Metaverse management device, metaverse management method, and computer program

Abstract

A metaverse server 12 is equipped with an admission management unit 30 and a directing control unit 46. The admission management unit 30 manages the admission of a user to the metaverse. The directing control unit 46 directs so as to notify another user of the admission of said user in the metaverse, when the user who has been admitted to the metaverse satisfies a prescribed condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to data processing technology, and particularly to a metaverse management device, a metaverse management method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] The metaverse, which is a three-dimensional virtual space service constructed in a computer, has begun to spread. For example, a user operates their avatar in the metaverse, communicates with other users, and participates in events held in the metaverse.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The inventor considered that in the future, the number of metaverses is expected to increase, and the success or failure of the metaverse business depends on whether it can attract many users. One object of the present invention is to provide a technology for supporting the improvement of the user attraction power of the metaverse.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To solve the above problems, a metaverse management device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an admission management unit that manages the admission of users to the metaverse, and an effect control unit that causes the metaverse to execute an effect for notifying other users that a user has entered when the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is a metaverse management method. This method includes steps of a computer executing a step of managing the admission of users to the metaverse, and a step of causing the metaverse to execute an effect for notifying other users that a user has entered when the user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0006] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expression of the present invention between systems, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to support the improvement of the metaverse's ability to attract users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the metaverse system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks of the metaverse server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the metaverse server in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the metaverse server in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks of the metaverse server in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the metaverse server in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of advertising production. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of advertising production. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will now be outlined. The metaverse in these embodiments is a three-dimensional virtual space (which can also be called cyberspace) and its services. Users participating in the metaverse operate avatars, which are characters that represent themselves, within the metaverse, interact with other users, and participate in events held within the metaverse. Given the expected increase in the number of metaverses, the success of a metaverse business will depend on whether or not it can attract a large number of users. In the following, the first and second embodiments propose technologies to support the improvement of the metaverse's ability to attract users.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the metaverse management system includes a mechanism to advertise to specific users of the metaverse and make those users stand out within the metaverse. This helps to improve the attractiveness and user attraction of the metaverse.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the metaverse system 10 according to the first embodiment. The metaverse system 10 is an information processing system that provides metaverse services to multiple users. The metaverse system 10 comprises a metaverse server 12 and multiple user terminals 14. These devices are connected via a communication network including a LAN, WAN, or the Internet.

[0012] The metaverse server 12 is an information processing device that manages the metaverse service and its users. The metaverse server 12 provides metaverse images and audio to users who are registered with the metaverse and use the metaverse. The metaverse images include at least metaverse video. The metaverse images may also be so-called virtual reality images or augmented reality images.

[0013] Multiple user terminals 14 are information terminals operated by different users. Each user terminal 14 may be a PC, smartphone, tablet, home game console, portable game console, or head-mounted display. Each user terminal 14 may also include a display device, speaker, and controller (operating device).

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks of the metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment. Each block shown in the block diagrams herein can be realized in hardware terms by elements such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs loaded into memory, etc., but here we are depicting functional blocks realized through the cooperation of these. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0015] The metaverse server 12 comprises a data processing unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 24. The data processing unit 20 performs various data processing related to the metaverse service. The storage unit 22 stores data that is referenced or updated by the data processing unit 20. The communication unit 24 communicates with external devices according to a predetermined communication protocol. The data processing unit 20 sends and receives data with multiple user terminals 14 via the communication unit 24.

[0016] The memory unit 22 includes a user information memory unit 26. The user information memory unit 26 stores information about multiple users belonging to the metaverse, or in other words, information about multiple users registered with the metaverse service. The user information includes an advertising flag. The advertising flag is set to ON when an advertising fee is paid by the user. The user information memory unit 26 may also store data for each user's avatar in the metaverse (for example, data on the appearance of the avatar).

[0017] The data processing unit 20 includes an entry management unit 30, an MV image generation unit 32, an MV sound generation unit 34, a vibration generation unit 36, an MV data provision unit 38, an avatar operation reception unit 40, an avatar control unit 42, a payment management unit 44, a performance control unit 46, and a follower setting unit 48.

