S652, the control unit 203 of the server 20 extracts a second user from among the participating users excluding the first user, based on the relevance evaluated in step S651, who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or the event's performers together with the first user. For example, the user extraction module 2036 extracts a second user from among the participating users excluding the first user, based on the relevance evaluated by the relevance evaluation module 2035, who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or the event's performers together with the first user. For example, as illustrated in step S651, if the relevance is evaluated as relevance A, relevance B, and relevance C, and the condition for extracting the second user is set to be relevance A or relevance B, the user extraction module 2036 extracts a participating user as the second user whose relevance to the first information regarding the first user's preferences is evaluated as relevance A or relevance B.

[0100] In step S653, the control unit 203 of the server 20 presents the first user with the information about the second user extracted in step S652. For example, the presentation module 2037 presents the first user with the information about the second user extracted by the user extraction module 2036. Specifically, for example, the presentation module 2037 transmits the information about the second user extracted by the user extraction module 2036 to the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. The terminal device 10A receives the information and displays it on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10A. This allows the first user to confirm the information about the second user who is a candidate for joint support and can provide joint support.

[0101] In the above processing flow, after receiving a participation operation from the first user to participate in an event held in the virtual space, the process of extracting the second user from the participating users excluding the first user is executed. However, the process of extracting the second user can also be executed in response to an operation from the first user. In this case, after receiving a join operation from the first user in step S601, the control unit 203 of the server 20 executes a process to receive an extraction operation from the first user to extract the second user. For example, the extraction operation reception module 2038 receives an extraction operation from the first user to extract the second user after the join operation reception module 2034 has received a join operation from the first user. Then, the control unit 203 of the server 20 extracts the second user according to the received extraction operation. For example, the user extraction module 2036 extracts the second user according to the extraction operation received by the extraction operation reception module 2038. In this case, the control unit 203 of the server 20 can also evaluate the degree of relevance between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participating users excluding the first user, and extract the second user based on the evaluated degree of relevance.

[0102] Through this process, after receiving a participation request from the first user for an event held in a virtual space, the system evaluates the degree of correlation between the first information regarding the first user's preferences and the first information regarding the preferences of other participating users. Based on the evaluated degree of correlation, it extracts second users who are candidates for joint support, allowing them to jointly support the event or its performers together with the first user. Information about the extracted second users is then presented to the first user, thus providing the first user with the opportunity to jointly support with users whose preferences match their own. As a result, users participating in events held in a virtual space are provided with opportunities for communication with other users, thereby improving user satisfaction with the event.

[0103] Figure 7 is a flowchart representing a series of processes for setting up a communication channel to enable communication between the first user and the second user, based on the first user's request for communication with the second user, after the first user has received information about the second user. The flowchart confirms the first user's desire to communicate with the second user, receives a request from the first user to initiate communication with the second user, and then, in response to the received request, enables communication between the first user and the second user through at least one of their actions. However, the operation flow in this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform all of the processes, or the server 20 may perform all of the processes.

[0104] In step S751, the control unit 203 of the server 20 confirms with the first user whether they wish to communicate with the second user. For example, the preference confirmation module 2039 confirms with the first user, who has been presented with information about the second user by the presentation module 2037, whether they wish to communicate with the second user. Specifically, for example, the preference confirmation module 2039 transmits information regarding the confirmation of the first user's wish to communicate with the second user to the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user. The terminal device 10A receives this information and displays it on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10A. This allows the first user to decide whether or not they wish to communicate with the second user.

[0105] In step S701, the control unit 203 of the server 20 receives a request operation from the first user, who has had their desire to communicate with the second user confirmed in step S751, indicating their desire to communicate with the second user. For example, the request operation receiving module 2040 receives a request operation from the first user, who has had their desire to communicate with the second user confirmed by the request confirmation module 2039, indicating their desire to communicate with the second user. Specifically, for example, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives a request operation indicating their desire to communicate with the second user on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. The terminal device 10A transmits information regarding the request operation received from the user to the server 20. The request operation receiving module 2040 receives this information from the terminal device 10A.

[0106] In step S752, the control unit 203 of the server 20 sets up a communication channel for communication between the first user and the second user, based on the requested operation received. For example, the channel setting module 2041 sets up a communication channel between the first user and the second user based on the requested operation received by the requested operation reception module 2040. The communication channel set up by the channel setting module 2041 is a dedicated channel for communication between the first user and the second user, and can be used, for example, by operations on the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the terminal device 10 (terminal device B) used by the second user.

