Computer systems, cyberspace control systems, and management methods

Abstract

To provide a mechanism by which a user can go back and forth between a plurality of cyberspaces in which the number of participants is limited.SOLUTION: A portal server system 1100P manages a plurality of cyberspaces that permit participation of users. The cyberspaces are each associated with a participation prohibition condition including at least a condition that participation exceeding a given permitted number of participants is prohibited. Further, the portal server system 1100P includes: a participation permission determination unit 215 that determines whether or not to permit a user to participate in a cyberspace on the basis of the participation prohibition condition associated with the cyberspace; and a participation permission status setting unit 221 that, when a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the cyberspaces exits the first cyberspace, sets for the specific user a participation permission status indicating that the participation permission determination unit 215 permits participation in the first cyberspace.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system for managing a plurality of cyber spaces and the like.

Background Art

[0002] <0000…There is a known technology that constructs a virtual space (for example, a metaverse, a game space of a multi-player online game, etc.) that becomes a virtual world different from reality by computer arithmetic processing, arranges characters of participating users (for example, avatars, player characters, etc.), and provides users with a virtual experience in the virtual space.

[0003] In addition, when the number of users existing in the virtual space becomes large, it becomes impossible to manage and operate with a single computer system. In other words, there is a limit to the number of users that can be accommodated in one virtual space. Therefore, in the operation of a multi-player virtual space, a plurality of server systems are prepared, the virtual space is controlled by each of the server systems, and users are distributed and managed in a plurality of virtual spaces. And, in such a case, there is also a known technology that assumes that users move back and forth between virtual spaces. For example, there is a technology for obtaining the population density of each server and presenting it to users (players) (see Patent Document 1). According to the technology of Patent Document 1, it becomes possible for a user to leave the current virtual space and move to another virtual space by referring to the presented population density.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <000002…

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, once you leave a virtual space for reasons such as moving to another virtual space, you are not necessarily guaranteed to be able to return to your original virtual space. For example, if each virtual space has a set limit on the number of participants (also called a capacity) to prevent the number of users from exceeding a certain limit, and that capacity is reached while you are away, you will be unable to rejoin that virtual space. Similar situations can occur not only in virtual spaces but also when managing cyberspace shared by multiple users. Cyberspace refers to a space shared by multiple users to enable communication between them. For example, an example other than a virtual space is a chat room where participating users can converse.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a mechanism that allows users to move between multiple cyberspaces, each with a limited number of participants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention for solving the above problems is a computer system for managing multiple cyberspaces in which a user can participate, wherein each cyberspace is associated with an exclusion condition which at least includes the exclusion condition that participation is not possible in an exclusion of a given number of allowed participants, and the computer system comprises: an exclusion determination means (for example, an exclusion determination unit 215 in Figure 5) that determines whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the exclusion condition associated with the cyberspace; and an exclusion status setting means (for example, an exclusion status setting unit 221 in Figure 5) that, when a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace leaves the first cyberspace, sets the exclusion determination means to an exclusion status which allows the specific user to participate in the first cyberspace.

[0008] If a cyberspace such as a virtual space or chat room has a set limit on the number of participants allowed, users cannot join a cyberspace that has already reached its limit. According to the first invention, when a given specific user leaves a first cyberspace in which they are participating, the system can set the user to a state where participation in the first cyberspace is permitted. Therefore, even if a specific user leaves the first cyberspace they are currently in for the purpose of joining another cyberspace, they can reliably rejoin the first cyberspace if they wish afterward. This makes it possible to provide a mechanism that allows users to easily move between multiple cyberspaces with limited participation limits. A specific user may be some of the users participating in the first cyberspace, or it may be all of the users.

[0009] Furthermore, the second invention is a computer system of the first invention, wherein the multiple cyberspaces are virtual spaces set in a common worldview in which the characters of the participating users appear.

[0010] Furthermore, the third invention is a computer system of the first or second invention in which the participation eligibility determination means determines whether a specific user, whose settings have been made by the participation permission state setting means, is eligible to participate in a cyberspace other than the first cyberspace, based on the non-participation conditions associated with that cyberspace.

[0011] According to the third invention, even if a user leaves the first cyberspace after a participation permission state has been set, the user can still participate in the other cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation in that other cyberspace.

[0012] Furthermore, the fourth invention is a computer system of any of the first to third inventions in which the participation eligibility determination means determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the first cyberspace by subtracting the number of allowed participants included in the non-participation conditions associated with the first cyberspace from the number of allowed participants set to the allowed participation state for the specific user.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, when a specific user who was set to a participation-allowed state upon leaving attempts to rejoin the first cyberspace, it is possible to prevent a situation where the number of participants in the first cyberspace has reached the participation-allowed limit and the user is unable to participate, thereby ensuring that the user can participate.

[0014] Furthermore, the fifth invention is a computer system of any of the first to fourth inventions, further comprising a specific user certification means (for example, a specific user certification unit 219 in Figure 5) for certifying a user who satisfies given certification conditions as the specific user.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, a user who meets the certification conditions can be certified as a specific user who is eligible to participate.

[0016] Furthermore, the sixth invention is a computer system of the fifth invention in which the specific user authentication means determines whether or not a user satisfies the authentication conditions based on any of the participation time, number of participations, and frequency of participation in the first cyberspace.

[0017] According to the sixth invention, a user who leaves the first cyberspace can be identified as a specific user based on any of the time spent participating in the first cyberspace, the number of times they participated, or the frequency of their participation.

[0018] Furthermore, the seventh invention is a computer system of the fifth or sixth invention in which the specific user authentication means determines whether or not a user satisfies the authentication conditions based on their actions in the first cyberspace.

[0019] According to the seventh invention, based on the actions of a user who leaves the first cyber space in the first cyber space, the user can be identified as a specific user.

[0020] Further, the eighth invention further includes user relationship setting means (for example, the user relationship setting unit 223 in FIG. 5) for setting the relationship between users, and the specific user identification means uses the relationship between users set by the user relationship setting means to determine whether the user satisfies the identification conditions, which is a computer system according to any one of the fifth to seventh inventions.

[0021] According to the eighth invention, it becomes possible to identify a specific user by using the relationship with other users set for the user who leaves the first cyber space.

[0022] Further, the ninth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, in which the participation permission state setting means has a release means (for example, the participation permission state release unit 225 in FIG. 5) for releasing the setting of the participation permission state for the specific user.

[0023] According to the ninth invention, the setting of the participation permission state can be released.

[0024] Further, the tenth invention is a computer system according to the ninth invention, in which the release means determines whether to release the setting of the participation permission state for the specific user based on the elapsed time since the setting of the participation permission state for the specific user was made, or the elapsed time since the specific user left the first cyber space.

[0025] According to the tenth invention, the participation permission state can be released based on the elapsed time since the setting of the participation permission state was made, or the elapsed time since the specific user related to the participation permission state left the first cyber space related to the participation permission state.

[0026] Further, the eleventh invention is the computer system according to the ninth or tenth invention, wherein the release means releases the setting of the participation permission state for the specific user while the specific user is participating in a second cyber space among the cyber spaces.

[0027] According to the eleventh invention, the specific user related to the participation permission state can release the participation permission state while participating in a second cyber space different from the first cyber space related to the participation permission state.

