Virtual space management device

Abstract

This virtual space management device manages a virtual space that imitates a real space. A first arrangement unit provisionally arranges a first virtual model, which imitates a first facility existing in a first real area of a real space, in a first virtual area which is an area of a virtual space corresponding to the first real area. A first reception unit receives, from users who use the virtual space, user-voting for determining whether the first virtual model can be continuously arranged. A second reception unit receives permission for continuous arrangement of the first virtual model from an owner of the first facility. A second arrangement unit continuously arranges the first virtual model in the first virtual area if there are at least a first prescribed number of votes in favor of continuous arrangement of the first virtual model in the user voting, and permission for the continuous arrangement of the first virtual model is received from the owner.

Description

Virtual space management device

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual space management device.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for creating a three-dimensional model (virtual space model) of a building, structure, natural object, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "building, etc.") using a three-dimensional scanner, etc., and projecting the virtual space model onto a monitor or VR (Virtual Reality) glasses, etc. This allows a user to, for example, enjoy traveling in a virtual space or to do preliminary research on facilities in a place they are actually going to.

[0003] For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a system including an acquisition unit that acquires two-dimensional image data capturing an object or a landscape, a data creation unit that creates data of a three-dimensional virtual space including the object or the landscape based on the two-dimensional image data, and a drawing processing unit that draws an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual camera based on the three-dimensional virtual space data. The data creation unit assigns attributes to elements included in the two-dimensional image data and reflects the attributes in the three-dimensional virtual space data. The attributes indicate whether or not an element is to be included in the three-dimensional virtual space data.

[0004] Patent No. 7218979

[0005] To improve the usability of virtual spaces, it is desirable to not only recreate famous facilities individually, but also to recreate a variety of facilities that exist in the city. However, to recreate each facility in detail, it takes time and effort, for example, for the creator of the virtual model to actually visit the facility and check its condition. As a result, the placement of virtual models of less famous facilities is slow, and the use of virtual spaces remains limited.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to facilitate the placement of a virtual model in a virtual space.

[0007] A virtual space management device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a virtual space management device that manages a virtual space that simulates a real space, and includes: a first placement unit that temporarily places a first virtual model that simulates a first facility that exists in a first real area of ​​the real space in a first virtual area, which is an area of ​​the virtual space that corresponds to the first real area; a first reception unit that receives user votes from users using the virtual space to determine whether or not to continue placing the first virtual model; a second reception unit that receives permission for the continued placement of the first virtual model from the owner of the first facility; and a second placement unit that continuously places the first virtual model in the first virtual area when the number of votes in the user votes allowing the continued placement of the first virtual model reaches a first predetermined number or more and permission for the continued placement of the first virtual model is received from the owner.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the placement of a virtual model in a virtual space.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal 20. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a creator terminal 30. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an owner terminal 40. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server 10. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a processing device 103 of the server 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a display screen of a creator site. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a display screen of a creator site. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a display screen of a virtual space VS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a display screen of a virtual space VS. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a display screen of a virtual space VS.

[0010] A. First Embodiment A-1. System Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. The system 1 includes a server 10, user terminals 20 (20-1 to 20-N, where N is a natural number of 2 or greater), creator terminals 30 (30-1 to 30-M, where M is a natural number of 2 or greater; M may be equal to N), and an owner terminal 40. The user terminals 20 are used by users U (U-1 to U-N). The creator terminals 30 are used by creators C (C-1 to C-M). The owner terminal 40 is used by an owner O. The server 10, user terminals 20, creator terminals 30, and owner terminal 40 are connected via a network NET.

[0011] The system 1 enables access to the virtual space VS using a user terminal 20. In this embodiment, the virtual space VS reproduces a real space. In other words, in this embodiment, the virtual space VS is a "digital twin" that imitates the real space. The user U can access the virtual space VS using the user terminal 20 and have various experiences in the virtual space VS by moving an avatar that imitates the user. For example, the user U can travel in the virtual space VS as the avatar or preview places that he or she plans to visit in the real space.

[0012] The server 10 is an example of a virtual space management device that manages a virtual space VS that mimics real space. The server 10 is installed by a platform provider (platformer) for providing the virtual space VS, such as a telecommunications carrier. The server 10 manages virtual space data VD (see FIG. 5 ) for outputting images representing the virtual space VS and sounds generated in the virtual space VS to a user terminal 20. The virtual space data VD includes multiple model data MD. Each model data MD corresponds to a virtual model VM that reproduces a facility existing in real space. The facility may be, for example, an indoor facility such as a building, a house, or a museum, or an outdoor facility such as a road, a bridge, a park, or a theme park.

[0013] In this embodiment, the virtual space data VD managed by the server 10 does not include model data MD corresponding to all facilities existing in the real space. In other words, virtual models VM corresponding to some of the facilities existing in the real space have not yet been created, and the real space and the virtual space VS do not completely match. In order to accurately reproduce the real space in the virtual space VS, it is preferable to create virtual models VM of as many facilities as possible and place them in the virtual space VS.

[0014] Hereinafter, a facility for which a virtual model VM has not yet been placed in the virtual space VS may be referred to as an "unassigned facility." An example of an unassigned facility is facility ST1. Facility ST1 is an example of a first facility. Facility ST1 is a facility owned by owner O. Owner O is not limited to the actual owner of facility ST1, but may also be a person to whom rights related to facility ST1 in the virtual space VS have been delegated by the actual owner.