[0107] In the above processing flow, the first user, having received information about the second user, is asked to confirm their desire to communicate with the second user. However, it is also possible to perform a process to confirm the desire for communication between both the first and second users. In this case, the control unit 203 of the server 20 executes a process to confirm the desire of the first user and the second user to communicate with each other. For example, the desire confirmation module 2039 confirms the desire of the first user to communicate with the second user with the first user, who has been presented with information about the second user by the presentation module 2037, and with the second user, who has been the subject of the presentation. The control unit 203 of the server 20 then receives a request operation from the first user and the second user indicating their desire to communicate with each other. For example, the request operation receiving module 2040 receives a request operation from the first user and the second user, who have been confirmed by the desire confirmation module 2039 to communicate with each other, indicating their desire to communicate with each other. The control unit 203 of the server 20 then sets up a communication channel for communication between the first user and the second user, based on the requested operation received by the requested operation reception module 2040, based on the requested operation received by the first user and the second user, based on the communication between the first user and the second user, based on the communication between the first user and the second user, based on the communication between the first user and the second user.

[0108] Through this process, a communication channel is set up to enable communication between the first user and the second user in response to an operation by the first user, or an operation by the first user and a second user who has been identified as a candidate for joint support with the first user. This provides users participating in events held in a virtual space with opportunities for communication with other users, thereby improving user satisfaction with the event.

[0109] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for performing joint cheering for an event or an event performer in response to a joint cheering operation from at least one of the first user or the second user. However, the operation flow is not limited to this in this disclosure. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform all of the processes, or the server 20 may perform all of the processes.

[0110] In step S801, the control unit 203 of the server 20 receives a joint cheer operation from at least one of the first user and the second user in the configured communication channel, for the first user and the second user to jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event. For example, the joint cheer operation reception module 2042 receives a joint cheer operation from at least one of the first user and the second user using the communication channel configured by the channel setting module 2041, for the first user and the second user to jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event. In this case, at least one of the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user receives a joint cheer operation for the first user to jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A, terminal device 10B) transmit information regarding the joint support operation received from the user to server 20. The joint support operation reception module 2042 receives this information from terminal devices 10 (terminal device 10A, terminal device 10B).

[0111] In step S802, the control unit 203 of the server 20 executes a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event, in response to the joint cheering operation received in step S801. For example, the joint cheering execution module 2043 executes a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event, in response to the joint cheering operation received by the joint cheering operation reception module 2042. In this case, for example, if the joint cheering process is a process of providing a gift to the event or the performers of the event, the joint cheering execution module 2043 executes a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event by placing a gift object representing the gift specified by at least one of the first user and the second user in the joint cheering operation received by the joint cheering operation reception module 2042 in the virtual space where the event is being held.

[0112] In the above processing flow, if the joint support process is a process of providing gifts to the event or the performers of the event, and a first user avatar corresponding to the first user and a second user avatar corresponding to the second user are placed in the virtual space, the control unit 203 of the server 20 can also provide gifts to the event or the performers of the event by having the gift object move within the virtual space from the first user avatar and the second user avatar to the performer avatar corresponding to the performer.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above processing flow, if the joint cheering process is a gift provision process other than one directly provided to the event or the performers of the event, and involves the placement of a user avatar corresponding to a first user (first user avatar) and a user avatar corresponding to a second user (second user avatar) in a virtual space, and is a process of executing a performance performed by the first user avatar and the second user avatar, the joint cheering execution module 2043 can also execute a joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for the event or the performers of the event by having the first user avatar and the second user avatar perform.

[0114] Through this process, in response to an action from at least one of the first or second users using the communication channel, the first and second users will jointly support the event or its performers. This provides users participating in events held in a virtual space with opportunities for communication with each other through joint support, thereby improving user satisfaction with the event.

[0115] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for extracting a second user, excluding the first user, when a participant user other than the first user rejects the joint support request. However, the operation flow is not limited to this in this disclosure. That is, the terminal device 10 may perform all of the processes, or the server 20 may perform all of the processes.

[0116] In step S901, the control unit 203 of the server 20 receives an operation to reject the joint cheering process from a participating user other than the first user. For example, the rejection operation reception module 2044 receives an operation to reject the joint cheering process from a participating user other than the first user who is participating in the event. In this case, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by that participating user receives the operation to reject the joint cheering process on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. In this case, the terminal device 10 transmits information to the server 20 about the operation to reject the joint cheering process that it received from the other user. The rejection operation reception module 2044 receives this information from the terminal device 10.

[0117] In step S951, in the process of extracting a second user who is a joint support candidate, the second user is extracted excluding the participating user who was rejected in step S901. For example, the user extraction module 2036 extracts a second user excluding the participating user who was rejected by the rejection operation reception module 2044.