[0028] Further, the twelfth invention is the computer system according to the eleventh invention, wherein the release means determines whether to release the setting of the participation permission state for the specific user based on the time when the specific user participates in the second cyber space or the actions performed by the specific user in the second cyber space.

[0029] According to the twelfth invention, the participation permission state can be released based on the time when the specific user related to the participation permission state participates in the second cyber space or the actions performed in the second cyber space.

[0030] Further, the thirteenth invention is the computer system according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, further comprising a departure control means (for example, the departure control unit 227 in FIG. 5) that performs control to make the specific user depart from the first cyber space after the setting by the participation permission state setting means is completed.

[0031] According to the thirteenth invention, after the setting of the participation permission state is completed, the specific user related to the participation permission state can be made to depart from the first cyber space related to the participation permission state. According to this, it becomes possible to surely perform the setting of the participation permission state.

[0032] Furthermore, the 14th invention is a cyberspace control system (for example, the cyberspace control system 1000 in Figure 1) comprising a server system which is a computer system of any of the 1st to 13th inventions (for example, the portal server system 1100P in Figure 1) and a user terminal which serves as the user's man-machine interface (for example, the user terminal 1500 in Figure 1).

[0033] According to the 14th invention, a cyberspace control system can be realized that produces the same effects as any of the 1st to 13th inventions.

[0034] Furthermore, the 15th invention is a management method for managing multiple cyberspaces in which a user can participate, wherein each cyberspace is associated with an exclusion condition which at least includes the exclusion condition which prevents participation by a given number of allowed participants, and the management method includes: a participation eligibility determination step which determines whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the exclusion condition associated with the cyberspace; and a participation permission status setting step which, when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, sets the participation of the specific user to a permitted state which is determined to be permitted in the participation eligibility determination step.

[0035] According to the 15th invention, a management method that produces the same effects as the first invention can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a cyberspace control system. [Figure 2] A diagram to explain cyberspace. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the general process for setting participation acceptance status. [Figure 4] Another diagram to illustrate the overview of setting participation acceptance status. [Figure 5]A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a portal server system. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the data structure for game server system management data. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the data structure of user management data. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a game server system. [Figure 9] A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the processing flow in a portal server system. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the processing flow following Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a virtual space (a game space for a massively multiplayer online game) is used as an example of cyberspace, where characters that can be considered avatars of participating users (hereinafter referred to as "user characters") appear in a shared worldview. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below, nor are the forms to which the present invention can be applied limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0038] [Overall structure] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the cyberspace control system 1000. The cyberspace control system 1000 of this embodiment is a system for providing users with a virtual experience in cyberspace as a massively multiplayer online game. As shown in Figure 1, the cyberspace control system 1000 is a computer system configured by including an operation system 1010 and user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) owned by users of the game of this embodiment, and these are connected via a network 9 to enable data communication.

[0039] Network 9 refers to a communication path capable of data communication. Specifically, Network 9 includes not only LANs (Local Area Networks) using dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connections, but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet. The communication method can be wired or wireless.

[0040] The operating system 1010 is a computer system managed and operated by service providers and system operators, and comprises a portal server system 1100P and multiple game server systems 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...).

[0041] The portal server system 1100P is the server system that user terminals 1500 first access to in order to use various services related to online games. The portal server system 1100P performs functions such as user registration, management of online sales of various game items, and allocation of users to game servers.

[0042] Each game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) communicates with one or more user terminals 1500 and functions as a game server with the user terminals 1500 as game clients.

[0043] The portal server system 1100P and the game server system 1100G can similarly implement the basic functions of a computer system. Specifically, the portal server system 1100P is a computer system comprising a main unit 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140. The game server system 1100G is also a computer system with a similar configuration. The main unit 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 equipped with various electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or SoC (System on a Chip).

[0044] However, the portal server system 1100P and the game server system 1100G each realize separate functions through calculation processing performed by the control board 1150 based on predetermined programs and data.

[0045] In Figure 1, the portal server system 1100P and the game server system 1100G are depicted as single server devices, but they may be implemented using multiple devices. For example, the portal server system 1100P and the game server system 1100G may be configured with multiple blade servers, each handling a different function, and connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Furthermore, the installation location of the hardware constituting the portal server system 1100P and the game server system 1100G is not restricted. Multiple independent servers installed in separate locations may be configured to communicate data via network 9, functioning as either the portal server system 1100P or the game server system 1100G as a whole.

[0046] The user terminal 1500 is a computer system used by users to access the cyberspace control system 1000. The user terminal 1500 is responsible for the Man-Machine Interface (MMIF) function within the cyberspace control system 1000.

[0047] In Figure 1, the user terminal 1500 is shown as a device commonly known as a smartphone, but it can take the form of a portable game console, a home game console, a controller for a home game console, an arcade game console, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, etc. When multiple electronic devices, such as a smartphone and a smartwatch or head-mounted display connected to the smartphone, are connected in a communicative manner to perform a single function, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as a single user terminal 1500.

[0048] The user terminal 1500 includes a touch panel 1506 that functions as both an input device and an image display device, and a control board 1550. The user terminal 1500 can also be configured to use, for example, a keyboard, game controller, or mouse as the input device, or a head-mounted display or glasses-type display as the image display device.

[0049] The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication module 1553 that connects to the network 9. Each of these elements mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be implemented using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC.

[0050] In the control board 1550, the IC memory 1552 stores programs and various data necessary to realize the functions of a user terminal. The user terminal 1500 then executes a predetermined application program to realize the functions of the cyberspace control system 1000 as an MMIF and a game client. The application program and the data necessary for its execution are downloaded from the portal server system 1100P at appropriate times. Alternatively, the system may be configured to read data from a storage medium such as a memory card obtained separately by the user.

[0051] [detail] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating Cyberspace 3 provided by the Cyberspace Control System 1000. In this embodiment, Cyberspace 3 is set up as a three-dimensional virtual world (virtual space) that represents a common worldview (common game world) for all users. Cyberspace 3 has a different spatial and temporal flow than reality, and continues to exist as data in the Cyberspace Control System 1000 even when the user is not logged in. Time progresses in Cyberspace as well as in the real world, and control is maintained to keep it constantly changing.

[0052] Cyberspace 3 has multiple simultaneously existing Cyberspace 3 instances (3a, 3b, ...). Each game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) stores and manages the data for one Cyberspace 3 instance (3a, 3b, ...). Although each Cyberspace 3 instance (3a, 3b, ...) is independent in terms of data, they share the same size, coordinate system, and rules, and thus possess a common worldview. In other words, from the user's perspective, each Cyberspace 3 instance (3a, 3b, ...) appears to be the same Cyberspace 3 instance, with the same basic settings such as geography, background, and spatial coordinates.

[0053] Specifically, each cyberspace 3 (3a, 3b, ...) contains, broadly speaking, basic objects 10, background objects 20, and user characters 4 (4a, 4b, ...) representing each user participating in that cyberspace 3.

[0054] Basic Object 10 is an object designed to give users the impression that they have logged into a shared cyberspace 3, even if they log into a different game server system 1100G. Examples of such objects include terrain (or equivalent structures), buildings, ruins, and dungeon entrances.