[0015] The virtual model VM is created by, for example, creator C. Creator C is a person who is well-versed in the technology of creating 3D models that constitute the virtual space VS. Creator C may be a person who creates 3D models professionally or as a hobby. Creator C creates a virtual model of facility ST1 (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual model VM1." The virtual model VM1 is an example of a first virtual model) upon request from, for example, owner O. Owner O may request the creation of the virtual model VM1 by specifying a specific creator C, or may request the creation of the virtual model VM1 without specifying a specific creator C (for example, by posting a creation request on a creator site described below). Alternatively, creator C may voluntarily create the virtual model VM1 regardless of whether or not there is a request from owner O. For example, if facility ST1 is a store frequented by creator C-1, creator C-1 may voluntarily create the virtual model VM1 of facility ST1.

[0016] The user terminal 20 is a terminal used by the user U when accessing the virtual space VS. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a head-mounted display.

[0017] The creator terminal 30 is a terminal used by the creator C when creating a virtual model VM. The creator terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer.

[0018] The owner terminal 40 is a terminal used by the owner O. The owner terminal 40 is used, for example, by the owner O to request the creator C to create a virtual model VM1 and to check the completed virtual model VM1. The owner terminal 40 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a head-mounted display. Note that the creation of the virtual model VM1 may be requested orally, by telephone, fax, or other means without using the owner terminal 40.

[0019] A-2. User Terminal 20 Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 includes a display device 201, an input device 202, a communication device 203, a microphone 204, a speaker 205, a storage device 206, a processing device 207, and a bus 209 that interconnects these devices.

[0020] The display device 201 is a display device (for example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel) that displays information to the outside. The input device 202 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, or a sensor) that accepts input from the outside. The display device 201 and the input device 202 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel). The communication device 203 has an interface that can be connected to the network NET, and communicates with other devices connected to the network NET using wireless or wired communication.

[0021] The microphone 204 picks up sounds emitted by the user U and sounds generated around the user U and generates audio data. The speaker 205 generates sounds based on audio data acquired from devices other than the user terminal 20. The user U can use the microphone 204 and the speaker 205 to converse with avatars of other users U in the virtual space VS and to listen to sounds generated in the virtual space VS.

[0022] The storage device 206 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 207. The storage device 206 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The storage device 206 stores a program PG2. The program PG2 is a program for operating the user terminal 20.

[0023] The processing device 207 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The one or more CPUs are examples of one or more processors. Each of the processor and the CPU is an example of a computer.

[0024] The processing device 207 reads the program PG2 from the storage device 206. The processing device 207 executes the program PG2 to function as a virtual space access unit 211 and a user voting unit 212. The functions of the virtual space access unit 211 and the user voting unit 212 may be configured by circuits such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0025] A-3. Creator Terminal 30 Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the creator terminal 30. The creator terminal 30 includes a display device 301, an input device 302, a communication device 303, a microphone 304, a speaker 305, a storage device 306, a processing device 307, and a bus 309 that interconnects these devices.

[0026] The functions of the display device 301, input device 302, communication device 303, microphone 304, speaker 305, storage device 306 and processing device 307 are similar to those of the display device 201, input device 202, communication device 203, microphone 204, speaker 205, storage device 206 and processing device 207 of the user terminal 20, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0027] The storage device 306 stores a program PG3. The program PG3 is a program for operating the creator terminal 30. By executing the program PG3, the processing device 307 functions as a creation management unit 311, a site access unit 312, and a creator voting unit 313. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0028] A-4. Owner Terminal 40 Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the owner terminal 40. The owner terminal 40 includes a display device 401, an input device 402, a communication device 403, a microphone 404, a speaker 405, a storage device 406, a processing device 407, and a bus 409 that interconnects these devices.

[0029] The functions of the display device 401, input device 402, communication device 403, microphone 404, speaker 405, storage device 406 and processing device 407 are similar to those of the display device 201, input device 202, communication device 203, microphone 204, speaker 205, storage device 206 and processing device 207 of the user terminal 20, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0030] The storage device 406 stores a program PG4. The program PG4 is a program for operating the owner terminal 40. By executing the program PG4, the processing device 407 functions as a virtual space access unit 411, a site access unit 412, and a permission transmission unit 413. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0031] A-5. Server 10 Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 10. The server 10 comprises a communication device 101, a storage device 102, a processing device 103, and a bus 109 that interconnects these devices.

[0032] The communication device 101 has an interface connectable to the network NET, and communicates with other terminals connected to the network NET using wireless or wired communication.

[0033] The storage device 102 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 103. The storage device 102 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM. The storage device 102 stores a program PG1. The program PG1 is a program for operating the server 10.

[0034] The storage device 102 also stores virtual space data VD. The virtual space data VD includes multiple pieces of model data MD. Each piece of model data MD is data representing a virtual model VM corresponding to a different facility. The virtual space data VD may also include avatar data representing an "avatar" that represents the appearance of the user U in the virtual space VS.

[0035] The storage device 102 also stores site data SD. The site data SD is data for providing a creator site. The creator site is a website accessible by creator C. In this embodiment, the creator site is used to exhibit virtual model VMs created by creator C. A creator vote is conducted on the creator site to evaluate the degree of completion of the exhibited virtual model VMs. Furthermore, an owner O may post a request for the creation of a virtual model VM on the creator site.

