Programs, methods, information processing devices, and systems

Abstract

To increase user satisfaction among those participating in the virtual space. [Solution] A program executed by a computer equipped with a processor, the program causes the processor to perform the following steps: when a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view by an operation of a user participating in the virtual space, the user object is set in a predetermined spatial area of ​​the virtual space and enters an event area where at least one event takes place; and when the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it has been detected that the user object has entered the event area, the program presents the user with information on actions that the user can perform in the event area.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology that allows a user participating in a virtual space to provide gifts or items in an event or the like held in the virtual space.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that allows a user participating in a virtual space to enter an event area displayed before the start of an event held in the virtual space and purchase and provide a gift for the event to the viewing users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although the technology of Patent Document 1 provides a description of gift offering when entering the event area, there are cases where a user may temporarily enter the event area even though the user's intention to participate in the event is not certain. If such a user is guided to offer a gift in such a case, it may interfere with the user's free movement within the virtual space and may rather reduce the user's satisfaction.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to increase the user's satisfaction by ensuring the user's free mobility within the virtual space of a user participating in the virtual space and promoting the user's participation in an event for a user interested in 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 equipped with a processor, the program causing the processor to perform the following steps: when a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view by operation of the user, the user object has entered an event area where a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space is set and at least one event takes place; and when the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it has been detected that the user object has entered the event area, the program presents the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to ensure that users participating in the virtual space have the freedom to move around within the virtual space, and to encourage users who are interested in an event to participate in the event, thereby increasing user satisfaction. [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 diagram 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 event information database stored in the memory unit of server 20. [Figure 6] This is the data structure of the gift information database stored in the memory of server 20. [Figure 7]This flowchart illustrates a series of processes that notify users participating in a virtual space of their entry into an event area taking place within that virtual space. [Figure 8] This flowchart illustrates the sequence of processes involved when a user enters an event area and requests to participate in the event. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates the sequence of events a user completes when entering an event area and then offers a gift to the event. [Figure 10] This is an example screen showing a user object, corresponding to a user participating in a virtual space, moving within the virtual space to a location near the event area. [Figure 11] This is an example screen showing what happens when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in a virtual space, moves through the virtual space and enters an event area. [Figure 12] This is an example screen showing action information to a user when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in a virtual space, moves through the virtual space and enters an event area. [Figure 13] This is an example screen showing gift offer information to a user when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in a virtual space, participates in an event held in the event area. [Figure 14] This is an example screen showing the appearance of an event area set up in a virtual space. [Figure 15] This is another example of a screen displaying the appearance of an event area set up in a virtual space. [Figure 16] This is an example screen for guiding users through an event area set up in a virtual space. [Figure 17] This is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer. [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, the same reference numerals are assigned to common components, 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" is 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 that include 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) <Structure> <Overview> In the following embodiments, when a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the user's actions, a technology is described that determines whether the user object has entered an event area set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space, notifies the user of entry information indicating that the user object has entered the event area based on the determination result, and provides the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the entry information is notified. Herein, the devices used as appropriate when realizing the technology of this disclosure are not limited, and various devices can be used, including terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals owned by the user, as well as stationary PCs (Personal Computers), head-mounted displays (HMDs), and other devices.

[0022] In this embodiment, System 1 provides technology that ensures the freedom of movement and exploration within the virtual space for users participating in the virtual space, thereby enhancing user satisfaction.

[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 users participating in the virtual space. Participating in the virtual space includes not only using the virtual space, but also participating in events held in the virtual space, and purchasing and using various services, products, etc., provided in the events held in the virtual space. Terminal device 10 is implemented by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that supports a mobile communication system. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may be a stationary PC (Personal Computer), laptop PC, etc. Terminal device 10 comprises 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 comprises a communication interface (IF) 22, an input / output interface (I / O) 23, a memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29.

[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 information about users participating in the virtual space. Server 20 stores information about event areas set in predetermined spatial regions of the virtual space. Server 20 stores information about gifts to be provided for events held in event areas, etc. Furthermore, when a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person perspective through the actions of a user participating in the virtual space, the server 20 determines whether or not the user object has entered an event area set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space. For a user object to move in a first-person perspective, this means that the user object is not displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the user controlling the movement of the user object views the virtual space from the user object's perspective, and the user object corresponding to the user moves as a result of the user's actions from that perspective. On the other hand, for a user object to move in a third-person perspective, this means that the user object is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user, the user controlling the movement of the user object views the movement of the user object existing in the virtual space, and the user object corresponding to the user moves as a result of the user's actions from that perspective. The server 20 can display the user object corresponding to a user in either a first-person or third-person perspective, but users participating in the virtual space can also switch the display of the user object between first-person and third-person perspectives through operations performed via the terminal device 10 used by that user. Furthermore, when the server 20 determines that a user object has entered the event area, it notifies the user of entry information indicating that the user object has entered the event area. Furthermore, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the intrusion information is notified, the server 20 provides the user with information about actions the user can perform in the event area.

[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 the virtual space. User information includes, for example, information about the identification ID, information about the user's name, information about the user's age, information about the user's gender, information about the user's contact information, information about favorite events held in the virtual space and / or favorite performers appearing in those events, information about the total amount of gifts the user has provided in the virtual space in the past, gift provision history information regarding gifts provided in past events held in the virtual space, log information representing the user's activity history at events held in the virtual space or outside of those events, etc. Events held or previously held in the virtual space in which the user participates can include various events held in the virtual space, such as live music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion shows, conferences, and exhibitions.

[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 stores the user information database 2021, the event area information database 2022, the gift information database 2023, and so on.

[0052] The User Information Database 2021 is a database for storing various information about users participating in the virtual space. This information includes, for example, information about users participating in the virtual space. This information includes, for example, information about the user's identification ID, the user's name, the user's age, the user's gender, the user's contact information, the user's membership status, the number of times the event area has been visited, information about the user's preferences, information about the user's favorite performers, information about the total amount spent by the user through gift provision in the virtual space, information about the user's gift provision history in the virtual space, and information about logs representing the user's activity history at events held in the virtual space or outside of such events. Details of each record held in the database will be described later.

[0053] The Event Area Information Database 2022 is a database for storing various information about event areas set up in a designated spatial area of ​​a virtual space. Information about event areas includes information about an identification ID for identifying the event area, information about the name of the event area, information about the event area's operating period, information about the administrator managing the event area, information about events held in the event area, and information about the event area's location in the virtual space and the area it occupies in the virtual space. Event information also includes information about an identification ID to identify the event, information about the event name, information about the event type, information about the event content, information about the event organizer, information about the event performers, and information about eligibility to participate in the event. Information about the event type includes information that describes the type of event, such as a live music event held in a virtual space, a talk event held in a virtual space, a merchandise sales event held in a virtual space, a game event held in a virtual space, a fashion show event held in a virtual space, a conference event held in a virtual space, or an exhibition event held in a virtual space. Information about the event content describes the specific content of each type of event, and for example, in the case of a live music event, it includes information about the name of the live performance, information about the performers at the live performance, information about the program performed at the live performance, and information about the duration of the live performance. The event area information stored in the event area information database 2022 includes all the information necessary to set up an event area in the virtual space. Therefore, the server 20 (the event area setting module 2034, described later) can refer to the event area information stored in the event area information database 2022 to set up an event area in a predetermined spatial area of ​​the virtual space, and for example, visually display the set event area on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by a user participating in the virtual space.

[0054] The Gift Information Database 2023 is a database for storing information about gifts that can be offered to events held in an event area after a user enters that event area within the virtual space. Gifts are provided in response to user actions when a user enters an event area and participates in an event held there, in order to support the event or the performers participating in the event. Gift information 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 object, and information about the charge price required to provide the gift (including the amount charged in cash or by means of monetary substitutes such as points). The gift categories include information indicating the types of gifts, such as gift object type gifts, tipping type gifts, and performance type gifts where a user object corresponding to a user participating in (or watching) an event performs the gift. The data type of a gift includes information indicating the type of data, such as video data, image data, music / audio data, or text data. A gift object is, for example, an object placed in a virtual space, and mainly consists of video data and image data (including images that move within the virtual space). In addition to objects placed in a virtual space, a gift object may also be a wearable object attached to a performer user object corresponding to a performer appearing in an event held in the virtual space. Examples of wearable gift objects include an object representing a "wristwatch" that is attached to the wrist of a performer object corresponding to a performer, an object representing a "hat" that is attached to the head of a performer object corresponding to a performer, and an object representing a "cane" that is attached to the hand of a performer object corresponding to a performer. In addition to gift objects, gifts may 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." The contents of a gift can also include actions performed by a user object corresponding to a user participating in (or watching) an event. Actions performed by a user object include, for example, actions that equip or hold a specific object (for example, an action where the user object equips 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 this case, in response to the operation to provide the gift received from the user, the state in which the object corresponding to the gift is equipped or held by the user object in the virtual space is reflected. In this way, the gift is provided when the action of equipping or holding a specific object on the user object is reflected in the virtual space. Actions performed by a user object can 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 to provide the gift received from the user, the performance corresponding to the gift is performed by the user object in the virtual space. In this way, the gift is provided when the action of performance by the user object is reflected in the virtual space. 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.

