Metaverse space display device, metaverse space display method, and program

Abstract

In this metaverse space display device, a first display means displays a two-dimensional metaverse space that includes a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object. A second display means displays a three-dimensional metaverse space that includes a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object. A reception means receives an operation from a user. A display control means switches to displaying with the first display means or displaying with the second display means on the basis of the content of the operation.

Description

Metaverse space display device, metaverse space display method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to display control of a metaverse space.

[0002] In recent years, metaverse spaces have become increasingly popular, allowing multiple users to interact over a network as if they were in the real world. Metaverse spaces are constructed in two or three dimensions. While three-dimensional metaverse spaces allow for precise representation of avatars and objects, they require significant computer resources. Therefore, it is difficult for a computer to continue allocating computer resources to a three-dimensional metaverse space while running other software. Patent Document 1 proposes the provision of a virtual space system that takes into account the load on both network resources and end system resources.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-063598

[0004] However, even with Patent Document 1, it is not necessarily possible to appropriately allocate computer resources while using the metaverse space.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a metaverse space display device that can appropriately allocate computer resources by controlling the display of the metaverse space.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a metaverse space display device comprises: a first display means for displaying a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; a second display means for displaying a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; a receiving means for receiving an operation from a user; and a display control means for switching between display by the first display means and display by the second display means based on the content of the operation, wherein the first display means displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a metaverse space display method includes: performing a first display process to display a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; performing a second display process to display a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; accepting an operation from a user; and switching between display using the first display process or display using the second display process based on the content of the operation; and the first display process displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a recording medium records a program that causes a computer to execute a process that: performs a first display process to display a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; performs a second display process to display a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; accepts an operation from a user; and switches between a display using the first display process or a display using the second display process based on the content of the operation; and the first display process displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, by controlling the display of the metaverse space, it becomes possible to appropriately allocate computer resources.

[0010] 1 shows the overall configuration of a metaverse space management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a display example of a metaverse space according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of metaverse space control processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a display example of a metaverse space according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of metaverse space control processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a metaverse space display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing by the metaverse space display device according to the third embodiment.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First embodiment> [System configuration] Fig. 1 shows the overall configuration of a metaverse space management system to which a metaverse space display device according to the present disclosure is applied. The metaverse space management system 1 includes a server 10 and a terminal device 20 used by a user. The server 10 is an example of a metaverse space display device.

[0012] It is assumed that there are a plurality of terminal devices 20, and when distinguishing between the individual terminal devices, a subscript is added to the terminal device 20, and when not distinguishing between them, they are simply referred to as "terminal device 20." Furthermore, the server 10 and the terminal devices 20 can communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0013] In the metaverse space management system 1, the server 10 transmits metaverse space data to the terminal device 20 in response to a request from the terminal device 20, thereby providing a place for communication between users. In this embodiment, a virtual office, which is a virtual office space, is used as an example of the metaverse space provided by the metaverse space management system 1, but the metaverse space provided by the metaverse space management system 1 is not limited to this and may be anything that provides a place for communication between users.

[0014] Specifically, the server 10 generates virtual office data by drawing virtual objects such as desks, chairs, and conference rooms in accordance with pre-prepared setting information. When a user accesses the server 10 using the terminal device 20 and logs in to the virtual office, the server 10 generates an avatar based on the user's login information and places the avatar in the virtual office. The server 10 then transmits the virtual office data to the terminal device 20.

[0015] The terminal device 20 is a terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) or a tablet. A user of the terminal device 20 can obtain virtual office data and display it on a display or the like, thereby experiencing the virtual office. In addition, by operating their own avatar using the terminal device 20, the user can move their avatar and communicate with the avatars of other users.

[0016] Furthermore, the server 10 of this embodiment generates a two-dimensional virtual office and a three-dimensional virtual office, and transmits the two-dimensional virtual office data or the three-dimensional virtual office data to the terminal device 20 based on the user's operation. The user can switch the display of the virtual office depending on the purpose, such as displaying the three-dimensional virtual office when sharing three-dimensional data and displaying the two-dimensional virtual office otherwise. This allows the user to appropriately allocate computer resources.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10. The server 10 mainly includes a communication unit 11, a processor 12, a memory 13, a recording medium 14, and a database (DB) 15.

[0018] The communication unit 11 transmits and receives data to and from an external device. Specifically, the communication unit 11 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 20.

[0019] The processor 12 is a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes a program prepared in advance to control the entire server 10. The processor 12 may be a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPU (Floating Point number Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0020] The memory 13 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 13 stores various programs executed by the processor 12. The memory 13 is also used as a working memory while the processor 12 is executing various processes.

