Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device for assigning a privilege based on a connection between users in a virtual space.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a storage unit that stores usage history information of facilities or services in a virtual space used by a first user and user information representing a relationship between the first user and another user in the virtual space, a specification unit that specifies a second user having a prescribed relationship with the first user in the virtual space on the basis of the user information, a determination unit for determining whether or not the second user is interested in the facilities or services on the basis of activity information of the second user in the virtual space, and a granting unit for, on condition that the determined second user is present, granting a privilege to the first user, the privilege subject to the condition that at least one of the first user and the determined second user uses the facilities or services.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a service system for providing a service (virtual space service) of a virtual reality (VR) space (virtual space) to a user has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of increasing the sales of a store (virtual store) on the virtual space, when a user who has visited the virtual store purchases an advertised product of the virtual store, benefits such as points or cashback available in the virtual store are given.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the virtual space, it is considered that it is easy to connect with people who have the same hobbies or preferences as the user himself / herself purely without being caught by the position or human relationships in the real space. Therefore, if benefits can be given based on the connection between users in the virtual space, an increase in the customer attraction effect by the benefits can be expected. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, only benefits are given to the user himself / herself who uses the virtual store, and it is not possible to give benefits based on the connection between users in the virtual space.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to attempt to give benefits based on the connection between users in the virtual space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores usage history information of facilities or services in a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating the relationship between the first user and other users in the virtual space; an identification unit that identifies a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in the virtual space based on the user information; a determination unit that acquires activity information including the usage history information of the second user regarding the facilities or services in the virtual space, and determines whether the second user is interested in the facilities or services based on the usage history information of the second user; and a notification unit that notifies the first user that there is a second user who has been determined to be interested in the facilities or services. A granting unit that grants a benefit related to the facility or service to the first user, provided that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the facility or service, This is an information processing device equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. One aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, The notification unit notifies the first user of the granting of the benefits and of the second user who is interested in the facilities or services. It is an information processing device. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising the above-described information processing device, further comprising a setting unit that sets the range of other users to whom the determination result of interest by the determination unit is made public for each user, and a notification unit that determines whether or not to notify the first user of a second user who is interested in the facility or the service, based on the range of other users. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the notification unit notifies the second user of the content of the benefit and the first user to whom the benefit has been granted. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising the above-described information processing device, further comprising a setting unit for each user that sets the range of other users to whom the results of granting the benefits will be made public, and a notification unit that determines whether or not to notify the second user of the content of the benefits and the first user to whom the benefits have been granted, based on the range of other users. One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which the benefit is a benefit available at a real-world facility or service related to the facility or service. One aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, The aforementioned attachment unit, This information processing device acquires the real-world residence information of the first user and grants the aforementioned benefits only to the first user whose residence, as indicated by the residence information, is within a predetermined distance from the location where the real-world facilities or services are provided. One aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, The aforementioned attachment unit, This information processing device acquires real-world residence information of the second user and grants the aforementioned benefit to the first user, provided that the residence indicated by the residence information is within a predetermined distance from a place that provides the real-world facilities or services and that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed by an information processing device, comprising: a storage step of storing usage history information of a facility or service in a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating the relationship between the first user and other users in the virtual space; an identification step of identifying a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in the virtual space based on the user information; a determination step of acquiring activity information including the usage history information of the second user regarding the facility or service in the virtual space, and determining whether the second user is interested in the facility or service based on the usage history information of the second user; and a notification step of notifying the first user that there is a second user who has been determined to be interested in the facility or service. Granting steps include granting a benefit relating to the said facility or service to the first user, provided that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the said facility or service, This is an information processing method that includes [something]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide benefits based on the connections between users in a virtual space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example configuration of a reward system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a reward-granting device (information processing device) according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of virtual space user information according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of reward information according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration information according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for an information processing method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a reward granting system according to one embodiment. The reward granting device 1 is a device for granting rewards to users of the virtual space service.

[0011] The reward granting device 1 sends and receives data to and from external devices such as the user database 2, the virtual space server 3, and each user's user device UE (UE1, UE2) via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0012] The first user device UE1 is a user device used by the first user U1 in the real-world RS. The second user device UE2 is a user device used by the second user U2 in the real-world RS. In the real-world RS, there is a physical facility RSO. In the physical facility RSO, goods and services are provided to real people.

[0013] Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, users will be referred to as User U. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, user devices will be referred to as User Device UE.