[0055] 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, event area setting module 2034, event area display module 2035, intrusion detection module 2036, intrusion information notification module 2037, intrusion time measurement module 2038, action information presentation module 2039, event participation operation reception module 2040, event participation permission module 2041, gift provision operation reception module 2042, gift provision execution module 2043, action information stop / restriction module 2044, event area information guidance module 2045, and event participation qualification determination module 2046.

[0056] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0057] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0058] The user information acquisition module 2033 controls a series of processes for acquiring information about users participating in the virtual space. User information includes, for example, information about the user's identification ID, the user's name, the user's age, the user's gender, the user's contact information, information about favorite events held in the virtual space and / or favorite performers appearing in those events, information about the total amount of gifts the user has provided in the virtual space in the past, gift provision history information regarding gifts provided 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 those events. 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 used by the 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 user.

[0059] The event area setting module 2034 controls a series of processes for setting an event area in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space. Specifically, for example, the event area setting module 2034 refers to the event area information database 2022 and sets an event area in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space based on various information about event areas stored in the event area information database 2022. An event area is a designated spatial region within a virtual space where various events are held that users participating in the virtual space can participate in and enjoy. An event area contains at least one event that users participating in the virtual space can participate in. Events include, for example, live music events, talk events, merchandise sales events, game events, fashion shows, conferences, and exhibitions held in the virtual space. The Event Area Setting Module 2034, when setting up a new event area, basically sets the event area so that it does not overlap positionally with other event areas set up in the virtual space. However, it is also possible to set it to be in the same position as other event areas or to partially overlap with other event areas.

[0060] The event area display module 2035 controls a series of processes for visually displaying the event area set by the event area setting module 2034 in the virtual space. Specifically, it visually displays the event area that occupies a predetermined spatial area in the virtual space, as set by the event area setting module 2034. In this case, a user participating in the virtual space can visually confirm the event area set in the virtual space via the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by that user. The event area display module 2035 can display event areas in virtual space in various ways. For example, the event area display module 2035 can display only the outline of the spatial area occupied by the event area in virtual space (a boundary for visually distinguishing the inside and outside of the event area) as an event area (for example, the display mode of event area EA shown in Figure 15). Alternatively, the event area display module 2035 can display both the outline of the spatial area occupied by the event area in virtual space and the appearance of the events taking place in the event area located inside the outline (for example, the display mode of event area EA shown in Figure 14). Furthermore, the event area display module 2035 can display the appearance of the events taking place in the event area without displaying the outline. The Event Area Display Module 2035 can display not only currently running event areas, but also past and future event areas in the virtual space. The period for which event areas are displayed by the Event Area Display Module 2035 can be set arbitrarily. For example, in the case of currently running event areas, the Event Area Display Module 2035 can display the event area only during its running period. Also, in the case of past event areas, the Event Area Display Module 2035 can display the event area until a certain period has elapsed after the end of its running period. Furthermore, in the case of future event areas, the Event Area Display Module 2035 can display the event area from a certain period before the start of its running period. When displaying an event area in a virtual space in the manner described above, the event area display module 2035 can refer to the information stored in the event area information database 2022. Server 20 does not necessarily have to display the event area using the event area display module 2035. For example, if an event area is set by the event area setting module 2034, Server 20 can prevent the set event area from being visually displayed.

[0061] The intrusion detection module 2036 controls a series of processes to detect when a user object, which corresponds to a user, enters one of the event areas set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space, when the user object can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view due to the user's actions in participating in the virtual space. Specifically, the intrusion detection module 2036 detects when the user object, which corresponds to a user, is moving around the virtual space due to the user's actions in participating in the virtual space, and when the moving user object enters one of the event areas set by the event area setting module 2034. Intrusion detection of user objects by the intrusion detection module 2036 can be performed using various criteria. For example, the intrusion detection module 2036 can detect that a user object has entered an event area when the user object moving through the virtual space enters a predetermined spatial area in the virtual space corresponding to the event area. In this case, the user object entering a predetermined spatial area in the virtual space may mean that the entire user object enters the predetermined spatial area, or that only a part of the user object enters the predetermined spatial area. For example, the intrusion detection module 2036 can detect that a user object has entered an event area when the user object moving through the virtual space enters a certain range (for example, within a certain distance from the predetermined spatial area) of the virtual space corresponding to the event area. In this case, "the user object entering a certain range from the predetermined spatial area of ​​the virtual space" may mean that all of the user object enters the predetermined spatial area, or that only a part of the user object enters the predetermined spatial area.

[0062] The entry information notification module 2037 controls a series of processes that notify the user of entry information indicating that a user object has entered an event area when the entry detection module 2036 detects that a user object has entered any event area. Specifically, when the entry detection module 2036 detects that a user object corresponding to a user has entered a predetermined spatial area of ​​the virtual space due to an operation by the user participating in the virtual space, the entry information notification module 2037 notifies the user of entry information indicating that the user object has entered an event area. Intrusion information notifications by the Intrusion Information Notification Module 2037 can be provided in various ways. For example, the entry information notification module 2037 can notify a user visually that a user object corresponding to that user has entered an event area. Visual information may include, for example, information about a text message indicating that the user object has entered an event area (for example, information consisting of a text message that says "You have entered the event area of ​​XX"), information about an object that indicates that the user object has entered an event area (for example, information consisting of a pre-configured object that indicates that the user object has entered an event area), and information about a color scheme that indicates that the user object has entered an event area (for example, information obtained by changing the background color of the virtual space when the user object enters an event area). Such visual notifications are made, for example, by displaying the information on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. For example, the entry information notification module 2037 can notify a user by auditory information that a user object corresponding to that user has entered an event area. Auditory information may include, for example, information about a voice message indicating that the user object has entered an event area (for example, information consisting of a voice message saying "You have entered the event area of ​​XX"), information about a chime sound indicating that the user object has entered an event area (for example, information consisting of a chime sound that says "Pikon!"), or information about music indicating that the user object has entered an event area (for example, information consisting of music or songs that play a pre-set melody). Such auditory notifications are made, for example, by generating sound from the speaker 142 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. For example, the entry information notification module 2037 can notify a user via haptic information that a user object corresponding to that user has entered an event area. This haptic information may include, for example, information about vibrations indicating that the user object has entered an event area. Such notification via haptic information may be performed, for example, by vibrating the terminal device 10 used by the user. The intrusion information notification module 2037 may provide intrusion information notifications using any of the above-mentioned visual, auditory, or tactile information, or a combination of these. The intrusion information notification module 2037 may also provide intrusion information notifications by means other than those described above.

[0063] The entry time measurement module 2038 controls a series of processes that measure the time a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space remains in the event area (duration of entry into the event area) after the entry detection module 2036 has detected that the user object has entered the event area. Specifically, for example, the entry time measurement module 2038 starts measuring the time a user object corresponding to a user remains in the event area (duration of entry into the event area) from the moment the entry detection module 2036 detects that the user object has entered the event area. In this case, for example, the entry time measurement module 2038 continues measuring the entry time if the user object remains in the event area after the entry detection module 2036 detects that the user object corresponding to a user has entered the event area, and stops measuring the entry time if the user object moves outside the event area. However, if the user object moves inside the event area a short time after moving outside, the entry time measurement module 2038 may consider the user object to be remaining in the event area and continue measuring the entry time. More specifically, for example, the entry time measurement module 2038 starts measuring the time the user object remains in the event area (duration of entry into the event area) from the moment the entry information notification module 2037 notifies the user of the entry information. In this case, for example, the entry time measurement module 2038 continues measuring the entry time if the user object remains in the event area after the entry information notification module 2037 notifies the user of the entry information, and stops measuring the entry time if the user object moves outside the event area. In this case, if the user object moves inside the event area a short time after moving outside the event area, the entry time measurement module 2038 may consider the user object to be remaining in the event area and continue measuring the entry time.