[0055] Background objects 20 are objects that are not classified as user characters 4 or base objects 10. For example, these include objects that user characters 4 and various NPCs (non-player characters) can arbitrarily place, move, and remove, objects whose state can be changed by user characters 4, and objects that appear in response to events.

[0056] The user logs into the portal server system 1100P using their user terminal 1500, selects a cyberspace 3 (3a, 3b, ...) managed by one of the game server systems 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...), and joins a game there. The game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) places and displays the user's user character 4 within the cyberspace 3 managed by that game server system 1100G. The game server system 1100G then controls the actions of the user character 4 within cyberspace 3 according to the user's input, and as a result of these actions, modifies cyberspace 3 by making objects that make up cyberspace 3 appear, move them, change their form, or delete them. In other words, the user can participate in cyberspace 3 managed by the game server system 1100G, which they logged into using their user terminal 1500, with their user character 4, and enjoy a virtual experience in cyberspace 3.

[0057] Here, each cyberspace has a set limit on the number of participants (capacity). Therefore, a user cannot join a cyberspace that has reached its participant limit at the time of login. When a new user logs in, the portal server system 1100P performs a participation eligibility determination process for that user, determining whether or not to allow participation in each cyberspace. Then, the portal server system 1100P decides which cyberspace the user should join from among those that have been allowed to join. For example, it accepts a selection operation for a cyberspace to join and makes a decision according to the user's preference.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a user can leave the cyberspace they are currently in (the cyberspace they were in before leaving will be appropriately referred to as the "first cyberspace") by performing an inter-space movement operation, and join a second cyberspace different from the first cyberspace (i.e., move between cyberspaces). When a user moves between cyberspaces by performing an inter-space movement operation, the user's status of being allowed to participate in the first cyberspace is appropriately set.

[0059] However, it is not possible to move to any cyberspace. Users cannot join a cyberspace that has reached its participant limit at the time of the inter-space movement operation, and will instead join a cyberspace that has not reached its participant limit.

[0060] Let me explain in detail. When the portal server system 1100P detects an inter-space movement operation by a user participating in any cyberspace, it performs a participation eligibility determination process for that user. Then, the portal server system 1100P determines the user's destination from among the cyberspaces to which participation is permitted. For example, it accepts a destination selection operation and makes a decision according to the user's wishes.

[0061] Once a destination or transfer destination has been determined, the portal server system 1100P distributes the user to the game server system 1100G that manages that cyberspace. As a result, the user character of the user to be evaluated is placed within the cyberspace of the destination or transfer destination.

[0062] 1. Regarding the process for determining eligibility to participate. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, each cyberspace managed by each game server system 1100G has a defined participation requirement in addition to the above-mentioned maximum number of participants (capacity). The participation requirement can be set, for example, as the required player level, item type, amount of money to be charged, or a combination thereof.

[0063] In the participation eligibility determination process, the portal server system 1100P performs the following process for each cyberspace. Specifically, the portal server system 1100P first determines whether the user to be evaluated has been set to allow participation in that cyberspace. If the user has been set to allow participation, the portal server system 1100P determines that the user to be evaluated is allowed to participate in that cyberspace, and concludes the participation eligibility determination for that cyberspace.

[0064] On the other hand, if no participation permission status is set, the portal server system 1100P determines that "participation is impossible if the number of participants exceeds the capacity of the cyberspace in question" as the first condition for not being able to participate. Specifically, the portal server system 1100P determines that participation is permitted if there are vacancies in the capacity, and not permitted if there are no vacancies, based on the setting of the capacity of the cyberspace in question.

[0065] The determination of whether or not there are vacancies in the capacity is basically made by whether or not the number of users participating in the cyberspace at the time of determination (number of participants) has reached the number of participants allowed. However, in this embodiment, there may be users who are not participating in the cyberspace at the time of determination but have been set to a state where participation in the cyberspace is allowed. Therefore, in determining the first condition of not being able to participate, first, the number of users who have been set to a state where participation in the cyberspace is allowed (number of users who are scheduled to participate) is obtained. Then, the number of users who are scheduled to participate is subtracted from the number of participants allowed, and the decision of whether or not to participate is made. For example, the effective number of participants obtained by subtracting the number of users who are scheduled to participate from the number of participants allowed is calculated, and if the number of participants has not reached the effective number of participants allowed, participation is made allowed; if it has reached the effective number of participants, participation is made not allowed. If participation is made not allowed, the portal server system 1100P decides not to allow the user in question to participate in the cyberspace, and the determination of whether or not to participate in the cyberspace is made.

[0066] Next, for each cyberspace that the portal server system 1100P has determined to be accessible based on the first inaccessibility condition, it determines that "it is impossible for users without the necessary qualifications to participate" as the second inaccessibility condition. Specifically, the portal server system 1100P determines that the user in question is accessible if they have the necessary qualifications, and inaccessible if they do not, based on the qualifications set for that cyberspace. If the user is deemed accessible, the portal server system 1100P allows the user to participate in that cyberspace and concludes its determination of accessibility for that cyberspace. If the user is deemed inaccessible, the portal server system 1100P does not allow the user to participate in that cyberspace and concludes its determination of accessibility for that cyberspace.

[0067] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, if there is space available in cyberspace 3a, newly logged-in users and users who perform inter-space transfer operations can join cyberspace 3a in exchange for consuming their membership tickets. On the other hand, in cyberspaces that do not require specific qualifications to participate, such as cyberspace 3c, users can join if there is space available.

[0068] In this configuration, all users with a "participation allowed" status are permitted to participate, and participation qualifications are not considered. However, even for users with a "participation allowed" status, the second condition for exclusion from participation may be re-evaluated, and participation may be permitted only if the user meets the eligibility requirements at the time of that evaluation.

[0069] 2. Setting the participation acceptance status Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the overview of setting the participation permission status. The portal server system 1100P sets the participation permission status for the first cyberspace for a user who is participating in the first cyberspace and leaves the first cyberspace.

[0070] Leaving cyberspace can be done in two ways: (1) by moving to a different cyberspace (a second cyberspace), and (2) by temporarily suspending the game and logging out of the portal server system 1100P. Users participating in either cyberspace (the first cyberspace) can leave the first cyberspace (1) by performing a space-to-space movement operation at any time, or leave the first cyberspace (2) by performing a logout operation at any time.

[0071] This process ensures that users who were set to a "participation permitted" state upon leaving the first cyberspace will be allowed to participate in the first cyberspace in subsequent participation eligibility checks. In other words, setting a participation permitted state ensures that a user's participation in the first cyberspace is reserved. This prevents situations where a user cannot participate in the first cyberspace because it is full after moving to the second cyberspace, thus guaranteeing participation in the first cyberspace. The same applies when logging out, interrupting the game, and then logging back in.

[0072] For example, in Figure 3(a), suppose user X, who is participating in cyberspace 3q (the first cyberspace), performs an inter-space movement operation and selects cyberspace 3r (the second cyberspace) as the destination. Since there is available capacity in cyberspace 3r and participation is open to all, user X's participation in cyberspace 3r is permitted by the participation permission determination process. In this case, the portal server system 1100P sets user X's participation permission status for cyberspace 3q (Figure 3(b)(A)). Then, the portal server system 1100P controls user X to leave cyberspace 3q after setting the permission status, allowing user X to join cyberspace 3r as shown in Figure 3(b). Because user X is removed from cyberspace 3q only after the participation permission status has been set, the setting of the participation permission status can be reliably performed.