[0021] The recording medium 14 is a non-volatile, non-transitory recording medium such as a disk-shaped recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and is configured to be detachable from the server 10. The recording medium 14 records various programs executed by the processor 12.

[0022] Database (DB) 15 stores information about users and information about the metaverse space. Information about users includes, for example, identification information for uniquely identifying users and avatar setting information. Information about the metaverse space includes, for example, information about the coordinates and display form of virtual objects. DB 15 may include an external storage device such as a hard disk connected to or built into server 10, or may include a storage medium such as a removable flash memory. Note that instead of providing DB 115 on server 10, DB 15 may be provided on an external server, and information about users and information about the metaverse space may be stored on the server via communication.

[0023] The server 10 may also include an input unit such as a keyboard and a mouse for an administrator to give instructions and input, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

[0024] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. Functionally, the server 10 includes an acquisition unit 111, a two-dimensional space display control unit 112, a three-dimensional space display control unit 113, an avatar state estimation unit 114, a control unit 115, and an output unit 116.

[0025] The server 10 receives operation information from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the operation information for each user and outputs it to the two-dimensional space display control unit 112, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113, and the avatar state estimation unit 114.

[0026] The operation information is information about operations performed by the user in the virtual office, including information about the login operation to the virtual office and information about operations performed on the avatar.

[0027] The two-dimensional space display control unit 112 generates a two-dimensional virtual office and draws an avatar based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111.

[0028] Specifically, when a user logs in to the virtual office, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 draws the user's avatar in a manner that indicates that the user is logged in. On the other hand, when a user logs out of the virtual office, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 draws the user's avatar in a manner that indicates that the user is logged out.

[0029] Furthermore, when the user performs a movement operation on the avatar, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 updates the position of the avatar in accordance with the user's operation. For example, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 calculates the amount of movement of the avatar based on the direction and speed of the avatar's movement, and estimates the position of the avatar after the movement. Then, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 moves the avatar from its current position to the new position.

[0030] The three-dimensional space display control unit 113 generates a three-dimensional virtual office and draws an avatar based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111.

[0031] Specifically, when a user performs a movement operation on the avatar, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 calculates the amount of movement of the avatar based on the direction and speed of the avatar's movement, and estimates the avatar's position after the movement. The three-dimensional space display control unit 113 then determines whether the avatar's position after the movement is included in a predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as a "three-dimensional area"). If the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 determines that the avatar is included in the three-dimensional area, it draws the avatar in the three-dimensional area. Note that if the avatar moves from the three-dimensional area to a non-three-dimensional area (hereinafter also referred to as a "two-dimensional area") or if the user logs out of the virtual office, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 deletes the avatar from the three-dimensional area.

[0032] Avatar state estimation unit 114 estimates the position of the avatar based on the operation information input from acquisition unit 111. Avatar state estimation unit 114 then outputs the estimated avatar position to control unit 115 along with identification information of the user corresponding to the avatar. Here, the avatar position estimated by avatar state estimation unit 114 may be information indicating whether the avatar is located in a two-dimensional area or a three-dimensional area. For example, when avatar state estimation unit 114 determines that an avatar has moved from a two-dimensional area to a three-dimensional area, it determines the position of the avatar as the "three-dimensional area" and outputs this to control unit 115. On the other hand, when avatar state estimation unit 114 determines that an avatar has moved from a three-dimensional area to a two-dimensional area, it determines the position of the avatar as the "two-dimensional area" and outputs this to control unit 115.

[0033] The control unit 115 switches between the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 and the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 for each user based on the position of the avatar input from the avatar state estimation unit 114 and the identification information of the user corresponding to that avatar. For example, when the avatar is located in a two-dimensional area, the control unit 115 switches so that the output unit 116 is connected to the two-dimensional space display control unit 112. When the avatar is located in a three-dimensional area, the control unit 115 switches so that the output unit 116 is connected to the three-dimensional space display control unit 113. Then, the display control unit connected to the output unit 116 outputs display data to the output unit 116.

[0034] The output unit 116 acquires display data from the connected display control unit, and then transmits the display data to the terminal device 20.

[0035] In the above configuration, the acquisition unit 111 is an example of a receiving means, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 is an example of a first display means, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 is an example of a second display means, and the avatar state estimation unit 114, the control unit 115, and the output unit 116 are examples of a display control means.