[0064] The action information presentation module 2039 controls a series of processes that present the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the intrusion detection module 2036 has detected that the user object has entered the event area. Specifically, for example, the server 20 can present the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area, based on the time the user object remains in the event area (duration of entry into the event area) measured by the intrusion time measurement module 2038, if it is determined that the user object has remained in the event area for a certain period of time after the intrusion detection module 2036 has detected that the user object has entered the event area. Action information refers to information about actions that can be performed in the event area, and includes, for example, information guiding users to participate in events held in the event area (event participation information), information guiding users to provide gifts for events held in the event area (gift provision information), information guiding users to visit various events held in the event area (for example, visiting events held in the event area while wandering around the event area) (event visit information), information guiding users to purchase services, goods, etc. sold at market events held in the event area (purchase information), information guiding users to list services, goods, etc. as exhibitors at market events held in the event area (exhibition information), information guiding users to appear at events held in the event area (appearance information), information guiding users to interact with other users staying in the event area (interaction information), information guiding users to invest in events etc. held in the event area (investment information), and information guiding users to conduct evaluations of events etc. held in the event area (evaluation information). Information guiding users to participate in events held in the event area (event participation guidance information) is information that prompts users who have entered the event area to participate in events held in the event area. Event participation guidance information includes, for example, information about the outline of events (all events if multiple events are included) held in the event area where the user object corresponding to the user is staying, the type of event (e.g., live music event held in virtual space, talk event held in virtual space, merchandise sales event held in virtual space, game event held in virtual space, fashion show event held in virtual space, conference event held in virtual space, exhibition event held in virtual space), information about the event performers, information about the event participation fee (whether it is paid or free, and the participation fee if it is paid), and information about the event duration (including date and time). When event participation guidance information is presented as action information by the action information presentation module 2039, the user can participate in the event they request to participate in by receiving a participation request operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user to request participation in at least one event. Through this process, users can participate in the events of their choice from among the events held in the event area, thereby increasing user satisfaction. The information that guides users to provide gifts for events held in the event area (gift provision guidance information) is information that prompts users who have entered the event area to provide gifts for events held in that area. The gift provision guidance information includes, for example, information about the outline of the events (all events if multiple events are included) held in the event area where the user object corresponding to the user is staying, information about the event performers, information about gifts that can be provided at the event (information about the gift name, type, gift object, charge amount, etc.), and information about the conditions for providing gifts. When the action information presentation module 2039 presents the gift provision guidance information as action information, the user can provide gifts to their favorite events or event performers by accepting a gift provision operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, users can enjoy the event more by providing gifts, thereby increasing user satisfaction. Information guiding users to various events held in the event area (event visit guidance information) is information that prompts users who have entered the event area to visit the events being held in the event area. The event visit guidance information is designed to allow users to explore the event area and visit the events being held there, providing them with an opportunity to find events that interest them. For example, the event visit guidance information includes information about the events (all events if there are multiple events) being held in the event area where the user object corresponding to the user is currently located, information about the event locations, information about directions to the event locations, and information about recommended events. When the action information presentation module 2039 presents event visit guidance information as action information, the user can visit events that interest them from among the events being held in the event area by receiving a visit request operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, users can visit events and check the content of events in advance before participating in events being held in the event area, so they can participate in the events that they are most looking forward to, and as a result, user satisfaction can be increased. Information guiding users to purchase services, goods, etc. sold at market events held in the event area (purchase guidance information) is information that prompts users who have entered the event area to purchase services, goods, etc. sold at events held in the event area. Purchase guidance information includes, for example, information about the name of the service / product to be sold, information about the characteristics of the service / product to be sold, information about the appearance of the service / product to be sold, information about the price of the service / product to be sold, and information about events related to the service / product to be sold. When purchase guidance information is presented as action information by the action information presentation module 2039, the user can purchase services, goods, etc. offered at the market event held in the event area by accepting a purchase request operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, users can enjoy shopping and discovering new services and goods at market events held in the event area, thereby increasing user satisfaction. Information guiding users to exhibit services, goods, etc. as exhibitors in market events held in the event area (exhibition guidance information) is information that prompts users who have entered the event area to exhibit services, goods, etc. as exhibitors in the market events held in the event area. Exhibition guidance information includes, for example, information on the requirements for exhibitors who can exhibit services, goods, etc., information on the services, goods, etc. that can be exhibited, information on the fees for exhibiting services, goods, etc., and information on the procedures for exhibiting services, goods, etc. When the action information presentation module 2039 presents the exhibition guidance information as action information, the user can exhibit services, goods, etc. in the market event held in the event area by accepting an exhibit request operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, the user can sell the services they provide or the goods they own through the market event held in the event area, thereby realizing revenue generation and promotion of works created by the user. As a result, user satisfaction can be increased. Information guiding users to perform at events held in the event area (performance guidance information) is information that encourages users who have entered the event area to participate as performers in events held in the event area. Such events include participatory events such as singing contests, dance contests, and speech contests. Performance guidance information includes, for example, information on participation requirements as a performer, information on performance content (such as the content of the performance to be performed), information on participation fees for the event, information on participation rewards for participating in the event, and information on the procedure for participating in the event. When performance guidance information is presented as action information by the action information presentation module 2039, the user can submit a performance request operation at the market event held in the event area via the terminal device 10 used by the user, thereby allowing the user to offer services, products, etc., at the market event held in the event area. Through this process, users can showcase their performances, such as singing or dancing, to other users at events held in the event area, thereby enabling them to promote themselves. As a result, user satisfaction can be increased. Information guiding users to interact with other users in the event area (interaction guidance information) is information that a user object provides to a user who has entered the event area, encouraging them to engage in conversations, information exchanges, and other interactions with other users in the event area. Interaction guidance information includes, for example, information about other users in the event area, information about places to interact with other users, and information about how to interact with other users. Information about other users in the event area includes, for example, information about the other user's identification ID, information about the other user's name, and information about the other user's preferences. When interaction guidance information is presented as action information by the action information presentation module 2039, the user can interact with other users in the event area by receiving an interaction request operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, users can engage in conversations and information exchanges with other users in the event area, enabling them to make new friends and acquire new information. As a result, user satisfaction can be increased. Information guiding investment in events held in the event area (investment guidance information) is information that encourages investment in events held in the event area or through advertising in the event area. Investment guidance information includes, for example, information on the investment target, information on investment methods, information on investment amounts, and information on investment procedures. When investment guidance information is presented as action information by the action information presentation module 2039, the user can make investment activities in events held in the event area by accepting an investment request operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, the user can realize, for example, investment in promising future events or event performers, or PR of their own business by placing advertisements. As a result, user satisfaction can be increased. Information guiding users to conduct evaluations of events held in the event area (evaluation guidance information) is information that encourages users to conduct evaluations of the event area and the events held in that event area. Evaluation guidance information includes, for example, information about the events to be evaluated, information about the evaluation method, information about the evaluation procedure, and information about evaluation results by other users. When evaluation guidance information is presented as action information by the action information presentation module 2039, the user can conduct an evaluation of the events held in the event area by receiving an evaluation request operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, users can recommend events that they are interested in to other users through their evaluations of events, thereby increasing their motivation to participate in events and, as a result, increasing user satisfaction. The action information display module 2039 transmits action information that the user can perform in the event area to the terminal device 10 used by that user. The transmitted action information is displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the first user.

[0065] The event participation operation reception module 2040 controls a series of processes for receiving participation request operations from a user to request participation in at least one event when the action information presentation module 2039 presents event participation guidance information as action information that guides the user to participate in an event held in the event area. Specifically, the event participation operation reception module 2040 receives participation request operations from a user who has received event participation guidance information as action information from the action information presentation module 2039 that guides the user to participate in an event held in the event area, to request participation in at least one event. Specifically, the event participation operation reception module 2040 receives participation request operations to request participation in at least one event via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, if the event area into which the user object corresponding to the user has entered contains multiple events, the event participation operation reception module 2040 can also receive participation request operations from the user to request participation in multiple events. Upon operation by the user, the terminal device 10 sends information regarding the participation request to participate in an event received from the user to the server 20. The event participation operation reception module 2040 on the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the event participation request module 2040 accepts participation request operations to request participation in an event. If an event includes multiple content items, it can also accept participation request operations for each individual content item. Content included in an event includes, for example, an event composed of multiple content items such as Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3; an event composed of multiple content items such as singing performance content, talk show content, and dance performance content; or an event composed of multiple content items such as live performance content, shop content, and social networking site content.