[0118] This process allows participating users in events held in a virtual space to refuse the joint cheering process, and excludes those users from the second set of users being selected. As a result, participating users who do not wish to participate in joint cheering will not receive notifications or communications for communication with other users, allowing them to enjoy the event in their preferred way. Furthermore, for the first user who wishes to participate in joint cheering, the second set of users presented as potential joint cheering candidates will not include users who did not originally wish to participate in joint cheering, making it easier to find users who are potential joint cheering candidates.

[0119] In a given scenario, the server 20 may receive information from the first user regarding their preferences for co-support candidates, and in the process of extracting second users, it may also refer to the preference information in addition to the first information regarding the preferences of participating users to extract the second users. Through this process, second users are extracted based on the preferences of the first user, and information about these users is presented to the first user. This enables more satisfying user-to-user communication for the first user and increases overall satisfaction with the event.

[0120] In a certain scenario, when a user avatar corresponding to a participating user is placed in the virtual space during an event held in the virtual space, the server 20 may, in the process of extracting a second user, perform a process based on the degree of association between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participating users excluding the first user, and extract a second user corresponding to a user avatar located within a predetermined range from the position of the user avatar corresponding to the first user in the virtual space. Such a process enables communication with users within a certain distance in the virtual space during the event being participated in, making it easier to appeal to the event or performers that are being supported as part of joint support, such as by providing joint gifts or performing joint performances. As a result, it is possible to achieve more satisfying user-to-user communication for users and increase the satisfaction level of the event.

[0121] In certain situations, the server 20 may, in response to an operation from a first user, receive an operation requesting communication between the first user and several second users who have been presented to the first user as potential co-supporters, and in response to the received operation, perform a process to set up a communication channel between the first user and the specified number of second users. Through such a process, the first user can build a co-support group with users (second users) whose preferences match their own, enabling more satisfying user-to-user communication at events they participate in, and thereby increasing the satisfaction level of the event.

[0122] <4 Screen Examples> Figures 10-15 show examples of various screens displayed during a series of processes that utilize System 1 disclosed in the present invention to perform operations related to user extraction for joint cheering and execution of joint cheering, based on user input from users participating in an event held in a virtual space.

[0123] Figure 10 shows an example screen when, after receiving an operation from the first user to participate in an event held in a virtual space, a second user is extracted as a candidate for joint support to be performed together with the first user to jointly support the event or the performers of the event, and information about the second user is presented.

[0124] In Figure 10, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a message display area 1010, an extracted user display area 1020, command execution operation buttons 1030, etc., on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed across the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on only a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that events such as live performances are visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying events such as live performances.

[0125] The message display area 1010 displays information to the first user about users who are candidates for joint support (second users) and who can provide joint support. For example, the message display area 1010 displays information to the first user indicating that a user who is a candidate for joint support (second user) has been identified.

[0126] The extracted user display area 1020 displays information about the extracted second user. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user displays information about multiple extracted second users in the extracted user display area 1020. In this example screen, information about three second users is displayed, but the number of second user information displayed is not limited to this. The information about each second user displayed in the extracted user display area 1020 includes, for example, an image 1021 of the second user, information 1022 describing the second user's profile, and an operation button 1023 for viewing the second user's detailed information. Image 1021 of the second user is, for example, an image of an avatar corresponding to the second user. Information 1022 describing the second user's overview is information about the second user presented to the first user to help them understand the second user. For example, it may include information about the second user's username and user ID, as well as a brief summary of the second user's characteristics. Operation button 1023 is a button used by the first user to check the detailed information of the second user. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an operation input such as the first user pressing the button, it executes a process to move to a page showing the detailed information of the second user or to display a display frame related to the detailed information.

[0127] The command execution button 1030 is a button used by the first user to search for users other than the displayed second user. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an input such as the first user pressing the button, it executes a process to search for (extract) other users.

[0128] Figure 11 shows an example screen for displaying detailed information about the second user, which the first user requested to see more information about, from the information about the second user presented to the first user in Figure 10.

[0129] In Figure 11, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a message display area 1110, a detailed information display area 1120, a command execution button display area 1130, etc., on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed across the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on only a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that events such as live performances are visible. In this way, the user can enjoy events such as live performances while checking and operating the screen.

[0130] The message display area 1110 displays information to the first user indicating that it is a screen displaying the second user's detailed information. For example, the message display area 1110 displays information to the first user indicating that the second user's detailed information is displayed below.

