Metaverse management device, metaverse management method and computer program

Abstract

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

Description

Metaverse management device, metaverse management method, and computer program

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

[0002] The metaverse, a three-dimensional virtual space service built inside a computer, is becoming popular. For example, users can operate their own avatars in the metaverse to interact with other users and participate in events held within the metaverse.

[0003] The inventors believe that the number of metaverses is expected to increase in the future, and that the success of the metaverse business will depend on whether or not it can attract many users. One object of the present invention is to provide a technology that supports improving the metaverse's ability to attract customers.

[0004] In order to solve the above problem, a metaverse management device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an entrance management unit that manages users' entry into the metaverse, and a performance control unit that, when a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies certain conditions, executes a performance in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is a metaverse management method, which includes a step of managing user entry into the metaverse, and a step of causing the metaverse to execute a presentation informing other users that the user has entered the metaverse, when the user satisfies a predetermined condition, by a computer.

[0006] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present invention between a system, a computer program, a recording medium storing a computer program, etc. are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0007] The present invention can help improve the Metaverse's ability to attract customers.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a metaverse system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating main functional blocks of a metaverse server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a metaverse server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating main functional blocks of a metaverse server according to a second embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a metaverse server according to the second embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of advertisement presentation; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of advertisement presentation.

[0009] An overview of the embodiments will be described. The metaverse of the embodiments is a three-dimensional virtual space (which can also be called cyberspace) and its services. Users who participate in the metaverse operate avatars, which are characters that represent their own identities, in the metaverse, to interact with other users and participate in events held in the metaverse. With the number of metaverses expected to increase, the success of the metaverse business depends on whether it can attract many users. In the following first and second embodiments, we propose technologies that support improving the metaverse's ability to attract customers.

[0010] First Embodiment The metaverse management system of the first embodiment provides a mechanism for advertising to specific users of the metaverse and highlighting those users within the metaverse, thereby helping to improve the appeal and customer attraction of the metaverse.

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

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

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

[0014] 2 is a block diagram showing the main functional blocks of the metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment. Each block shown in the block diagram in this specification can be realized in hardware terms by computer processors, CPUs, memory, and other elements, electronic circuits, and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs loaded into memory, etc. However, the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0015] The metaverse server 12 includes a data processing unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 24. The data processing unit 20 executes various data processing related to the metaverse service. The storage unit 22 stores data referenced or updated by the data processing unit 20. The communication unit 24 communicates with external devices in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The data processing unit 20 transmits and receives data to and from multiple user terminals 14 via the communication unit 24.

[0016] The storage unit 22 includes a user information storage unit 26. The user information storage unit 26 stores information about multiple users belonging to the metaverse, in other words, stores information about multiple users registered in the metaverse service. The information about the users includes an advertisement flag. The advertisement flag is set to ON when an advertisement fee is paid by the user. The user information storage unit 26 may further store avatar data (e.g., data on the appearance of the avatar) of each user in the metaverse.

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

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

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

[0020] The MV image generator 32 generates image data depicting a virtual space as the Metaverse. The MV image generator 32 may generate virtual reality image data or augmented reality image data including elements of the Metaverse.

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

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

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

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

[0025] When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies predetermined conditions (hereinafter also referred to as "advertising conditions"), the performance control unit 46 executes a performance in the metaverse (hereinafter also referred to as "entrance performance") that notifies other users that the user has entered. The entrance performance can also be said to be an appearance performance that notifies other users that the user has appeared. In the first embodiment, the advertising condition is that the user pays a predetermined amount of advertising fee. For example, the advertising condition is satisfied when the user pays a predetermined amount as advertising fee to the metaverse management company.

[0026] The effects include one or both of a visual expression (e.g., video) and an auditory expression (e.g., audio) that provide interest to the user. The entrance effect of the first embodiment includes at least one of audio and video indicating that the user has entered. For example, the effect control unit 46 may cause the music video image generation unit 32 to generate image data including special video for the entrance effect, or may cause the music video audio generation unit 34 to generate audio data including special audio for the entrance effect. The effect control unit 46 may also cause the vibration generation unit 36 ​​to generate vibration data indicating a vibration pattern for the entrance effect. The music video data providing unit 38 transmits the image data, audio data, and vibration data to the user terminal 14, thereby outputting the entrance effect on the user terminal 14.