[0066] The event participation permission module 2041 controls a series of processes that grant a user permission to participate in an event in response to a participation request operation received by the event participation operation reception module 2040. Specifically, when the event participation operation reception module 2040 receives a participation request operation from a user participating in an event held in the event area, the event participation permission module 2041 grants the user permission to participate in the event. In addition, some events may have participation requirements. These requirements may include, for example, payment of the participation fee, meeting the age requirement, pre-registration for the event, pre-registering as a member for the event, or other pre-specified procedures for event participation. If such participation requirements are set, the event participation permission module 2041 will determine whether the user who requested to participate in the event meets those requirements, and if it is determined that the user meets those requirements, it can grant the user permission to participate in the event. The process by which the event participation permission module 2041 grants permission to participate in an event may be executed automatically when the event participation operation reception module 2040 receives a participation request operation, or it may be executed when the event organizer or the like performs an operation to grant permission to participate in the event each time such a participation request operation is received. Furthermore, the event participation permission module 2041 can grant a user permission to participate in an event on an event-by-event basis. For example, if an event area entered by a user object corresponding to a user contains multiple events, the event is distinguished into those that require participation permission and those that do not, and the event participation permission module 2041 can grant participation to events that require participation permission. Specifically, when a user wants to participate in an event that requires participation permission, the event participation permission module 2041, in response to the participation request operation received from the user, determines whether the user who made the participation request operation meets the participation conditions, and if it is determined that the conditions are met, it grants the user permission to participate in the event. On the other hand, when a user wants to participate in an event that does not require participation permission, the server 20 executes the process for the user to participate in the event in response to the participation request operation received from the user, without going through the processing of the event participation permission module 2041. The advantages of this configuration, in which events that require participation permission and those that do not are distinguished on an event-by-event basis, include the following. For example, if an event held in the event area is one that is expected to attract a certain number of attendees, such as one featuring live performances of singing or dancing by performers, or if it is an event hosted by a well-known user, such as a popular influencer, then it is expected that the processing load related to rendering the event will increase due to the large number of participants. In such cases, the increase in processing load can be mitigated by using the event participation permission module 2041 to allow only users who meet the participation requirements to participate. On the other hand, if an event held in the event area does not pose the above-mentioned concern of increased processing load, for example, if the number of participants is not concentrated in a certain time period and the fluidity of participants is ensured, or if it is an event hosted by an unknown organizer or performer, then not imposing restrictions on participants may lead to a more vibrant event.In such events, allowing users to participate without going through the processing by the event participation permission module 2041 is expected to increase user satisfaction. Furthermore, if an event includes multiple content items, the event participation permission module 2041 can also grant the user permission to participate in each of those content items in response to a participation request operation received by the event participation operation reception module 2040. Content included in an event includes, for example, an event composed of multiple content items such as Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3; an event composed of multiple content items such as singing performance content, talk show content, and dance performance content; or an event composed of multiple content items such as live performance content, shop content, and social networking site content.

[0067] The gift provision operation reception module 2042 controls a series of processes for receiving a gift provision operation from a user when the action information presentation module 2039 presents gift provision guidance information as action information, which guides the user on providing a gift for an event taking place in the event area. Specifically, the gift provision operation reception module 2042 receives a gift provision operation for providing a gift to an event via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Providing a gift to an event includes providing a gift to the event itself in which the user is participating, as well as providing a gift to performers appearing at the event. In this case, for example, a user can operate the terminal device 10 they are using, follow the instructions displayed on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10, select at least one gift from among several gifts displayed on the display 1302, and provide the selected gift to the event in which the user is participating. Upon this operation, the terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the gift provision operation received from the user to the server 20. The gift provision operation reception module 2042 of the server 20 receives this information from the terminal device 10.

[0068] The gift provision execution module 2043 controls a series of processes for providing gifts to an event in response to a gift provision operation received by the gift provision operation reception module 2042. Specifically, the gift provision execution module 2043 provides the gift selected by the user to the event in response to a gift provision operation received via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Providing a gift to an event includes providing a gift to the event itself in which the user is participating, as well as providing gifts to performers appearing in the event. For example, if the gift selected by the user is a gift object that is visually displayed in a virtual space, the gift provision execution module 2043 provides the gift to the event (including the performers appearing in the event) by placing the gift object in the virtual space where the event is taking place. In this case, for example, the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user will show the gift object corresponding to the gift selected by the user, placed at an arbitrary location in the virtual space where the event is taking place.

[0069] The action information stop / restriction module 2044 controls a series of processes that stop or restrict the action information presentation process by the action information presentation module 2039. Specifically, the action information stop / restriction module 2044 stops the presentation of action information if the user performs any operation on the action information presented after the action information presentation module 2039 has presented the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area. For example, if the action information presentation module 2039 presents event participation guidance information as action information, informing users to participate in an event held in the event area, and the event participation operation reception module 2040 of the server 20 receives a participation request operation from a user to request participation in at least one event, the action information stop / restriction module 2044 will stop the presentation of event participation guidance information by the action information presentation module 2039. Also, for example, if the action information presentation module 2039 presents gift provision guidance information as action information, informing users to provide gifts for an event held in the event area, and the gift provision operation reception module 2042 of the server 20 receives a gift provision operation from a user to provide a gift, the action information stop / restriction module 2044 will stop the presentation of gift provision guidance information by the action information presentation module 2039. Furthermore, the Action Information Suspension / Restriction Module 2044 restricts the presentation of action information to the user by the Action Information Presentation Module 2039 if the Event Participation Eligibility Determination Module 2046 (described later) determines that the user participating in the virtual space is not eligible to participate in an event held in the event area.

[0070] The event area information guidance module 2045 controls a series of processes that provide the user with event area information before the user object enters the event area. Specifically, the event area information guidance module 2045 provides event area information to users participating in the virtual space. In this case, for example, the event area information guidance module 2045 provides event area information by visually displaying the event area information on the display 1302 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. The event area information is information that indicates that an event area has been set up in the virtual space, and includes, for example, information about the name of the event area set up in the virtual space, information about the type of event area, information about the overview of the event area, and information about the location of the event area. If the event area information is information about the location of the event area, the event area information guidance module 2045 can provide information about the event area using text information that represents the location of the event area. In this case, for example, the event area information guidance module 2045 can provide information about the location of the event area to the user by displaying text information (text message) on the display of the terminal device 10 used by the user, which reads, "The event area for XX is located 500m east from here. The event taking place in this event area is XX." Furthermore, if the event area information is information about the location of the event area, the event area information guidance module 2045 can guide users through the event area information using an object that represents the location of the event area. In this case, for example, the event area information guidance module 2045 can guide users through the location of the event area by displaying an object representing a rightward arrow on the display of the terminal device 10 used by the user. For example, the event area information guidance module 2045 can also provide event area information by audibly generating event area information through the speaker 142 of the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, for example, the event area information guidance module 2045 can provide information about the location of the event area by generating a voice message from the speaker 142 of the terminal device 10 used by the user saying, "The event area for XX is located 500m east from here. The event taking place in this event area is XX."

[0071] The event participation eligibility determination module 2046 controls a series of processes that determine whether a user is eligible to participate in an event held in the event area. Specifically, the event participation eligibility determination module 2046 determines whether a user is eligible to participate in an event held in the event area if the user object corresponding to the user participating in the virtual space remains in the event area for a certain period of time after entry information is notified by the entry information notification module 2037. If the event participation eligibility determination module 2046 determines that a user is eligible to participate in an event held in the event area, then, for example, the action information presentation module 2039 will present the user with information about actions they can perform in the event area. On the other hand, if the event participation eligibility determination module 2046 determines that the user is not eligible to participate in an event held in the event area, then, for example, the action information suspension / restriction module 2044 will restrict the action information presentation process by the action information presentation module 2039. Furthermore, if eligibility requirements for participation in an event held in the event area are set for each piece of content included in the event, the event eligibility determination module 2046 can determine whether the user is eligible to participate in each piece of content. Examples of content included in an event include, for example, an event composed of multiple pieces of content such as Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3; an event composed of multiple pieces of content such as singing performances, talk shows, and dance performances; or an event composed of multiple pieces of content such as live performances, shops, and social networking sites. In such cases, where an event is composed of multiple pieces of content, eligibility requirements and participation fees may be set for each piece of content, so the event eligibility determination module 2046 determines whether the user is eligible to participate in each piece of content. In this case, if the event eligibility determination module 2046 determines that the user is not eligible to participate in at least one piece of content included in the event, the action information suspension / restriction module 2044 can, for example, restrict the presentation of action information by the action information presentation module 2039 for the content for which the user is deemed ineligible.

[0072] <2 Data Structure> Figure 4 shows the data structure of the user information database 2021 stored by server 20.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the user information database 2021 includes fields such as "ID", "Name", "Age", "Gender", "Contact Information", "Membership Status", "Number of Event Area Visits", "User Preferences", "Favorite Performers", "Total Amount Spent", "Gift Provision History", "Log", and "Remarks".

[0074] The "ID" field is information that identifies users participating in the virtual space and events held within it.

[0075] The "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.

[0076] The "Age" field contains information indicating the user's age.