[0018] The functions of the plurality of functional blocks within the data processing unit 20 may be implemented in a computer program (hereinafter referred to as the "metaverse management application"). The metaverse management application may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium and installed in the storage of the metaverse server 12 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the metaverse management application may be downloaded via a communication network and installed in the storage of the metaverse server 12. The processor (such as a CPU) of the metaverse server 12 may read the metaverse management application into the main memory and execute it to exhibit the functions of the plurality of functional blocks.

[0019] The admission management unit 30 manages the admission of users to the metaverse. For example, when a user enters the metaverse, the admission management unit 30 may set the admission flag of the user stored in the user information storage unit 26 to on.

[0020] The MV image generation unit 32 generates image data in which a virtual space as the metaverse is depicted. The MV image generation unit 32 may generate virtual reality image data or augmented reality image data including elements of the metaverse.

[0021] The MV audio generation unit 34 generates audio data of the metaverse. The vibration generation unit 36 generates vibration data that defines the mode of vibration of the user terminal 14 (for example, a controller connected to the user terminal 14).

[0022] The MV data providing unit 38 transmits the image data of the metaverse generated by the MV image generation unit 32, the audio data of the metaverse generated by the MV audio generation unit 34, and the vibration data generated by the vibration generation unit 36 to the user terminal 14.

[0023] The avatar operation reception unit 40 receives user operation information for its own avatar placed in the metaverse, transmitted from the user terminal 14. The avatar control unit 42 operates the avatar corresponding to the user in the metaverse based on the user operation information received by the avatar operation reception unit 40.

[0024] The payment management unit 44 manages payments from users, and in the first embodiment, it manages the payment of advertising fees from users. For example, when the payment management unit 44 receives notification from the administrator's terminal of the metaverse server 12 that an advertising fee has been paid by a user, it sets the advertising flag for that user, stored in the user information storage unit 26, to ON.

[0025] The performance control unit 46, when a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions (hereinafter also referred to as "advertising conditions"), causes a performance (hereinafter also referred to as "entry performance") to be executed in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered. The entry performance can also be described as an appearance performance that notifies the user of their arrival. In the first embodiment, the advertising conditions are that the user pays a predetermined amount of advertising fees. For example, the advertising conditions are met when the user deposits a predetermined amount of advertising fees with the metaverse management company.

[0026] The performance includes one or both of visual (e.g., video) and / or auditory (e.g., sound) elements that provide interest to the user. The entrance performance of the first embodiment includes at least one of sound and video indicating that the user has entered. For example, the performance control unit 46 may cause the MV image generation unit 32 to generate image data including special video for the entrance performance, and the MV sound generation unit 34 to generate sound data including special sound for the entrance performance. The performance control unit 46 may also cause the vibration generation unit 36 ​​to generate vibration data indicating a vibration pattern for the entrance performance. The MV data provision unit 38 transmits this image data, sound data, and vibration data to the user terminal 14, thereby causing the user terminal 14 to output the entrance performance.

[0027] The follower setting unit 48 stores data in the user information storage unit 26 indicating that the first user is following the second user when the first user is set to follow the second user. Following means making the user's actions trackable. For example, when the first user follows the second user, the first user is notified of the second user's actions and updates. In this case, the first user can be said to be a follower of the second user. The follower setting unit 48 may also record information in the second user's user information indicating that the first user is following them, in other words, information indicating that the first user is a follower.

[0028] The operation of the first embodiment of the metaverse system 10 with the above configuration will now be explained. Here, user terminals 14a, 14b, and 14c will be operated by users A, B, and C, respectively.

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the metaverse server 12 in the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows the processing that occurs when an advertising fee is paid by a user. The payment management unit 44 of the metaverse server 12 receives data from an external device indicating that a specific user has paid an advertising fee. This external device may be the user terminal 14 of the user who paid the advertising fee, the terminal (not shown) of the administrator of the metaverse server 12, or a payment device, etc.

[0030] When data indicating that a user has paid an advertising fee is received (Y in S10), the payment management unit 44 sets the advertising flag associated with that user, which is stored in the user information storage unit 26, to ON (S12). If data indicating that a user has paid an advertising fee is not received (N in S10), the process in S12 is skipped.

[0031] Figure 4 is also a flowchart illustrating the operation of the metaverse server 12 in the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows the process associated with a user entering the metaverse. When a user logs into the metaverse (Y in S20), the avatar control unit 42 of the metaverse server 12 makes the logged-in user's avatar appear in the metaverse. In parallel with this, the performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 checks the status of the logged-in user's advertisement flag (S22). If the logged-in user's advertisement flag is on (Y in S24), the performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 executes an entry animation related to the logged-in user in the metaverse (S26).