[0014] The virtual space server 3 executes information processing to provide virtual space services. The virtual space server 3 executes virtual space processing to generate, by computer graphics, virtual space data for showing objects on the virtual space VS, such as an avatar AVA or a virtual facility VSO, to the user U. In FIG. 1, the virtual space VS shows an avatar AVA1 of the first user U1, an avatar AVA2 of the second user U2, and a virtual facility VSO. The virtual space data is data that can show the virtual space VS created by computer graphics to the wearer as if it were the real space when displayed, for example, on a head-mounted display.

[0015] In this embodiment, as a virtual space service, a service is provided to display, on the virtual space VS, an avatar AVA associated with the user identification information (user ID) of the user U, a virtual facility VSO for providing the service requested by the user U on the virtual space, and the like. The avatar AVA is a character displayed on the virtual space VS as a counterpart of the user U. With the virtual space service, the user U can perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of his / her own avatar AVA on the virtual space VS.

[0016] The virtual facility VSO is a facility provided on the virtual space VS to provide services to the user U via the avatar AVA. As an example of the virtual facility VSO, a virtual store for purchasing goods on the virtual space VS can be mentioned. For example, a virtual facility VSO "idol shop" that specializes in handling idol goods can be mentioned. The user U can purchase idol goods on the virtual space VS by having his / her own avatar AVA visit the virtual facility VSO "idol shop". One example of a virtual service provider (VSO) is a virtual shop where services are provided within the virtual space (VS). For instance, there is a virtual service provider (VSO) called "Movie Lovers' Salon" that provides a place for movie lovers to gather. By having their avatar (AVA) visit the "Movie Lovers' Salon," user U can talk about movies with other movie-loving users (U) within the virtual space (VS).

[0017] Virtual space server 3 sends and receives data to and from user device UE used by user U via the communication network NW. User device UE is registered with virtual space server 3 in association with user U's user ID. Virtual space data is sent from virtual space server 3 to user U's user device UE.

[0018] User U uses User Device UE to receive virtual space services. User U uses User Device UE to perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of their avatar AVA in the virtual space VS.

[0019] A user device (UE) is, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD). A head-mounted display can make a virtual space created with computer graphics (CG) appear to the wearer as if it were a real space (the real world). In addition, various sensors on the head-mounted display can detect movement and tilt, making it appear as if the wearer is moving in the virtual space or changing the direction in which they view objects in the virtual space. The user can use the control unit on the head-mounted display to perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of their avatar in the virtual space. The control unit on the head-mounted display is, for example, configured as a separate device from the head-mounted display body and communicates with the head-mounted display body via short-range wireless communication.

[0020] The User Device UE (UE) can be any device that has information processing, display, and operation functions necessary for using the virtual space service. For example, the User Device UE may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC). For example, the User Device UE may be a stationary personal computer.

[0021] User Database 2 is a database where all users U are registered. User Database 2 stores information about registered users U. User Database 2 stores personal information such as user U's name, address, age, hobbies, preferences, and other user registrations, as well as virtual space activity information showing user U's activities in the virtual space VS. User U's personal information is registered in User Database 2, for example, when user U registers. User U's virtual space activity information is registered in User Database 2 from the virtual space server 3 at predetermined times. For example, user U's virtual space activity information is registered in User Database 2 on a daily basis.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a reward granting device (information processing device) according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the reward granting device 1 includes a specific unit 101, a determination unit 102, a granting unit 103, a notification unit 104, a setting unit 105, and a storage unit 120.

[0023] Each function of the reward granting device 1 is realized by the reward granting device 1 being equipped with computer hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and the CPU executing a computer program stored in memory. The reward granting device 1 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or it may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the reward granting device 1 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, each function of the reward granting device 1 may be realized by cloud computing. In addition, the reward granting device 1 may be implemented by a single computer, or its functions may be distributed and realized by multiple computers. Furthermore, the reward granting device 1 may be configured to open a website using, for example, a WWW system.

[0024] The memory unit 120 stores various types of data, such as virtual space user information 1201, benefit granting information 1202, and setting information 1203.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of virtual space user information according to this embodiment. The virtual space user information 1201 includes virtual space usage history information and virtual space other user information for the first user U1 who is eligible for the benefit. The benefit granting device 1 obtains the virtual space usage history information and virtual space other user information of the first user U1 from the personal information and virtual space activity information of user U stored in the user database 2.