[0077] The "Gender" field indicates the user's gender.

[0078] The "Contact Information" field contains information that shows the user's contact details. This information includes the user's address, phone number, etc.

[0079] The "Membership Status" field contains information about the membership status set when a user registers as a member to use services conducted in a virtual space. This membership status information includes, for example, information representing the member's rank, such as S, A, B, or C.

[0080] The item "Event Area Visit Count" indicates the number of times a user has visited an event area set up in the virtual space or an event held within that event area. This information includes, for example, the total number of visits to an event area or event visited by the user, and the number of visits to each event area or event visited by the user.

[0081] The item "User Preferences" refers to information about user preferences, including a user's preferences for events held in event areas set up in the virtual space, their favorite subjects, and their favorite activity patterns. Information about user preferences includes, for example, information about event areas or 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 given by performers at the event.

[0082] The item "Favorite Performer" refers to performers who appear in events held in the virtual event area, and contains information about the user's favorite performers. This information includes, for example, the performer's name and their affiliation.

[0083] The item "Total Amount Spent" is information that shows the total amount of money that users have spent on events held in an event area set up in a virtual space, including money equivalent to charges for providing gifts, money paid as participation fees for events, and money paid when purchasing items and goods related to events. In addition to money paid by users, the total gift amount may also include means that can be used as an alternative to money (such as points).

[0084] The item "Gift Provision History" is information that shows a user's history of providing gifts in events held in event areas set up in a 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 virtual room the user visited (entered) and 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.

[0085] The "Log" item refers to information about user activity history, such as visits to and participation in events held in event areas set up in the virtual space. This log information includes, for example, information about visits to events held in event areas set up in the virtual space, information about past events held in event areas set up in the virtual space that the user participated in, information about the user's reactions to performances by event performers at those past events (reactions different from providing gifts), information about the purchase history of content, goods, services, etc., that are different from gifts provided to performers at those past events, information about access history to websites etc. set up at those past events, and information about the sending and receiving history of messages etc. made by the user at those past events.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the event area information database 2022 stored by server 20.

[0088] As shown in Figure 5, the event area information database 2022 includes items such as "ID", "Name", "Opening Period", "Administrator", "Display Mode", "Event Information", "Location / Occupancy", and "Remarks".

[0089] The "ID" field is information that identifies the event area set up in the virtual space.

[0090] The "Name" field contains information indicating the name of the event area set up in the virtual space.

[0091] The item "Opening Period" refers to information regarding the opening period of the event area set up in the virtual space.

[0092] The "Administrator" field identifies the administrator who manages the event area set up in the virtual space.

[0093] The item "Display Mode" is information regarding the display mode for visually displaying an event area set in a virtual space. Information regarding the display mode includes, for example, information for displaying only the outline of the spatial area of ​​an event area occupied in a virtual space, information for displaying the outline of the spatial area of ​​an event area occupied in a virtual space and the appearance of events taking place in that event area located inside the outline, and information for displaying only the appearance of events taking place in that event area located inside the outline, without displaying the outline of the spatial area of ​​the event area occupied in a virtual space.

[0094] The "Event Information" item contains information about events held in event areas set up in the virtual space. Event information includes information about an identification ID to identify the event, information about the event name, information about the event type, information about the event content, information about the event organizer, information about the event performers, and information about eligibility to participate in the event. Information about the event type includes information that indicates the type of event, such as a live music event held in the virtual space, a talk event held in the virtual space, a merchandise sales event held in the virtual space, a game event held in the virtual space, a fashion show event held in the virtual space, a conference event held in the virtual space, or an exhibition event held in the virtual space. Information about the event content is information that describes the specific content of each type of event, and for example, in the case of a live music event, it includes information about the name of the live performance, information about the performers at the live performance, information about the program performed at the live performance, and information about the duration of the live performance.

[0095] The item "Location / Occupancy" contains information about the location of the event area set in the virtual space and the area it occupies within that virtual space.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the gift information database 2023 stored by server 20.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the gift information database 2023 includes fields such as "ID", "Gift Name", "Category", "Data Type", "Content", "Charging Price", and "Remarks".

[0099] The "ID" field is information that identifies gifts that can be offered at events held in the event area set up in the virtual space.

[0100] The "Gift Name" field indicates the name of a gift that can be offered at events held in the event area set up in the virtual space.

[0101] The "Category" item is information indicating the categories of gifts that can be offered at events held in event areas set up in the virtual space. Information indicating the gift category includes, for example, gift object type gifts, tipping type gifts, wearable type gifts that are attached to user avatars corresponding to users, and performance type gifts in which user avatars corresponding to users perform.

[0102] The "Data Type" field indicates the type of data related to gift content, which represents gifts that can be offered at events held in event areas set up in a virtual space. This data type information includes, for example, data types such as video data, image data, music / audio data, and text data.

[0103] The item "Content" refers to information (data) about gift content, which represents gifts that can be offered at events held in event areas set up in a virtual space. This information (data) about gift content includes, for example, data about gift objects placed in virtual spaces such as virtual rooms, data that visually represents when tips are sent into virtual spaces such as virtual rooms, data about wearable objects that are attached to user avatars corresponding to users, and information (data) about performances performed by user avatars corresponding to users. This information (data) consists of data such as video data, image data, music / audio data, and text data.

[0104] The "Charging Price" item refers to the price at which gifts are charged to purchase gifts that can be offered in events held in event areas set up in the virtual space. This information includes not only specific monetary amounts charged, but also monetary equivalents for alternative means such as points. In the case of free gifts that do not require payment, information such as "0 yen" or "free" is included.

[0105] The "Remarks" field is used to store information about gifts that can be offered at events held in the event area set up in the virtual space, if there are any special notes or other information. Server 20 may, for example, record any other information that needs to be stored in addition to the above field.

[0106] <3 Examples of Operation> The following describes a series of processes that System 1 performs when a user object corresponding to a user enters an event area due to an action by a user participating in the virtual space, and the user receives action information in the entered event area to perform an action on the event.

[0107] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a series of processes that present action information to a user when a user object corresponding to a user enters the event area due to an action by a user participating in the virtual space. 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.

[0108] In step S751, the control unit 203 of the server 20 detects that a user object corresponding to a user has entered one of the event areas set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space, when the user object can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view due to an operation performed by the user participating in the virtual space. Specifically, for example, the entry detection module 2036 detects that a user object corresponding to a user has entered one of the event areas set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space, when the user moves due to an operation performed by the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user.

[0109] In step S752, the control unit 203 of the server 20, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the server 20 detects that the user object has entered the event area, presents the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area. Specifically, for example, the action information presentation module 2039 presents the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the entry detection module 2036 detects that the user object has entered the event area, without the user object moving out of the event area through an operation performed by the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits the action information to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 used by the user receives the information and displays it on the display 1302. This allows the user to confirm that they have received the action information. In this step, for example, based on the time the user object remains in the event area (duration of entry into the event area) measured by the entry time measurement module 2038, the entry detection module 2036 may determine whether the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after detecting that the user object has entered the event area. If it is determined that the user object has remained in the event area for that period of time, the action information presentation module 2039 may present the user with information on actions that the user can perform in the event area. In another embodiment, the processing in this step may, for example, determine whether the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the user is notified of the entry information by the entry information notification module 2037, based on the time the user object remains in the event area (duration of entry into the event area) measured by the entry time measurement module 2038. If it is determined that the user object remains in the event area for that certain period of time, the action information presentation module 2039 may present the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area.

[0110] Through this process, users participating in the virtual space can confirm that their user object has entered one of the event areas set up in the virtual space by performing operations via their terminal device 10. Furthermore, by remaining in the event area for a certain period, the user object can receive information on actions that can be performed in the event area. This ensures that users participating in the virtual space have a degree of freedom to move around within the virtual space, and by encouraging users who are interested in the event area or the events held in that event area to participate in the events, user satisfaction can be increased.

[0111] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes in which a user who has entered the event area requests to participate in the event. 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.

[0112] In step S851, the control unit 203 of the server 20 presents event participation guidance information to the user as action information, in the step of presenting action information. Specifically, the action information presentation module 2039 presents event participation guidance information as action information if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after entry information is notified, without the user object moving out of the event area through operations performed by the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits the action information to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 used by the user receives the information and displays it on the display 1302. This allows the user to confirm that they have received action information (event participation guidance information). In this step, for example, based on the time the user object remains in the event area measured by the entry time measurement module 2038 (duration of entry into the event area), it may be determined that the user object has remained in the event area for a certain period of time since the entry information notification module 2037 notified the entry information. If it is determined that the user object has remained in the event area for a certain period of time since the entry information notification module 2037 notified the entry information, the action information presentation module 2039 may present the user with action information (event participation guidance information) that the user can perform in the event area.