[0073] Furthermore, suppose that user X performs a space-to-space movement operation in the state shown in Figure 4(a). In the example of Figure 4(a), the number of participants has increased from the state shown in Figure 3(b), and there are no vacancies in the capacity of cyberspace 3q. That is, the number of participants has not reached the maximum number of participants allowed, but since 2 people are set to be in a state where participation is allowed, the effective maximum number of participants has been reached. However, since user X was set to be in a state where participation in cyberspace 3q was allowed when moving in Figure 3 (Figure 4(a)(B)), user X's participation in cyberspace 3q is allowed by the participation permission determination process. In this case, the portal server system 1100P controls user X to leave cyberspace 3r and allows user X to join cyberspace 3q, as shown in Figure 4(b). Then, since user X has returned to cyberspace 3q, the portal server system 1100P removes the setting of user X as being in a state where participation in cyberspace 3q is allowed (Figure 4(b)(C)).

[0074] The above is an overview of setting the participation permission status, but in this embodiment, this setting is performed conditionally. To this end, the portal server system 1100P executes a specific user authentication process to authenticate a specific user and a participation permission status setting process to set the participation permission status when a user leaves any cyberspace (the first cyberspace).

[0075] 2-1. Regarding the specific user authentication process In the specific user certification process, the portal server system 1100P identifies users leaving the first cyberspace as users to be certified and determines whether or not they meet the certification criteria. The portal server system 1100P then certifies users who meet the certification criteria as specific users.

[0076] Here, the cyberspace in which a user is determined to be primarily active is called the "main active space." In the specific user certification process of this embodiment, it is determined whether the first cyberspace is the main active space for the user to be certified based on the certification conditions, and if the certification conditions are met, the user to be certified is certified as a specific user for the first cyberspace.

[0077] For example, a cyberspace where a user plays games for a relatively long period of time can be considered the main space of participation for a certified user. Therefore, the certification conditions are determined based on the user's participation time in their first cyberspace. The certification conditions can be set as "participation time is above a specified time (e.g., 100 hours or more)." Participation time may be measured as the time spent continuously participating in the first cyberspace, as the total time spent participating in the first cyberspace in the past, or as the time spent participating in the first cyberspace within the most recent past period from the present.

[0078] The certification criteria may also be configured to determine the number of times the user to be certified has participated in the first cyberspace. In this case, the certification criteria could be set as, for example, "the number of times participated is above a certain number (e.g., 20 times or more)." Alternatively, the certification criteria may be configured to determine the number of times the user to be certified has participated in the first cyberspace. In this case, the certification criteria could be set as, for example, "the participation frequency is 10 times or more in the last 10 days." A high number of participations or a high frequency of participation in the first cyberspace can also be considered a main participation space, just as a long participation time can be considered a main participation space.

[0079] Furthermore, the certification criteria may be configured to be determined based on the user's actions in the first cyberspace. For example, this can be achieved by setting certification criteria based on game play status. In this case, game play status may include, for example, the number of items acquired as a result of gameplay in the first cyberspace, whether or not a specific item was obtained, the number of events or missions completed, whether or not a specific event was completed, and the history of conversations with other user characters. Focusing on item acquisition, if a user acquires more than a certain number of items in gameplay in the first cyberspace, or acquires rare items that can only be obtained by playing the game to a certain extent, then the first cyberspace can be considered the main space of participation for the user. The same can be said if a user has completed many events, completed specific events, or talked to many other user characters.

[0080] Alternatively, the system may be configured to determine whether a user meets the certification criteria based on the relationships between users. Examples of user relationships include friendships and guild membership. Certification criteria can be set, for example, as "a certain number of the user to be certified are participating in the first cyberspace." This is because a cyberspace with many friends participating can become the main space for the user to be certified. The same applies when setting certification criteria based on the number of guild members.

[0081] Furthermore, the recognition of specific users is not limited to a configuration based on whether or not the first cyberspace is the primary space of participation for the user being recognized. For example, conversely to the above, a configuration may be used to recognize a user as a specific user if their participation time in the first cyberspace is short, the number of times they participate is small, or their participation frequency is low.

[0082] Furthermore, the system is not limited to identifying specific users by determining participation time, number of participations, or frequency of participation in relation to the cyberspace from which they are leaving. It may also be configured to identify specific users by determining the total participation time, number of participations, or frequency of participation in any cyberspace.

[0083] 2-2. Regarding the process of setting the participation permission status In the participation permission status setting process, if a user leaving the first cyberspace (certified user) is certified as a specific user as a result of the specific user certification process, the portal server system 1100P sets the user (specific user) to a participation permission status, allowing them to participate in the first cyberspace through the participation permission determination process. As a result, the user can rejoin the first cyberspace from which they left at any time, as long as the set participation permission status is not removed.

[0084] 3. Processing to remove participation permission status In the participation permission release process, the portal server system 1100P releases the participation permission setting that was set in the participation permission setting process. In the participation permission release process of this embodiment, the portal server system 1100P releases the participation permission setting based on the elapsed time since the participation permission setting was made in the participation permission setting process. For example, a predetermined release time is set in advance, and the setting is released when the elapsed time reaches the release time.

[0085] Furthermore, the system may be configured to cancel the participation permission setting based on the elapsed time since a specific user left the first cyberspace. For example, the setting may be canceled when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined cancellation time.

[0086] Furthermore, after a specific user who has been set to a participation-allowed state in the participation-allowed state setting process leaves the first cyberspace related to that participation-allowed state, the setting of that participation-allowed state may be canceled while the user is participating in a second cyberspace that is different from the first cyberspace.

[0087] In this embodiment, the system determines when a user leaves their main participation space and sets a participation permission status. However, depending on the user's subsequent participation in cyberspace, the main participation space of a particular user related to that participation permission status may change. For example, in the example in Figure 3, if user X moves to cyberspace 3r and continues to participate in cyberspace 3r for a long time, user X's main participation space can be said to be cyberspace 3r, not cyberspace 3q.

[0088] Therefore, the system may be configured to determine whether or not to cancel the participation permission setting based on the amount of time a specific user associated with the participation permission setting has participated in a second cyberspace different from the first cyberspace associated with the participation permission setting. For example, the setting could be canceled if the user continuously participates in one cyberspace other than the first cyberspace for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 100 hours).

[0089] Furthermore, instead of determining participation based on continuous participation time, the determination may be based on total participation time. Also, the determination is not limited to time spent in a specific cyberspace, but may be based on time spent in any cyberspace other than the first cyberspace.

[0090] Alternatively, the decision on whether or not to remove the participation permission setting may be made based on the actions taken by the specific user related to the participation permission status in the second cyberspace.

[0091] For example, the decision to remove the participation permission status is made based on the gameplay status of the specific user in the second cyberspace. Specifically, if the second cyberspace can be considered the main participation space for the specific user in question, based on the number and types of items obtained as a result of gameplay in the second cyberspace, the number and types of events completed, and the history of conversations with other user characters, the participation permission status will be removed.

[0092] [Functional Configuration] 1. Portal Server System Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the portal server system 1100P. As shown in Figure 5, the portal server system 1100P of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100p, a processing unit 200p, an image display unit 390p, an audio output unit 392p, a communication unit 394p, and a storage unit 500p.