[0036] The processing unit 103 includes one or more CPUs. The one or more CPUs are examples of one or more processors. Each of the processors and CPUs is an example of a computer.

[0037] By executing the program PG1, the processing device 103 functions as a virtual space data management unit 111, a site data management unit 112, a creator vote acceptance unit 113, a temporary placement unit 114, a user vote acceptance unit 115, a display control unit 116, an owner permission acceptance unit 117, a final placement unit 118, a first assignment unit 119, a second assignment unit 120, and a third assignment unit 121. At least some of these functions may be configured using circuits such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0038] A-6. Details of the Processing Devices 103, 207, 307, and 407 Next, details of each functional unit realized by the processing device 103 of the server 10, the processing device 207 of the user terminal 20, the processing device 307 of the creator terminal 30, and the processing device 407 of the owner terminal 40 will be described. Below, we will mainly explain the functional units realized by the processing device 103 of the server 10, but will also explain the functional units realized by the processing device 207 of the user terminal 20, the processing device 307 of the creator terminal 30, and the processing device 407 of the owner terminal 40.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing device 103 of the server 10. Prior to describing the details of each functional unit, an overview of the processing of the server 10 will be described. The following describes an example in which a creator C-1 using the creator terminal 30-1 creates a virtual model VM1 corresponding to a facility ST1, and the virtual model VM1 is placed in a virtual space VS. The facility ST1 is located in a first real area in real space. The area of ​​the virtual space VS corresponding to the first real area is referred to as a virtual area AR1. The virtual model VM1 is placed in the virtual area AR1 of the virtual space VS. The creator terminal 30-1 is an example of a first creator terminal. The creator C-1 is an example of a first creator. The virtual area AR1 is an example of a first virtual area.

[0040] Creator C-1 creates a virtual model VM1 using creator terminal 30-1. As described above, creator C-1 may create the virtual model VM1 at the request of owner O, or may create the virtual model VM1 voluntarily.

[0041] The processing device 103 of the server 10 functions as a virtual space data management unit 111 and acquires model data MD of the virtual model VM1 from the creator terminal 30-1 (step S101). The processing device 103 also functions as a site data management unit 112 and posts the virtual model VM1 on the creator site (step S102). The virtual model VM1 uploaded to the creator site can be viewed by creators C-2 to C-M other than creator C-1. The processing device 103 functions as a creator voting acceptance unit 113 and accepts creator votes from the other creators C-2 to C-M (step S103). The creator vote is a vote that determines whether or not to temporarily place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS. The other creators C-2 to C-M view the virtual model VM1 and participate in the creator vote.

[0042] In this embodiment, the creator vote is conducted by creators C-2 to C-M selecting either a second affirmative option that indicates that it is "possible" to place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS, or a second negative option that indicates that it is "impossible" to place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS. A vote selecting the second affirmative option is referred to as a "second affirmative vote," and a vote selecting the second negative option is referred to as a "second negative vote." If, as a result of the creator vote, the number of second affirmative votes is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number (step S104: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the temporary placement unit 114 and temporarily places the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS (step S105).

[0043] The temporary placement is a state different from the actual placement, which is a continuous placement in the virtual space VS. In this embodiment, the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 is displayed in a different display mode from the other virtual models VM that are actually placed. Furthermore, if the result of the creator voting is that the number of second positive votes is less than a second predetermined number (step S104: NO), the processing device 103 does not place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0044] The virtual model VM1 temporarily placed in the virtual space VS can be viewed by users U-1 to UN. The processing device 103 functions as a user vote accepting unit 115 and accepts user votes from users U-1 to UN (step S106). The user vote mainly determines whether the virtual model VM1 accurately reproduces the details of the facility ST1. The users U-1 to UN view the virtual model VM1 and participate in the user vote.

[0045] In this embodiment, user voting is performed by each of users U-1 to U-M selecting either a first affirmative option that indicates that the virtual model VM1 can be officially placed in the virtual space VS, or a first negative option that indicates that the virtual model VM1 cannot be officially placed in the virtual space VS. A vote selecting the first affirmative option is referred to as a "first affirmative vote," and a vote selecting the first negative option is referred to as a "first negative vote."

[0046] While the user vote is being conducted, the processing device 103 functions as the display control unit 116, and as the number of first positive votes increases, the display mode of the virtual model VM1 approaches the display mode of the other virtual models VMs that are currently placed. As will be described in detail later, for example, the virtual model VM1 may initially be displayed as if it were shrouded in mist, but as the number of first positive votes increases, the virtual model VM1 may be displayed as if the mist were gradually clearing. By changing the display mode in this way, it is possible to increase the user U's interest in the user vote.

[0047] If the result of the user voting is that the number of first positive votes is equal to or greater than a first predetermined number (step S107: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the final placement unit 118 and determines whether permission has been received from the owner O to place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS (step S108). If permission has been received from the owner O (step S108: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the final placement unit 118 and finally places the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS (step S109). On the other hand, if the result of the user voting is that the number of first positive votes is less than the first predetermined number (step S107: NO) or if permission has not been received from the owner O (step S108: NO), the processing device 103 does not finally place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0048] Next, the functional units realized by the processing devices 103, 207, 307 and 407 will be described in detail.