[0113] In step S801, the control unit 203 of the server 20 receives a participation request operation from the user to request participation in at least one event. Specifically, the event participation operation reception module 2040 receives a participation request operation from the user who has been presented with action information, via the terminal device 10 used by the user, to request participation in at least one event. In this case, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives a participation request operation to request participation in at least one event on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display 1302. The terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the participation request operation from the user to the server 20. The event participation operation reception module 2040 receives this information from the terminal device 10.

[0114] In step S852, the control unit 203 of the server 20 grants the user permission to participate in the event in response to the participation request operation it has received. Specifically, for example, the event participation permission module 2041 grants the user permission to participate in the event in response to the participation request operation it has received from the user who has been presented with action information.

[0115] This process allows a user object to enter an event area and remain there for a certain period of time. Upon receiving action information from the user, the system can accept a request to participate in the event and grant permission for participation. This ensures that users participating in the virtual space have a degree of freedom to move around within the virtual space, and by encouraging users who are interested in an event area or an event taking place in that event area to participate, user satisfaction can be increased.

[0116] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes in which a user who has entered the event area provides a gift to the event. 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.

[0117] In step S951, the control unit 203 of the server 20 presents the user with gift provision guidance information as action information, in the step of presenting action information, which provides guidance on the provision of gifts for events taking place in the event area. Specifically, the action information presentation module 2039 presents gift provision guidance information as action information if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after entry information is notified, without the user object moving out of the event area through operations performed by the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the server 20 transmits the action information to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 used by the user receives the information and displays it on the display 1302. This allows the user to confirm that they have received the action information (gift provision guidance information). In this step, for example, based on the time the user object remains in the event area measured by the entry time measurement module 2038 (duration of entry into the event area), it may be determined that the user object has remained in the event area for a certain period of time since the entry information notification module 2037 notified the entry information. If it is determined that the user object has remained in the event area for a certain period of time since the entry information notification module 2037 notified the entry information, the action information presentation module 2039 may present the user with action information (gift provision guidance information) that the user can perform in the event area.

[0118] In step S901, the control unit 203 of the server 20 receives a gift provision operation from the user to provide a gift. Specifically, the gift provision operation reception module 2042 receives a gift provision operation from the user who has received action information, via the terminal device 10 used by the user. The terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the gift provision operation from the user to the server 20. The gift provision operation reception module 2042 receives this information from the terminal device 10.

[0119] In step S952, the control unit 203 of the server 20 executes the provision of a gift to the event in response to the received gift provision operation. Specifically, for example, the gift provision execution module executes the provision of a gift to the event in response to the gift provision operation received from the user who has been presented with action information.

[0120] This process allows a user object to enter an event area and, if it remains there for a certain period, receive action information. The system then accepts a gift offering operation from the user and executes the gift offering in response to that operation. This ensures that users participating in the virtual space have a degree of freedom to move around within the virtual space, and by encouraging users who are interested in the event area or the events taking place there to participate in the event, user satisfaction can be increased.

[0121] In certain situations, server 20 may perform a process to present information about event areas suitable for a user participating in the virtual space, based on the user's preferences and desires. In this case, server 20 can refer to user information stored in user information database 2021 to present information about event areas suitable for that user. By performing such a process, information about event areas that match the user's preferences can be proactively presented to users participating in the virtual space, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0122] In certain situations, if the server 20 detects that a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space has entered an event area, and the event area entered by the user object matches the user's preferences and desires, the server 20 may notify the user that they have entered an event area that matches their preferences. By doing so, information about event areas that match the user's preferences can be proactively presented to the user participating in the virtual space, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0123] In a certain scenario, if a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space enters an event area, and the event area includes future events that will take place in the future, the server 20 may provide the user with information regarding guidance on registering information about those future events as action information. In this case, for example, the action information presentation module 2039 of the server 20, when a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space enters an event area, will provide the user with information regarding guidance on registering information about those future events as action information if the event area includes future events that will take place in the future. In this case, the user can perform an operation to register information about the future event via the terminal device 10 used by the user. The server 20 can receive this operation and register information about the future event according to the received operation. The server 20 can then provide the user with advance notification about the future event as the event period approaches. Through this process, users can check and register in advance events that are not currently taking place but that they are interested in, preventing them from missing events later and increasing user satisfaction.

[0124] In certain situations, when a user object corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space enters the event area, the server 20 may process the user to participate in the event without requiring the user to perform an operation to request participation in the event taking place in the event area. In this case, for example, the user can visually confirm the event taking place in the event area when the user object corresponding to the user enters the event area, and can participate in the event by moving the user object to the location where the event is taking place via the terminal device 10 used by the user. Through this process, the user can participate in the event taking place in the event area simply by moving the user object corresponding to the user who has entered the event area, thereby enabling smooth event participation and increasing user satisfaction.

[0125] In certain situations, the server 20 may, after granting the user permission to participate in an event held in the event area, accept a gift offering operation from the user. In this case, for example, after the event participation permission module 2041 grants the user permission to participate in an event held in the event area, the server accepts a gift offering operation from the user via the terminal device 10 used by the user. This process allows the user to offer a gift only after being granted permission to participate in the event, thus preventing errors such as offering a gift for an event the user is not interested in or offering a gift at a location different from the event venue, thus avoiding unintended disadvantages for the user. More specifically, if an event area contains multiple events and a common venue entrance for participating in each event is provided in the event area, this process can prevent the user from mistakenly offering a gift at the venue entrance.

[0126] <4 Screen Examples> Figures 10-16 show examples of various screens displayed during a series of processes that are executed when a user object corresponding to a user is manipulated via a terminal device 10 used by a user participating in a virtual space using System 1, as disclosed in the present invention, and the user object is moved within the virtual space, including the event area.

[0127] Figure 10 shows an example screen when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space, moves within the virtual space and positions itself near the event area.

[0128] In Figure 10, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1010, a user information display area 1020, a dwell area display area 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0129] The virtual space display area 1010 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1010 is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. The virtual space display area 1010 also includes a pre-configured event area EA. On this display 1302, the event area EA is displayed in a dome shape (the area separating the inside and outside of the event area is curved). This example screen shows that the user object UO is located near the event area EA, but has not yet entered the event area.

[0130] The user information display area 1020 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. For example, the user information display area 1020 displays information such as the user's name, such as "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0131] The dwelling area display area 1030 displays information about the dwelling area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. For example, the dwelling area display area 1030 displays information indicating the area where the user object is staying, such as "△△△△ area". By checking the information displayed in the dwelling area display area 1030, the user can understand the current location of the user object UO corresponding to the user in the virtual space.

[0132] Figure 11 shows an example screen when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space, moves through the virtual space and enters the event area.

[0133] In Figure 11, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1110, a user information display area 1120, a dwell area display area 1130, a message display area 1140, 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0134] The virtual space display area 1110 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1110 is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. The virtual space display area 1110 also includes a pre-configured event area EA. On this display 1302, the event area EA is displayed in a dome shape (the area separating the inside and outside of the event area is curved). This example screen shows that the user object UO has entered the event area EA, meaning it is located inside the event area EA. In this example screen, nothing is displayed inside the event area EA even when the user object UO has entered the event area EA. However, this is not limited to this case, and the event may be visually represented in the virtual space display area 1110 to the extent that the details of the event taking place in the event area EA can be confirmed (for example, it may be represented in the virtual space display area 1110 in a display manner similar to the event in the virtual space display area 1310 in Figure 13).

[0135] The user information display area 1120 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. For example, the user information display area 1120 displays information such as the user's name, such as "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0136] The dwelling area display area 1130 displays information about the dwelling area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. For example, the dwelling area display area 1130 displays information indicating the area where the user object is staying, such as "△△△△ area". By checking the information displayed in the dwelling area display area 1130, the user can understand the current location of the user object UO corresponding to the user in the virtual space.

[0137] The message display area 1140 displays entry information to the user indicating that the user object UO corresponding to the user who entered the event area has entered the event area EA. For example, the message display area 1140 will display information notifying the user that the user object has entered the event area, such as "Mr. / Ms. XX has entered the event area." The user can understand that the user object UO corresponding to the user has entered the event area by checking the information displayed in the message display area 1140.

[0138] Figure 12 shows an example screen displaying action information to a user when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in the virtual space, moves through the virtual space and enters an event area.