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

[0028] The operation of the metaverse system 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below. Here, it is assumed that the user terminal 14a, the user terminal 14b, and the user terminal 14c are operated by user A, user B, and user C, respectively.

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

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

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

[0032] If the advertisement flag for the logged-in user is off (N in S24), the process of S26 is skipped and the entrance performance for the logged-in user is not executed. In this case, for example, the avatar of the logged-in user appears in the metaverse in a normal manner. If the user is not logged in to the metaverse (N in S20), the process from S22 onwards is skipped.

[0033] Here, it is assumed that User A has paid an advertising fee to the Metaverse management company. Below, we will explain an example of the entrance performance when User A, who has paid the advertising fee, logs in to the Metaverse, in other words, when User A's avatar enters the Metaverse.

[0034] The performance control unit 46 may execute an entrance performance including special audio (e.g., entrance music or entrance audio) that notifies the user A that he or she has logged in, instead of or in addition to a text notification such as "User A has logged in." For example, the performance control unit 46 may execute a performance in which an entrance audio is played along with the appearance of the avatar of user A, like the entrance of a wrestler in professional wrestling.

[0035] The entrance voice may be a voice designated in advance by user A, or may be a voice that does not occur when users other than user A log in. In other words, the entrance voice may be a unique content that occurs only when user A logs in. This makes the entrance voice user A's signature tune, helping to build user A's brand.

[0036] Furthermore, the entrance effect may include a visual video effect, such as a change in lighting, instead of or in addition to the entrance audio. The video effect may include, for example, a change in the color of the entire metaverse space, a change in the background of the metaverse, or a change in the sky. The video effect may also include a scene in which the ground of the metaverse shakes (an earthquake occurs). Like the entrance audio, the video effect may also be unique content that occurs only when user A logs in. In other words, the effect control unit 46 may execute an entrance effect (entrance audio and / or video effect) with unique content for each user who has paid an advertising fee.

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

[0038] As a modified example, the entrance effect may include vibrating the screens (video effect) of users B and C instead of vibrating the controller. For example, when executing the entrance effect for user A, the effect control unit 46 may display the content on the screens of users B and C in a vibrating manner. Furthermore, the entrance effect may include both vibrating the controller and vibrating the user's screen.

[0039] According to the metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment, by highlighting a user who has paid an advertising fee through an entrance performance, the user's popularity in the metaverse can be increased, and for example, the number of followers of the user in the metaverse can be supported. In other words, the metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment can support the increase in the influence of a user who has paid an advertising fee in the metaverse. Furthermore, by providing a mechanism for highlighting such people, the appeal of the metaverse can be increased, and the metaverse's ability to attract customers can be improved. Furthermore, a new business in the metaverse can be realized in which advertising fees are received in exchange for highlighting people.

[0040] The present invention has been described above based on the first embodiment. The first embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. The configurations of each modification can be combined in any desired manner.

[0041] A first modified example of the first embodiment will be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may change the mode of the entrance performance depending on the advertising fee paid by the user. The elements to be changed may include at least one of the execution time and volume of the entrance performance. For example, the performance control unit 46 may increase the execution time of the entrance performance and / or increase the volume of the entrance performance as the advertising fee paid by the user increases. This modified example makes it possible to provide a variety of entrance performances with different advertising fee amounts. This improves the convenience of advertising services and makes it easier to increase the number of advertising users.

[0042] A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. When multiple users enter the metaverse simultaneously and at least one of the users has paid an advertising fee, the performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may execute an entrance performance to notify the users that they have entered.

[0043] The entrance management unit 30 of the metaverse server 12 may use known technology to permit a group of multiple users to enter the metaverse simultaneously. In this case, the performance control unit 46 may check the advertisement flag of each of the multiple users entering simultaneously. If the advertisement flag of at least one of the multiple users entering simultaneously is on, the performance control unit 46 may execute an entrance performance including video and audio notifying the multiple users that they have entered simultaneously. This modification can promote the use of advertisements in the metaverse by increasing the target audience for advertisements.

