Cooperation device

Abstract

This cooperation device is provided with: a posting unit that posts content indicating the situation of a virtual space from the virtual space to an external service that is a service different from the virtual space; a response acquisition unit that acquires responses from the external service to the posted content; and a reflection unit that reflects expressions corresponding to the responses in the virtual space.

Description

Linked Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a linked device.

[0002] Technologies related to the Metaverse have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a photograph is taken in the Metaverse space, a hashtag is assigned according to what is captured in the photograph. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which messages are exchanged between users of a message dialogue server and users of a three-dimensional virtual space server.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7187092 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-097465

[0004] The metaverse is a service that users use by logging into a virtual space. Therefore, users of external services, such as SNS (Social Networking Service), cannot grasp the status of the virtual space. In order for users of external services to grasp the status of the virtual space, the users of the virtual space must transmit the status of the virtual space to the external service. However, for users of the virtual space, transmitting to external services is time-consuming and offers few benefits. As a result, collaboration between the virtual space and external services has not progressed. Therefore, a mechanism to promote the activation of virtual spaces and external services is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a linkage device that promotes activation of virtual spaces and external services.

[0006] A collaboration device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a posting unit that posts content indicating the status of a virtual space from the virtual space to an external service that is a service different from the virtual space, a reaction acquisition unit that acquires the reaction of the external service to the posted content, and a reflection unit that reflects an expression corresponding to the reaction in the virtual space.

[0007] In a collaboration device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, posted content indicating the status of a virtual space is posted to an external service. That is, the posted content related to the virtual space becomes visible to users of the external service. Then, expressions corresponding to the reaction of the external service are reflected in the virtual space. That is, the reaction of the external service to the posted content becomes visible to users of the virtual space. This allows the virtual space and the external service to be linked and to influence each other. As a result, the activation of the virtual space and the external service can be promoted.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to promote the activation of virtual spaces and external services.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration including a linkage system. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the linkage system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the linkage system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the operation of the linkage system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a login process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a metaverse screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a metaverse screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a linkage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration including a coordination system 1. For example, the coordination system 1 is configured to include a coordination device 10. The coordination device 10 is a device that manages a metaverse. The metaverse is a virtual space constructed on a network. In the present disclosure, an example of the virtual space will be described as the metaverse. The coordination device 10 is communicably connected to an external system S and a terminal 100 via a network N. The configuration of the network N is not limited.

[0012] The external system S provides an external service that is a service different from the metaverse. The configuration of the external system S is not limited. Examples of the external service include, but are not limited to, SNS that uses text, video, images, or a combination thereof.

[0013] The terminal 100 is a computer used by a user who uses at least one of the metaverse and an external service. The type of the terminal 100 is not limited. For example, the terminal 100 may be a personal computer. The terminal 100 may also be a high-function mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or the like.

[0014] A metaverse user can use the terminal 100 to utilize the metaverse provided by the linked device 10. For example, a metaverse screen is displayed on the terminal 100. A metaverse user experiences the metaverse by operating an avatar, which is a virtual object corresponding to the user. In one example, a metaverse user can participate in an event in the metaverse. The type of event is not limited. Furthermore, a user of an external service can use the terminal 100 to utilize an external service provided by an external system S.

[0015] The linked device 10 has, as functional elements, a login processing unit 11, a virtual space control unit 12, a position determination unit 13, a coordinate acquisition unit 14, a hashtag creation unit 15, a posting unit 16, a reaction acquisition unit 17, a reflection unit 18, and a judgment unit 19.

[0016] The login processing unit 11 performs a login process for using the metaverse. The login process is not limited to this. The login processing unit 11 determines the position where an avatar corresponding to the user is placed.

[0017] The virtual space control unit 12 manages the virtual space. Specifically, the virtual space control unit 12 defines and models a three-dimensional virtual space, and places various objects, user avatars, etc. in the virtual space based on their respective control information. The virtual space control unit 12 also provides the terminal 100 with images rendered using a virtual camera.

[0018] The position determination unit 13 determines a reference position, which is a predetermined position in the metaverse. For example, the position determination unit 13 receives input from a metaverse user to select a reference position. In one example, the position determination unit 13 receives input as to whether the reference position is an event or an avatar, and determines the reference position based on the selection. If an "event" is determined as the reference position, the position determination unit 13 may create a list of multiple events currently being held in the metaverse. The position determination unit 13 may receive input from a metaverse user to select a specific event from the list of events.