[0049] The virtual space data management unit 111 manages the virtual space data VD. The virtual space data management unit 111 transmits a portion of the virtual space data VD to other terminals. For example, when transmitting the virtual space data VD to the user terminal 20-1, the virtual space data management unit 111 transmits a portion of the virtual space data VD to the user terminal 20-1 in response to a transmission request for the virtual space data VD transmitted from the virtual space access unit 211 of the user terminal 20-1. The portion of the virtual space data VD is, for example, data indicating the virtual space VS around the avatar corresponding to the user U-1.

[0050] The virtual space access unit 211 of the user terminal 20 controls access to the virtual space VS. For example, when user U-1 launches an application for accessing the virtual space VS, the virtual space access unit 211 transmits a request to the server 10 to transmit virtual space data VD. The virtual space access unit 211 causes the display device 201 to display an image showing the virtual space VS based on the virtual space data VD received from the server 10. The virtual space access unit 211 also causes the speaker 205 to output sound in the virtual space VS based on the virtual space data VD received from the server 10. The virtual space access unit 211 also accepts input to the input device 202 (e.g., input instructing the movement of an avatar), generates a request to transmit new virtual space data VD based on the content of the input, and transmits the request to the server 10.

[0051] The virtual space access unit 411 of the owner terminal 40 also functions in the same manner as the virtual space access unit 211 .

[0052] Furthermore, the virtual space data management unit 111 acquires newly created model data MD from the creator terminal 30. The acquired model data MD is stored in the storage device 102.

[0053] The creation management unit 311 of the creator terminal 30 manages the creation of the virtual model VM (model data DM) by the creator C. The creation management unit 311 provides, for example, tools for creating the virtual model VM, and transmits the created model data DM to another terminal (for example, the server 10).

[0054] The site data management unit 112 manages the site data SD of the creator site. For example, the site data management unit 112 transmits a portion of the site data SD to another terminal. For example, when transmitting site data SD to the creator terminal 30-1, the site data management unit 112 transmits a portion of the site data SD to the creator terminal 30-1 in response to a request to transmit the site data SD transmitted from the site access unit 312 of the creator terminal 30-1. The portion of the site data SD is, for example, data for the top page of the creator site, or data for each page transitioned from the top page.

[0055] In this embodiment, only creator C can access the creator site. Therefore, for example, creator C registers account information (login ID and password) on the creator site in advance. Then, the site data management unit 112 may request the creator terminal 30 accessing the creator site to input the account information and perform authentication processing. Also, for example, owner O may want to access the creator site to request the creation of a virtual model VM. Therefore, it may be possible to register accounts for owner O and creators separately.

[0056] The site access unit 312 of the creator terminal 30-1 controls access to the creator site. For example, when creator C-1 performs an operation to open the creator site in a web browser, the site access unit 312 transmits a request to the server 10 to send site data SD. The site access unit 312 also causes the display device 301 to display an image representing the creator site based on the site data SD received from the server 10. When sound is to be played on the creator site, the site access unit 312 causes the speaker 305 to output sound based on the site data SD received from the server 10. The site access unit 312 also accepts input to the input device 302 (for example, an input instructing a page change within the creator site), generates a request to send new site data SD based on the content of the input, and transmits the request to the server 10.

[0057] The site access unit 412 of the owner terminal 40 functions in the same manner as the site access unit 312 .

[0058] Furthermore, the site data management unit 112 displays on the creator site the virtual model VM corresponding to the model data DM acquired by the virtual space data management unit 111. Furthermore, the site data management unit 112 deletes from the creator site the virtual model VM for which the creator voting has ended. Furthermore, the site data management unit 112 may accept a request to create a virtual model VM of an unlocated facility from the owner O of the unlocated facility, and post the request on the creator site.

[0059] The creator vote receiving unit 113 receives creator votes. A creator vote is a vote cast by creators C other than the creator C-1 who created the virtual model VM1 to determine whether or not to temporarily place the virtual model VM1 in the virtual area AR1, prior to the temporary placement of the virtual model VM1 in the virtual area AR1. The creator vote receiving unit 113 is an example of a third receiving unit.

[0060] The creator voting unit 313 of the creator terminal 30 displays a creator voting interface to creator C and asks him to select either the second affirmative option or the second negative option. When creator C selects either option, the creator voting unit 313 transmits information indicating the type of option selected by creator C to the server 10.

[0061] The creator vote mainly determines whether the appearance of the virtual model VM1 has a certain level of quality (e.g., a level of completion that will not cause discomfort to the user U when placed in the virtual space VS). By conducting a creator vote, it is possible to maintain a certain level of completion of the appearance of the virtual model VM temporarily placed in the virtual space VS. Furthermore, for example, if an owner O requests multiple creators C to create virtual models VM1, or if multiple creators C create virtual models VM1 of a facility ST1 at the same time, multiple virtual model VMs representing the facility ST1 are uploaded to the creator site. In this case, the creator vote functions as a vote to determine which of the multiple virtual model VMs will be placed in the virtual space VS (or whether none of them will be placed in the virtual space VS).

[0062] 7A and 7B are diagrams schematically illustrating the display screen of a creator site. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is assumed that another creator C (creator C-2, as an example) other than creator C-1 is viewing the creator site. The account name of creator C-2 on the creator site is "BBB." The account name of creator C-1 on the creator site is "AAA."

[0063] FIG. 7A shows the top page SI1 of the creator site. The top page SI1 displays information about virtual models VMs (model information TM1 to TM3) for which creator votes are being accepted. The model information TM1 to TM3 may be arranged, for example, by the location of the facility that served as the basis for the virtual model VM. The model information TM1 to TM3 includes a thumbnail TH1, which is an image showing a representative appearance of the virtual model VM, and summary information IF1, which indicates the address and name of the facility that served as the basis for the virtual model VM. The model information TM1 is information about the virtual model VM1.