[0036] [Display Example] FIG. 4 shows a display example of a virtual office transmitted by the server 10. In FIG.

[0037] Fig. 4A shows an example of a two-dimensional virtual office display. The virtual office 40 in Fig. 4A has multiple areas for different purposes, such as a "Meeting Area," a "Personal Area," a "Voice Area," and an "Off-Line Area."

[0038] The "Meeting Area" is an area where multiple avatars can hold meetings and other collaborative activities. The "Personal Area" is an area where avatars of users who are working individually can gather. The "Voice Area" is an area used when avatars have voice conversations, etc.

[0039] The "Off-Line Area" displays the avatars of users who have logged out of the virtual office. The avatars of logged-out users (hereinafter also referred to as "logout avatars") are displayed in a different manner from the avatars of logged-in users (hereinafter also referred to as "login avatars"). For example, in FIG. 4(A), the logout avatar is displayed in black. Furthermore, the login avatar can talk to the logout avatar using a function such as chat. At this time, the server 10 may notify the user corresponding to the avatar that has been talked to. For example, the server 10 may notify the user on the terminal device 20, smartphone, wearable device, etc. owned by the user.

[0040] Virtual office 40 has three "Meeting Areas," and "Meeting Area 1" and "Meeting Area 3" are marked with a 3D mark indicating that they are three-dimensional areas.

[0041] Now, assume that the user corresponding to avatar A moves avatar A to "Meeting Area 1." As a result, a three-dimensional virtual office such as that shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the terminal device 20 of the user corresponding to avatar A.

[0042] Figure 4(B) is an example of a three-dimensional virtual office display. In Figure 4(B), avatar A, other avatars, and virtual objects are displayed in three dimensions in a meeting area 50. This type of display allows users to share precise data, such as three-dimensional data. Furthermore, users can have conversations through the avatars in a way that feels close to reality.

[0043] [Metaverse Space Control Processing] Next, the metaverse space control processing for controlling the metaverse space as described above will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the metaverse space control processing by the server 10. This processing is realized by the processor 12 shown in Fig. 2 executing a program prepared in advance and operating as each element shown in Fig. 3.

[0044] First, the server 10 receives operation information from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 111 acquires the operation information for each user and outputs it to the two-dimensional space display control unit 112, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113, and the avatar state estimation unit 114 (step S11).

[0045] Next, the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 generates a two-dimensional virtual office. The two-dimensional space display control unit 112 also draws an avatar based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111 (step S12). Next, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 generates a three-dimensional virtual office. The three-dimensional space display control unit 113 also draws an avatar based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111 (step S13).

[0046] Next, avatar state estimation unit 114 estimates the position of the avatar based on the operation information input from acquisition unit 111. Then, avatar state estimation unit 114 outputs the estimated avatar position to control unit 115 together with identification information of the user corresponding to that avatar (step S14). Note that the avatar position estimated by avatar state estimation unit 114 may be information indicating whether the avatar is located in a two-dimensional area or a three-dimensional area.

[0047] Next, the control unit 115 switches between the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 and the three-dimensional space display control unit 113 for each user based on the position of the avatar input from the avatar state estimation unit 114 and the identification information of the user corresponding to that avatar (step S15).

[0048] Next, if the server 10 determines that the user has logged out of the virtual office and finished using the virtual office (step S16: Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, if the server 10 determines that the user has not finished using the virtual office (step S16: No), the process returns to step S11.

[0049] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The server 10a, which is a metaverse space display device of the second embodiment, differs from the server 10 of the first embodiment in that it is possible to switch the display between a two-dimensional virtual office and a three-dimensional virtual office regardless of the position of the avatar. The system configuration and hardware configuration of the server 10a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10a according to the second embodiment. Functionally, the server 10a includes an acquisition unit 111a, a two-dimensional space display control unit 112a, a three-dimensional space display control unit 113a, a selection unit 114a, a control unit 115a, and an output unit 116a.

[0051] The two-dimensional space display control unit 112a and the output unit 116a have the same configuration and operate in the same manner as the two-dimensional space display control unit 112 and the output unit 116 of the server 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0052] The server 10a receives operation information from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 111a acquires the operation information for each user and outputs it to the two-dimensional space display control unit 112a, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a, and the selection unit 114a. The operation information is information about operations performed by the user in the virtual office. The operation information includes information about the login operation to the virtual office, information about operations performed on the avatar, and the like.