[0131] The detailed information display area 1120 displays detailed information of the extracted second user. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user displays the extracted detailed information of the second user in the detailed information display area 1120. In this example screen, the detailed information displayed includes the second user's image 1121, information describing an overview of the second user 1122, and profile information 1123. Image 1121 of the second user is, for example, an image of an avatar corresponding to the second user. Information 1122 describing the second user's overview is information about the second user presented to the first user to help them understand the second user. For example, it includes information about the second user's username and user ID, as well as a brief summary of the second user's characteristics. Profile information primarily consists of information about the user's preferences, such as event participation history, favorite events, favorite performers, favorite performances by performers, and favorite gifts.

[0132] The command execution button display area 1130 displays buttons for performing a specified process based on the operation of the first user. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user displays, for example, a communication request operation button 1131 and a back button 1132 in the command execution button display area 1130. The communication request button 1131 is a button that allows the first user to request communication with the second user through an operation. The display of the communication request button 1131 corresponds to the process by the request confirmation module 2039 in this embodiment to confirm the first user's desire to communicate with the second user. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an operation input such as the first user pressing the button, it executes a process to receive a request operation indicating a desire to communicate with the second user. This operation input, such as pressing the button, corresponds to the process by the request operation reception module 2040 in this embodiment to receive a request operation from the first user indicating a desire to communicate with the second user. The back button 1132 is a button used by the first user to check information of other users other than the currently displayed user. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an input such as the first user pressing the button, it executes a process to move to a page displaying the information shown in Figure 10, for example.

[0133] Figure 12 shows an example screen displaying the communication channel established between the first user and the second user.

[0134] In Figure 12, the control units 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the first user (terminal device 10A) and the terminal device 10 used by the second user (terminal device 10B) display a message display area 1210, a command execution button display area 1220, etc., on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed across the entire surface of the display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on only a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that events such as live performances are visible. In this way, users can enjoy events such as live performances while checking and operating the screen. Furthermore, the information on this screen may be the same on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user. However, the display format may be changed to suit each user so that the information displayed is easily recognizable to each user.

[0135] The message display area 1210 displays information to the first and second users indicating that it is a display screen showing information related to the communication channel. For example, the message display area 1210 displays information to the first and second users encouraging them to use the communication channel, such as "Let's enjoy cheering together and exchanging messages!"

[0136] The command execution button display area 1220 displays buttons for performing a specified process based on an operation by at least one of the first user and the second user. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display, for example, a joint support execution button 1221, a message sending / receiving execution button 1222, and a joint purchase execution button 1223 in the command execution button display area 1220. The joint cheering button 1221 is a button that allows the first user and the second user to jointly cheer for an event or performers at the event, based on an operation by at least one of the first user or the second user. In this example screen, the joint cheering button 1221 is displayed as information that says "Cheering Together". At least one of the control units 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user will, upon receiving an operation input such as the user pressing the button, execute a process to accept a joint cheering operation for the first user and the second user to jointly cheer for an event or performers at the event. Pressing the button or performing other operations corresponds to the process by which the joint cheer operation reception module 2042 in this embodiment receives a joint cheer operation from at least one of the first user and the second user in the configured communication channel, for the purpose of performing a joint cheer operation to jointly support the event or the performers of the event. The message send / receive execution button 1222 is a button that allows either the first user or the second user to send a message to another user or receive a message from another user, through an operation by either the first user or the second user. In this example screen, the message send / receive execution button 1222 is displayed as information that says "Exchange messages". When at least one of the control units 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user or the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user receives an operation input such as the user pressing the button, it executes a process to move to a page for sending and receiving messages or displays a command frame for sending and receiving messages. The joint purchase execution button 1223 is a button for processing the purchase (joint purchase) of goods, content, services, etc. related to an event held in the virtual space or the performers of the event, etc., by an operation performed by at least one of the first user and the second user. In this example screen, the joint purchase execution button 1223 is displayed as information that says "Purchase jointly". At least one of the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user will execute the process of purchasing goods, content, services, etc. related to an event held in the virtual space or the performers of the event, etc., when the user receives an operation input such as pressing the button. At least one of the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user, when it receives an operation input from the user such as pressing a button, executes a process to transition to a page for purchasing goods, content, services, etc. related to an event held in the virtual space or the performers of the event, or displays a command frame for purchasing such goods, etc.

[0137] Figure 13 shows how a first user and a second user participating in an event held in a virtual space can jointly support the event or its performers through a communication channel. This shows an example screen for selecting the target to support when performing a joint support process. In this example screen, the same information is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user, and it shows a case where the first user acts as a representative and performs the operation via the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) that they are using.

[0138] In Figure 13, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display the performer list display area 1310, the performer selection operation display area 1320, the message history display area 1330, etc., on the display 1302. Note that this screen does not need to be displayed across the entire display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that events such as live performances are visible. In this way, users can operate the screen while enjoying events such as live performances.