[0093] The operation input unit 100p is for inputting various operations for managing the portal server system 1100P, and can be implemented using, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. In the example in Figure 1, the keyboard 1106 and touch panel 1108 correspond to this.

[0094] The processing unit 200p can be implemented by a processor, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, or other arithmetic circuit, or by electronic components such as IC memory, and controls data input and output with each part of the device, including the operation input unit 100p and the storage unit 500p. It then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100p, and data received from the game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) and user terminal 1500, and comprehensively controls the operation of the portal server system 1100P. In the example in Figure 1, the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151 correspond to this.

[0095] The processing unit 200p includes a user management unit 211, a billing management unit 213, a participation eligibility determination unit 215, a distribution control unit 217, a specific user certification unit 219, a participation permission status setting unit 221, a user relationship setting unit 223, a participation permission status release unit 225, a withdrawal control unit 227, a timing unit 280p, an image generation unit 290p, a sound generation unit 292p, and a communication control unit 294p.

[0096] The User Management Unit 211 handles the processing related to user registration procedures and manages the storage of various information associated with user accounts.

[0097] The billing management unit 213 performs various controls related to the implementation of billing elements, such as the usage fees for the cyberspace control system 1000 and the purchase of items usable in the game.

[0098] The participation eligibility determination unit 215 is a functional unit that executes the participation eligibility determination process. The participation eligibility determination unit 215 determines whether to allow the target user to participate based on the non-participation conditions associated with each cyberspace managed by each of the multiple game server systems 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...).

[0099] The distribution control unit 217 controls the distribution of users who wish to participate in cyberspace to game server systems 1100G in cyberspace that have been determined by the participation eligibility determination unit 215 to be eligible for participation. The choice of which game server system 1100G to distribute to is determined, for example, by accepting a selection operation from the cyberspaces that have been determined to be eligible for participation, allowing the user to choose a destination to join or move to.

[0100] The specific user certification unit 219 is a functional unit that executes the specific user certification process. The specific user certification unit 219 certifies a user who meets given certification conditions as a specific user.

[0101] The participation permission status setting unit 221 is a functional unit that executes the participation permission status setting process. When a user (certified user) who is leaving one of the multiple cyberspaces (the first cyberspace) is certified as a specific user by the specific user certification unit 219, the participation permission status setting unit 221 sets a participation permission status for the specific user, allowing the participation permission determination unit 215 to allow the specific user to participate in the first cyberspace.

[0102] The user relationship setting unit 223 registers friends according to the user's registration operation and sets up the friend relationship with other users. The user relationship setting unit 223 also registers guilds according to the user's registration operation and sets up the guild member relationship with other users.

[0103] The participation permission release unit 225 is a functional unit that performs the participation permission release process. The participation permission release unit 225 releases the participation permission status set by the participation permission setting unit 221.

[0104] The withdrawal control unit 227 is a functional unit that controls the withdrawal of a user from cyberspace. After the participation permission status setting unit 221 has completed setting the participation permission status, it controls the user's withdrawal from cyberspace.

[0105] The timing unit 280p uses the system clock to perform various timing operations, such as determining the current date and time and setting time limits.

[0106] The image generation unit 290p generates image signals for various management screens for system management of the portal server system 1100P and outputs them to the image display unit 390p.

[0107] The sound generation unit 292p is implemented by executing ICs and software that generate and decode audio data. The sound generation unit 292p outputs the generated audio signal to the sound output unit 392p.

[0108] The communication control unit 294p performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with external devices (e.g., the game server system 1100G or user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394p, thereby enabling data exchange with external devices.

[0109] The image display unit 390p displays various screens based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290p. This can be achieved using image display devices such as flat panel displays, projectors, and head-mounted displays. In the example in Figure 1, the touch panel 1108 is an example of this.

[0110] The sound output unit 392p emits the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292p. In the example in Figure 1, this corresponds to the speaker (not shown) provided in the main unit 1101 and the touch panel 1108.

[0111] The communication unit 394p connects to network 9 to enable communication. This can be achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), jacks and control circuits for wired communication cables, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

[0112] The memory unit 500p pre-stores programs for operating the portal server system 1100P and realizing the various functions of the portal server system 1100P, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In the example in Figure 1, the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140 correspond to this.

[0113] Furthermore, the memory unit 500p stores the portal server program 501, the distribution client program 502, game server system management data 510, user management data 540, login management data 570, and billing management data 580. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are stored as appropriate.

[0114] The portal server program 501 is a program that causes the processing unit 200p to function as a user management unit 211, a billing management unit 213, a participation eligibility determination unit 215, a distribution control unit 217, a specific user certification unit 219, a participation permission status setting unit 221, a user relationship setting unit 223, a participation permission status release unit 225, and a withdrawal control unit 227. The portal server program 501 may also include programs that cause the processing unit 200p to function as an image generation unit 290p, a sound generation unit 292p, and a communication control unit 294p.

[0115] The distribution client program 502 is the original client program that is provided to and executed on the user terminal 1500.

[0116] Game server system management data 510 is prepared for each of the multiple game server systems 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) and stores various data related to the cyberspace managed by the game server system 1100G. For example, as shown in Figure 6, one game server system management data 510 has pre-configured game server system ID 511 indicating the managing game server system 1100G, the number of allowed participants 513 related to the first non-participation condition, and the participation qualifications 515 related to the second non-participation condition. In addition, the game server system management data 510 is set and updated as needed with a list of participating users 517, the number of participants 519, user setting data for allowed participation status 520, and the number of planned participants 531.

[0117] The participant user list 517 stores a list of users who are logged into the portal server system 1100P and are participating in the cyberspace in question. The number of participants 519 stores the number of users set in the participant user list 517.

[0118] The participation-allowed user setting data 520 is prepared for each user (specific user) who has been set to participate in the cyberspace. One participation-allowed user setting data 520 stores, for example, the user account 521 of the specific user, the setting date and time 523 when the participation-allowed status for the cyberspace was set for that specific user, and the elapsed time since the setting date and time 523, which is the time elapsed since the setting date and time 523, which is the time elapsed since the setting date and time 523. The number of users scheduled to participate 531 stores the number of users who have been set to participate in the cyberspace (the number set in the participation-allowed user setting data 520).

[0119] User management data 540 is prepared for each user who has completed the registration procedure and is managed by the user management unit 211. For example, as shown in Figure 7, one user management data 540 includes the user's user account 541, the player level 543 which is automatically determined according to the user's game play performance, cyberspace participation history data 545, cyberspace participation status data 550, the user's billing history data 561, a list of owned items such as membership tickets held by the user 563, and game save data 565. The save data 565 includes setting data for the user character used by the user.

[0120] Cyberspace participation history data 545 stores a history of when and which of the cyberspaces managed by each game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) the user participated in.

[0121] Cyberspace-specific participation data 550 is prepared for each cyberspace of each game server system 1100G and stores various data related to the participation status of a user in that cyberspace. For example, one cyberspace-specific participation data 550 is associated with a cyberspace ID 551 that indicates that cyberspace, and includes participation time 553, number of participations 555, participation frequency 557, and play status data 559, which are used to identify whether the user is a specific user.