[0053] The selection unit 114a selects an avatar (hereinafter also referred to as a "3D avatar") to be displayed in the 3D virtual office. For example, the selection unit 114a may select, as the 3D avatar, the avatar of a user performing a predetermined operation, such as a voice conversation, based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111a. The selection unit 114a may also select, as the 3D avatar, the avatar of a user who belongs to a predetermined department or a user who holds a predetermined position. The selection unit 114a may also select, as the 3D avatar, the avatar of another user who is using the 3D virtual office.

[0054] The selection unit 114a outputs the identification information of the three-dimensional avatar to the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a. The identification information of the three-dimensional avatar is information that uniquely identifies the avatar, and may be, for example, the identification information of the user corresponding to the avatar.

[0055] The three-dimensional space display control unit 113a generates a three-dimensional virtual office and draws an avatar based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111a and the three-dimensional avatar identification information input from the selection unit 114a.

[0056] Specifically, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a draws an avatar corresponding to the identification information in the virtual office. At this time, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a estimates the position of the avatar based on the operation information and draws the avatar at the estimated position. Note that if the user logs out of the virtual office, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a deletes the corresponding avatar.

[0057] The control unit 115a switches between the two-dimensional space display control unit 112a and the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a based on a user input. For example, if the user inputs through the terminal device 20 to display a two-dimensional virtual office, the control unit 115a switches so that the output unit 116a is connected to the two-dimensional space display control unit 112a. Also, if the user inputs through the terminal device 20 to display a three-dimensional virtual office, the control unit 115a switches so that the output unit 116a is connected to the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a. The display control unit selected by the control unit 115a outputs display data to the output unit 116a.

[0058] [Display Example] FIG. 7 shows a display example of a virtual office transmitted by the server 10a.

[0059] Fig. 7A shows an example of a two-dimensional virtual office display. The virtual office 60 in Fig. 7A includes a menu area 61 and a switching icon 62. The menu area 61 displays icons for executing various functions of the virtual office. The switching icon 62 is an icon for switching the display of the virtual office. By pressing the switching icon 62, the user can switch the display from the two-dimensional virtual office to the three-dimensional virtual office.

[0060] 7A, avatars B to G are displayed in "Meeting Area 1." Avatars B to E are avatars of users who belong to the sales department, while avatars G and F are avatars of users who belong to other departments. Also, avatar B and an avatar belonging to the same department as avatar B are selected as three-dimensional avatars.

[0061] Now, let us assume that the user corresponding to avatar B presses the switching icon 62. As a result, a three-dimensional virtual office such as that shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the terminal device 20 of the user corresponding to avatar B.

[0062] FIG. 7B shows an example of a three-dimensional virtual office display. The virtual office 70 in FIG. 7B includes a menu area 71 and a switching icon 72. By pressing the switching icon 72, the user can switch the display from the three-dimensional virtual office to a two-dimensional virtual office. In FIG. 7B, avatars B to E and virtual objects are displayed in three dimensions in the virtual office 70.

[0063] In this way, in the second embodiment, the user can switch the display of the virtual office at any time. Also, by narrowing down the avatars to be displayed, it becomes possible to reduce the consumption of computer resources.

[0064] [Metaverse Space Control Processing] Next, the metaverse space control processing for controlling the metaverse space as described above will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the metaverse space control processing by the server 10a. This processing is realized by the processor 12 shown in Figure 2 executing a prepared program and operating as each element shown in Figure 6.

[0065] The processes in steps S22 and S26 are similar to the processes in steps S12 and S16 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described here.

[0066] First, the server 10a receives operation information from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 11. The acquisition unit 111a acquires the operation information for each user and outputs it to the two-dimensional space display control unit 112a, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a, and the selection unit 114a (step S21).

[0067] Next, the selection unit 114a selects a three-dimensional avatar and outputs the identification information of the three-dimensional avatar to the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a (step S23). Next, the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a generates a three-dimensional virtual office. The three-dimensional space display control unit 113a also draws the avatar based on the operation information input from the acquisition unit 111a and the identification information of the three-dimensional avatar input from the selection unit 114a (step S24). Next, the control unit 115a switches between the two-dimensional space display control unit 112a and the three-dimensional space display control unit 113a based on the user's input (step S25).

[0068] 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a metaverse space display device according to a third embodiment. The metaverse space display device 300 includes a first display unit 301, a second display unit 302, a reception unit 303, and a display control unit 304.

[0069] 10 is a flowchart of processing by the metaverse space display device of the third embodiment. First display means 301 displays a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object (step S301). Second display means 302 displays a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object (step S302). Accepting means 303 accepts an operation from a user (step S303). Display control means 304 switches between display by the first display means and display by the second display means based on the content of the operation (step S304).