[0032] If the logged-in user's ad flag is turned off (N in S24), the process in S26 is skipped, and the entry animation for the logged-in user is not performed. In this case, for example, the logged-in user's avatar appears in the metaverse in its normal form. If there is no user logged into the metaverse (N in S20), the processes from S22 onwards are skipped.

[0033] Here, we assume that User A has paid an advertising fee to the metaverse management company. The following describes an example of the entry animation when User A, who has paid the advertising fee, logs into the metaverse; in other words, when User A's avatar enters the metaverse.

[0034] The performance control unit 46 may, instead of or in addition to a text notification such as "User A has logged in," execute an entrance performance that includes special audio (e.g., entrance music or entrance voice) that announces User A's login. For example, the performance control unit 46 may perform an entrance performance in which an entrance voice plays when User A's avatar appears, similar to the entrance of a wrestler in professional wrestling.

[0035] The voice prompt may be one pre-specified by User A, or it may be a voice prompt that does not play when other users log in. In other words, the voice prompt may be unique content that plays only when User A logs in. This allows the voice prompt to become User A's signature tune, helping to build User A's brand.

[0036] Furthermore, the entrance animation may include visual video effects, such as changes in light, in place of or in conjunction with the entrance sound. The video effects may include, for example, content that changes the colors of the entire metaverse space, content that changes the background of the metaverse, or content that changes the sky. The video effects may also include content that causes the ground of the metaverse to shake (an earthquake to occur). The video effects, like the entrance sound, may also be unique content that occurs only when user A logs in. In other words, the animation control unit 46 may execute an entrance animation (entrance sound and / or video effect) with unique content for each user who has paid the advertising fee.

[0037] Furthermore, the entrance animation may include vibrating the controller connected to the user terminal 14. For example, the animation control unit 46 may cause the vibration generation unit 36 ​​to generate a signal that produces a special vibration as part of the entrance animation for user A. The animation control unit 46 may also cause the MV data provision unit 38 to transmit this signal to user terminal 14b of user B and user terminal 14c of user C. In other words, the animation control unit 46 may cause the controller held by user B and the controller held by user C to vibrate in a manner that indicates user A's entrance.

[0038] As a variation, the entrance animation may include content that vibrates the screens (video animations) of users B and C instead of vibrating the controller. For example, when the animation control unit 46 executes the entrance animation for user A, it may display the content on the screens of users B and C in a way that causes vibration. Alternatively, the entrance animation may include content that vibrates both the controller and content that vibrates the users' screens.

[0039] According to the first embodiment of the metaverse server 12, by making users who pay advertising fees stand out through entrance animations, it is possible to increase the visibility of such users in the metaverse, for example, by supporting an increase in the number of followers of such users in the metaverse. In other words, according to the first embodiment of the metaverse server 12, it is possible to support the improvement of the influence of users who pay advertising fees in the metaverse. Furthermore, by providing such a mechanism to make people stand out, the attractiveness of the metaverse can be enhanced and its ability to attract users can be improved. In addition, a new business in the metaverse can be realized by earning advertising fees as compensation for making people stand out.

[0040] The present invention has been described above based on the first embodiment. The first embodiment is illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. Any combination of the configurations in each modification is possible.

[0041] A first modification relating to the first embodiment will now be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may change the manner of the entrance performance according to the advertising fee paid by the user. The elements to be changed may include at least one of the execution time and volume of the entrance performance. For example, the performance control unit 46 may lengthen the execution time of the entrance performance and / or increase the volume of the entrance performance the higher the advertising fee paid by the user. According to this modification, a variety of entrance performances with different amounts of advertising fees can be provided. This enhances the convenience of the advertising service and makes it easier to increase the number of users of the advertisements.

[0042] A second modification relating to the first embodiment will now be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may perform an entry performance to notify that multiple users have entered the metaverse when multiple users enter the metaverse simultaneously and at least one of the multiple users has paid an advertising fee.