[0019] The coordinate acquisition unit 14 acquires coordinate information of the reference position. If "event" is determined as the reference position, the coordinates of the selected event are acquired. The event's coordinates may be coordinates of a position within an event area where the event is held, or a position close to the event area. If "avatar" is determined as the reference position, the coordinate acquisition unit 14 acquires the coordinates of an avatar corresponding to a user in the metaverse. For example, the coordinates of the avatar may be coordinates where the avatar is located at a certain point in time (e.g., the time when the coordinates are acquired).

[0020] The hashtag creation unit 15 creates a hashtag that includes coordinate information of a reference position. For example, the hashtag creation unit 15 creates a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that includes the coordinate information of the reference position and is link information that enables access to the metaverse. The hashtag creation unit 15 creates a hashtag with an embedded URL. The hashtag can be expressed, for example, by a combination of a "#" and a character string. In one example, the hashtag can be expressed as "#MetaMeCafeJack".

[0021] The hashtag creation unit 15 may create a URL by including information about event participation in the URL parameters. Examples of information about participation include, but are not limited to, the mode of participation in the event or user attributes for participating in the event. In one example, the information about participation is a parameter " / ?team=red" indicating the Red Team in the team division. The parameter indicating the Red Team indicates that a user who participates in the metaverse event belongs to the Red Team within the event.

[0022] The posting unit 16 posts content indicating the status of the metaverse from the metaverse to an external service. The status of the metaverse may be indicated by, for example, text, video, an image, or a combination thereof. The posting unit 16 may add coordinate information of a reference position to the posted content. For example, the posting unit 16 may add a hashtag created based on the position coordinates of an event or a hashtag created based on the position coordinates of an avatar to the posted content. The posting unit 16 posts the posted content with the hashtag added to the external service.

[0023] The posted content may vary depending on the external service. The posting unit 16 may create a list of external services to be linked. The posting unit 16 creates the posted content in accordance with the format provided by the external service. In one example, if the external service is a social networking service using videos, the posting unit 16 may create a live stream of the metaverse as the posted content. The live stream may be, for example, a video from the broadcaster's perspective. In another example, if the external service is a social networking service using images, the posting unit 16 may create a screenshot of the metaverse as the posted content. In yet another example, if the external service is a social networking service using text, the posting unit 16 may create a conversation or comment in the metaverse as the posted content.

[0024] The posting unit 16 may confirm with a metaverse user whether or not the posted content can be posted to the external service. For example, the posting unit 16 may display a question regarding whether or not the content can be posted on a metaverse screen and receive input from the metaverse user. The posting unit 16 posts the posted content to the external service by sending the posted content to the external system S. The external service then becomes able to make comments on the posted content. The posting unit 16 may confirm that the posted content has been posted to the external service.

[0025] The reaction acquisition unit 17 acquires reactions from external services to the posted content. Examples of reactions include, but are not limited to, comments, stamps, likes, hearts, thumbs up, shares, follows, bookmarks, and the number of views. The reaction acquisition unit 17 may determine the validity of a hashtag. The reaction acquisition unit 17 accesses the external service by referring to a list of external services. The reaction acquisition unit 17 may search for reactions from posts posted to the external service using the hashtag.

[0026] The reflection unit 18 reflects an expression corresponding to the reaction of the external service in the metaverse. For example, the reflection unit 18 may create an avatar of an NPC (non-player character) in response to the reaction. The reflection unit 18 may reflect an expression corresponding to the reaction of the external service in the metaverse via the avatar of the NPC. The reflection unit 18 may reflect the expression at a position determined using coordinate information. The reflection unit 18 places the avatar of the NPC in an area including the reference position. The area including the reference position may be, for example, within an event area or a predetermined area near the coordinates of the avatar.

[0027] For example, if the response is a comment, the reflection unit 18 may cause the NPC's avatar to utter the comment. In one example, if the response is a comment, the reflection unit 18 may display the comment above the head of the NPC's avatar, for example. If the response is a stamp, the reflection unit 18 may display a stamp corresponding to the stamp. In one example, if the response is a stamp indicating "like," the reflection unit 18 may display a stamp indicating "like" above the head of the NPC's avatar, for example. In another example, if the response is a stamp indicating "like," the reflection unit 18 may cause the NPC's avatar to perform an action indicating "like." An example of an action indicating "like" is, but is not limited to, extending one or both arms in front of the body and pointing a thumb up.