[0064] When creator C-2 clicks on model information TM1, the display screen transitions to voting page SI2 shown in FIG. 7B. Voting page SI2 includes model image MD1, summary information IF2, creator name NA1, and voting button BC. Model image MD1 displays the appearance of virtual model VM1. By rotating model image MD1, the appearance of virtual model VM1 may be viewed from a different angle. Alternatively, for example, clicking on model image MD1 may launch a three-dimensional model creation application installed on creator terminal 30, allowing the interior of virtual model VM1 to be viewed.

[0065] The summary information IF2 may be the same as the summary information IF1 on the top page, or may be more detailed than the summary information IF1 on the top page. For example, a link to a map (or the map itself) showing the location of the facility ST1 that is the basis for the virtual model VM1 may be displayed. The creator name NA1 indicates the account name "AAA" of the creator C-1 who created the virtual model VM1. To maintain fairness in creator voting, the creator name NA1 may not be displayed.

[0066] The voting button BC is an interface for creator C-2 to vote for a creator. In FIG. 7B , the voting button BC includes a Good button BC1 and a Bad button BC2. The Good button BC1 is a positive option (second positive option) in the creator vote. The Bad button BC2 is a negative option (second negative option) in the creator vote. Creator C-2 checks the model image MD1, determines whether the appearance of the virtual model VM1 has a certain level of quality, and presses either the Good button BC1 or the Bad button BC2.

[0067] In addition, when creator C-2 selects a negative option (Bad button BC2), he / she may be allowed to input (or be required to input) which part he / she evaluated negatively. This allows creator C-1 to understand areas for improvement in the virtual model VM1, improving the completeness of the virtual model VM1 and ultimately the completeness of the entire virtual space VS. Creator C-1 may be allowed to modify the virtual model VM1 during creator voting in response to comments from voters. Similarly, when creator C-2 selects a positive option (Good button BC1), he / she may be allowed to input (or be required to input) which part he / she evaluated positively.

[0068] Creator voting may continue, for example, until a predetermined end date and time, or until the number of votes reaches a predetermined upper limit for the number of votes accepted. For example, if there is a possibility that the expected number of votes will not be collected by the end date and time, creator C may be called upon to vote using SNS (Social Networking Service) or the like. Figure 7B illustrates an example in which creator voting continues until the predetermined end date and time.

[0069] The temporary placement unit 114 temporarily places a virtual model VM1 simulating a facility ST1 existing in a first real area in real space in a virtual area AR1, which is an area of ​​the virtual space VS corresponding to the first real area. The virtual area AR1 is an example of a first virtual area. The temporary placement unit 114 is an example of a first placement unit. In the present embodiment, the temporary placement unit 114 temporarily places the virtual model VM1 in the virtual area AR1 when the number of votes in the creator voting that approve the temporary placement of the virtual model VM1 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined number.

[0070] The second predetermined number may be a fixed value, or may be a number calculated based on a set percentage of the total number of creator votes (e.g., 60%). In the latter case, if the percentage is 60%, for example, if the total number of creator votes is 100, the second predetermined number is 60, and if the number of votes is 500, the second predetermined number is 300.

[0071] As described above, temporary placement is a state different from actual placement, which is a continuous placement in the virtual space VS. In this embodiment, the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 is displayed in a different display mode from other actually placed virtual models VM. More specifically, the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 is displayed with lower visibility than other actually placed virtual models VM, for example, by appearing to be shrouded in mist. A user U who accesses the virtual space VS can determine that the virtual model VM1 is in a temporary placement state from the difference in display mode from the actually placed virtual model VM.

[0072] The user vote receiving unit 115 receives user votes from users U who use the virtual space VS to determine whether or not to continue placing the virtual model VM1. The user vote receiving unit 115 is an example of a first receiving unit. The user votes are primarily evaluated to determine whether the virtual model VM1 accurately reproduces the facility ST1. For example, by receiving user votes from users U who have actually visited the facility ST1, it is possible to create a virtual model VM1 that more accurately reflects the characteristics of the facility ST1.

[0073] The user voting unit 212 of the user terminal 20 displays a user voting interface to the user U and asks the user U to select either the first affirmative option or the first negative option. When the user U selects either option, the user voting unit 212 transmits information indicating the type of option selected by the user U to the server 10.

[0074] The display control unit 116 changes the display mode of the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 in accordance with the results of the user vote. In this embodiment, the display control unit 116 displays the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 so that its visibility is lower than that of other virtual models, and changes the display mode of the virtual model VM1 so that the greater the number of votes allowing the virtual model VM1 to be continuously placed, the higher the visibility of the virtual model VM1.

[0075] 8A to 8D are diagrams showing the display screen of the virtual space VS. The images shown in Fig. 8A to 8D are images displayed on the display device 201 when the user U-1 accesses the virtual space VS using the user terminal 20-1.

[0076] 8A shows the virtual space VS before the virtual model VM1 is temporarily placed. In the virtual space VS, virtual models VM2 to VM7, which are different from the virtual model VM1, are placed. The area behind the virtual models VM4 and VM5 is the virtual area AR1.