[0139] The performer list display area 1001 displays a list of performers for the event. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display the performer list display area 1001, for example, by displaying images 1311 and performer names 1312 of all performers appearing in the event. The information for each performer's image 1311 and performer name 1312 functions as a button that accepts user input, such as pressing it. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives user input, such as pressing the image, it executes a process to select the performer to support.

[0140] The performer selection operation display area 1320 displays information for the first user to perform the operation of selecting and confirming the performer to whom they will provide a gift. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user displays the support target selection list 1321, the support content selection list 1322, the support target confirmation button 1323, etc. in the performer selection operation display area 1320.

[0141] The support target selection list 1321 displays information about performers selected by the first user and the second user as targets for support in a pull-down format. The method of displaying the performer information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an input from the first user to select a performer included in the list, it executes a process to select the performer to be supported.

[0142] The support content selection list 1322 displays information about the support content to be performed for the performer selected in the support target selection list 1321 in a pull-down format. Support content includes, for example, information such as "send a gift," "send a tip," "send a message," and "perform a performance." The method of displaying information about the performer is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an operation input from the first user to select a support content from the list, it executes a process to select the support content.

[0143] The support target confirmation button 1323 is a button used by the first user to confirm the performer to whom a gift will be given, and to confirm the support target (the performer to be supported and the content of the support to be given to that performer). When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an operation input from the user, such as pressing the button, it executes the operation to confirm the support target.

[0144] The message history display area 1330 displays information representing the history of message exchanges (sending and receiving) between the first user and the second user. As shown in this example screen, even in a joint support situation between the first and second users, if the first user acts as a representative to determine the support target, communication with the other user (the second user) may be necessary. Therefore, in order to ensure that the wishes of the first and second users align when determining the support target, it is possible to enable message exchanges (sending and receiving) between the two users and display the history of those message exchanges. In this example screen, the first user (aa) sends a message to the second user (bb) suggesting that they send a gift to performer B, whom they have selected as the person they want to support, saying, "Shall we send a gift to B?" The second user then replies to the first user with a message saying, "Great! Let's do it!" to agree with the first user's suggestion, and the first user then replies to the second user with a message saying, "Understood!" to indicate their intention to send a gift to performer B.

[0145] Figure 14 shows an example screen for selecting a gift when a first user and a second user, participating in an event held in a virtual space, perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or its performers via a communication channel, and provide a gift as support. In this example screen, the same information is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user, and the first user is performing the operation on behalf of the other users via their own terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A).

[0146] In Figure 14, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display the following on the display 1302: an explanatory text display area 1410, a gift list display area 1420, a gift selection operation display area 1430, a message history display area 1440, etc. This screen does not need to be displayed across the entire display 1302. For example, this screen can be displayed on only a portion of the display 1302. Alternatively, for example, this screen can be displayed on the display 1302 in a semi-transparent manner so that events such as live performances are visible. In this way, users can operate the screen while enjoying events such as live performances.

[0147] The explanatory text display area 1410 displays explanatory text and other information that can be referenced to confirm information regarding the subject of joint support by the first user and the second user. For example, the explanatory text display area 1410 displays information regarding the subject of support (performer) jointly selected by the first user and the second user, and the content of the support to be given to that subject.

[0148] The gift list display area 1420 displays a list of gifts offered to the first user and the second user. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display, for example, a gift image (object representing the gift) 1421 and a gift name 1422 in the gift list display area 1420. The information for each gift image (object representing the gift) 1421 and gift name 1422 functions as a button that accepts user input such as pressing. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives user input such as pressing the image, it executes a process to select a gift.

[0149] The gift selection operation display area 1430 displays information for confirming a gift jointly provided by the first user and the second user. The control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display the gift selection list 1431, the confirmation button 1432, etc., in the gift selection operation display area 1430.

[0150] The gift selection list 1431 displays information about gifts jointly provided by the first user and the second user in a pull-down format. The method of displaying the gift information is not limited to this. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an input from the first user to select a gift included in the list, it executes a process to select the gift.

[0151] The confirmation button 1432 is a button used to confirm the gift selected by the first user. When the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user receives an input such as pressing the button from the user, it executes a process to confirm (specify) the selected gift.

[0152] The message history display area 1440 displays information representing the history of message exchanges (sending and receiving) between the first user and the second user. As shown in this example screen, even when the first user and the second user are jointly supporting each other, if the first user is to confirm the gift or other item to be sent on behalf of the other user, communication with the other user (the second user) may be necessary. Therefore, in order to ensure that the wishes of the first user and the second user are aligned when confirming the gift or other item to be sent, it is possible to enable message exchanges (sending and receiving) between the two users and display the history of those message exchanges (sending and receiving). In this example, User 1 (aa) sends a message to User 2 (bb) asking, "What should we give B as a gift?", then User 2 replies to User 1 suggesting a gift, "How about Gift C or Gift D?", then User 1 replies to User 2 indicating their preference for one of the gifts suggested by User 2, "Shall we give Gift C?", and finally User 2 replies to User 1 agreeing to User 1's preference, "Great! Let's go with Gift C!".