[0028] The determination unit 19 determines whether to automatically post according to an automatic link setting (e.g., ON / OFF) indicating whether to automatically post to an external service. If the automatic link setting is "OFF," posting to an external service may be performed by manual operation by a metaverse user. If the automatic link setting is "ON," the determination unit 19 further determines a posting trigger. The posting unit 16 may post the post content to the external service in response to the determined posting trigger.

[0029] The determination unit 19 may detect an excitement at the reference position and determine the detection as a trigger for posting. The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement using information about the excitement in an area including the reference position.

[0030] The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement level using the number of characters present in the area including the reference position as information regarding the excitement level. The number of characters may be the number of avatars corresponding to users of the Metaverse and / or the number of avatars of NPCs, or an increase in the number of avatars. The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement level based on the number of characters and a threshold value corresponding to the number of characters.

[0031] The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement level using the number of reactions in an area including the reference position as information regarding the excitement level. The reaction may be the number of comments, the number of stamps, the number of effects, or an increase in the number of these. The effect may be, for example, the action of an NPC. The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement level based on the number of reactions and a threshold value corresponding to the number of reactions.

[0032] The determination unit 19 may receive an operation by an administrator of the linked system 1 and determine the operation as a posting trigger. The determination unit 19 may determine a posting trigger using AI (Artificial Intelligence) that has learned the correspondence between past posting triggers in the metaverse and responses of external services.

[0033] An example of an operation method of the federation system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the federation system 1. Fig. 2 shows a process when a user of the metaverse manually posts to an external service.

[0034] In step S1, the position determination unit 13 receives an input from a user of the metaverse to select a reference position. In one example, the position determination unit 13 receives an input as to whether the reference position is to be an event or an avatar, and determines the reference position in accordance with the selection.

[0035] In step S2, the position determination unit 13 allocates processing depending on the reference position selected in step S1. If "event" is determined as the reference position ("event" in step S2), the processing proceeds to step S3. If "avatar" is determined as the reference position ("avatar" in step S2), the processing proceeds to step S4.

[0036] In step S3, the position determination unit 13 accepts a selection of an event. For example, the position determination unit 13 may create a list of multiple events currently being held in the metaverse. The position determination unit 13 may accept an input from a metaverse user selecting a specific event from the list of events.

[0037] In step S4, the coordinate acquisition unit 14 acquires coordinate information of the reference position. If an "event" is determined as the reference position, the coordinate acquisition unit 14 acquires the position coordinates of the selected event. If an "avatar" is determined as the reference position, the coordinate acquisition unit 14 acquires the position coordinates of the avatar corresponding to the user in the metaverse.

[0038] In step S5, the hash tag creation unit 15 creates a hash tag including coordinate information of a reference position. For example, the hash tag creation unit 15 creates a URL that includes the coordinate information of the reference position and is link information that enables access to the metaverse. The hash tag creation unit 15 creates a hash tag with an embedded URL. The hash tag creation unit 15 may create a URL by including information about participation in the event in a URL parameter.

[0039] In step S6, the posting unit 16 creates a post indicating the status of the metaverse. The posting unit 16 may add coordinate information of a reference position to the post. For example, the posting unit 16 may add a hashtag created based on the location coordinates of an event or the location coordinates of an avatar to the post.

[0040] In step S7, the posting unit 16 confirms with the metaverse user whether or not the content to be posted to the external service is to be posted, and allocates the processing accordingly. If the content to be posted to the external service is to be posted ("YES" in step S7), the processing proceeds to step S8. If the content to be posted to the external service is not to be posted ("YES" in step S7), the processing ends.

[0041] In step S8, the posting unit 16 posts the posted content to the external service. For example, the posting unit 16 posts the posted content to the external service by transmitting the posted content to the external system S.

[0042] In step S9, the posting unit 16 confirms that the content has been posted to an external service.

[0043] Another example of the operation method of the linkage system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the linkage system 1. Fig. 3 shows processing when automatically posting to an external service.

