Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the result of an action performed in a real space by a provider who provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility in a virtual space; a determination unit that, on the basis of the action information, determines at least one of a positional relationship between the virtual facility and an avatar capable of moving in the virtual space or a display mode of the virtual facility for a user who operates the avatar; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space by using the avatar, performs at least one of arranging the avatar in the aforementioned positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility or displaying the virtual facility to the user in the aforementioned display mode.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for processing information related to a virtual space. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-103310, filed on June 23, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a system that determines the initial positions of avatars in a virtual space accessed by multiple users each using an avatar, so that avatars of users with common preferences or high intimacy are placed close to each other.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-107895

[0004] A plurality of virtual facilities are pre-placed within the virtual space. When a user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the avatar is placed at a location within the virtual space. However, if the avatar is placed far from a specific virtual facility or is placed in a location where the specific virtual facility cannot be seen, it can be difficult for the avatar to use the specific virtual facility.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and one example of its purpose is to make it easier for users to use specific facilities within a virtual space when they start using the virtual space using an avatar.

[0006] An information processing device of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user who operates the avatar; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0007] An information processing device of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space and a display mode of the virtual facility to the user; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0008] The decision unit may further decide, based on the behavioral information, whether to provide the user with a specified benefit that can be used in the virtual facility, and the virtual space control unit may provide the user with the specified benefit on the condition that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the specified benefit in the virtual facility.

[0009] The determination unit may determine, based on the behavioral information, some of the multiple users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied, and the virtual space control unit may perform at least one of placing the avatar corresponding to the target user in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display mode.

[0010] The behavioral information indicates the number of times or frequency that the user has visited a real facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in the real space, or a specified area including the real facility in the real space, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode if the number of times or the frequency satisfies a specified condition.

[0011] The behavioral information may indicate the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at a real facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in the real space, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the purchase amount satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0012] The behavioral information may indicate characteristics of products previously purchased by the user, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the characteristics satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0013] The behavioral information may indicate that the provider has paid a specified fee in the real space to an operator that provides or operates the virtual space, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the provider has paid the specified fee or when the amount of the specified fee satisfies specified conditions.

[0014] The behavioral information may indicate the amount of compensation received by the provider in the real space based on the sales performance of the product in the virtual facility, and the determination unit may determine at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the amount of compensation satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0015] The determination unit may determine the positional relationship in which the user can view the virtual facility through the avatar.

[0016] The determination unit may determine the display mode to make the appearance of the virtual facility different from facilities in the virtual space that are different from the virtual facility.

[0017] An information processing method of a third aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring, by a processor, behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user operating the avatar; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0018] An information processing method of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring, by a processor, behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility to the user; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0019] A program of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user who operates the avatar; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the program of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility to the user; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, as one example, when a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, it is possible to provide an effect that it is possible to make it easier for the user to use a specific facility in the virtual space.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a first schematic diagram for explaining exemplary provider behavior information. FIG. 4 is a second schematic diagram for explaining exemplary provider behavior information. FIG. 5 is a first schematic diagram for explaining exemplary user behavior information. FIG. 6 is a second schematic diagram for explaining exemplary user behavior information. FIG. 7 is a third schematic diagram for explaining exemplary user behavior information. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method by which a determination unit determines a target user. FIG. 9 is a first schematic diagram for explaining a method by which a determination unit determines a positional relationship and a display mode. FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram for explaining a method by which a determination unit determines a positional relationship and a display mode. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying exemplary target facilities. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by an information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0023] [Overview of Information Processing System S] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a user terminal 2, and a provider terminal 3. The information processing system S may include a plurality of user terminals 2 and provider terminals 3. The information processing system S may also include other devices such as servers and terminals.

[0024] The information processing device 1 is a computer that processes information about a virtual space displayed on the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. The virtual space is an imaginary space (e.g., a metaverse) created on a computer. The virtual space is displayed as an area having an area or volume on each of the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. On the other hand, the actual space in which a user lives (e.g., space on Earth) is called real space.

[0025] The information processing device 1 places multiple virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, in a virtual space. The virtual facilities are, for example, stores that sell one or more types of products. The virtual facilities correspond to, for example, real facilities in the real world, and have a structure in the virtual space that mimics the real facilities. Each of multiple users who use the virtual space can visit the virtual facilities using an avatar, and have the experience of visiting a real store corresponding to the virtual facility. The avatar is an image that moves in the virtual space according to operations performed by the user on the user terminal 2.