[0122] The play status data 559 includes the types and number of items acquired by the user during gameplay in the cyberspace, the types of events and missions completed, and the history of interactions with other user characters. The user management unit 211 continuously obtains the latest information regarding the user's gameplay in the cyberspace from the game server system 1100G of the cyberspace and updates the cyberspace participation status data 550.

[0123] Login management data 570 is prepared for each logged-in user and stores various data related to the user's login status across the entire cyberspace control system 1000.

[0124] Billing management data 580 includes various data related to billing. For example, it includes service usage fees, item-specific charges, and inventory information.

[0125] 2. Game Server System Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...). As shown in Figure 8, the game server system 1100G of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100g, a processing unit 200g, an image display unit 390g, an audio output unit 392g, a communication unit 394g, and a storage unit 500g.

[0126] The operation input unit 100g is for inputting various operations for managing the game server system 1100G, and can be implemented using, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel.

[0127] The processing unit 200g can be implemented by a processor, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or by electronic components such as IC memory, and controls data input and output with each part of the device, including the operation input unit 100g and the storage unit 500g. It then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100g, and data received from the portal server system 1100P and user terminal 1500, and comprehensively controls the operation of the game server system 1100G.

[0128] The processing unit 200g includes a cyberspace management unit 230, a timing unit 280g, an image generation unit 290g, a sound generation unit 292g, and a communication control unit 294g.

[0129] The Cyberspace Management Unit 230 performs various controls related to the construction and management of cyberspace. In this embodiment, each Cyberspace Management Unit 230 in each game server system 1100G performs the following processing. This realizes the construction and management of a virtual space (game space) set to a common worldview in which user characters appear, as a cyberspace in which users assigned to the game server system 1100G participate.

[0130] For example, the Cyberspace Management Unit 230 can perform processes related to controlling the progress of the game and reflecting the results of gameplay within the game space, such as: 1) forming the game space by placing basic and background objects in a virtual 3D space; 2) placing user characters in the game space and controlling the user characters according to the operation input on the user terminal 1500; 3) automatic control of virtual cameras and enemy characters; 4) processing related to hit detection and damage detection of attacks and their reflection; 5) processing related to the detection and reflection of item acquisition and use; 6) processing to control the occurrence and progress of events and missions; 7) processing to generate images of the game space as seen from a virtual camera (game images); and 8) processing to determine whether the game termination conditions have been met. In addition, in conjunction with each process, it transmits various data necessary for managing the Cyberspace participation status data 550 to the portal server system 1100P as needed.

[0131] The timing unit 280g uses the system clock to perform various timing operations, such as determining the current date and time and setting time limits.

[0132] The image generation unit 290g generates image signals for various management screens for system management of the game server system 1100G and outputs them to the image display unit 390g.

[0133] The sound generation unit 292g is implemented by executing ICs and software that generate and decode audio data. The sound generation unit 292g outputs the generated audio signal to the sound output unit 392g.

[0134] The communication control unit 294g performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with external devices (e.g., the portal server system 1100P or user terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394g, thereby enabling data exchange with external devices.

[0135] The image display unit 390g displays various screens based on image signals input from the image generation unit 290g. This can be achieved using image display devices such as flat panel displays, projectors, and head-mounted displays.

[0136] The sound output unit 392g emits the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292g.

[0137] The communication unit 394g connects to network 9 to enable communication. This can be achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), wired communication cable jacks, control circuits, etc.

[0138] The memory unit 500g pre-stores programs for operating the game server system 1100G and realizing its various functions, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. This can be achieved, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs.

[0139] Furthermore, the memory unit 500g stores the game server program 503, cyberspace initial setup data 591, participant user list 593, and cyberspace management data 595. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are stored as appropriate.

[0140] The game server program 503 is a program that causes the processing unit 200g to function as the cyberspace management unit 230. The game server program 503 may also include programs that cause the processing unit 200g to function as the image generation unit 290g, the sound generation unit 292g, and the communication control unit 294g.

[0141] The cyberspace initial setup data 591 stores various data that define the initial state of cyberspace, and various data necessary for displaying and controlling the operation of various objects, such as basic objects, background objects, and user characters that appear in cyberspace, categorized by type. Since the cyberspace in this embodiment is a game space, the cyberspace initial setup data 591 can also be said to be game initial setup data. Various setting data related to game rules are also included here.

[0142] The participant user list 593 is distributed to the game server system 1100G by the portal server system 1100P and stores a list of users participating in the cyberspace of the game server system 1100G.

[0143] Cyberspace management data 595 stores various data describing the latest state of the cyberspace managed by the game server system 1100G. For example, it stores the position, orientation, ability parameter values ​​of various objects in the virtual space, and the character's status.

[0144] 3. User terminal Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500. The user terminal 1500 comprises an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, an audio output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

[0145] The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals to the terminal processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by the user. For example, this can be achieved by push switches, joysticks, touchpads, trackballs, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.

[0146] The terminal processing unit 200 can be implemented using, for example, a processor such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or electronic components such as IC memory, and controls data input and output with each part of the device, including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. The terminal processing unit 200 then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and data received from the portal server system 1100P and the game server system 1100G, and comprehensively controls the operation of the user terminal 1500. In the example in Figure 1, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551.

[0147] The terminal processing unit 200 includes a client control unit 260, a timing unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

[0148] The client control unit 260 performs various controls to enable the user terminal 1500 to function as a Man-Machine Interface (MMIF) as a game client in the cyberspace control system 1000. The client control unit 260 includes an operation input information provision unit 261 and a display control unit 263.

[0149] The operation input information provision unit 261 controls the transmission of operation input information to the game server system 1100G and the portal server system 1100P in response to input from the operation input unit 100.

[0150] The display control unit 263 controls the display of game images on the image display unit 390 based on data received from the game server system 1100G.

[0151] The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to determine the current date and time, the time limit, and other time information.

[0152] The image generation unit 290 generates and outputs an image signal that displays the image on the image display unit 390 based on the control of the client control unit 260. In the example in Figure 1, this corresponds to the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), graphics controller, graphics board, etc., mounted on the control board 1550.

[0153] The sound generation unit 292 is implemented by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, and an audio codec for playing audio files, and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0154] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with external devices (for example, the portal server system 1100P or the game server system 1100G) via the communication unit 394, thereby enabling data exchange with external devices.

[0155] The image display unit 390 displays various screens, such as game screens, based on image signals input from the image generation unit 290. This can be implemented using image display devices such as flat panel displays, projectors, and head-mounted displays.

[0156] The sound output unit 392 emits sound effects, background music, etc., related to the game based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292.

[0157] The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to enable communication. This can be achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), jacks and control circuits for wired communication cables, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

[0158] The terminal memory unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed the program used during the execution of the user terminal 1500, as well as the program used to operate the user terminal 1500 and realize the functions that the user terminal 1500 has. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disk such as hard disk, or optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD. In the example in Figure 1, the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550 corresponds to this.

[0159] Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 500 stores a client program 504 (application program) for causing the user terminal 1500 to function as a client control unit 260, and the current date and time 900. Of course, other data can also be stored as appropriate.

[0160] [Process flow] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the processing flow in the portal server system 1100P. The processing described here is achieved when the processing unit 200p reads and executes the portal server program 501.