[0044] In step S11, the determination unit 19 determines a posting trigger. For example, the determination unit 19 may determine a posting trigger based on the automatic link setting, the administrator's operation, and the excitement in the metaverse. Below, the process of allocating posting triggers will be described in steps S12 to S14.

[0045] In step S12, the determination unit 19 allocates processing according to the setting of automatic cooperation. If the setting of automatic cooperation is "ON" ("ON" in step S12), the processing proceeds to step S13. If the setting of automatic cooperation is "OFF" ("OFF" in step S12), the processing ends.

[0046] In step S13, the determination unit 19 assigns processing depending on whether or not an operation by the administrator has been performed. If there has been no operation by the administrator ("YES" in step S13), the processing proceeds to step S14. If there has been an operation by the administrator ("NO" in step S13), the processing proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In step S14, the determination unit 19 detects an excitement at the reference position and determines the detection as a trigger for posting. The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement using information about the excitement in an area including the reference position.

[0048] The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement level using the number of characters present in the area including the reference position as information regarding the excitement level. The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement level based on the number of characters and a threshold value corresponding to the number of characters.

[0049] The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement using the number of reactions in an area including the reference position as information related to the excitement. The determination unit 19 may determine the excitement based on the number of reactions and a threshold value corresponding to the number of reactions.

[0050] If it is determined that there is excitement (YES in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. If it is determined that there is no excitement (NO in step S14), the process ends.

[0051] In step S15, the posting unit 16 confirms with the metaverse user whether or not the posting content can be posted to the external service. If the posting to the external service is to be executed ("YES" in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If the posting to the external service is not to be executed ("NO" in step S15), the process ends.

[0052] In step S16, the coordinate acquisition unit 14 acquires coordinate information of a reference position. The reference position may be a position designated by an operator's operation, or may be a position in the metaverse where a rise in interest has been detected.

[0053] The processes in steps S17, S18 and S19 are similar to the processes in steps S5, S6 and S8 in FIG. 2, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] Another example of the operation method of the collaboration system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the operation of the collaboration system 1. Fig. 4 shows a process of reflecting a reaction to a post from an external service in the metaverse.

[0055] In step S21, the federation system 1 allocates processing according to the reflection setting (e.g., ON / OFF). The reflection setting can be set by the administrator of the federation system 1 or a metaverse user. If the reflection setting is "ON" ("ON" in step S21), processing proceeds to step S22. If the reflection setting is "OFF" ("OFF" in step S21), processing ends.

[0056] In step S22, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the validity of the hashtag and allocates processing. In one example, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the validity of the hashtag including the location coordinates of the event based on the duration of the event. If the event has ended, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the hashtag to be invalid. If the event is continuing, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the hashtag to be valid. In another example, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the validity of the hashtag including the location coordinates of an avatar corresponding to a user based on the login status of the metaverse user. If the metaverse user has logged out, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the hashtag to be invalid. If the metaverse user is currently logged in, the reaction acquisition unit 17 determines the hashtag to be valid. If the hash tag is valid ("valid" in step S22), the processing proceeds to step S23. If the hash tag is invalid ("invalid" in step S22), the processing ends.

[0057] In step S23, the reaction acquisition unit 17 acquires reactions to the post content from external services. For example, the reaction acquisition unit 17 accesses the external services by referring to a list of external services. The reaction acquisition unit 17 searches the posts posted to the external services using hashtags to acquire reactions.

[0058] In step S24, the reflection unit 18 allocates processing depending on whether or not there is a new reaction that has not been reflected in the metaverse. If there is a new reaction ("Yes" in step S24), the processing proceeds to step S25. If there is no new reaction ("No" in step S24), the processing ends.

[0059] In step S25, the collaboration system 1 creates a metaverse process.

[0060] In step S26, the linkage system 1 performs coordinate conversion.

[0061] In step S27, the reflection unit 18 creates avatars of NPCs in response to the reactions. For example, if the number of comments on the post to which the hashtag is added is six, the reflection unit 18 may create avatars of six NPCs.

[0062] In step S28, the reflection unit 18 creates an action of the NPC. In one example, if the reaction is a stamp indicating "like," the reflection unit 18 may create an action indicating "like."