[0044] A third modification of the first embodiment will be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may execute an entrance performance notifying the entry of a certain user (herein referred to as the "target user") on the terminals of other users who follow the target user (i.e., the followers of the target user). On the other hand, the performance control unit 46 may suppress the execution of the entrance performance of the target user on the terminals of users other than the followers of the target user, in other words, may hide the entrance performance of the target user.

[0045] For example, assume that user A is a user who has paid an advertising fee, and user B is a follower of user A. Also, assume that user C is not a follower of user A, but is a user unrelated to user A. In this case, the performance control unit 46 may execute the entrance performance associated with user A's login to the metaverse in the metaverse provided to user B's user terminal 14b. On the other hand, the performance control unit 46 may suppress the entrance performance associated with user A's login to the metaverse in the metaverse provided to user C's user terminal 14c. In this variation, the recipients of the notification of the target user's entry into the metaverse are limited to the target user's followers. This makes it possible to avoid causing inconvenience to the users to whom the notification is sent.

[0046] A fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described. After executing an entrance performance to notify a certain user (herein referred to as the “target user”) that they have entered the metaverse, if the target user re-enters the metaverse, the performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may execute the entrance performance for the target user again, provided that a predetermined suppression time has elapsed since the previous execution of the entrance performance for the target user. The performance control unit 46 may store the date and time when the entrance performance for the target user was last executed in the user information storage unit 26. The performance control unit 46 may compare the elapsed time from the date and time when the entrance performance for the target user was last executed until the target user re-enters the metaverse with the suppression time, and determine whether to execute the entrance performance for the target user.

[0047] The suppression time is a period during which the execution of entrance performances for the same user is suppressed. The suppression time may be set to a value between 30 and 60 minutes, for example. An appropriate value for the suppression time may be determined based on the knowledge of the developer of the metaverse server 12 or experiments using the metaverse system 10. According to this modification, entrance performances for the same user are executed only after a predetermined suppression time has elapsed since the previous entrance performance was executed. This suppresses excessive entrance performances and prevents the user to whom the entrance performance is provided from feeling annoyed.

[0048] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the commonalities will be omitted as appropriate. The features of the second embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the features of the first embodiment or the modified examples. Components of the second embodiment that are the same as or correspond to the components of the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals as appropriate.

[0049] In the metaverse management system of the second embodiment, multiple worlds that users can enter are provided in the metaverse. The multiple worlds are multiple different virtual spaces provided within one or more metaverses. The multiple worlds include, for example, a world simulating the inside of a train, a world simulating ruins, and a world where mini-games are played. The metaverse management system of the second embodiment includes a mechanism for advertising in one world targeting another world, thereby highlighting a specific world within the metaverse. This helps to improve the appeal and customer attraction of the metaverse.

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

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

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

[0053] Hereinafter, the world in which the advertising performance of another world is executed will be referred to as the first world, and the world that is the target of the advertisement will be referred to as the second world. The first world can also be referred to as the first metaverse, and the second world can also be referred to as the second metaverse. The performance control unit 46 controls the performance in multiple metaverses (e.g., the first world and the second world) managed by the metaverse server 12.

[0054] The world management unit 50 manages the current status of each of the multiple worlds. For example, the world management unit 50 stores and sequentially updates event information related to events currently taking place in the first and second worlds (e.g., concerts, sports events, game competitions, etc.) in the world information storage unit 28. The event information may include video data and audio data of events in each world.

[0055] The event information acquisition unit 52 acquires data related to the current state of the second world that is the target of advertising. For example, the event information acquisition unit 52 acquires video data showing an event in progress in the second world and event information including audio of the event from the world management unit 50 and the world information storage unit 28. The world management unit 50 may detect that an event has started in the second world. When it is detected that an event has started in the second world, the event information acquisition unit 52 may acquire event information related to the event in progress in the second world.

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

[0057] The operation of the metaverse system 10 of the second embodiment configured as described above will now be described. Here, the metaverse server 12 manages World A and World B. The administrator of World B pays an advertising fee to the administrator of the metaverse server 12, and World A executes advertising for World B.