[0043] The entry management unit 30 of the metaverse server 12 may use known technology to allow a group of multiple users to enter the metaverse simultaneously. In this case, the performance control unit 46 may check the advertising flag of each of the multiple users entering simultaneously. If the advertising flag of at least one of the multiple users entering simultaneously is turned on, the performance control unit 46 may execute an entry performance that includes a video or audio indicating that all of those users have entered at the same time. This modification can promote the use of advertising in the metaverse by increasing the number of people who can see the advertisements.

[0044] A third modification relating to the first embodiment will now be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may cause an entry animation to be executed on the terminals of other users who follow the target user (i.e., the target user's followers) to notify that a certain user (here referred to as the "target user") has entered. On the other hand, the performance control unit 46 may suppress the execution of the target user's entry animation on terminals other than the target user's followers, or in other words, hide the target user's entry animation.

[0045] For example, let's say User A is a user who has paid an advertising fee, and User B is a follower of User A. Also, let's say User C is not a follower of User A and is unrelated to User A. In this case, the performance control unit 46 may execute the entry animation associated with User A's login to the metaverse in the metaverse provided to User B's user terminal 14b. On the other hand, the performance control unit 46 may suppress the entry animation associated with User A's login to the metaverse in the metaverse provided to User C's user terminal 14c. In this modified example, the notification of the target user's entry into the metaverse is limited to the target user's followers. This avoids causing inconvenience to the notified users.

[0046] A fourth modification relating to the first embodiment will now be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may, after executing an entry performance to notify a certain user (here referred to as the "target user") that a user has entered the metaverse, execute the entry performance for the target user again, provided that a predetermined suppression time has elapsed since the previous execution of the entry performance for the target user. The performance control unit 46 may store the date and time when the target user's entry performance was last executed in the user information storage unit 26. The performance control unit 46 may compare the elapsed time from the date and time when the target user's entry performance was last executed until the target user enters the metaverse again with the suppression time and decide whether or not to execute the entry performance for the target user.

[0047] The suppression time is the period during which the execution of the entry animation for the same user is suppressed. The suppression time may be set to a value between 30 and 60 minutes, for example. The appropriate value of the suppression time may be determined based on the knowledge of the developers of the metaverse server 12 or through experiments using the metaverse system 10. According to this modification, the entry animation for the same user is executed only after a predetermined suppression time has elapsed since the execution of the previous entry animation. This suppresses excessive entry animations and avoids causing annoyance to users who receive the entry animations.

[0048] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with explanations of common points omitted as appropriate. The features of the second embodiment can be combined with any features of the first embodiment or its modified form. Components of the second embodiment that are the same as or corresponding to components of the first embodiment will be appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals and described accordingly.

[0049] In the second embodiment of the metaverse management system, multiple worlds accessible to users are provided within the metaverse. These multiple worlds are multiple distinct virtual spaces located within one or more metaverses. Examples of these multiple worlds include a world modeled after the interior of a train, a world modeled after ruins, and a world for playing minigames. The second embodiment of the metaverse management system includes a mechanism to make specific worlds stand out within the metaverse by displaying advertisements targeting other worlds within a given world. This helps to improve the attractiveness and user engagement of the metaverse.

[0050] The configuration of the metaverse system 10 in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the metaverse system 10 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks of the metaverse server 12 in the second embodiment. In addition to the functional blocks of the metaverse server 12 in the first embodiment, the metaverse server 12 in the second embodiment includes a world information storage unit 28, a world management unit 50, and an event information acquisition unit 52.

[0051] The world information storage unit 28 stores information about multiple worlds managed by the metaverse server 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "world information"). The world information includes information about worlds for which advertising fees have been paid, in other words, it includes information indicating worlds that should be highlighted. In the second embodiment, the world information includes advertising flags, and the advertising flags of worlds for which advertising fees have been paid are set to ON.

[0052] The deposit management unit 44 manages deposits from world administrators. In the second embodiment, the deposit management unit 44 manages the payment of advertising fees from world administrators. For example, when the deposit management unit 44 is notified by an external device that an advertising fee has been paid from a certain world, it sets the advertising flag for that world stored in the world information storage unit 28 to ON. The external device may be the terminal of the administrator of the metaverse server 12, the terminal of the administrator of the world that paid the advertising fee, or a payment device.