[0063] In step S29, the reflection unit 18 reflects an expression corresponding to the reaction of the external service in the metaverse. The reflection unit 18 may reflect the expression corresponding to the reaction of the external service in the metaverse via an avatar of the NPC. The reflection unit 18 may reflect the expression at a position determined using coordinate information.

[0064] The processes of steps S21 to S29 may be repeated at predetermined time intervals.

[0065] An example of a method for a user of an external service to log in will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a login process. Fig. 5 shows the process for a user of an external service (hereinafter referred to as an "external user") who has accessed the metaverse via a hashtag added to the content of a post.

[0066] In step S31, the login processing unit 11 determines the validity of the URL embedded in the hash tag. For example, the login processing unit 11 may determine the validity of the URL based on whether or not unnecessary characters are included in the character string of the URL. If the URL is valid (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If the URL is invalid (NO in step S31), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0067] In step S32, the login processing unit 11 determines whether or not an external user is registered as a user of the metaverse.

[0068] In step S33, the login processing unit 11 displays an error screen indicating that the login process is not possible, and ends the process.

[0069] If the external user has already been registered as a metaverse user (YES in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36. If the external user has not yet been registered as a metaverse user (NO in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0070] In step S35, the login processing unit 11 performs a process of registering a user in the metaverse. For example, the login processing unit 11 displays a new user registration screen on the external user's terminal 100 and accepts input of various information. The login processing unit 11 stores the various information in a predetermined storage device.

[0071] In step S36, the login processing unit 11 performs a login process. In one example, the login processing unit 11 performs user authentication using an identifier and a password that identify the user.

[0072] In step S37, the virtual space control unit 12 avoids the avatar corresponding to the external user from interfering with obstacles. For example, the virtual space control unit 12 avoids overlapping with obstacles such as avatars of other users or virtual objects around the reference position.

[0073] In step S38, the virtual space control unit 12 determines the coordinates of an avatar corresponding to the external user. The virtual space control unit 12 places the avatar corresponding to the external user at a start position determined using the reference position. For example, the virtual space control unit 12 places the avatar corresponding to the external user at a start position that is determined by avoiding obstacles around the reference position.

[0074] In step S39, the virtual space control unit 12 starts the metaverse. For example, the virtual space control unit 12 provides the metaverse to the external user's terminal 100. The external user starts experiencing the metaverse from a start position determined using the reference position.

[0075] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the metaverse. A screen V1 shown in Fig. 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 100 of a user of the metaverse.

[0076] Screen V1 displays avatar A1 corresponding to a user in the Metaverse, and six NPC avatars N1 to N6. Screen V1 displays the account name of the Metaverse user corresponding to avatar A1 as "User A." Screen V1 shows a screen that appears after a post is made to an external service by the account of the Metaverse user corresponding to avatar A1. Specifically, a hashtag including the location coordinates of avatar A1 is created, and a post with the hashtag is made to the external service. Six reactions are then made to the post with the hashtag. Corresponding to the number of reactions, screen V1 displays six NPC avatars N1 to N6 around avatar A1.

[0077] Above the head of avatar A1, text T1 indicating "That's good" is displayed. The text T1 is, for example, the content of a conversation entered by a user of the Metaverse in chat T. On screen V1, a stamp P1 indicating "OK!" is displayed above the head of NPC avatar N1. The stamp P1 is an example of an expression corresponding to a reaction from an external service.

[0078] The screen V1 displays, for example, a chat T for a metaverse user to converse with other users. The screen V1 also displays an interface F1 for operating an avatar A1. For example, the metaverse user can use the interface F1 to cause the avatar A1 to perform various actions, such as movement.

[0079] 7 is a diagram showing another example of a screen in the metaverse. Screen V2 shown in Fig. 7 shows an example of an event in the metaverse.

[0080] Screen V2 displays avatar A2 of a metaverse user and avatar A3 of an external user. Screen V2 is displayed, for example, on the terminal 100 of the metaverse user corresponding to avatar A2. Screen V2 shows a screen after a post has been posted to an external service by the account of the metaverse user corresponding to avatar A2, for example. Specifically, a hashtag including the location coordinates of an event in which avatar A2 is participating is created, and a post with the hashtag attached is made to the external service. The external user then logs in to the metaverse via the hashtag. Immediately after logging in, the external user can participate in the event in which avatar A2 is participating.