[0077] FIG. 8B shows a virtual space VS in which a virtual model VM1 is temporarily placed. The virtual model VM1 is displayed in a different display mode from the other virtual models VM2 to VM7. In FIG. 8B, the virtual model VM1 is shown with a dotted line for convenience, but in an actual display, the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 is displayed so that its visibility is lower than that of the other virtual models VM2 to VM7. Specifically, for example, only the virtual model VM1 may be displayed as if shrouded in mist. Alternatively, the saturation or brightness of the virtual model VM1 may be displayed lower than that of the other virtual models VM2 to VM7. Alternatively, the transparency of the virtual model VM1 may be displayed higher than that of the other virtual models VM2 to VM7.

[0078] When an avatar corresponding to user U-1 visits the temporarily placed virtual model VM1, the voting form FM shown in FIG. 8D is displayed on the user terminal 20-1 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, when the avatar attempts to exit the virtual model VM1, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the avatar entered the virtual model VM1, or any other timing. The voting form FM includes a thumbnail TH2 of the virtual model VM1, summary information IF3 indicating the address and name of the facility that served as the basis for the virtual model VM, and a voting button BU.

[0079] The voting button BU is an interface for the user U-1 to cast a user vote. In FIG. 8D , the voting button BU includes a Good button BU1 and a Bad button BU2. The Good button BU1 is a positive option (first positive option) in the user vote. The Bad button BU2 is a negative option (first negative option) in the user vote. The user U-1 checks the virtual model VM1 temporarily placed in the virtual space VS, determines whether the virtual model VM1 accurately reproduces the facility ST1, and presses either the Good button BU1 or the Bad button BU2.

[0080] When user U-1 selects a negative option (Bad button BU2), the user may be allowed to input (or be required to input) which part he or she evaluated negatively. This allows creator C-1 to understand areas for improvement in the virtual model VM1, improving the completeness of the virtual model VM1 and ultimately the completeness of the entire virtual space VS. Creator C-1 may be allowed to modify the virtual model VM1 during user voting in response to comments from voters. Similarly, when user U-1 selects a positive option (Good button BU1), the user may be allowed to input (or be required to input) which part he or she evaluated positively.

[0081] User voting may continue, for example, until a predetermined end date and time, or until the number of votes reaches a predetermined upper limit for the number of votes accepted. For example, if there is a possibility that the expected number of votes will not be collected by the end date and time, users U may be called upon to vote using social media, etc. Figure 8D illustrates an example in which user voting continues until a predetermined end date and time.

[0082] The display control unit 116 changes the display mode of the virtual model VM1 so that the greater the number of positive votes in the user votes, the higher the visibility of the virtual model VM1. Specifically, for example, if the virtual model VM1 is displayed as if shrouded in mist at the beginning of the temporary placement, the more positive votes there are, the more the fog will clear up. Furthermore, if the saturation or brightness of the virtual model VM1 is displayed lower than the saturation or brightness of the virtual models VM2 to VM7 at the beginning of the temporary placement, the more positive votes there are, the closer the saturation or brightness of the virtual model VM1 is to the saturation or brightness of the other virtual models VM2 to VM7 (the higher the saturation or brightness). Furthermore, if the transparency of the virtual model VM1 is displayed higher than the transparency of the other virtual models VM2 to VM7 at the beginning of the temporary placement, the more positive votes there are, the closer the transparency of the virtual model VM1 is to the transparency of the other virtual models VM2 to VM7 (the lower the transparency).

[0083] By changing the display mode of the virtual model VM1 based on the number of user votes, the user U is made aware that he or she is participating in town development in the virtual space VS. This increases the user U's interest in the virtual space VS, encourages the user U to use the virtual space VS, and makes it easier to obtain cooperation in town development.

[0084] The owner permission accepting unit 117 accepts permission for the continued placement of the virtual model VM1 from the owner O, who is the owner of the facility ST1. The owner permission accepting unit 117 is an example of a second accepting unit. For example, when the virtual model VM1 is temporarily placed in the virtual space VS, the owner permission accepting unit 117 sends a message including a link to the virtual space VS to the owner terminal 40, requesting permission from the owner O for the final placement of the virtual model VM1. The message may be sent when user voting ends. The owner O checks the virtual model VM1 temporarily placed in the virtual space VS and decides whether to approve the final placement. The owner O uses the owner terminal 40 to reply to the owner permission accepting unit 117 regarding whether to approve the final placement. In this case, the owner O can check the virtual model VM1 actually placed in the virtual space VS, making it easier to check the appearance of the virtual model VM1, its harmony with its surroundings, etc.

[0085] Alternatively, for example, when the virtual model VM1 is uploaded to the creator site, the owner permission accepting unit 117 may send a message including a link to the creator site to the owner terminal 40 to request permission from the owner O to actually place the virtual model VM1. In this case, the owner O can check the virtual model VM1 before it is placed in the virtual space VS, making it easier to reflect, for example, the owner O's requests.

[0086] The permission sending unit 413 of the owner terminal 40 displays an interface (for example, the above message) for inputting permission for continuous placement of the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS to the owner O. When permission is input from the owner O, the permission sending unit 413 sends information indicating the permission to the server 10.

[0087] The confirmation of whether the owner O approves the final placement is not limited to being made using the owner terminal 40, but may be made verbally, by telephone, by fax, or other means.