[0139] In Figure 12, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1210, a user information display area 1220, a dwell area display area 1230, a message display area 1240, 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0140] The virtual space display area 1210 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1210 is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. The virtual space display area 1210 also includes a pre-configured event area EA. On this display 1302, the event area EA is displayed in a dome shape (the area separating the inside and outside of the event area is curved). This example screen shows that the user object UO has entered the event area EA, meaning it is located inside the event area EA. In this example screen, nothing is displayed inside the event area EA even when the user object UO has entered the event area EA. However, this is not limited to this case, and the event may be visually represented in the virtual space display area 1110 to the extent that the details of the event taking place in the event area EA can be confirmed (for example, it may be represented in the virtual space display area 1210 in a display manner similar to the event in the virtual space display area 1310 in Figure 13).

[0141] The user information display area 1220 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. For example, the user information display area 1220 displays information such as the user's name, such as "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0142] The dwelling area display area 1230 displays information about the dwelling area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. For example, the dwelling area display area 1230 displays information indicating the area where the user object is staying, such as "△△△△ area". By checking the information displayed in the dwelling area display area 1030, the user can understand the current location of the user object UO corresponding to the user in the virtual space.

[0143] The message display area 1240 displays action information presented to the user to encourage them to take action regarding events taking place in the event area. The message display area 1240 displays guidance information 1241, information on the first event 1242, a button to participate in the first event 1243, information on the second event 1244, a button to participate in the second event 1245, and a button to tour the event area 1246. Information 1241 displays information to provide guidance about the event area. For example, information 1241 may display information indicating the event area, such as "The following events are taking place in this event area." Event Information 1242 displays information about one of the events taking place in the event area. For example, Event Information 1242 may display information such as "XXXX Live" which represents the name of the event. The button 1243 for participating in the first event is a button that allows the user to initiate the process of participating in the first event, and is pressed by the user when they wish to participate in the event. For example, when the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives an input such as the user pressing the button, it executes the process of the user participating in the first event. The second event information item 1244 displays information about one of the events taking place in the event area. For example, the second event information item 1244 might display information such as "△△△△ Talk Show," which represents the name of the event. The button 1245 for participating in the second event is a button that allows the user to initiate the process of participating in the second event. It is pressed by the user when they wish to participate in the event. For example, when the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives an input such as the user pressing the button, it executes the process of the user participating in the second event. The event area viewing button 1246 is a button that allows the user to perform the process of viewing the event area, and is pressed by the user when they wish to view the event area. For example, when the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives an input such as the user pressing the button, it executes the process of the user viewing the event area.

[0144] Figure 13 shows an example screen displaying gift information to a user when a user object, corresponding to a user participating in a virtual space, participates in an event held in the event area. This example screen illustrates the case where the event is a singing event featuring performers participating in the event.

[0145] In Figure 13, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1310, a user information display area 1320, a dwell area display area 1330, a message display area 1340, 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0146] The virtual space display area 1310 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. In this example screen, the virtual space display area 1310 displays the area inside the event area EA. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1210 (event area EA) is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. Furthermore, the virtual space display area 1310 displays events (singing events) taking place in the event area EA, and during these events, performers appearing in the event perform singing and other performances. These performances are represented, for example, by the motion of the performer object OP corresponding to the performer. Specifically, the performer object OP performs motions that are synchronized with the performer's movements, thereby executing the performance of singing and other performances by the performer. Users can enjoy the performances of the performer object PO taking place in the virtual space display area 1310.

[0147] The user information display area 1320 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. For example, the user information display area 1320 displays information such as the user's name, such as "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0148] The dwell area display area 1330 displays information about the dwell area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. The dwell area display area 1230 displays information such as "△△△ event" indicating the event in which the user object is participating. By checking the information displayed in the dwell area display area 1030, the user can determine whether the user object UO corresponding to the user is participating in event d.

[0149] The message display area 1340 displays action information presented to the user to encourage them to offer a gift for an event taking place in the event area. The message display area 1340 displays guidance information 1341, a gift offering button 1342, and a gift offering postponement button 1343. Information 1341 displays information regarding the provision of gifts to the event or its performers. For example, information 1341 may display information such as, "Would you like to send a gift to performer AAAA?", indicating an invitation to provide gifts to performers appearing at the event. The gift provision button 1342 is a button that allows a user to perform the process of providing a gift to the event or the event's performers, and is pressed by the user when they wish to provide a gift. For example, when the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives an input such as the user pressing the button, it performs a process to guide the user to information about gifts that can be provided to the event or the event's performers. The gift provision hold button 1343 is a button that allows the user to perform a process to hold off on providing a gift to the event or the event's performers. It is pressed by the user if they do not intend to provide a gift at the time they receive the notification. For example, when the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user receives an input such as the user pressing the button, it executes a process to clear the message display area 1340. This allows the user to enjoy the performances of the performers appearing at the event.

[0150] Figure 14 shows an example screen displaying the appearance of an event area set up in a virtual space.

[0151] In Figure 14, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1410, a user information display area 1420, a dwell area display area 1430, 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0152] The virtual space display area 1410 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1410 is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. The virtual space display area 1410 also includes a pre-configured event area EA. On this display 1302, the event area EA is displayed in a dome shape (the area separating the inside and outside of the event area is curved). This example screen shows a state where the user object UO and the event area EA are a certain distance apart.

[0153] The user information display area 1420 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. For example, the user information display area 1420 displays information such as the user's name, such as "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0154] The dwelling area display area 1430 displays information about the dwelling area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. For example, the dwelling area display area 1430 displays information indicating the area where the user object is staying, such as "△△△△ area". By checking the information displayed in the dwelling area display area 1430, the user can understand the current location of the user object UO corresponding to the user in the virtual space.

[0155] In this example screen, an event area EA is displayed in the virtual space region (virtual space display area 1410) where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located, facing forward from the user object UO. This event area EA is displayed with a dome-shaped outline (a curved shape separating the inside and outside of the event area), and an event (for example, a singing event) EA1 taking place in the event area EA is displayed inside this region. By displaying event EA1 taking place in the event area EA in this way, the user can check the status of the event taking place in the event area EA without entering the event area EA.

[0156] Figure 15 shows another example of a screen displaying the appearance of an event area set up in a virtual space.

[0157] In Figure 15, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1510, a user information display area 1520, a dwell area display area 1530, 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0158] The virtual space display area 1510 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1510 is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. The virtual space display area 1510 also includes a pre-configured event area EA. On this display 1302, the event area EA is displayed in a dome shape (the area separating the inside and outside of the event area is curved). This example screen shows a state where the user object UO and the event area EA are a certain distance apart.

[0159] The user information display area 1520 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. The user information display area 1020 displays information such as the user's name, for example, "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0160] The dwelling area display area 1530 displays information about the dwelling area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. For example, the dwelling area display area 1530 displays information indicating the area where the user object is staying, such as "△△△△ area". By checking the information displayed in the dwelling area display area 1530, the user can understand the current location of the user object UO corresponding to the user in the virtual space.

[0161] In this example screen, the event area EA is displayed in the virtual space region (virtual space display area 1410) where the user object UO, which corresponds to the user, is located, facing forward from the user object UO. This event area EA is displayed with a dome-shaped outline (a curved shape separating the inside and outside of the event area), and the events taking place in the event area EA are not displayed. By displaying only the area of ​​the event area EA in this way, the user needs to enter the event area EA to check what events are taking place there, thus encouraging the user object corresponding to the user to actively enter the event area EA.

[0162] Figure 16 shows an example screen for guiding users through an event area set up in a virtual space.

[0163] In Figure 16, the control unit 190 of the terminal device 10 used by the user displays a virtual space display area 1610, a user information display area 1620, a dwell area display area 1630, a message display area 1640, 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 the virtual space outside the virtual room is visible. In this way, the user can check and operate the screen while enjoying other events in the virtual space.

[0164] The virtual space display area 1610 displays the area of ​​the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is located. On this display 1302, the user object UO is displayed in a third-person view, but the user can switch to a first-person view by performing a viewpoint switching operation via the terminal device 10 used by the user. In the first-person view, the user object UO is not displayed on the display 1302, and the virtual space display area 1510 is displayed from the viewpoint of the user object UO. The virtual space display area 1610 also contains a sign object OJ representing an arrow. This sign object OJ is significant information that guides the user to the location of event areas not displayed in the virtual space display area 1610.

[0165] The user information display area 1620 displays information about users participating in the virtual space. The user information display area 1020 displays information such as the user's name, for example, "User: Mr. / Ms. XX".

[0166] The dwelling area display area 1630 displays information about the dwelling area in the virtual space where the user object UO corresponding to the user is staying. For example, the dwelling area display area 1630 displays information indicating the area where the user object is staying, such as "△△△△ area". By checking the information displayed in the dwelling area display area 1630, the user can understand the current location of the user object UO corresponding to the user in the virtual space.