[0081] Screen V2 displays interface F2 for operating avatar A2. For example, a metaverse user can use interface F2 to cause avatar A2 to perform actions such as participating in an event. In one example, a metaverse user can use interface F2 to display stamps.

[0082] On screen V2, a stamp P2 indicating "no!" is displayed above the head of avatar A2. Stamp P2 is an example of a stamp displayed by an operation of a metaverse user. On screen V2, a stamp P3 indicating "like" is displayed above the head of avatar A3 of an external user. Stamp P3 is an example of a stamp displayed by an operation of an external user.

[0083] As described above, the collaboration device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a posting unit 16 that posts content indicating the status of the virtual space from the virtual space to an external service that is a service different from the virtual space, a reaction acquisition unit 17 that acquires the reaction of the external service to the posted content, and a reflection unit 18 that reflects an expression corresponding to the reaction in the virtual space.

[0084] In a linking device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, posted content indicating the status of a virtual space is posted to an external service. That is, the posted content related to the virtual space becomes visible to users of the external service. Then, expressions corresponding to the reaction of the external service are reflected in the virtual space. That is, the reaction of the external service to the posted content becomes visible to users of the virtual space. This allows the virtual space and the external service to be linked and to influence each other. As a result, the activation of the virtual space and the external service can be promoted.

[0085] The posted content is provided with coordinate information of a reference position, which is a predetermined position in the virtual space. The reflection unit 18 reflects the expression at the position determined using the coordinate information. In this case, the reaction of the external service to the posted content can be confirmed by the user of the virtual space at the reference position. This improves convenience for the user of the virtual space.

[0086] The linked device 10 includes a determination unit 19 that detects excitement at a reference position. The posting unit 16 posts the posted content to an external service in response to the detection of excitement. In this case, the posted content can be automatically posted to the external service in response to the detection of excitement. Furthermore, expressions corresponding to the reaction of the external service are fed back to the virtual space, thereby further livening up the virtual space.

[0087] The determination unit 19 determines the excitement using information about the excitement in the area including the reference position. In this case, the area for determining the excitement is narrowed down, thereby improving the accuracy of the excitement determination.

[0088] The determination unit 19 determines the level of excitement using the number of characters in the virtual space as information related to the excitement. In this case, the number of characters contributes to the excitement. This allows automatic posting to an external service in response to the direct determination of the excitement in the virtual space. As a result, collaboration between the virtual space and external services can be further promoted.

[0089] The determination unit 19 determines the level of excitement using the number of reactions as information about the excitement. In this case, reactions from external services contribute to the excitement. This allows automatic posting to external services in response to the indirect determination of the excitement from the external services. As a result, collaboration between the virtual space and external services can be further promoted.

[0090] The linked device 10 includes a hashtag creation unit 15 that creates a hashtag including coordinate information. A posting unit 16 posts the content to which the hashtag has been added to the external service. In this case, the content to which the hashtag has been added can be identified by the hashtag. Furthermore, the content to which the hashtag has been added can be viewed by users of the external service, improving convenience for users of the external service.

[0091] The coordination device 10 includes a login processing unit 11 that places an avatar corresponding to a user of an external service who has accessed a virtual space via a hashtag at a start position determined using a reference position. In this case, the user of the external service can immediately participate in the virtual space from the start position. For example, in conventional virtual spaces, the login position is fixed. Therefore, users of conventional virtual spaces have to move through the virtual space from their login position to their destination. In contrast, the coordination device 10 of the present disclosure allows users of the external service to immediately begin experiencing the virtual space from their destination location.

[0092] The posting unit 16 posts the content to the external service using the location coordinates of the event in the virtual space as coordinate information. In this case, an avatar corresponding to a user of the external service is placed at a start position related to the event. This allows the user of the external service to immediately participate in the event in the virtual space.

[0093] The posting unit 16 posts the content to the external service using the position coordinates of the avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space as coordinate information. In this case, the avatar corresponding to the user of the external service is placed at a start position related to the avatar. This allows the user of the external service to immediately communicate with the user in the virtual space.