[0053] In the following, the world in which advertisements from other worlds are executed will be referred to as the First World, and the world that is the target of the advertisements will be referred to as the Second World. The First World can also be called the First Metaverse, and the Second World can also be called the Second Metaverse. The performance control unit 46 controls the performances in multiple metaverses (for example, the First World and the Second World) managed by the Metaverse Server 12.

[0054] The World Management Unit 50 manages the current state of each of the multiple worlds. For example, the World Management Unit 50 stores event information (e.g., concerts, sports competitions, game tournaments, etc.) currently taking place in the first world and the second world in the World Information Storage Unit 28 and updates it sequentially. The event information may also include video and audio data of the events in each world.

[0055] The event information acquisition unit 52 acquires data regarding the current state of the second world that is the target of the advertisement. For example, the event information acquisition unit 52 acquires event information, including video data showing events in progress in the second world and audio of those events, from the world management unit 50 and the world information storage unit 28. The world management unit 50 may also detect when an event has started in the second world. If the event information acquisition unit 52 detects that an event has started in the second world, it may acquire event information regarding the event in progress in the second world.

[0056] The performance control unit 46 causes a performance that represents the current state of the second world and also serves to advertise the second world (hereinafter also referred to as the "advertising performance") to be executed in the first world, which is different from the second world. The performance control unit 46 causes the advertising performance to be executed in the first world on the condition that the world information storage unit 28 records that an advertising fee has been paid by the second world (the administrator of the second world, etc.). The advertising performance includes at least one of sound and light that represents an event currently taking place in the second world.

[0057] The operation of the metaverse system 10 of the second embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained. In this configuration, the metaverse server 12 manages world A and world B. Furthermore, the administrator of world B pays an advertising fee to the administrator of metaverse server 12, and the advertisements for world B are displayed in world A.

[0058] The processing following the payment of advertising fees by the administrator of World B is the same as the operation of the metaverse server 12 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. When the payment management unit 44 of the metaverse server 12 receives data from an external device indicating that the administrator of World B has paid advertising fees, it sets the advertising flag associated with World B stored in the world information storage unit 28 to ON.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the metaverse server 12 in the second embodiment. Figure 6 shows the process of displaying an advertisement from world B in world A. The MV image generation unit 32 of the metaverse server 12 generates an image of world A. The MV data provision unit 38 of the metaverse server 12 displays the image of world A on the user terminal 14 (S30).

[0060] The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 identifies a world with the advertising flag set to ON from among the multiple worlds under its management. Here, the performance control unit 46 detects that the advertising flag for world B is ON (Y in S32). The event information acquisition unit 52 of the metaverse server 12 acquires event information indicating the status of events currently taking place in world B (S34). The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 executes an advertising performance in world A based on the event information for world B acquired in S34 (S36). If the advertising flag for world B is OFF (N in S32), the processing from S34 onward is skipped.

[0061] In S36, the performance control unit 46 may instruct the MV image generation unit 32 to generate an advertising performance image including the event video based on the event information. The performance control unit 46 may also instruct the MV audio generation unit 34 to generate advertising performance audio including the event audio. The performance control unit 46 may also instruct the vibration generation unit 36 ​​to generate vibration data indicating a vibration pattern for the advertising performance. The MV data provision unit 38 may transmit world data (in other words, metaverse data) including the advertising performance image, advertising performance audio, and vibration data to the user terminal 14, thereby displaying an image of World A including the advertising performance of World B on the user terminal 14.

[0062] Figure 7 shows an example of an advertising presentation. The world image 60 in Figure 7 is an image provided to a user who has logged into World A, and shows the space in World A where the advertising presentation for World B is displayed. The world image 60 in Figure 7 includes an avatar 62 and a subspace 64. Avatar 62 is an avatar operated by the user. The presentation control unit 46 displays the area of ​​World A where the advertising presentation is performed in a manner different from the surrounding area, and in the example of Figure 7, it displays it as a subspace 64.

[0063] Subspace 64 is an image that shows the space in World A where advertising for World B is performed as a subspace distinct from the normal space of World A. The performance control unit 46 may play images and sounds in subspace 64 that show the progress of an event currently underway in World B, which has been acquired by the event information acquisition unit 52. By moving their avatar 62 into subspace 64, the user can view the progress of an event currently underway in World B (for example, a concert or a game tournament).