[0026] The user terminal 2 is an information terminal used by a user who uses the virtual facility. The provider terminal 3 is an information terminal used by a user who is a provider who provides or operates the virtual facility (such as an employee, owner, or administrator of the virtual facility). Users use the virtual facility by operating an avatar in the virtual space. Of the multiple virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is called a target facility E1.

[0027] The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 are, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, or personal computers. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 have an operation unit such as a touch panel or keyboard for accepting operations, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 can communicate with the information processing device 1 via a network.

[0028] An overview of the processing executed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. The information processing device 1 acquires behavioral information indicating the results of behaviors performed in real space by a provider or a user. The provider's behavioral information includes, for example, the provider's payment of a predetermined fee to a business operator that provides or operates a virtual space in real space, or the provider's receipt of compensation in real space in accordance with the sales performance of a product in a virtual store. The user's behavioral information includes, for example, a visit to a real facility corresponding to a virtual facility in real space, a visit to a predetermined area including a real facility, or a purchase of a product at a real facility.

[0029] Based on the acquired behavioral information, the information processing device 1 determines at least one of the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1 and the display mode of the target facility E1 relative to the user operating the avatar. The positional relationship is, for example, the relative position between the avatar and the target facility E1 that allows the user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar. The display mode is, for example, a display mode (color, pattern, text, etc.) that makes the target facility E1 stand out more than other virtual facilities.

[0030] When a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, the information processing device 1 performs at least one of placing the avatar in a determined positional relationship relative to the target facility E1 and displaying the target facility E1 to the user in a determined display mode.

[0031] In this way, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a position that makes it easy to use a specific virtual facility, or displays the specific virtual facility to the user in a display mode that makes it stand out, based on the behavioral information of the provider or user. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easy for the user to use the specific virtual facility in the virtual space when they start using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0032] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system S according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, arrows indicate the main data flows, and data flows other than those shown in FIG. 2 may also exist. In FIG. 2, each block indicates a functional configuration rather than a hardware (device) configuration. Therefore, the blocks shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in a single device, or may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data may be exchanged between blocks via any means, such as a data bus, a network, or a portable storage medium.

[0033] The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing device 1 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separated devices via a wired or wireless connection. The information processing device 1 may also be configured by a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

[0034] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data between the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 via the network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of data received via the network from the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices. The communication unit 11 also transmits data output from the control unit 13 to the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices via the network.

[0035] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 stores in advance programs to be executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be provided outside the information processing device 1, in which case data may be exchanged between the storage unit 12 and the control unit 13 via a network.

[0036] The control unit 13 includes a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a determination unit 133, and a virtual space control unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, the acquisition unit 132, the determination unit 133, and the virtual space control unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0037] The process executed by the information processing device 1 will be described in detail below. When a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, the user performs a predetermined start-of-use operation on the user terminal 2. In response to the user's start-of-use operation, the user terminal 2 transmits a start-of-use request indicating that the user will start using the virtual space to the information processing device 1. In the information processing device 1, the receiving unit 131 receives the start-of-use request transmitted by the user terminal 2.

[0038] The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the results of behaviors performed in real space by a provider or a user. When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processes for each of the multiple providers and multiple users. Of the multiple virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is referred to as a target facility E1.

[0039] The behavioral results include, for example, the behavior itself performed by the provider or user in real space and the results caused by the behavior (such as the amount of assets exchanged as a result of the behavior, evaluations of the behavior from others, etc.) The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, behavioral information stored in advance in the storage unit 12, or acquires behavioral information from a device different from the information processing device 1.

[0040] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary provider behavior information. In the example of FIG. 3A , the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating that a provider has paid a predetermined fee in real space to a business that provides or operates a virtual space, or the payment of the fee. The fee paid by the provider to the business is a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) necessary to apply the positional relationship or display mode described below to the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the fee paid by the provider to the business from a device that manages information about businesses.

[0041] 3B , the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the amount of compensation (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) received by the provider in real space in response to the sales performance of products at the target facility E1. The compensation received by the provider is, for example, a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) in response to the price or number of products sold by the provider to avatars at the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the compensation received by the provider from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

[0042] The acquisition unit 132 may also acquire behavioral information indicating an evaluation of the target facility E1 by a user who purchased a product at the target facility E1. The evaluation of the target facility E1 is, for example, information indicating an index (such as a score) corresponding to the quality of the target facility E1 specified by the user. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 from a device that manages information about the target facility E1.