[0026] Virtual space usage history information is information that shows the usage history of facilities or services on the virtual space VS used by the first user U1. In Figure 3, the first user U1's virtual space usage history information is stored in the virtual space user information 1201, associated with the first user U1's user ID. The first user U1's virtual space usage history information is obtained from the first user U1's virtual space activity information stored in the user database 2.

[0027] Virtual space other user information is information that shows the relationship between the first user U1 and other users U in the virtual space VS. In Figure 3, the virtual space other user information of the first user U1 is stored in virtual space user information 1201, associated with the user ID of the first user U1. For example, User 1, whose user ID is "UID_1", has registered User U, whose user ID is "UID_2", as a friend in User Database 2's personal information and user registration, thus establishing a "friend" relationship with User U, whose user ID is "UID_2". For example, User U1, whose user ID is "UID_1", has registered the shared hobby "movies" as a hobby in the personal information of User U, whose user ID is "UID_15", and therefore has a "movie lover" relationship with User U, whose user ID is "UID_15". Alternatively, User U1, whose user ID is "UID_1", and User U, whose user ID is "UID_15", have a "movie lover" relationship because, according to their respective virtual space activity information in User Database 2, they have visited the virtual cinema in the virtual space VS to watch movies more frequently than a predetermined frequency. For example, User 1, whose user ID is "UID_2", has registered the shared hobby "idols" as a hobby in the personal information of User U, whose user ID is "UID_13", in User Database 2, thus indicating that User 1 and User U, whose user ID is "UID_13", are "idol lovers". Alternatively, User 1, whose user ID is "UID_2", and User U, whose user ID is "UID_13", are both "idol lovers" because, according to their respective virtual space activity information in User Database 2, they have watched virtual idol live performances on the virtual space VS more frequently than specified.

[0028] The identification unit 101 identifies a second user U2 that has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 on the virtual space VS, based on other user information in the virtual space. The predetermined relationship is, for example, "friend". The predetermined relationship is, for example, "movie lover". The predetermined relationship is, for example, "idol lover". The identification unit 101 may also identify a community established in the virtual space VS as a second user U2 that has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 in the virtual space VS. A community is composed of multiple users U. Examples include a movie lover community where multiple movie lover users U gather, or an idol lover community where multiple idol lover users U gather. For example, a user U registered in the movie lover community is identified as a second user U2 that has a "movie lover" relationship with the first user U1 in the virtual space VS.

[0029] The determination unit 102 obtains virtual space activity information of the identified second user U2 from the user database 2. Based on the obtained virtual space activity information of the second user U2, the determination unit 102 determines whether the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information. For example, based on the usage history information showing the purchase history of goods and use of services included in the second user U2's virtual space activity information, the determination unit 102 determines whether the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information. For example, if the second user U2 purchases the same goods or uses the same services as the first user U1 more than a predetermined number of times or frequency, it may be determined that the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, and if not, it may be determined that they are not interested. The predetermined number of times or frequency can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the benefit granting device 1.

[0030] The granting unit 103 grants the first user U1 a benefit for which the use of the facility or service by at least one of the first user U1 and the determined second user U2 is a condition for using the benefit, provided that there is a second user U2 that is determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information. Therefore, if there is a second user U2 that is determined to be interested in the facility or service included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, the first user U1 is granted a benefit, but if there is no such determined second user U2, the first user U1 is not granted a benefit.

[0031] The benefits granted to the first user U1 may be benefits that become available when the first user U1 uses a facility or service included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, or benefits that become available when a second user U2, who is determined to be interested in the facility or service, uses the facility or service. Such benefits may be, for example, points or discounts that can be used at the facility or service. Furthermore, the benefits granted to the first user U1 may be benefits that can be used by both the first user U1 and the second user U2. For example, if the first user U1 refers the second user U2 as a new member of the facility or service, the first user U1 may receive a predetermined amount of cashback and the second user U2 may have their membership fee waived. This has the effect of increasing the motivation for the second user U2 to use the facility or service, not just for the first user U1 who initially received the benefits.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the benefit granting information according to this embodiment. The benefit granting information 1202 is information indicating the benefit (granted benefit) granted to the first user U1 who is the target of the benefit granting. In Figure 4, for example, the first user U1, whose user ID is "UID_1", is granted the benefit XX, which becomes available when the first user U1 with "UID_1" or the second user U2 with "UID_X" uses the virtual facility A. The granting unit 103 stores the result of granting the benefit to the first user U1 in the benefit granting information 1202.