[0064] For example, the performance control unit 46 may be set to be semi-transparent so that the entire subspace 64 appears blurred using known methods such as alpha blending. Alternatively, the performance control unit 46 may be set to blur the boundary between the subspace 64 and the external space using known methods such as alpha blending. In other words, the performance control unit 46 may be displayed in a manner in which the boundary between the subspace 64 and its surrounding area is blurred. According to this configuration, the subspace 64 in which the advertising performance for World B takes place blends into World A, making it less likely for users of World A to feel a sense of incongruity, and making it easier to cultivate user interest in World B.

[0065] Figure 8 also shows an example of an advertising presentation. The world image 60 in Figure 8 is also an image provided to users who have logged into World A, and it shows the space in World A where the advertising presentation for World B is displayed. The world image 60 in Figure 8 includes an event venue 66. The event venue 66 is a virtual building (which could also be called a stadium) where the event for World B is taking place.

[0066] For example, the performance control unit 46 may instruct the MV image generation unit 32 to generate a world image 60 in which light from an event being held in World B (for example, light emitted from a video showing the current situation) is leaking from the event venue 66. The performance control unit 46 may also instruct the MV sound generation unit 34 to generate world sound that sounds like audio from an event being held in World B (for example, current audio) is leaking from the event venue 66. This configuration makes it easy to show users in World A that an event is taking place in World B, and also makes it easier to cultivate user interest in World B.

[0067] The performance control unit 46 may also play images and audio in the event venue 66 that show the progress of the event currently underway in World B, which has been acquired by the event information acquisition unit 52. Users can view the progress of the event currently underway in World B by moving their avatar 62 into the event venue 66.

[0068] As a variation, the performance control unit 46 may vibrate the controller connected to the user terminal 14 when executing an advertising performance, similar to the entrance performance in the first embodiment. Alternatively, instead of vibrating the controller, the performance control unit 46 may vibrate the content displayed on the user's screen (video performance), or in other words, display the content on the user's screen in a way that vibrates. Furthermore, the performance control unit 46 may vibrate both the controller and the screen when executing an advertising performance. This variation makes the advertising performance more easily recognizable to the user. Note that the advertising performance itself may include either or both controller vibration and screen vibration.

[0069] According to the metaverse server 12 of the second embodiment, it is possible to support the attraction of users to World B by having an advertising performance in World A that shows the current state of World B, for which an advertising fee has been paid. In addition, the current state of World B can be presented to users of World A in an easy-to-understand manner, making it easier to cultivate interest in World B among users of World A. Furthermore, it is possible to realize a new business in the metaverse in which advertising fees are earned as compensation for making a world stand out.

[0070] The present invention has been described above based on the second embodiment. The second embodiment is illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] A modification of the second embodiment will now be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may change the position within World A where the advertisement performance for World B is performed over time. For example, if the performance control unit 46 has displayed the advertisement performance (e.g., subspace 64 in Figure 7) at a certain position in World A for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour), it may switch to displaying the advertisement performance at a different position in World A. The predetermined time may be determined based on the knowledge of the developers of the metaverse server 12 or on experiments using the metaverse system 10. The display position of the advertisement performance may be a randomly determined position within World A. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide users with the enjoyment of discovering the advertisement performance within the world, increase attention to the advertisement performance, and make it easier to further cultivate interest in the advertised subject.

[0072] The metaverse server 12 of the first or second embodiment may be implemented by multiple computers cooperating as a system via a communication network. In this case, the functions of the metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment and the functions of the metaverse server 12 of the second embodiment may be distributed across multiple computers. The multiple computers may each include, for example, one or more communication devices, metaverse data generation devices (image generation devices, etc.), and database devices.

[0073] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from these combinations possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof.