[0043] 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary user behavior information. In the example of FIG. 4A, the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the number or frequency of a user's visits to a real facility E2, which is a facility corresponding to a target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, a history of location information of the user terminal 2 over a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency of the user terminal 2 being located within the real facility E2, thereby acquiring the number or frequency of the user's visits to the real facility E2.

[0044] 4B , the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the number or frequency of a user's visits to a predetermined area A in real space. Area A is, for example, a predetermined area that includes a real facility E2 that is a facility corresponding to a target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, a history of location information of the user terminal 2 over a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency that the user terminal 2 was located within area A, thereby acquiring the number or frequency of the user's visits to area A.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 4C , the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating purchase information about products previously purchased by the user in real space. The purchase information is, for example, information indicating the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing the product in real space or the characteristics (type, name, etc.) of the product purchased by the user. The acquisition unit 132 may acquire purchase information about products purchased by the user at a real facility E2 that is a facility corresponding to the target facility E1 in real space, or may acquire purchase information about products purchased by the user at a store other than the real facility E2. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires the purchase information, for example, from a device that manages information about the real facility E2 or other stores where the user purchased the product.

[0046] The determination unit 133 determines some of the multiple users who use the virtual space as target users to whom at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode described below is to be applied. Alternatively, the determination unit 133 may determine all of the multiple users who use the virtual space as target users.

[0047] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining target users by the determination unit 133. The determination unit 133 determines some users among a plurality of users who use the virtual space as target users based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. The determination unit 133 determines target users such that, for example, the higher the amount of expenses paid by the provider to the business operator, the amount of compensation received by the provider based on the sales performance of the product, or the higher the user's evaluation of the target facility E1, as indicated by the behavioral information, the more target users there will be.

[0048] In this case, the determination unit 133 determines the number of users to whom at least one of the location relationship and the display mode is to be applied, based on the expenses paid by the provider to the business operator indicated by the behavioral information, the compensation received by the provider based on the sales performance of the product, or the user's evaluation of the target facility E1. The determination unit 133 randomly selects the number of target users from among multiple users who use the virtual space, or selects the number of target users according to a predetermined rule (such as the order in which they logged into the virtual space). This allows the information processing device 1 to increase the number of users to whom the location relationship or the display mode of the target facility E1 provided or operated by a provider who pays a lot of expenses to the business operator, has high product sales, or has good user evaluations.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship between the avatar operated by the target user and the target facility E1 and the display mode of the target facility E1 to the target user, based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies a predetermined condition for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode.

[0050] 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining the positional relationship between an avatar and the target facility E1 by the determination unit 133. When the behavioral information satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit 133 determines a positional relationship that allows the target user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar, and when the behavioral information does not satisfy the condition, the determination unit 133 does not determine the positional relationship (i.e., does not apply the positional relationship to the target facility E1).

[0051] The positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be viewed means that the avatar operated by the target user is positioned so that the target facility E1 appears within the field of view of the avatar (i.e., within the display screen of the target user) when the target user starts using the virtual space (e.g., when logging in). The positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be viewed includes, for example, at least one of positioning the avatar within a predetermined distance from the target facility E1 and positioning the avatar so that it faces the target facility E1.

[0052] The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating the conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be viewed, which is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and determines the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be viewed using the conditions indicated by the acquired information.

[0053] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the business that provides or operates the virtual space. Alternatively, the condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the amount of fees paid by the provider indicated by the behavioral information to the business that provides or operates the virtual space is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has paid a predetermined fee to the business that provides or operates the virtual space.

[0054] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the amount of compensation received by the provider in real space in response to the sales performance of the product at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is equal to or greater than a threshold. This enables the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has received a high amount of compensation in response to the sales performance of the product at the target facility E1.

[0055] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information or to the area A including the real facility E2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who frequently visit the real facility E2 or the area A to use the target facility E1.

[0056] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is equal to or greater than a threshold. This enables the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who spend a large amount of money on products at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0057] The condition for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may be, for example, that the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavioral information has a predetermined characteristic (the type of product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who have purchased products with specific characteristics to use the target facility E1.

[0058] 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining the display mode of the target facility E1 by the determination unit 133. When the behavior information satisfies a predetermined condition, the determination unit 133 determines a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and when the behavior information does not satisfy the condition, the determination unit 133 does not determine the display mode (i.e., does not apply the display mode to the target facility E1).