[0088] This placement unit 118 continuously places the virtual model VM1 in the virtual area AR1 when the number of votes in the user votes for allowing the continuous placement of the virtual model VM1 becomes equal to or greater than a first predetermined number and permission for the continuous placement of the virtual model VM1 is received from the owner O. This placement unit 118 is an example of a second placement unit.

[0089] 8C shows the virtual space VS after the user voting is completed and the virtual model VM1 is finally placed. At the time of temporary placement (see FIG. 8B), the virtual model VM1 was displayed in a different display mode from the other virtual models VM2 to VM7, but after the final placement, the virtual model VM1 is displayed in the same display mode as the other virtual models VM2 to VM7.

[0090] The first granting unit 119 grants an incentive (hereinafter referred to as the "first incentive") to users U who have participated in the user vote for participating in the user vote. The first incentive may be, for example, a medium having monetary value in the real world (e.g., cash or points usable in stores), a medium having monetary value in the virtual space VS, or an item usable in the virtual space VS. Granting the first incentive is expected to increase users U's motivation to participate in the user vote. Note that if a user casts a thoughtless vote for the purpose of receiving the incentive, the purpose of the user vote may not be achieved. Therefore, when casting a vote, it may be necessary for the user to input which parts they evaluated positively or negatively.

[0091] The second granting unit 120 grants an incentive (hereinafter referred to as the "second incentive") to creator C who has participated in the creator vote for participating in the creator vote. The second incentive may be, for example, a medium having monetary value in the real world, a medium having monetary value in the virtual space VS, or an item that can be used in the virtual space VS. Granting the second incentive is expected to increase creator C's motivation to participate in the creator vote. Note that if a thoughtless vote is cast for the purpose of receiving the incentive, the purpose of the creator vote may not be achieved. Therefore, when voting for a creator, it may be necessary to input which parts were evaluated positively or negatively.

[0092] When the virtual model VM1 is continuously placed in the virtual area AR1, the third granting unit 121 grants an incentive (hereinafter referred to as the "third incentive") to the creator C-1 who created the virtual model VM1 for creating the virtual model VM1. The third incentive may be, for example, an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) associated with the virtual model VM1.

[0093] An NFT is associated with "something (which may be something tangible, such as a work of art, or something intangible, such as a membership)" and serves to prove the non-fungibility of that "something." In this embodiment, when a virtual model VM1 is placed in a virtual space VS, an NFT that declares ownership of the virtual model VM1 is granted to creator C-1, who created the virtual model VM1. Generally, an NFT itself initially has no monetary value. However, if the virtual model VM1 is meticulously crafted, for example, and the virtual model VM1 receives a certain level of evaluation, monetary value may be generated in the NFT of the virtual model VM1. Therefore, after monetary value is generated in the NFT of the virtual model VM1, creator C-1 may be able to obtain profits by transferring the NFT to a third party.

[0094] Note that, like the first incentive, the third incentive may be, for example, a medium having monetary value in the real world, a medium having monetary value in the virtual world VS, or an item that can be used in the virtual world VS. The third incentive may be granted from the owner O to the creator C-1. When the owner O grants the creator C-1 a medium having monetary value, the NFT of the virtual model VM1 may be transferred from the creator C-1 to the owner O in exchange for the medium.

[0095] A-7. Summary of the Embodiment As described above, the server 10 according to the embodiment temporarily places a virtual model VM simulating a facility ST1 existing in real space in a virtual space VS. The server 10 accepts user votes from users U who use the virtual space VS to determine whether to continue placing the virtual model VM1. The server 10 continuously places the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS when the number of votes in favor of the continued placement of the virtual model VM1 reaches or exceeds a first predetermined number and the server 10 receives permission for the continued placement of the virtual model VM1 from the owner O. This allows the user U to participate in the development of the virtual space VS. This increases the user U's interest in the virtual space VS, promotes the use and development of the virtual space VS, and encourages the placement of virtual models VM in the virtual space VS.

[0096] Furthermore, the server 10 changes the display mode of the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 in accordance with the results of the user voting, thereby visibly reflecting the progress of the user voting and increasing the interest of the user U in the user voting.

[0097] Furthermore, the server 10 displays the temporarily placed virtual model VM1 so that its visibility is lower than that of other areas, and changes the display mode of the virtual model VM1 so that the greater the number of votes for allowing the virtual model VM1 to be continuously placed, the higher the visibility of the virtual model VM1. Thus, as the number of user votes increases, the visibility of the virtual model VM1 increases, which can heighten the sense of anticipation for the completion of the city in the virtual space VS.

[0098] Furthermore, the server 10 provides incentives to users U who participate in the user vote, thereby increasing the motivation of users U to vote and encouraging them to participate in the user vote.

[0099] Furthermore, prior to the temporary placement of the virtual model VM1 in the virtual space VS, the server 10 accepts creator votes to determine whether or not to temporarily place the virtual model VM. Thus, the virtual model VM1 is temporarily placed in the virtual space VS after being checked for completeness by a creator C other than the creator C-1 who created the virtual model VM1. This prevents a virtual model VM1 with an excessively low completeness from being placed in the virtual space VS, thereby improving the quality of the virtual space VS.

[0100] Furthermore, the server 10 provides an incentive to creator C who has participated in the creator vote for participating in the creator vote, thereby increasing creator C's motivation to vote for the creator and encouraging participation in the creator vote.