[0074] <Note> The above descriptions of embodiments and modifications include the following technical disclosures. [Technology 1-1] The access control department manages user entry into the metaverse, When a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the performance control unit causes the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, A metaverse management device equipped with the following features. This metaverse management system allows for increased visibility and influence within the metaverse by notifying other users of the entry of users who meet certain conditions, thereby enabling a new business model of user advertising. Furthermore, by providing a mechanism to increase user visibility and influence, the metaverse's ability to attract users can be improved. [Technology 1-2] The aforementioned performance includes at least one of audio and video indicating that the user has entered. The metaverse management device described in Technology 1-1. This metaverse management system makes it easy for other users to see when a user has entered the metaverse. [Technology 1-3] The aforementioned effect includes at least one of the following: causing the other user's controller to vibrate and causing the content displayed on the other user's screen to vibrate. A metaverse management device as described in Technical 1-1 or 1-2. This metaverse management system makes it easier for other users to notice when a user enters a metaverse. [Technology 1-4] The performance control unit changes the performance mode according to the advertising fee paid by the user. A metaverse management device as described in any of the technologies 1-1 to 1-3. This metaverse management system allows for diverse presentations by varying the presentation based on the advertising fee, and also increases the number of users of the advertisements. [Technology 1-5] The aforementioned performance control unit, when multiple users enter the metaverse simultaneously and at least one of the multiple users has paid an advertising fee, causes the performance control unit to execute a performance that notifies the multiple users that they have entered. A metaverse management device as described in any of the technologies 1-1 to 1-4. According to this metaverse management system, increasing the target audience for advertisements can lead to an increase in the number of users of those advertisements. [Technology 1-6] The aforementioned performance control unit causes a performance to be executed on the terminals of other users who follow the aforementioned user, to notify them that the user has entered. A metaverse management device as described in any of the technologies 1-1 to 1-5. This metaverse management system makes it easier to avoid inconveniencing users by limiting notifications of a user's entry to only the user's followers. [Technology 1-7] The aforementioned performance control unit, after executing a performance to notify the user that the user has entered, will execute the performance again if the user re-enters the metaverse, provided that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the performance. Metaverse management device as described in any of Technical 1-1 to 1-6 This metaverse management device makes it easier to avoid inconveniencing users by setting a predetermined time interval between the execution of notification effects when a user enters the metaverse. [Technology 1-8] Steps to manage user access to the metaverse, If a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the step of causing the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, A method of managing the metaverse that computers use. This metaverse management method produces the same effect as the metaverse management device of Technology 1-1. [Technology 1-9] Features to manage user access to the metaverse, A function to cause an event to be executed in the metaverse that notifies other users of a user's entry if the user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, A computer program that enables a computer to realize something. This computer program makes it possible to create a computer that achieves the same effect as the metaverse management device described in Technology 1-1.

[0075] [Technology 2-1] A performance control unit that controls the performance in the first metaverse, An acquisition unit that acquires data regarding the current state of a second metaverse, which is different from the first metaverse, Equipped with, The aforementioned performance control unit causes the first metaverse to execute a performance in which the current state of the second metaverse is represented. Metaverse management device. This metaverse management device can help attract users to the second metaverse by having the first metaverse execute a visual representation of the second metaverse's current state. [Technology 2-2] The performance control unit causes the performance to execute a performance that includes at least one of sound and light representing an event currently taking place in the second metaverse. The metaverse management device described in Technical 2-1. This metaverse management device makes it possible to clearly show the current state of the second metaverse to users of the first metaverse. [Technology 2-3] The aforementioned performance control unit performs, in conjunction with the performance, at least one of the following: vibrating the user's controller and vibrating the content displayed on the user's screen. A metaverse management device as described in Technical Section 2-1 or 2-2. This metaverse management device makes it easier for users to recognize the visual representation of the current state of the second metaverse. [Technology 2-4] The performance control unit causes the region of the first metaverse where the performance takes place to be displayed in a manner different from the surrounding region. A metaverse management device as described in any of Technical Sections 2-1 to 2-3. This metaverse management device makes it easy for users of the first metaverse to understand that an area is where a visual representation of the current state of the second metaverse is being displayed. [Technology 2-5] The performance control unit causes the boundary between the region of the first metaverse where the performance takes place and its surrounding region to be displayed in a blurred manner. A metaverse management device as described in any of Technical Sections 2-1 to 2-4. According to this metaverse management device, blurring the boundary between the displayed content of the first metaverse and the displayed content of the second metaverse makes it less likely for users of the first metaverse to feel uncomfortable. [Technology 2-6] The performance control unit changes the position in the first metaverse where the performance takes place over time. A metaverse management device as described in any of Technical Sections 2-1 to 2-5. This metaverse management device can provide users of the first metaverse with the interest of discovering areas where a visual representation of the current state of the second metaverse is being displayed. [Technology 2-7] The system further includes a memory unit that stores that advertising fees were paid from the second metaverse, The aforementioned performance control unit, on the condition that advertising fees have been paid from the second metaverse, causes the first metaverse to execute a performance in the first metaverse that represents the current state of the second metaverse. A metaverse management device as described in any of Technical Sections 2-1 to 2-6. This metaverse management device enables the realization of a business that supports attracting users to a second metaverse. [Technology 2-8] The first step involves controlling the presentation in the metaverse, The steps include obtaining data on the current state of a second metaverse, which is different from the first metaverse, The computer executes this, The step of controlling the aforementioned effects involves causing the first metaverse to execute an effect in which the current state of the second metaverse is represented. Metaverse management methods. This metaverse management method produces the same effect as the metaverse management device described in Technology 2-1. [Technology 2-9] A function to control the presentation in the first metaverse, A function to acquire data on the current state of a second metaverse, which is different from the first metaverse, To make this a reality on a computer, The function that controls the aforementioned effects causes the effects representing the current state of the second metaverse to be executed in the first metaverse. Computer program. This computer program makes it possible to create a computer that achieves the same effect as the metaverse management device described in Technology 2-1. [Industrial applicability]