[0059] The display mode that highlights the target facility E1 is a display mode that makes the appearance of the target facility E1 different from facilities in the virtual space that are different from the target facility E1. The display mode that highlights the target facility E1 includes, for example, at least one of setting the target facility E1 in a color or pattern that is different from other virtual facilities, and displaying predetermined text or an image in association with the target facility E1. The text or image displayed in association with the target facility E1 is, for example, text or an image that indicates "recommended," or text or an image that indicates that the store is a place where the target user can use a benefit such as a coupon.

[0060] The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating the conditions for determining the display mode that will make the target facility E1 stand out, which information is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and determines the display mode that will make the target facility E1 stand out using the conditions indicated by the acquired information.

[0061] The condition for determining the display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the business that provides or operates the virtual space. Alternatively, the condition for determining the display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the amount of fees paid by the provider, indicated by the behavioral information, to the business that provides or operates the virtual space is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has paid a predetermined fee to the business that provides or operates the virtual space.

[0062] A condition for determining a display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the compensation received by the provider in real space in response to the sales performance of the product at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the target user to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has received a high compensation in response to the sales performance of the product at the target facility E1.

[0063] A condition for determining a display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information or to the area A including the real facility E2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who frequently visit the real facility E2 or the area A to use the target facility E1.

[0064] A condition for determining a display mode that highlights the target facility E1 may be, for example, that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is equal to or greater than a threshold. This enables the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who spend a large amount of money on products at the real facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

[0065] The condition for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out may be, for example, that the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavioral information has a predetermined characteristic (the type of product is a specific type, the name of the product is a specific name, etc.). This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who have purchased products with specific characteristics to use the target facility E1.

[0066] The decision unit 133 may further determine, based on the behavioral information, whether to provide the target user with a predetermined benefit that can be used at the target facility E1. The benefit that can be used at the target facility E1 may be, for example, a coupon, points, or the like that allows the target user to receive a product or discount at the target facility E1. For example, if the behavioral information of the target user satisfies either of the above-described conditions for determining a positional relationship that makes the target facility E1 visible and the conditions for determining a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, the decision unit 133 decides to provide the target user with a benefit; otherwise, it decides not to provide the benefit. This allows the information processing device 1 to encourage the target user to use the target facility E1.

[0067] When the target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, for example, in response to the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start use from the target user's user terminal 2, the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space in accordance with the placement data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, and also places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space. The placement data is, for example, information indicating the shape and position of each of the multiple virtual facilities.

[0068] When arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatar of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 performs at least one of the following: arranging the avatar of the target user in a positional relationship relative to the target facility E1 determined by the determination unit 133; and displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in a display mode determined by the determination unit 133.

[0069] 7 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal 2 displaying an exemplary target facility E1. In the example of FIG. 7, the virtual space control unit 134 positions the avatar in a positional relationship that allows the target user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar, and displays the target facility E1 to the target user in a display manner that makes the target facility E1 stand out. This allows the information processing device 1 to facilitate the target user's visit to the specific target facility E1 when the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, thereby making it easier for the target user to use the specific target facility E1.

[0070] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode based on the behavioral information of the provider, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and the display mode to the target facility E1, which is a virtual facility provided or operated by the provider. This enables the information processing device 1 to give priority to users to use the target facility E1 of a provider who has, for example, a specific behavioral record.

[0071] When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode based on the user's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and the display mode to the target facility E1, which is not limited to virtual facilities provided or operated by a specific provider. This allows the information processing device 1 to give priority to the user to use, for example, a real facility E2 visited by the user in real space or a target facility E1 corresponding to a real facility E2 included in the area A visited by the user.

[0072] Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 provides the target user with a predetermined benefit that can be used at the target facility E1, on the condition that the determination unit 133 has determined that the target user should be provided with the benefit. For example, the virtual space control unit 134 sets the predetermined benefit to be available to the target user's avatar at the target facility E1 in the virtual space, and allows the target user to use the benefit when the target user moves the avatar to the target facility E1 and then performs a predetermined operation.

[0073] Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 may allow the target user to enter the target facility E1 if the target user's behavior information satisfies either the above-described conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible or the conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, and may prohibit the target user from entering the target facility E1 if the behavior information does not satisfy either of these conditions. This allows the information processing device 1 to allow only specific target users to enter a specific event (pre-opening, family sale, etc.) held at the target facility E1, for example.

[0074] 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavior information indicating the results of behaviors performed in real space by a provider or a user (S11). When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processes for each of the multiple providers and multiple users.