[0153] Figure 15 shows an example screen for a gift provision process, which is a joint support process where the first and second users jointly support the performers in an event held in a virtual space in which the first and second users participate. This example screen describes the case where the user avatars corresponding to the first user and the user avatars corresponding to the second user are placed in the virtual space where the event is being held.

[0154] In Figure 15, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10A) used by the first user and the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 (terminal device 10B) used by the second user display the performer display area 1510 and the participating user display area 1520, etc., on the display 1302.

[0155] The performer display area 1510 displays performer avatars and the like corresponding to performers appearing in an event held in virtual space. In this example screen, performer avatars corresponding to two performers are displayed, and each performer avatar is performing according to the content of the event. In this example screen, performer avatars are displayed, including performer avatar 1511, which corresponds to a performer who receives a gift (an object representing a gift 1531) as joint support from the first user and the second user, and performer avatar 1512, which corresponds to a performer who does not receive such a gift.

[0156] The participant display area 1520 displays user avatars and other elements corresponding to users who participate as viewers in an event held in the virtual space. In this example screen, user avatars corresponding to users participating in the event, including the first user and the second user, are displayed.

[0157] In this example screen, the first user and the second user provide a gift as a joint support, offering a gift object 1531 to the performer avatar 1511 corresponding to one of the performers. The gift object 1531 is then delivered to the performer by moving within the virtual space from the first user avatar 1521 (corresponding to the first user) and the second user avatar 1522 (corresponding to the second user) towards the performer avatar 1511. The first and second users can visually confirm that a gift has been delivered to the performer by seeing the movement trajectory 1532 of the gift object 1531 displayed in the virtual space.

[0158] <5 Basic Hardware Configuration of a Computer> Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 50. Computer 50 includes at least a processor 501, main memory 502, auxiliary memory 503, and a communication IF 591 (interface). These are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus 521.

[0159] The processor 501 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program. The processor 501 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0160] Main memory 502 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0161] Auxiliary storage device 503 is a storage device for storing data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc.

[0162] The IF591 communication interface is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0163] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 50 and connecting them to each other via a network, the computers 50 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 50 includes not only a computer 50 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0164] <6. Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 50> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 50 (Figure 13) is described below. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0165] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 50 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 50 interconnected via a network. The term "computer 50" is a concept that includes not only a single computer 50 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0166] The control unit is realized when the processor 501 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 503, loads them into the main memory device 502, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0167] The memory unit is implemented by a main memory 502 and an auxiliary memory 503. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 501 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 502 or the auxiliary memory 503 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 501 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0168] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link together tabular data sets called masters, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, masters are called masters, the columns of tables are called columns, and the rows of tables are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables and masters. Typically, each table and master has a primary key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a primary key column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 501 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the storage unit, according to various programs. Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the memory unit, the information processing device and information processing system related to this disclosure can be considered to have been manufactured.

[0169] Furthermore, the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structures (lists, dictionaries, associative arrays, objects, etc.) in which information is structurally defined. Data structures also include data that can be considered as data structures by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc., written in any programming language.

[0170] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF 591. The communication unit provides the functionality to communicate with other computers 50 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 50 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 501 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 50.

[0171] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc., may be implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. The present invention can also be implemented by software program code that realizes the functions of the embodiment. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and the processor of that computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiment described above, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media used to supply such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and the like.

[0172] Furthermore, the program code that implements the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of programming or scripting languages, such as assembler, C / C++, Perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0173] Furthermore, the program code for the software that implements the functions of the embodiment may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the computer's processor may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0174] The functions realized by the components described herein may be implemented in a circuit or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions described herein. A processor is considered to be a circuit or processing circuitry, including transistors and other circuits. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory. In this specification, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0175] <7 Variations> Modifications of this embodiment will now be described. That is, the following embodiments may be adopted. (1) An information processing device, which may have this program pre-installed, or may install it afterward, or may store such a program on an external non-temporary storage medium, or may run on cloud computing. (2) A method in which a computer is made to function as an information processing device, and the program may be pre-installed on the information processing device or installed thereafter, or such program may be stored on an external non-temporary storage medium or run on cloud computing.

[0176] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted 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.