[0076] The technology disclosed herein can be applied to devices and systems that manage the metaverse. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10 Metaverse system, 12 Metaverse server, 14 User terminal, 30 Admission management unit, 32 MV image generation unit, 34 MV audio generation unit, 38 MV data provision unit, 44 Payment management unit, 46 Performance control unit, 52 Event information acquisition unit.

Claims

1. The access control department manages user entry into the metaverse, When a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the performance control unit causes the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, Equipped with, The aforementioned effect includes at least one of the following: causing the other user's controller to vibrate and causing the content displayed on the other user's screen to vibrate. Metaverse management device.

2. The access control department manages user entry into the metaverse, When a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the performance control unit causes the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, Equipped with, The aforementioned performance control unit causes a performance to be executed on the terminals of other users who follow the aforementioned user, to notify them that the user has entered. Metaverse management device.

3. The access control department manages user entry into the metaverse, When a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the performance control unit causes the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, Equipped with, The aforementioned performance control unit, after executing a performance to notify the user that the user has entered, will execute the performance again if the user re-enters the metaverse, provided that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the performance. Metaverse management device.

4. The aforementioned performance includes at least one of audio and video indicating that the user has entered. The metaverse management device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The performance control unit changes the performance mode according to the advertising fee paid by the user. A metaverse management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The aforementioned performance control unit, when multiple users enter the metaverse simultaneously and at least one of the multiple users has paid an advertising fee, causes the performance control unit to execute a performance that notifies the multiple users that they have entered. A metaverse management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. Steps to manage user access to the metaverse, If a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the step of causing the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, The computer executes this, The aforementioned effect includes at least one of the following: causing the other user's controller to vibrate and causing the content displayed on the other user's screen to vibrate. Metaverse management methods.

8. Steps to manage user access to the metaverse, If a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the step of causing the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, The computer executes this, The aforementioned step involves causing another user's terminal, which follows the user, to execute a notification that the user has entered. Metaverse management methods.

9. Steps to manage user access to the metaverse, If a user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, the step of causing the metaverse to execute a performance that notifies other users that the user has entered, After executing a performance that notifies the user of their entry, if the user re-enters the metaverse, the performance is executed again, provided that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the previous performance. A method of managing the metaverse that computers use.

10. Features to manage user access to the metaverse, A function to cause an event to be executed in the metaverse that notifies other users of a user's entry if the user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, To make this a reality on a computer, The aforementioned effect includes at least one of the following: causing the other user's controller to vibrate and causing the content displayed on the other user's screen to vibrate. Computer program.

11. Features to manage user access to the metaverse, A function to cause an event to be executed in the metaverse that notifies other users of a user's entry if the user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, To make this a reality on a computer, The aforementioned function causes another user's terminal that follows the user to execute a notification that the user has entered. Computer program.

12. Features to manage user access to the metaverse, A function to cause an event to be executed in the metaverse that notifies other users of a user's entry if the user who has entered the metaverse meets predetermined conditions, To make this a reality on a computer, The aforementioned function, after executing a performance that notifies the user of their entry, will, if the user re-enters the metaverse, execute the performance again, provided that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the performance. Computer program.

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