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] Subspace 64 is an image showing a space in world A where advertising presentation for world B is performed, as a subspace different from the normal space of world A. The presentation control unit 46 may play images and sounds showing an event currently in progress in world B acquired by the event information acquisition unit 52 in subspace 64. By moving the user's avatar 62 into subspace 64, the user can view an event currently in progress in world B (for example, a concert, a game tournament, etc.).

[0064] For example, the performance control unit 46 may use a known technique such as alpha blending to set the entire subspace 64 to be semi-transparent so that it appears blurred. The performance control unit 46 may also use a known technique such as alpha blending to set the boundary between the subspace 64 and the external space to be blurred. In other words, the performance control unit 46 may display the boundary between the subspace 64 and its surrounding area in a blurred manner. This allows the subspace 64, in which advertising performance for World B is performed, to blend into World A, making it less likely for users of World A to feel uncomfortable and more likely to foster user interest in World B.

[0065] Figure 8 also shows an example of an advertising presentation. The world image 60 in Figure 8 is also an image provided to a user who has logged in to World A, and shows the space of World A in which advertising presentations for World B are displayed. The world image 60 in Figure 8 includes an event venue 66. The event venue 66 is a virtual building (which can also be called a stadium) where an event for World B is being held.

[0066] For example, the performance control unit 46 may cause the music video image generation unit 32 to generate a world image 60 in which light from an event being held in world B (e.g., light emitted from a video showing the current situation) is leaking from the event venue 66. The performance control unit 46 may also cause the music video sound generation unit 34 to generate world sound that sounds like sound from the event being held in world B (e.g., current sound) is leaking from the event venue 66. This aspect makes it possible to clearly present to users in world A that an event is being held in world B, and also makes it easier to foster users' interest in world B.

[0067] The performance control unit 46 may also play images and sounds showing the state of the event currently in progress in World B, which were acquired by the event information acquisition unit 52, in the event venue 66. By moving the user's avatar 62 into the event venue 66, the user can view the state of the event currently in progress in World B.

[0068] As a modified example, when executing the advertising performance, the performance control unit 46 may vibrate the controller connected to the user terminal 14, similar to the entrance performance of the first embodiment. Furthermore, instead of vibrating the controller, the performance control unit 46 may vibrate the content being displayed on the user's screen (video performance). In other words, the content on the user's screen may be displayed in a vibrating manner. Furthermore, the performance control unit 46 may vibrate both the controller and the screen when executing the advertising performance. This modified example makes it easier for the user to recognize the advertising performance. The advertising performance itself may include one or both of the vibration of the controller and the vibration of the screen.

[0069] The metaverse server 12 of the second embodiment can help attract customers to World B by executing advertising in World A that shows the current state of World B for which advertising fees have been paid. Also, the current state of World B can be presented to users of World A in an easy-to-understand manner, making it easier to foster interest in World B among users of World A. Furthermore, a new business in the metaverse can be realized, in which advertising fees are earned in return for highlighting a world.

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

[0071] A modified example of the second embodiment will be described. The performance control unit 46 of the metaverse server 12 may change the location in world A where the advertising performance in world B is performed over time. For example, if the advertising performance (e.g., subspace 64 in FIG. 7 ) is displayed at a certain location in world A for a predetermined time (e.g., one hour), the performance control unit 46 may switch to displaying the advertising performance at a different location in world A. The predetermined time may be determined as an appropriate value based on the knowledge of the developer of the metaverse server 12 or experiments using the metaverse system 10. Note that the display location of the advertising performance may be a randomly determined location in world A. This aspect can provide users with the excitement of discovering advertising performances within the world, increasing attention to the advertising performances and further fostering interest in the advertising target.

[0072] The metaverse server 12 of the first or second embodiment may be realized by a plurality of computers working together as a system via a communication network. In this case, the functions of the metaverse server 12 of the first embodiment and the functions of the metaverse server 12 of the second embodiment may be distributed among a plurality of computers. Each of the plurality of computers may include, for example, one or more communication devices, metaverse data generation devices (such as image generation devices), and database devices.

[0073] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from a combination combines the effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component recited in the claims can be realized by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications, either individually or in combination.