[0177] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0178] (Note 1) A program executed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores first information relating to the preferences of participating users participating in an event held in a virtual space, and the program causes the processor to execute the following steps: receiving a participation operation from a first user who is included among the participating users to participate in the event; evaluating the degree of relevance between the first information of the first user and the first information of participating users excluding the first user after receiving the participation operation; extracting a second user from among the participating users excluding the first user who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or the performers of the event together with the first user, based on the evaluated degree of relevance; and presenting information about the extracted second user to the first user.

[0179] (Note 2) The program according to claim 1, wherein the program further causes the processor to accept an extraction operation to extract a second user from the first user after accepting a participation operation, and extracts the second user in accordance with the accepted extraction operation.

[0180] (Note 3) The program according to claim 1, wherein the program causes the processor to perform a step of confirming the first user's desire to communicate with a second user.

[0181] (Note 4) The program according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of: causing a processor to perform a desired operation from a first user indicating a desire to communicate with a second user; and, in response to the received desired operation, setting up a communication channel for communication between the first user and the second user by an operation of at least one of the first user or the second user.

[0182] (Note 5) The program according to claim 1, wherein the program causes the processor to perform the step of confirming the first user and the second user's desire to communicate with each other.

[0183] (Note 6) The program according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: causing a processor to perform a desired operation from a first user and a second user indicating their desire for communication between the first user and the second user; and setting up a communication channel for facilitating communication between the first user and the second user by at least one of the operations in response to the received desired operation.

[0184] (Note 7) The program according to claim 4 or 6, further comprising the steps of: causing a processor to receive a joint cheer operation from at least one of a first user and a second user in a configured communication channel for performing a joint cheer operation in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for an event or performer; and in response to the received joint cheer operation, the program performs a joint cheer operation in which the first user and the second user jointly cheer for an event or performer.

[0185] (Note 8) The program according to claim 7, wherein, in the step of executing the joint cheering process, when the joint cheering process is a process of providing gifts to performers, a gift object representing a gift is placed in the virtual space where the event is being held, thereby providing a gift to the event or performers.

[0186] (Note 9) The program according to claim 8, wherein, in a virtual space, a first user avatar corresponding to a first user and a second user avatar corresponding to a second user are placed, and a gift object provides a gift to an event or a performer by moving within the virtual space from the first user avatar and the second user avatar towards a performer avatar corresponding to a performer.

[0187] (Note 10) The program according to claim 7, in a virtual space where a first user avatar corresponding to a first user and a second user avatar corresponding to a second user are placed, and the joint cheering process is the execution process of a performance performed by the first user avatar and the second user avatar, the program executes the joint cheering process for an event or performer by having the first user avatar and the second user avatar perform the performance in the step of executing the joint cheering process.

[0188] (Note 11) The program according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of causing the processor to accept operations from participating users other than the first user to reject joint support processing, and in the step of extracting second users, extracting second users excluding participating users who have accepted rejection operations.

[0189] (Note 12) A method performed by a computer comprising a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores first information relating to the preferences of participating users participating in an event held in a virtual space, and the processor performs the following steps: receiving a participation operation from a first user who is included among the participating users to participate in the event; evaluating the degree of relevance between the first information of the first user and the first information of participating users excluding the first user after receiving the participation operation; extracting a second user from among the participating users excluding the first user who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or the performers of the event together with the first user, based on the evaluated degree of relevance; and presenting information about the extracted second user to the first user.

[0190] (Note 13) An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, wherein the storage unit stores first information relating to the preferences of participating users participating in an event held in a virtual space, and the control unit has a function to receive participation operations from a first user included among the participating users to participate in the event, a function to evaluate the degree of correlation between the first information of the first user and the first information of participating users excluding the first user after receiving the participation operation, a function to extract a second user from among the participating users excluding the first user who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process to jointly support the event or the performers of the event together with the first user, based on the evaluated degree of correlation, and a function to present information about the extracted second user to the first user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0191] 10 (10A, 10B) Terminal device, 12 Communication interface, 13 Input device, 14 Output device, 15 Memory, 16 Storage unit, 19 Processor, 20 Server, 22 Communication interface, 23 Input / Output interface, 25 Memory, 26 Storage, 29 Processor, 50 Computer, 80 Network, 501 Processor, 502 Main memory, 503 Auxiliary memory, 521 Communication path, 591 Communication IF, 1801 User information, 1901 Input operation reception unit, 1902 Transmit / receive unit, 1903 Data processing unit, 1904 Notification control unit, 1302 Display, 140 Audio processing unit, 141 Microphone, 142 Speaker, 150 Location information sensor, 160 Camera, 170 Motion sensor, 2021 User information database, 2022 Gift information database, 2023 031 Receive control module, 2032; transmit control module, 2033; user information acquisition module, 2034; participation operation acceptance module, 2035; relevance evaluation module, 2036; user extraction module, 2037; presentation module, 2038; extraction operation acceptance module, 2039; preference confirmation module, 2040; preference operation acceptance module, 2041; channel setting module, 2042; joint support operation acceptance module, 2043; joint support execution module, 2044; rejection operation acceptance module