[0070] According to the metaverse space display device 300 of the third embodiment, it is possible to appropriately allocate computer resources by controlling the display of the metaverse space.

[0071] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 1) A metaverse space display device comprising: a first display means for displaying a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; a second display means for displaying a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; a receiving means for receiving an operation from a user; and a display control means for switching between display by the first display means and display by the second display means based on the content of the operation, wherein the first display means displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

[0073] (Appendix 2) The metaverse space display device described in Appendix 1, wherein the receiving means receives an operation for an avatar in a two-dimensional metaverse space to enter a three-dimensional metaverse space, or an operation for an avatar in a three-dimensional metaverse space to enter a two-dimensional metaverse space, and the display control means switches between display by the first display means and display by the second display means depending on the metaverse space the avatar has entered.

[0074] (Appendix 3) The metaverse space display device described in Appendix 1, wherein the receiving means receives an operation to select a two-dimensional metaverse space or an operation to select a three-dimensional metaverse space, and the display control means switches between displaying on the first display means or displaying on the second display means based on the selected content.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 4) The metaverse space display device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the second display means renders a selected portion of avatars from among a plurality of avatars in the three-dimensional metaverse space.

[0076] (Appendix 5) A metaverse space display device as described in Appendix 1, comprising a notification means for notifying users who are not logged in to the metaverse space, wherein the notification means notifies users who are not logged in to the metaverse space when an avatar of a user who is logged in to the metaverse space takes an action on an avatar of a user who is not logged in to the metaverse space.

[0077] (Appendix 6) A metaverse space display method comprising: performing a first display process to display a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; performing a second display process to display a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; accepting an operation from a user; and switching between a display using the first display process or a display using the second display process based on the content of the operation; and wherein the first display process displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

[0078] (Appendix 7) A recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to execute the following process: performing a first display process to display a two-dimensional metaverse space including two-dimensional avatars and two-dimensional virtual objects; performing a second display process to display a three-dimensional metaverse space including three-dimensional avatars and three-dimensional virtual objects; accepting an operation from a user; and switching between display using the first display process or display using the second display process based on the content of the operation; and the first display process displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

[0079] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Metaverse space management system 10, 10a Server 15 Database (DB) 20 Terminal device 111, 111a Acquisition unit 112, 112a Two-dimensional space display control unit 113, 113a Three-dimensional space display control unit 114 Avatar state estimation unit 114a Selection unit 115, 115a Control unit 116, 116a Output unit

Claims

1. a first display means for displaying a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; a second display means for displaying a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; A receiving means for receiving an operation from a user; a display control means for switching between display by the first display means and display by the second display means based on the content of the operation; Equipped with The first display means is a metaverse space display device that displays avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

2. the accepting means accepts an operation for an avatar in a two-dimensional metaverse space to enter a three-dimensional metaverse space, or an operation for an avatar in a three-dimensional metaverse space to enter a two-dimensional metaverse space; The metaverse space display device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control means switches between display by the first display means and display by the second display means depending on the metaverse space into which the avatar has entered.

3. the accepting means accepts an operation to select a two-dimensional metaverse space or an operation to select a three-dimensional metaverse space, The metaverse space display device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control means switches between display by the first display means and display by the second display means based on the selected content.

4. The metaverse space display device according to claim 3 , wherein the second display means renders a selected portion of the avatars from among a plurality of avatars in the three-dimensional metaverse space.

5. A notification means is provided to notify users who are not logged in to the metaverse space, The metaverse space display device of claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies a user who is not logged in to the metaverse space when the avatar of a user who is logged in to the metaverse space takes an action on the avatar of a user who is not logged in to the metaverse space.

6. A computer-implemented method for displaying a metaverse space, comprising: performing a first display process for displaying a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; performing a second display process for displaying a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; Accepts user operations, switching the display to the first display processing or the second display processing based on the content of the operation; The first display process is a metaverse space display method in which avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space are displayed in a manner different from avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.

7. performing a first display process for displaying a two-dimensional metaverse space including a two-dimensional avatar and a two-dimensional virtual object; performing a second display process for displaying a three-dimensional metaverse space including a three-dimensional avatar and a three-dimensional virtual object; Accepts user operations, switching the display to the first display processing or the second display processing based on the content of the operation; The first display process is a program that causes a computer to execute a process of displaying the avatars of users who are not logged in to the metaverse space in a manner different from the avatars of users who are logged in to the metaverse space.