[0074] <Supplementary Notes> The above embodiments and variations include the disclosure of the following technologies. [Technology 1-1] A metaverse management device includes: an entrance management unit that manages user entry into the metaverse; and, when a user who has entered the metaverse meets certain conditions, a performance control unit that executes a performance in the metaverse to notify other users of the user's entry. This metaverse management device notifies other users of a user who meets certain conditions when the user enters the metaverse, thereby increasing the user's recognition and influence within the metaverse and realizing a new business model: user advertising. Furthermore, providing a mechanism for increasing the user's recognition and influence can improve the metaverse's ability to attract users. [Technology 1-2] The metaverse management device described in Technology 1-1, in which the performance includes at least one of audio and video indicating the user's entry. This metaverse management device allows other users to easily understand that a user has entered. [Technology 1-3] The metaverse management device described in Technology 1-1 or 1-2, in which the effect includes at least one of vibrating the controller of the other user and vibrating the content displayed on the screen of the other user. This metaverse management device makes it easier for other users to recognize the effect notifying other users of a user's entry. [Technology 1-4] The metaverse management device described in any of Technology 1-1 to 1-3, in which the effect control unit changes the mode of the effect depending on the advertising fee paid by the user. This metaverse management device allows for a variety of effects to be realized and increases the number of users of advertising by differentiating the effect depending on the advertising fee. [Technology 1-5] The metaverse management device described in any of Technology 1-1 to 1-4, in which the effect control unit executes an effect notifying the multiple users that the multiple users have entered the metaverse simultaneously if at least one of the multiple users has paid an advertising fee. This metaverse management device increases the target audience of the advertisement, thereby increasing the number of users of the advertisement.[Technology 1-6] The metaverse management device described in any one of Techniques 1-1 to 1-5, wherein the performance control unit executes a performance notifying other users who follow the user that the user has entered on their devices. According to this metaverse management device, by limiting the notification of a user's entry to the user's followers, it becomes easier to avoid annoying the notified users. [Technology 1-7] The metaverse management device described in any one of Techniques 1-1 to 1-6, wherein the performance control unit executes a performance notifying the user that the user has entered again if the user re-enters the metaverse, on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the performance. According to this metaverse management device, by setting a predetermined time interval between executions of the notification performance of a user's entry, it becomes easier to avoid annoying the notified users. [Technology 1-8] A metaverse management method, executed by a computer, comprising the steps of: managing user entry into the metaverse; and, if a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, causing the metaverse to execute an effect in the metaverse that notifies other users that the user has entered. This metaverse management method achieves the same effects as the metaverse management device of Technology 1-1. [Technology 1-9] A computer program for causing a computer to implement the functions of: managing user entry into the metaverse; and, if a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, causing the metaverse to execute an effect in the metaverse that notifies other users that the user has entered. This computer program can achieve a computer that achieves the same effects as the metaverse management device of Technology 1-1.