[0094] The coordination device 10 of the present disclosure may have the following configuration. [1] A coordination device including: a posting unit that posts posted content indicating a situation in a virtual space from the virtual space to an external service that is a service different from the virtual space; a reaction acquisition unit that acquires a reaction of the external service to the posted content; and a reflection unit that reflects an expression corresponding to the reaction in the virtual space. [2] The coordination device described in [1], in which the posted content is assigned coordinate information of a reference position that is a predetermined position in the virtual space, and the reflection unit reflects the expression at a position determined using the coordinate information. [3] The coordination device described in [2], including a determination unit that detects excitement at the reference position, and the posting unit posts the posted content to the external service in response to the detection of the excitement. [4] The coordination device described in [3], in which the determination unit determines the excitement using information related to excitement in an area including the reference position. [5] The coordination device described in [4], in which the determination unit determines the excitement using the number of characters in the virtual space as information related to the excitement. [6] The coordination device according to [4], wherein the determination unit determines the level of excitement using the number of reactions as information related to the excitement. [7] The coordination device according to any of [1] to [6], further comprising: a hashtag creation unit that creates a hashtag including the coordinate information; and the posting unit that posts the posted content with the hashtag attached to the external service. [8] The coordination device according to [7], further comprising: a login processing unit that places an avatar corresponding to a user of the external service who has accessed the virtual space via the hashtag at a start position determined using the reference position. [9] The coordination device according to [8], wherein the posting unit posts the posted content to the external service using position coordinates of an event in the virtual space as the coordinate information.

[10] The coordination device according to [8], wherein the posting unit posts the posted content to the external service using position coordinates of an avatar corresponding to a user of the virtual space as the coordinate information.

[0095] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are 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. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or multiple devices.

[0096] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0097] For example, the linkage system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs information processing according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the linkage system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described linkage system 1 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like. The hardware configuration of the terminal 100 may also be as described here.

[0098] In the following description, the term "apparatus" may be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the linkage system 1 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0099] Each function in the collaborative system 1 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0100] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, each function in the above-described linkage system 1 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0101] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, each function in the linkage system 1 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0102] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for performing information processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in linkage system 1 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0104] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0105] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0106] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0107] The linkage system 1 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0108] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed 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.

[0109] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, 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.

[0110] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0111] 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 explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0113] Software shall be construed broadly 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., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0114] 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.

[0115] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0116] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0117] 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, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0118] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer 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 one or more wires, cables, and / or 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.

[0119] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0120] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0121] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0122] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0123] In the present 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 "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0124] 1... Collaboration system, 10... Collaboration device, 11... Login processing unit, 12... Virtual space control unit, 13... Position determination unit, 14... Coordinate acquisition unit, 15... Hashtag creation unit, 16... Posting unit, 17... Reaction acquisition unit, 18... Reflection unit, 19... Determination unit, 100... Terminal.

Claims

1. A collaboration device comprising: a posting unit that posts content indicating the status of a virtual space from the virtual space to an external service that is a service different from the virtual space; a reaction acquisition unit that acquires a reaction of the external service to the posted content; and a reflection unit that reflects an expression corresponding to the reaction in the virtual space.

2. The collaborative device according to claim 1, wherein the posted content is provided with coordinate information of a reference position which is a predetermined position in the virtual space, and the reflection unit reflects the expression at a position determined using the coordinate information.

3. The linkage device according to claim 2, further comprising a determination unit that detects an increase in excitement at the reference position, wherein the posting unit posts the post content to the external service in response to the detection of the increase in excitement.

4. The cooperation device according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the excitement using information related to the excitement in an area including the reference position.

5. The cooperative device according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines the excitement level using the number of characters in the virtual space as the information regarding the excitement level.

6. The cooperation device according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines the level of excitement by using the number of reactions as information regarding the level of excitement.

7. The linkage device according to claim 2, further comprising a hashtag creation unit that creates a hashtag including the coordinate information, and the posting unit posts the post content to which the hashtag has been added to the external service.

8. The collaborative device according to claim 7, further comprising a login processing unit that places an avatar corresponding to a user of the external service who has accessed the virtual space via the hashtag at a starting position determined using the reference position.

9. The linkage device according to claim 8, wherein the posting unit posts the content to the external service using position coordinates of an event in the virtual space as the coordinate information.

10. The linkage device according to claim 8, wherein the posting unit posts the content to the external service using position coordinates of an avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space as the coordinate information.

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