[0033] The notification unit 104 notifies the first user U1 of information regarding the benefits to be granted to the first user U1.

[0034] For example, the notification unit 104 transmits to the first user device UE1 of the first user U1 information indicating that a benefit has been granted to the first user U1 and that the second user U2 has been determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information. This allows the first user U1 to be notified that the benefit has been granted and that the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services.

[0035] For example, the notification unit 104 transmits information indicating the details of the benefit and the first user U1 to whom the benefit was granted to the second user device UE2 of the second user U2, which has been determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information. This allows the second user U2 to be notified of the details of the benefit and the first user U1 to whom the benefit was granted.

[0036] The configuration unit 105 sets whether or not information should be made public for each user U. The configuration unit 105 receives the setting from user U regarding whether or not to make their information public. This allows user U to decide whether or not to make their own information public.

[0037] For example, the configuration unit 105 sets the range of other users to whom the results of the determination unit 102's determination of interest will be made public for each user U. Based on the range of other users, the notification unit 104 decides whether or not to notify the first user of a second user U2 who has been determined to be interested in a facility or service included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 to whom the benefit has been granted. Therefore, if the first user U1 is included in the range of other users of the second user U2, the second user U2 will be notified to the first user U1, but if not, the second user U2 will not be notified to the first user U1.

[0038] For example, the setting unit 105 sets the range of other users to whom the granting results of the benefits granted by the granting unit 103 will be made public for each user U. Based on the range of other users, the notification unit 104 decides whether or not to notify the second user U2, who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, of the content of the benefit and the first user U1 to whom the benefit was granted. Therefore, if the second user U2 is included in the range of other users for the first user U1, the content of the benefit and the first user U1 will be notified to the second user U2; otherwise, the content of the benefit and the first user U1 will not be notified to the second user U2.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of setting information according to this embodiment. The setting information 1203 includes interest disclosure settings and benefit granting disclosure settings.

[0040] In the example in Figure 5, the interest disclosure setting indicates whether (○) or (×) the result of the determination unit 102's determination of interest for each user U is disclosed to the first user U1 who has been granted the benefit. Therefore, for example, for the second user U2 whose user ID is "UID_2", the interest disclosure setting is "○", so the result of the determination unit 102's determination of interest for the second user U2 with "UID_2" is disclosed to the first user U1 who has been granted the benefit. On the other hand, for the second user U2 whose user ID is "UID_3", the interest disclosure setting is "×", so the result of the determination unit 102's determination of interest for the second user U2 with "UID_3" is not disclosed to the first user U1 who has been granted the benefit.

[0041] In the example in Figure 5, the reward granting disclosure setting indicates whether (○) or (×) for each user U whether the reward granting results by the granting unit 103 are disclosed to a second user U2 who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of user U. Therefore, for example, for the first user U1 whose user ID is "UID_1", the reward granting disclosure setting is "○", so the reward granting results by the granting unit 103 for the first user U1 with "UID_1" are disclosed to the second user U2 who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 with "UID_1". On the other hand, for the first user U1 whose user ID is "UID_4", the reward granting disclosure setting is "×", so the reward granting results by the granting unit 103 for the first user U1 with "UID_4" are not disclosed to the second user U2 who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1 with "UID_4".

[0042] The settings unit 105 stores the interest disclosure settings and the benefit granting disclosure settings for each user U in the settings information 1203. The notification unit 104 determines whether or not to disclose the information for each user U based on the settings information 1203.

[0043] Furthermore, the benefits granted to the first user U1 may be benefits that can be used at real-world facilities or services related to the facilities or services included in the virtual space usage history information of the first user U1.

[0044] Real-world facility or service information, which indicates facilities or services in the real world related to facilities or services in the virtual space, is prepared in advance. This real-world facility or service information may be stored in the benefit granting device 1, or it may be stored in another device other than the benefit granting device 1, and the benefit granting device 1 may obtain the necessary information from that other device as needed.