[0167] The message display area 1640 displays guidance information to the user to locate event areas not shown in the virtual space display area 1610. For example, the message display area 1640 may display information guiding the user to the location of an event area, such as "An event area is being held in the direction of the arrow." The user can understand the location of the event area by comparing the information displayed in the message display area 1640 with the indicator object OJ displayed in the virtual space display area 1610. This type of display encourages the user object corresponding to the user to actively move to and enter the event area.

[0168] <5 Basic Hardware Configuration of a Computer> Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 50. Computer 50 comprises at least a processor 501, main memory 502, auxiliary storage 503, and a communication IF 591 (interface). These are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus 521.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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).

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] <6. Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 50> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 50 (Figure 17) is described below. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] <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.

[0186] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be carried out 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.

[0187] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0188] (Note 1) A program executed by a computer equipped with a processor, the program causes the processor to perform the following steps: (S751) when a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view by an operation of a user participating in the virtual space, and the user object has entered an event area where a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space is set and at least one event takes place; and (S752) when the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it has been detected that the user object has entered the event area, the program presents the user with information on actions that the user can perform in the event area.

[0189] (Note 2) The program described in Appendix 1 presents action information to the user if, in the steps presented, the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it is detected that the user object has entered the event area.

[0190] (Note 3) The program is the program described in Appendix 1, which causes the processor to perform the step of notifying the user of entry information indicating that a user object has entered the event area, after the processor has detected that a user object has entered the event area.

[0191] (Note 4) The program described in Appendix 3 presents action information to the user if, in the steps presented, the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the user is notified of entry information.

[0192] (Note 5) The program described in Appendix 1, wherein in the step of presenting, the program presents the user with event participation guidance information as action information, informing the user to participate in an event held in the event area (S851), and the program causes the processor to execute the steps of receiving a participation request operation from the user to request participation in at least one event (S801), and in response to the received participation request operation, granting the user permission to participate in the event (S852).

[0193] (Note 6) In the step of presenting, the program presents the user with gift provision guidance information as action information, informing them of the provision of gifts for events taking place in the event area (S951), and the program causes the processor to further execute the steps of receiving a gift provision operation from the user to provide a gift (S901), and providing a gift to the event in response to the received gift provision operation (S952), as described in Appendix 1.

[0194] (Note 7) The program is the program described in Appendix 6, which causes the processor to perform the step of stopping the provision of gift provision guidance information when it receives an operation from the user to provide a gift for an event.

[0195] (Note 8) The program is the program described in Appendix 1, which causes the processor to perform a step of providing the user with event area information about the event area before the user object enters the event area.

[0196] (Note 9) In the step of providing information about the event area, the program described in Appendix 5 visually guides the user with information about the location of the event area.

[0197] (Note 10) Events held in the event area are programs listed in Appendix 1, which include at least one of the following: ongoing events, past events, or planned future events.

[0198] (Note 11) The program is the program described in Appendix 1, which causes the processor to perform the steps of determining whether the user is eligible to participate in an event taking place in the event area, and, if it is determined that the user is not eligible to participate, restricting the presentation of action information to the user.

[0199] (Note 12) The program described in Appendix 8, which, when participation qualifications are set for each piece of content included in an event, determines whether a user is eligible to participate for each piece of content, and restricts the provision of action information, restricts the provision of action information to the user for content for which the user is determined not to be eligible to participate.

[0200] (Note 13) A method performed by a computer equipped with a processor, wherein the processor, in cases where a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the actions of a user participating in the virtual space, detects that the user object has entered an event area where it is set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space and at least one event takes place (S751); and if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it has been detected that the user object has entered the event area, presents the user with information on actions that the user can perform in the event area (S752).

[0201] (Note 14) Information processing device comprising a control unit, the control unit having a function (S751) to detect when a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view by an operation of a user participating in the virtual space, and when the user object is set in a predetermined spatial area of ​​the virtual space and enters an event area where at least one event takes place, and a function (S752) to present the user with action information that the user can perform in the event area if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it has been detected that the user object has entered the event area.

[0202] (Note 15) A system including a computer equipped with a processor, in which a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the operation of a user participating in the virtual space, the system performs the steps of: detecting that the user object has entered an event area where it is set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space and at least one event takes place (S751); and, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it has been detected that the user object has entered the event area, the system presents the user with information on actions that the user can perform in the event area (S752). [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 10 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 Event area information database, 2023 Gift information database, 2031 Receiving control module, 2032 Transmission control module, 2033 User information acquisition module, 2034 Event area setting module, 2035 Event area display module, 2036 Intrusion detection module, 2037 Intrusion information notification module, 2038 Intrusion time measurement module, 2039 Action information presentation module, 2040 Event participation operation acceptance module, 2041 Event participation permission module, 2042 Gift provision operation acceptance module, 2043 Gift provision execution module, 2044 Action information stop / restriction module, 2045 Event area information guidance module, 2046 Event participation qualification determination module

Claims

1. A program that is executed by a computer equipped with a processor, The program is provided to the processor: In a case where a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the actions of a user participating in the virtual space, the steps include detecting that the user object has entered an event area where at least one event takes place, which is set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space. If, after it is detected that the user object has entered the event area, the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time, the user is prompted to perform the following steps: present the user with information on actions that the user can perform in the event area; A program that presents action information to a user who has not performed the executable action described above in the steps described above.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein, in the step described above, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it is detected that the user object has entered the event area, the program presents the action information to the user.

3. The program further provides the processor with: The program according to claim 1, which, after detecting that the user object has entered the event area, causes the program to perform the step of notifying the user of entry information indicating that the user object has entered the event area.

4. The program according to claim 3, wherein, in the step described above, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after the user is notified of the entry information, the program presents the user with the action information.

5. In the steps described above, the user is presented with event participation information as action information, which guides them to participate in the event taking place in the event area. The program further provides the processor with: The steps include receiving a participation request operation from the user to request participation in at least one of the events, In response to the accepted participation request operation, the user is granted permission to participate in the event. The program according to claim 1 that causes the execution of the program.

6. In the steps described above, the user is presented with gift provision information as action information, which provides information on the provision of gifts for the event held in the event area. The program further provides the processor with: The steps include receiving a gift provision operation from the user to provide the gift, The steps include:

1. Providing the gift to the event in response to the accepted gift provision operation; The program according to claim 1 that causes the execution of the program.

7. The program further provides the processor with: The program according to claim 6, which, when it receives an operation from the user to provide the gift for the event, causes the program to execute the step of stopping the provision of the gift provision guidance information.

8. The program further provides the processor with: The program according to claim 1, which causes the user to perform a step of providing the user with event area information relating to the event area before the user object enters the event area.

9. The program according to claim 8, wherein in the step of providing information about the event area, the program visually provides the user with information regarding the location of the event area.

10. The program according to claim 1, wherein the event taking place in the event area is at least one of a current event currently underway, a past event that has been held in the past, or a planned event that will be held in the future.

11. The program further provides the processor with: The steps include determining whether the user is eligible to participate in the event held in the event area, If it is determined that the user does not meet the eligibility requirements, the step of restricting the presentation of the action information to the user, The program according to claim 1 that causes the execution of the program.

12. If the aforementioned eligibility requirements are set for each piece of content included in the event, In the step of determining whether or not the user has the qualifications to participate, the presence or absence of the user's qualifications to participate is determined for each piece of content. The program according to claim 11, wherein, in the step of restricting the provision of the action information, the program further restricts the provision of the action information to the user with respect to the content in which the user is determined not to be eligible to participate.

13. A method performed by a computer equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, In a case where a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the actions of a user participating in the virtual space, the steps include detecting that the user object has entered an event area where at least one event takes place, which is set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space. If, after it is detected that the user object has entered the event area, the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time, the following steps are performed: presenting the user with information on actions the user can perform in the event area; A method for presenting action information to a user who has not performed the executable action described above in the steps described above.

14. An information processing device comprising a control unit, The control unit, In a case where a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the actions of a user participating in the virtual space, the system includes a function to detect when the user object is set in a predetermined spatial area of ​​the virtual space and enters an event area where at least one event takes place. The system has a function that, if the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time after it is detected that the user object has entered the event area, presents the user with information about actions the user can perform in the event area. An information processing device that presents action information to a user who has not performed the executable action described above, in the function described above.

15. A system including a computer equipped with a processor, In a case where a user object corresponding to a user can move around the virtual space in a first-person or third-person view through the actions of a user participating in the virtual space, the steps include detecting that the user object has entered an event area where at least one event takes place, which is set in a predetermined spatial region of the virtual space. If, after it is detected that the user object has entered the event area, the user object remains in the event area for a certain period of time, the following steps are performed: presenting the user with information on actions the user can perform in the event area; A system that presents action information to a user who has not performed the executable action described above in the steps described above.

Images