[0101] Furthermore, when the virtual model VM1 is continuously deployed, the server 10 provides an incentive to the creator C-1 who created the virtual model VM1 for creating the virtual model VM1. This increases the motivation of the creator C to create virtual models VM, and encourages the creation of virtual models VM for facilities that have not yet been deployed.

[0102] Furthermore, the server 10 grants an NFT associated with the virtual model VM1 as an incentive for creating the virtual model VM1. This allows for public proof that the creator C-1 created the virtual model VM1. Depending on the quality of the virtual model VM1, the creator C-1's evaluation may improve, which may increase the creator C-1's motivation when creating a virtual model VM.

[0103] B: Modifications Modifications of the above-described embodiment are shown below. Two or more of the following modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0104] B1: First Modification In the above-described embodiment, the voting interfaces for creator voting and user voting were Good buttons BC1 and BU1 and Bad buttons BC2 and BU2. However, the voting interface is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a voting interface for selecting an evaluation from three or more options, or a voting interface for inputting or selecting a score (numerical value) for the virtual model VM1.

[0105] B2: Second Example In the above-described embodiment, user voting could be performed by a user U who visited the virtual model VM1 temporarily placed in the virtual space VS. In addition, user U may be allowed to participate in user voting only if he or she has visited the facility ST1, the source of the virtual model VM1, in real space. Specifically, for example, if the user terminal 20 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) device (not shown), the user vote acceptance unit 115 or the user voting unit 212 may query the history of location information output by the GPS device and allow user voting only if location information corresponding to the facility ST1 (location information corresponding to the first real area) is recorded. This makes it possible to eliminate unreliable votes from users U who have never visited the facility ST1, thereby improving the validity of user voting.

[0106] C: Others (1) In the above-described embodiments, ROM, RAM, etc. are given as examples of storage devices 102, 206, 306, and 406. However, storage devices 102, 206, 306, and 406 may also be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media.

[0107] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0108] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0109] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0110] (5) The order of the process procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0111] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 is realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. A functional block may be realized by combining software with the single device or the multiple devices.

[0112] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0113] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0114] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0115] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0116] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the portable device may be a mobile station (MS). Those skilled in the art may also refer to a mobile station as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate terminology. In this disclosure, the terms "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," "terminal," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0117] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof refers to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0118] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0119] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining something as "determining" or "determining," and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" may include regarding receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory) as having been "judgment" or "decision." Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" may include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" may include regarding some action as having been "judgment" or "decision." Furthermore, "judgment" may be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0120] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or," as used in this disclosure, is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0121] (15) In this disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include the noun following these articles being plural.

[0122] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0123] (17) The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being explicit, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0124] 1...System, 10...Server, 20 (20-1 to 20-N)...User terminal, 30 (30-1 to 30-M)...Creator terminal, 40...Owner terminal, 111...Virtual space data management unit, 112...Site data management unit, 113...Creator vote acceptance unit, 114...Temporary placement unit, 115...User vote acceptance unit, 116...Display control unit, 117...Owner permission acceptance unit, 118...Actual placement unit, 119...First assignment unit, 120...Second assignment unit, 121...third granting unit, 211...virtual space access unit, 212...user voting unit, 311...creation management unit, 312...site access unit, 313...creator voting unit, 411...virtual space access unit, 412...site access unit, 413...permission sending unit, C (C-1 to C-M)...creator, N...network, O...owner, U (U-1 to U-N)...user, VM (VM1 to VM7)...virtual model, VS...virtual space.

Claims

1. A virtual space management device that manages a virtual space that simulates a real space, comprising: a first placement unit that temporarily places a first virtual model that simulates a first facility existing in a first real area of ​​the real space in a first virtual area that is an area of ​​the virtual space that corresponds to the first real area; a first reception unit that receives user votes from users who use the virtual space to determine whether or not to continue placing the first virtual model; a second reception unit that receives permission for the continued placement of the first virtual model from an owner of the first facility; and a second placement unit that continuously places the first virtual model in the first virtual area when the number of votes in the user votes allowing the continued placement of the first virtual model reaches or exceeds a first predetermined number and permission for the continued placement of the first virtual model is granted from the owner.

2. The virtual space management device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that changes a display mode of the temporarily placed first virtual model in accordance with the result of the user vote.

3. The virtual space management device of claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the temporarily placed first virtual model so that its visibility is lower than that of other virtual models, and changes the display mode of the first virtual model so that the greater the number of votes allowing the continued placement of the first virtual model, the higher the visibility of the first virtual model.

4. The virtual space management device according to claim 1, further comprising a first granting unit that grants an incentive to users who have participated in the user vote for participating in the user vote.

5. A virtual space management device as described in claim 1, further comprising a third reception unit that receives creator votes from creators other than the first creator who created the first virtual model to determine whether or not to allow the first virtual model to be provisionally placed prior to provisional placement of the first virtual model in the first virtual area, and the first placement unit provisionally places the first virtual model in the first virtual area when the number of votes in the creator vote that approve the provisional placement of the first virtual model reaches or exceeds a second predetermined number.

6. The virtual space management device according to claim 5, further comprising a second granting unit that grants an incentive to creators who take part in the creator vote for participating in the creator vote.

7. A virtual space management device as described in claim 1, further comprising a third granting unit that grants an incentive to a first creator who created the first virtual model for creating the first virtual model when the first virtual model is continuously placed in the first virtual area.

8. The virtual space management device according to claim 7, wherein an incentive for creating the first virtual model is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) associated with the first virtual model.

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