[0075] [Technology 2-1] A metaverse management device includes: a performance control unit that controls performance in a first metaverse; and an acquisition unit that acquires data related to the current state of a second metaverse different from the first metaverse. The performance control unit causes the first metaverse to execute a performance that represents the current state of the second metaverse. This metaverse management device can help attract customers to the second metaverse by executing a performance in the first metaverse that represents the current state of the second metaverse. [Technology 2-2] The metaverse management device described in Technology 2-1, in which the performance control unit executes a performance that includes at least one of sound and light that represents an event currently taking place in the second metaverse. This metaverse management device can clearly show the current state of the second metaverse to users of the first metaverse. [Technology 2-3] The metaverse management device described in Technology 2-1 or 2-2, in which the performance control unit executes, in addition to the performance, at least one of vibrating the user's controller and vibrating content displayed on the user's screen. This metaverse management device makes it easier for users to recognize the effects that represent the current state of the second metaverse. [Technology 2-4] The metaverse management device described in any of Techniques 2-1 to 2-3, wherein the effect control unit displays the area of ​​the first metaverse where the effect is performed in a manner different from its surrounding area. This metaverse management device makes it easy for users of the first metaverse to understand that this is the area where the effect representing the current state of the second metaverse is performed. [Technology 2-5] The metaverse management device described in any of Techniques 2-1 to 2-4, wherein the effect control unit displays the area of ​​the first metaverse where the effect is performed in a blurred manner, with the boundary between the area and its surrounding area blurred. This metaverse management device makes it less likely for users of the first metaverse to feel uncomfortable by blurring the boundary between the display content of the first metaverse and the display content of the second metaverse.[Technology 2-6] The metaverse management device according to any one of Techniques 2-1 to 2-5, wherein the performance control unit changes the location in the first metaverse where the performance is performed over time. This metaverse management device can provide users of the first metaverse with the excitement of discovering an area where a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse is performed. [Technology 2-7] The metaverse management device according to any one of Techniques 2-1 to 2-6, further comprising a storage unit that stores information that an advertising fee has been paid from the second metaverse, and wherein the performance control unit executes a performance representing the current state of the second metaverse in the first metaverse, on the condition that the advertising fee has been paid from the second metaverse. This metaverse management device can realize a business that supports attracting customers to the second metaverse. [Technology 2-8] A metaverse management method in which a computer executes the steps of controlling presentation in a first metaverse and acquiring data related to the current state of a second metaverse different from the first metaverse, wherein the step of controlling presentation causes a presentation representing the current state of the second metaverse to be executed in the first metaverse. This metaverse management method achieves the same effects as the metaverse management device of Technology 2-1. [Technology 2-9] A computer program in which a computer realizes a function of controlling presentation in a first metaverse and a function of acquiring data related to the current state of a second metaverse different from the first metaverse, wherein the function of controlling presentation causes a presentation representing the current state of the second metaverse to be executed in the first metaverse. This computer program can achieve a computer that achieves the same effects as the metaverse management device of Technology 2-1.

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

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

Claims

1. an admission management unit that manages admission of users to the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a performance control unit executes a performance in the metaverse that notifies other users that the user has entered the metaverse; Equipped with the effect includes at least one of vibrating a controller of the other user and vibrating content being displayed on a screen of the other user; Metaverse management device.

2. an admission management unit that manages admission of users to the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a performance control unit executes a performance in the metaverse that notifies other users that the user has entered the metaverse; Equipped with The performance control unit causes a performance notifying the user that the user has entered to be executed on a terminal of another user who follows the user. Metaverse management device.

3. an admission management unit that manages admission of users to the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a performance control unit executes a performance in the metaverse that notifies other users that the user has entered the metaverse; Equipped with The performance control unit executes the performance again when the user re-enters the metaverse after executing the performance notifying the user that the user has entered the metaverse, on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the performance. Metaverse management device.

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

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

6. When a plurality of users simultaneously enter the metaverse and at least one user among the plurality of users has paid an advertising fee, the performance control unit executes a performance notifying the plurality of users that they have entered the metaverse. The metaverse management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. managing user admission to the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a step of executing a performance in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered the metaverse; The computer executes the effect includes at least one of vibrating a controller of the other user and vibrating content being displayed on a screen of the other user; Metaverse management methods.

8. managing user admission to the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a step of executing a performance in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered the metaverse; The computer executes The step of executing the process includes executing a performance notifying the user that the user has entered the venue on a terminal of another user who follows the user. Metaverse management methods.

9. managing user admission to the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a step of executing a performance in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered the metaverse; After executing the effect of notifying the user that the user has entered, if the user re-enters the metaverse, the effect is executed again on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the effect; A computer-implemented metaverse management method.

10. The ability to manage user entry into the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a function of executing a presentation in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered the metaverse; This is realized on a computer, the effect includes at least one of vibrating a controller of the other user and vibrating content being displayed on a screen of the other user; Computer program.

11. The ability to manage user entry into the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a function of executing a presentation in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered the metaverse; This is realized on a computer, The function to be executed is to execute a performance notifying the user that the user has entered on a terminal of another user who follows the user. Computer program.

12. The ability to manage user entry into the metaverse; When a user who has entered the metaverse satisfies a predetermined condition, a function of executing a presentation in the metaverse to notify other users that the user has entered the metaverse; This is realized on a computer, The function of executing the effect is to execute the effect again when the user re-enters the metaverse after executing the effect that notifies the user that the user has entered the metaverse, on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the effect. Computer program.