[0161] As shown in Figure 10, in the portal server system 1100P, when a user logs in (step S1: YES), the participation eligibility determination unit 215 executes a participation eligibility determination process (step S3). The participation eligibility determination unit 215 treats the logged-in user as the target user and determines whether or not to allow the target user to participate in each cyberspace of each game server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...).

[0162] Next, the distribution control unit 217 determines a destination cyberspace from among those that were permitted to join as a result of the participation eligibility determination process in step S3 (step S5), and distributes the target user to the game server system 1100G of the destination cyberspace (step S7).

[0163] Then, if the user to be judged has a participation permission status set for the destination determined in step S5, that is, if the game server system management data 510 related to the destination's cyberspace has participation permission status user setting data 520 indicating that user account 521 is the user to be judged (step S9: YES), the participation permission status release unit 225 releases the setting of that participation permission status (step S11). This can be achieved by deleting the participation permission status user setting data 520.

[0164] Furthermore, if a user participating in either cyberspace (the first cyberspace) performs an inter-space movement operation (step S13: YES), the specific user certification unit 219 performs a specific user certification process (step S15). The specific user certification unit 219 certifies the user who performed the inter-space movement operation as a specific user if the user meets the certification conditions.

[0165] Then, if the user is certified as a specific user as a result of the specific user certification process in step S15 (step S17: YES), the participation permission status setting unit 221 executes the participation permission status setting process and sets the specific user to a participation permission status in the first cyberspace (step S19). Subsequently, the participation permission status release unit 225 starts a timer and begins counting the elapsed time 525 (elapsed time from the setting point in step S19) related to the setting of the participation permission status (step S21). After that, the process proceeds to step S23. If the user is not certified as a specific user (step S17: NO), the process also proceeds to step S23.

[0166] Then, in step S23, the departure control unit 227 controls the departure of the user who performed the inter-space movement operation from the first cyberspace. In addition, in order to determine the destination, the participation eligibility determination unit 215 performs a participation eligibility determination process with the user as the target user (step S25). The participation eligibility determination unit 215 determines whether to allow the target user to participate in each cyberspace of each game server system 1100G.

[0167] Next, the distribution control unit 217 determines a destination from among the cyberspaces to which participation is permitted as a result of the participation eligibility determination process in step S25 (step S27), and distributes the user to the game server system 1100G in the destination cyberspace (step S29).

[0168] Then, if the user to be judged has a participation permission status set for the destination determined in step S27, that is, if the game server system management data 510 relating to the destination cyberspace has participation permission status user setting data 520 indicating that user account 521 is the user to be judged (step S31: YES), the participation permission status release unit 225 releases the setting of said participation permission status (step S33).

[0169] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, if a logout operation is detected by a user participating in any of the cyberspaces (the first cyberspace) (step S35: YES), the specific user certification unit 219 executes the specific user certification process (step S37). The specific user certification unit 219 certifies the user who performed the logout operation as a specific user if the user meets the certification conditions.

[0170] Then, if the user is certified as a specific user as a result of the specific user certification process in step S37 (step S39: YES), the participation permission status setting unit 221 executes the participation permission status setting process and sets the specific user to the first cyberspace participation permission status (step S41). Subsequently, the participation permission status release unit 225 starts a timer and begins counting the elapsed time 525 (elapsed time from the setting point in step S41) related to the setting of the participation permission status (step S43). After that, the process proceeds to step S45. If the user is not certified as a specific user (step S39: NO), the process also proceeds to step S45.

[0171] Then, in step S45, the departure control unit 227 controls the departure of the user who performed the inter-space movement operation from the first cyberspace. After that, it processes the procedure for the user to log out from the portal server system 1100P.

[0172] Furthermore, if the elapsed time since setting, which was started in step S21 (i.e., the value of the elapsed time since setting 525 for the participation-allowed state that was set in step S19 and has not been canceled in step S11, step S33, or the subsequent step S49 (i.e., the setting of the participation-allowed state user setting data 520 exists)), or the elapsed time since setting, which was started in step S43 (similarly, the value of the elapsed time since setting 525 for the participation-allowed state for which the participation-allowed state user setting data 520 exists), reaches the cancellation time (step S47; YES), the setting of the participation-allowed state is canceled (step S49).

[0173] Then, until this process is completed (step S51:NO), return to step S1 in Figure 10 and repeat the process described above.

[0174] As explained above, according to this embodiment, if a user leaving the first cyberspace is identified as a specific user, that specific user can be set to a state where participation in the first cyberspace is permitted. This prevents situations where the number of participants increases while the specific user is away from the first cyberspace, preventing them from returning. In other words, even if a specific user leaves the first cyberspace they are currently in, they can reliably rejoin the first cyberspace later if they wish, as long as the set participation permission state has not been canceled. For example, a specific user can leave the first cyberspace if they want to temporarily move to another virtual space where an event that has already been cleared in the current virtual space has not yet occurred, or if they want to join another virtual space where their friends are participating, and then return to the first cyberspace afterward. Therefore, a mechanism can be realized in which users can easily move between multiple cyberspaces with limited participant numbers.

[0175] In the above embodiment, when a user (specific user) who has been allowed to participate in the cyberspace (first cyberspace) by being set to a participation-allowed state subsequently participates in the first cyberspace, the participation-allowed state for that specific user is to be released. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that this is not done. In that case, the release of the participation-allowed state can be performed when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the participation-allowed state was set and the specific user has not participated in the first cyberspace again. This can be achieved by timing the elapsed time since the specific user last left the first cyberspace related to the participation-allowed state and releasing the state when the predetermined time has been reached.

[0176] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows an example of determining whether the first cyberspace from which a user has left can be considered the main participation space, identifying a specific user, and setting a participation permission status for the specific user in the first cyberspace. In contrast, if a user leaves any cyberspace (the first cyberspace), the participation permission status for the first cyberspace may be set for that user regardless of the relationship between that user and the first cyberspace.

[0177] Furthermore, while the above embodiment uses the game space (virtual space) of a massively multiplayer online game as an example of cyberspace, the same principles can be applied to managing various cyberspaces shared by multiple users. For example, it can be similarly applied to managing virtual spaces such as the metaverse where users interact with each other via avatars, or chat rooms where participating users communicate by sending and receiving text data. In this case, the virtual space such as the metaverse or the chat room becomes the cyberspace. By sharing a single cyberspace, multiple users can communicate with each other.