[0045] For example, the perks could be those usable at the real-world facility RSO "Idol Shop" located in the real-world RS, which also operates the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" in the virtual space VS. This would have the effect of guiding the first user U1, who likes idols, to the real-world facility RSO "Idol Shop," which would be difficult to access in the real-world RS, even though they could access the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" in the virtual space VS. Furthermore, the perks granted to the first user U1 may be those that allow the first user U1 to use the physical facility RSO "Idol Shop" when the second user U2 uses the physical facility RSO "Idol Shop". This would motivate the first user U1 to invite their virtual world VS companion, the second user U2, to go to the physical facility RSO "Idol Shop," which they might find difficult to visit alone, thus lowering the psychological barrier to using the physical facility RSO "Idol Shop".

[0046] For example, the perks could be those usable at the real-world facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" in the real-world space RS, which operates the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lover's Salon" in the virtual space VS. This would have the effect of guiding the first user U1, who loves movies, to the real-world facility RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe," which is difficult to access in the real-world space RS, even though the first user U1 can access the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lover's Salon" in the virtual space VS. Furthermore, the perks granted to the first user U1 may also be perks that allow the first user U1 to use the real-world RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe" when the second user U2 uses the real-world RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe". This would motivate the first user U1 to invite their virtual VS companion, the second user U2, to go to the real-world RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe," which they might have found difficult to visit alone, thus lowering the psychological barrier to using the real-world RSO "Movie Lover's Cafe".

[0047] Furthermore, the first user U1 to whom the benefits are granted may be limited by their place of residence. For example, the granting unit 103 may acquire the real-world place of residence information of the first user U1 and grant the benefits only to first users U1 whose place of residence indicated by the place of residence information is within a predetermined distance from a place that provides real-world facilities or services related to the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information. Information indicating a place that provides real-world facilities or services related to facilities or services in virtual space is included in the real-world facility service information described above.

[0048] Furthermore, the second user U2, who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, may be limited by place of residence. For example, the granting unit 103 may acquire the real-world place of residence information of the second user U2 and grant the benefit to the first user on the condition that the place of residence indicated by the place of residence information is within a predetermined distance from a place that provides real-world facilities or services related to the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, and that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information.

[0049] Next, the information processing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0050] (Step S1) The reward granting device 1 obtains virtual space user information 1201 (virtual space usage history information and other virtual space user information) of the first user U1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the first user U1), who is eligible for the reward, from the personal information and virtual space activity information of user U stored in the user database 2. The reward granting device 1 stores the virtual space user information 1201 of the first user U1. The first user U1, who is eligible for the reward, is set in the reward granting device 1 in advance.

[0051] For example, the first user U1 may be any user U registered in user database 2. For example, the first user U1 may be some of the user U registered in user database 2. For example, the first user U1 may be a user U that meets specific conditions registered in user database 2. These specific conditions may be specific personal information, such as a specific place of residence, age, hobbies, or preferences. These specific conditions may be specific virtual space activities, such as a history of using a specific facility or service in the virtual space VS.

[0052] (Step S2) The reward granting device 1 identifies a second user U2 that has a predetermined relationship with the first user U1 on the virtual space VS, based on the virtual space user information 1201 of the first user U1.

[0053] (Step S3) The reward granting device 1 obtains virtual space activity information of the identified second user U2 from the user database 2. Based on the obtained virtual space activity information of the second user U2, the reward granting device 1 determines whether the second user U2 is interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information.

[0054] (Step S4) The reward granting device 1 determines whether or not to grant a reward to the first user U1. For example, the reward granting device 1 determines to grant a reward to the first user U1 if there is a second user U2 who is determined to be interested in the facilities or services included in the first user U1's virtual space usage history information, and determines not to grant a reward to the first user U1 if there is no such second user U2. As mentioned above, the conditions for granting a reward to the first user U1 may be limited by the place of residence of the first user U1 and the place of residence of the second user U2.

[0055] (Step S5) If the first user U1 is to be granted the benefit (Step S5, YES), proceed to Step S6. On the other hand, if the first user U1 is not to be granted the benefit (Step S5, NO), terminate the process shown in Figure 6.

[0056] (Step S6) The reward granting device 1 notifies the first user U1 of information regarding the reward to be granted. As described above, the conditions for notifying the first user U1 of information regarding the reward to be granted may be limited by the setting information 1203.

[0057] As described above, this embodiment provides the effect of granting benefits based on the connections between users in the virtual space VS.

[0058] For example, if a first user U1 has registered a second user U2 as a friend and the second user U2 is interested in a facility or service in the virtual space that the first user U1 is using, the first user U1 may be granted a benefit where the use of the facility or service by at least one of the first user U1 or the second user U2 is a condition for using the benefit.