Claims

1. A program that is executed by a computer having a processor and memory, The memory stores first information regarding the preferences of participating users who participate in an event held in a virtual space. The program is provided to the processor: The steps include receiving a participation request from a first user included in the aforementioned participating users to participate in the event, After receiving the participation operation, the step of evaluating the degree of correlation between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participating users excluding the first user, Based on the evaluated relevance, the steps include: extracting a second user from among the participating users, excluding the first user, who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process together with the first user, such as providing gifts or reacting to the event or the performers of the event; A program that performs the steps of presenting the extracted information about the second user to the first user.

2. The program further provides the processor with: After accepting the participation operation, the system executes a step to accept an extraction operation from the first user to extract the second user. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the extraction step, the program extracts the second user in accordance with the extraction operation received.

3. The program further provides the processor with: The program according to claim 1, which causes the first user to perform a step of confirming their desire to communicate with the second user.

4. The program further provides the processor with: A step of receiving a request from the first user for communication with the second user, The program according to claim 3, which causes the program to perform the step of setting up a communication channel for communication between the first user and the second user by an operation of at least one of the first user and the second user in response to the requested operation received.

5. The program further provides the processor with: The program according to claim 1, which causes the first user and the second user to perform a step of confirming the first user's and the second user's wishes regarding communication between them.

6. The program further provides the processor with: A step of receiving requests from the first user and the second user for a desired operation to initiate communication between the first user and the second user, The program according to claim 5, which causes the program to perform the steps of setting up a communication channel for communication between the first user and the second user by at least one of the operations in response to the requested operation received.

7. The program further provides the processor with: The steps include receiving a joint cheer operation from at least one of the first user and the second user in the established communication channel, for the first user and the second user to perform the joint cheer process in which they jointly cheer for the event or the performers, The program according to claim 4 or 6, which performs the step of executing the joint cheering process in which the first user and the second user jointly provide the gift or the reaction to the event or the performer in response to the joint cheering operation received.

8. If the aforementioned joint support process is the process of providing the aforementioned gift to the aforementioned performer, The program according to claim 7, wherein in the step of performing the joint support process, the program provides the gift to the event or the performer by placing a gift object representing the gift in the virtual space where the event is being held.

9. In the virtual space where a first user avatar corresponding to the first user and a second user avatar corresponding to the second user are placed, The program according to claim 8, wherein the gift object provides the gift to the event or the performer by moving within the virtual space from the first user avatar and the second user avatar toward the performer avatar corresponding to the performer.

10. In the virtual space where a first user avatar corresponding to the first user and a second user avatar corresponding to the second user are placed, When the aforementioned joint support process is the execution process of a performance performed by the first user avatar and the second user avatar, The program according to claim 7, wherein in the step of performing the joint cheering process, the program performs the joint cheering process for the event or the performers by having the first user avatar and the second user avatar perform the performance.

11. The program further provides the processor with: The system will perform a step in which it accepts an operation from the participating users, excluding the first user, to reject the joint support process. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of extracting the second user, the program extracts the second user excluding the participating user who has accepted the rejection operation.

12. A method performed by a computer having a processor and memory, The memory stores first information regarding the preferences of participating users who participate in an event held in a virtual space. The processor receives a participation operation from a first user included in the participating users to participate in the event, After receiving the participation operation, the step of evaluating the degree of correlation between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participating users excluding the first user, Based on the evaluated relevance, the steps include: extracting a second user from among the participating users, excluding the first user, who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process together with the first user, such as providing gifts or reacting to the event or the performers of the event; A method for performing the steps of presenting the extracted information about the second user to the first user.

13. An information processing device comprising a control unit and a storage unit, The memory unit stores first information relating to the preferences of participating users who participate in an event held in a virtual space. The control unit, A function to accept participation requests from a first user included in the aforementioned participating users, to participate in the aforementioned event, After receiving the participation operation, a function is provided to evaluate the degree of correlation between the first information of the first user and the first information of the participating users excluding the first user. Based on the evaluated relevance, a function to extract a second user from among the participating users, excluding the first user, who is a candidate for joint support to perform a joint support process together with the first user, such as providing gifts or reacting to the event or the performers of the event; An information processing device having a function of presenting extracted information about the second user to the first user.

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