[0178] When applied to the management of chat rooms, the system may be configured to recognize specific users based on the number of messages they have made in the chat room. For example, if a user leaves a chat room, and their number of messages in that chat room exceeds a predetermined number, the system may be configured to recognize them as a specific user, fulfilling the recognition criteria. Conversely, if their number of messages falls below a predetermined number, the system may be configured to recognize them as a specific user, fulfilling the recognition criteria. Similarly, for deactivation, after setting a participation permission status, the setting may be deactivated if the number of messages a specific user makes in other chat rooms exceeds a predetermined number. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0179] 1000…Cyberspace control system 1010...Operating System 1100P... Portal Server System 200p... Processing Unit 215…Participation decision section 217... Distribution Control Unit 219...Specific User Certification Department 221...Participation permission status setting unit 223...User-related settings section 225...Participation permission release unit 227... Detachment control unit 500p…Storage section 501... Portal Server Program 510…Game Server System Management Data 511…Game Server System ID 513...Maximum number of participants 515…Eligibility 517... Participating User List 519…Number of participants 520... User setting data for participation permission status 521... User account 523...Set date and time 525...Time elapsed since setting 531...Number of users expected to participate 540...User management data 541... User account 543...Player Level 545…Cyberspace participation history data 550…Cyberspace participation status data 551…Cyberspace ID 553...Participation time 555...Number of times participating 557... Frequency of participation 559... Play status data 563...List of owned items 1100G…Game Server System 200g…processing 230…Cyberspace Management Department 230 500g…Storage part 503…Game Server Program 591...Cyberspace Initial Setup Data 593... Participating User List 595…Cyberspace Management Data 1500... User terminal 9…Network 3…Cyberspace 4…User character

Claims

1. A computer system that manages multiple cyberspaces that a user can participate in and the user's movement between those multiple cyberspaces, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A means for determining whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation associated with the cyberspace, When a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, the participation permission status setting means sets the participation permission status of the specific user to a state in which participation permission determination means allows participation in the first cyberspace; A computer system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned multiple cyberspaces are virtual spaces set in a common worldview in which the characters of the participating users appear. The computer system according to claim 1.

3. A computer system that manages multiple cyberspaces in which users can participate, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A means for determining whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation associated with the cyberspace, When a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, the participation permission status setting means sets the participation permission status of the specific user to a state in which participation permission determination means allows participation in the first cyberspace; Equipped with, The participation eligibility determination means determines, for the specific user who has been set by the participation permission status setting means, whether or not they are allowed to participate in a cyberspace other than the first cyberspace, based on the non-participation conditions associated with that cyberspace. Computer system.

4. The participation eligibility determination means determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the first cyberspace by subtracting the number of allowed participants included in the non-participation conditions associated with the first cyberspace from the number of allowed participants set to the allowed participation state for the specific user. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A computer system that manages multiple cyberspaces in which users can participate, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A means for determining whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation associated with the cyberspace, When a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, the participation permission status setting means sets the participation permission status of the specific user to a state in which participation permission determination means allows participation in the first cyberspace; A specific user certification means for certifying a user as a specific user who meets any of the certification conditions based on the time spent participating in the first cyberspace, the number of times participating, and the frequency of participation, A computer system equipped with the following features.

6. The specified user authentication means determines whether or not the user meets the authentication conditions based on their actions in the first cyberspace. The computer system according to claim 5.

7. A computer system that manages multiple cyberspaces in which users can participate, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A means for determining whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation associated with the cyberspace, When a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, the participation permission status setting means sets the participation permission status of the specific user to a state in which participation permission determination means allows participation in the first cyberspace; A means for setting up user relationships, A specific user certification means that certifies a user as a specific user if the user meets the certification conditions based on the relationships between users set by the user relationship setting means, A computer system equipped with the following features.

8. A computer system that manages multiple cyberspaces in which users can participate, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A means for determining whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation associated with the cyberspace, When a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, the participation permission status setting means sets the participation permission status of the specific user to a state in which participation permission determination means allows participation in the first cyberspace; Equipped with, The participation permission status setting means includes a release means that determines whether or not to release the participation permission status setting for a specific user based on the elapsed time since the participation permission status setting for the specific user was made, or the elapsed time since the specific user left the first cyberspace, and then performs the release. Computer system.

9. A computer system that manages multiple cyberspaces in which users can participate, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A means for determining whether a user can participate in the cyberspace based on the conditions for non-participation associated with the cyberspace, When a given specific user participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, the participation permission status setting means sets the participation permission status of the specific user to a state in which participation permission determination means allows participation in the first cyberspace; Equipped with, The participation permission status setting means includes a release means for releasing the participation permission status setting for the specific user while the specific user is participating in the second cyberspace of the cyberspace. Computer system.

10. The release means determines whether or not to release the setting of the participation permission status for the specific user based on the time the specific user participated in the second cyberspace, or the actions the specific user took in the second cyberspace. The computer system according to claim 9.

11. After the setting by the participation permission state setting means is completed, an exit control means performs control to remove the specific user from the first cyberspace. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. A server system which is a computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The user terminal that serves as the user's human-machine interface, A cyberspace control system equipped with the following features.

13. A management method for managing multiple cyberspaces that a user can participate in and for managing the user's movement between those multiple cyberspaces, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A participation eligibility determination step that determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the cyberspace based on the non-participation conditions associated with the cyberspace, A participation permission status setting step is performed when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, and the participation permission status for the said specific user is set to a participation permission status determined to be permitted in the participation permission determination step, Management methods including those mentioned.

14. A management method for managing multiple cyberspaces that users can participate in, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A participation eligibility determination step that determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the cyberspace based on the non-participation conditions associated with the cyberspace, A participation permission status setting step is performed when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, and the participation permission status for the said specific user is set to a participation permission status determined to be permitted in the participation permission determination step, With respect to the specific user for whom the settings in the participation permission status setting step have been made, a step is made to determine whether or not they are allowed to participate in a cyberspace other than the first cyberspace, based on the non-participation conditions associated with that cyberspace. Management methods including those mentioned.

15. A management method for managing multiple cyberspaces that users can participate in, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A participation eligibility determination step that determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the cyberspace based on the non-participation conditions associated with the cyberspace, A participation permission status setting step is performed when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, and the participation permission status for the said specific user is set to a participation permission status determined to be permitted in the participation permission determination step, A specific user certification step in which a user who meets the certification criteria based on any of the following—time spent in the first cyberspace, number of times participated, and frequency of participation—is certified as a specific user. Management methods including those mentioned.

16. A management method for managing multiple cyberspaces that users can participate in, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A participation eligibility determination step that determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the cyberspace based on the non-participation conditions associated with the cyberspace, A participation permission status setting step is performed when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, and the participation permission status for the said specific user is set to a participation permission status determined to be permitted in the participation permission determination step, User relationship setup step to set up relationships between users, A specific user certification step in which a user who meets the certification conditions based on the relationships between users set in the user relationship setting step is certified as a specific user, Management methods including those mentioned.

17. A management method for managing multiple cyberspaces that users can participate in, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A participation eligibility determination step that determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the cyberspace based on the non-participation conditions associated with the cyberspace, A participation permission status setting step is performed when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, and the participation permission status for the said specific user is set to a participation permission status determined to be permitted in the participation permission determination step, A cancellation step that determines whether or not to cancel the setting of the participation permission status for the specified user based on the elapsed time since the setting of the participation permission status for the specified user was made, or the elapsed time since the specified user left the first cyberspace, and then executes the cancellation; Management methods including those mentioned.

18. A management method for managing multiple cyberspaces that users can participate in, The aforementioned cyberspace is associated with exclusion conditions that at least include the inability to allow participation exceeding a given number of participants. A participation eligibility determination step that determines whether a user is allowed to participate in the cyberspace based on the non-participation conditions associated with the cyberspace, A participation permission status setting step is performed when a given specific user who is participating in a first cyberspace among the aforementioned cyberspaces leaves the first cyberspace, and the participation permission status for the said specific user is set to a participation permission status determined to be permitted in the participation permission determination step, A release step of releasing the setting of the participation permission status for the specific user while the specific user is participating in the second cyberspace of the aforementioned cyberspace, Management methods including those mentioned.

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