[0059] For example, if a second user U2 shares the same hobby of "movies" as the first user U1 and is interested in the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lovers' Salon" in the virtual space used by the first user U1, the first user U2 can be granted a benefit where the use of the virtual facility VSO "Movie Lovers' Salon" by at least one of the first user U1 or the second user U2 is a condition for using the benefit.

[0060] For example, if a second user U2 shares the same hobby "idols" as the first user U1 and is interested in the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" used by the first user U1, the first user U1 can be granted a benefit where the use of the virtual facility VSO "Idol Shop" by at least one of the first user U1 or the second user U2 is a condition for using the benefit.

[0061] Furthermore, by notifying the first user U1 of the benefits granted to the first user U1, for example, by notifying the first user U1 of the second user U2, the first user U1 can recognize the second user with whom they have a predetermined relationship in the virtual space. Also, by notifying the second user U2 of the details of the benefits and the first user to whom those benefits were granted, for example, the second user U2 can recognize the first user U1 with whom they have a predetermined relationship in the virtual space and the details of the benefits granted to the first user U1.

[0062] Furthermore, by making it possible to set conditions for notifying users of the benefits granted to the first user U1, the privacy of both the first user U1 and the second user U2 can be respected.

[0063] Furthermore, by making the benefits granted to the first user U1 usable at real-world facilities or services related to the facilities or services in the virtual space, a customer referral effect can be obtained, guiding the first user U1 to real-world facilities or services. In addition, this customer referral effect can be effectively obtained by limiting the conditions for granting benefits to the first user U1 based on the residence of the first user U1 and the residence of the second user U2.

[0064] Furthermore, this will enable improvements in overall service quality, for example, in virtual space service systems, thereby contributing to Goal 8 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all."

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0066] Alternatively, computer programs for realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, if a WWW system is being used, the "computer system" shall also include the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems.

[0067] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1... Reward Granting Device, 2... User Database, 3... Virtual Space Server, 101... Identification Unit, 102... Judgment Unit, 103... Granting Unit, 104... Notification Unit, 105... Setting Unit, 120... Storage Unit, UE1, UE2... User Devices, VS... Virtual Space, RS... Real Space, AVA1, AVA2... Avatars, U1, U2... Users, VSO... Virtual Facility, RSO... Real Facility

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores usage history information of facilities or services in a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating the relationship between the first user and other users in the virtual space, An identification unit identifies a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in the virtual space based on the user information, A determination unit acquires activity information including the second user's usage history information regarding the facility or service in the virtual space, and determines whether the second user is interested in the facility or service based on the second user's usage history information. A notification unit that notifies the first user that there is a second user who has been determined to be interested in the facility or the service, A granting unit that grants a benefit related to the facility or service to the first user, on the condition that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the facility or service, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The notification unit notifies the first user of the granting of the benefits and of the second user who is interested in the facilities or services. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a setting unit that sets the range of other users to whom the results of the determination unit's determination of interest are made public for each user. The notification unit determines, based on the scope of other users, whether or not to notify the first user of a second user who is interested in the facility or the service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The notification unit notifies the second user of the details of the benefit and the first user to whom the benefit has been granted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The system further includes a setting section for each user to set the range of other users whose access to the aforementioned benefits will be made public. The notification unit determines, based on the scope of other users, whether or not to notify the second user of the content of the benefit and the first user to whom the benefit was granted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned benefits are benefits that can be used at real-world facilities or services related to the aforementioned facilities or services. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The granting unit acquires the real-world residence information of the first user and grants the benefit only to the first user whose residence indicated by the residence information is within a predetermined distance from the place where the real-world facility or service is provided. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The granting unit acquires the real-world residence information of the second user, and grants the benefit to the first user on the condition that the residence indicated by the residence information is within a predetermined distance from a place that provides the real-world facility or service and that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the facility or service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A storage step of storing usage history information of facilities or services in a virtual space used by a first user and user information indicating the relationship between the first user and other users in the virtual space, A selection step of identifying a second user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user in the virtual space based on the user information, A determination step of obtaining activity information including the second user's usage history information regarding the facility or service in the virtual space, and determining whether the second user is interested in the facility or service based on the second user's usage history information, A notification step of notifying the first user that there is a second user who has been determined to be interested in the facility or the service, Granting steps include granting a benefit relating to the facility or service to the first user, provided that there is a second user who is determined to be interested in the facility or service, Information processing methods including

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