[0075] The determining unit 133 determines some of the users who use the virtual space as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied, based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquiring unit 132 (S12). Alternatively, the determining unit 133 may determine all of the users who use the virtual space as target users.

[0076] The determining unit 133 determines, for example, whether the behavior information acquired by the acquiring unit 132 satisfies a predetermined condition for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode to be applied to the target user (S13).

[0077] If the behavioral information satisfies a predetermined condition (YES in S14), the determination unit 133 performs at least one of determining a positional relationship that allows the target user to view the target facility E1 through the avatar and determining a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out (S15).

[0078] When the target user starts using the virtual space using an avatar, the virtual space control unit 134, for example, in response to the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start use from the target user's user terminal 2, places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to the placement data pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space.

[0079] When arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatars of the target user, the virtual space control unit 134 performs at least one of the following: arranging the avatar of the target user in a positional relationship with respect to the target facility E1 determined by the determination unit 133 (S16); and displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in a display mode determined by the determination unit 133 (S17).

[0080] If the behavioral information does not satisfy the predetermined conditions (NO in S14), the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities and avatars in the virtual space without applying at least one of the positional relationship and display mode determined by the determination unit 133.

[0081] According to the information processing system S of the present embodiment, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a position that makes it easy to use a specific target facility E1, or displays the specific virtual facility to the user in a prominent display mode, based on behavioral information of the provider or user. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easy for the user to use the specific virtual facility in the virtual space when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

[0082] Furthermore, this disclosure will contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation."

[0083] The present disclosure has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments.

[0084] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an effect that when a user starts using a virtual space using an avatar, it is possible to make it easier for the user to use a specific facility within the virtual space.

[0085] S Information Processing System 1 Information Processing Device 11 Communication Unit 12 Storage Unit 13 Control Unit 131 Reception Unit 132 Acquisition Unit 133 Determination Unit 134 Virtual Space Control Unit 2 User Terminal 3 Provider Terminal

Claims

1. An information processing device having: an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that offers or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user operating the avatar, based on the behavioral information; and a virtual space control unit that performs at least one of the following, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

2. An information processing device having: an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility to the user based on the behavioral information; and a virtual space control unit that performs at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar.

3. The information processing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the decision unit further decides whether or not to provide the user with a specified benefit available in the virtual facility based on the behavioral information, and the virtual space control unit provides the user with the specified benefit on the condition that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the specified benefit in the virtual facility.

4. The information processing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines some of the multiple users as target users to which at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode is to be applied based on the behavioral information, and the virtual space control unit performs at least one of placing the avatar corresponding to the target user in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the target user in the display mode.

5. The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the behavioral information indicates the number of times or frequency that the user has visited a real facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in the real space, or a specified area including the real facility in the real space, and the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the number of times or the frequency satisfies a specified condition.

6. The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the behavioral information indicates a purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing a product at a real facility that corresponds to the virtual facility in the real space, and the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the purchase amount satisfies a predetermined condition.

7. The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the behavioral information indicates characteristics of products previously purchased by the user, and the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the characteristics satisfy a predetermined condition.

8. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a specified fee in the real space to an operator that provides or operates the virtual space, and the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the provider has paid the specified fee or when the amount of the specified fee satisfies a specified condition.

9. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the behavioral information indicates an amount of compensation received by the provider in the real space in accordance with sales performance of a product in the virtual facility, and the determination unit determines at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode when the amount of compensation satisfies a predetermined condition.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines the positional relationship in which the user can view the virtual facility through the avatar.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines the display mode for making the appearance of the virtual facility different from facilities in the virtual space that are different from the virtual facility.

12. An information processing method executed by a processor, comprising the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; determining at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user operating the avatar, based on the behavioral information; and performing at least one of the steps of, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

13. An information processing method executed by a processor, comprising the steps of: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar movable within a virtual space; determining at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display manner of the virtual facility to the user based on the behavioral information; and, when the user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display manner.

14. A program causing a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a provider that provides or operates a virtual facility, which is a facility within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between an avatar that can move within the virtual space and the virtual facility, and a display mode of the virtual facility to a user operating the avatar; and, when the user begins using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

15. A program causing a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring behavioral information indicating the results of actions taken in real space by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determining, based on the behavioral information, at least one of a positional relationship between the avatar and a virtual facility that is a facility within the virtual space, and a display mode of the virtual facility to the user; and, when the user begins using the virtual space using the avatar, performing at least one of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility and displaying the virtual facility to the user in the display mode.

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