Virtual space control device and virtual space control method

Abstract

The present invention improves the usability of facilities provided in a virtual space.　This virtual space control device 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 11 that acquires determination information that is information about a user using a virtual space; and a determination unit 12 that makes determinations about the arrangement of facilities provided in the virtual space on the basis of the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

Description

Virtual space control device and virtual space control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual space control device and a virtual space control method for a virtual space.

[0002] Conventionally, facilities, which are virtual objects, have been provided and used in virtual spaces such as the Metaverse. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses setting virtual facilities in map data for a game.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-76018

[0004] Conventional virtual spaces in which facilities are provided include those that reproduce actual towns (e.g., Virtual Shibuya or Virtual Ginza). In a wide-area virtual space that reproduces a town, it may be as difficult for a user to move smoothly to a desired facility as in a real space in terms of travel time. In addition, simply providing a facility in a virtual space may not necessarily ensure sufficient use of the facility.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a virtual space control device and a virtual space control method that can improve the usability of facilities set up in a virtual space.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, a virtual space control device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires decision information, which is information about users who use the virtual space, and a decision unit that makes decisions regarding the placement of facilities to be set up within the virtual space based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] According to a virtual space control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the layout of facilities provided in a virtual space can be tailored to suit the user, thereby improving the usability of the facilities provided in the virtual space.

[0008] Incidentally, one embodiment of the present invention can be described not only as a virtual space control device invention as described above, but also as a virtual space control method invention as described below. These are essentially the same inventions, just in different categories, and have similar functions and effects.

[0009] That is, a virtual space control method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition step in which the virtual space control device acquires decision information, which is information about a user who uses the virtual space, and a decision step in which the virtual space control device makes a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be set up within the virtual space based on the decision information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability of facilities provided in a virtual space.

[0011] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a virtual space control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram showing an example of information used by the virtual space control device. It is a flowchart showing a virtual space control method which is processing executed by the virtual space control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the virtual space control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, a virtual space control device and a virtual space control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a virtual space control device 10 according to this embodiment. The virtual space control device 10 is a device (system) that makes decisions regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in a virtual space. The virtual space control device 10 also reflects the decisions made in (controls) the facilities provided in the virtual space. The virtual space in which the facilities are provided is realized by a computer prepared by the provider of the virtual space.

[0014] For example, a virtual space is as follows: The virtual space is used by a user. The user accesses the virtual space (a computer that realizes the virtual space) using an information processing device (for example, a smart device such as a smartphone or smart glasses, or a PC (personal computer)). The information processing device outputs in a format that can be recognized by the user, such as a display corresponding to the virtual space.

[0015] A virtual space is a place where users can act. For example, a virtual space is a reproduction of a real city. For example, users can move their own avatars around in the virtual space.

[0016] Facilities, which are virtual objects, are provided within the virtual space. The facilities provided within the virtual space may be similar to those provided in real space. Examples of facilities include venues such as concert venues and presentation venues, sports stadiums such as baseball stadiums, art museums, banks, stores (shops), and various institutional facilities (e.g., transportation facilities and government offices). The facilities may be used for events held within the virtual space, and for the buying and selling of goods or services. The shape of the facilities does not have to correspond to the shape of facilities in real space. Furthermore, the facilities provided within the virtual space may be unique to the virtual space and not exist in real space. For example, the facility may be shaped like a door, and may be an "access point" that allows you to enter another facility (or warp to another facility) by passing through the door. In other words, the facility may be a facility that allows you to travel to another facility.

[0017] The above-mentioned virtual space may be, for example, a conventional metaverse. Furthermore, the virtual space may be something other than the above, as long as it is available to users and facilities are provided therein. For example, the virtual space may be one for realizing MR (mixed reality). The facilities provided in the virtual space may be those provided in a conventional metaverse. Furthermore, the facilities provided in the virtual space may be something other than the above, as long as they can be subject to placement decisions by the virtual space control device 10.

[0018] The virtual space control device 10 is configured by a computer such as a PC or a server device. The virtual space control device 10 may be configured by multiple computers. The virtual space control device 10 may be capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices via a network in order to obtain information necessary to realize functions. The virtual space control device 10 may also be a computer that realizes a virtual space.

[0019] Next, the functions of the virtual space control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG.

[0020] The acquisition unit 11 is a functional unit that acquires decision information, which is information about a user who uses the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about the user's preferences as the decision information. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about the user's attributes as the decision information. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about the user's behavior as the decision information. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about a payment method used when a user makes a payment as the decision information.

[0021] The decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is information used to determine the layout of facilities to be provided in the virtual space. The decision information is information about the users who use the virtual space. Therefore, the layout of facilities to be provided in the virtual space is determined based on the users who use the virtual space.

[0022] The acquisition unit 11 acquires, for example, information about users who actually used the virtual space (users who visited the virtual space) as the decision information. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire information about users who actually used the virtual space during a preset period (season, day of the week, time period). The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire information about users other than those described above, as long as the information is about users who use the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire decision information about one user, or may acquire decision information about multiple users. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire information that aggregates information about multiple users as the decision information.

[0023] The decision information is, for example, information about the user's preferences. Specifically, the information about the user's preferences indicates, for example, the user's preferences in terms of genres (e.g., food, drinks, music, movies, travel destinations, or brands). The information about the user's preferences may also be information that indicates the user's inclination toward things. The user's inclination toward things may be, for example, whether they are luxury-oriented or reasonable-oriented, whether they prefer expensive or cheap things, whether they prefer large or small sizes, whether they prefer new things, whether they prefer popular things, or whether they prefer things recommended by businesses. The information about the user's preferences may also be information other than the above.

[0024] The decision information may be information about the user's attributes. Specifically, the information about the user's attributes is, for example, information indicating the user's age, generation, gender, or occupation. The information about the user's attributes may also indicate the type of user when using the virtual space (for example, whether the user is a business user or a general user). The information about the user's attributes may also be information other than those described above.

[0025] The decision information may be information about the user's behavior. The user's behavior may be the user's behavior in real space or the user's behavior in virtual space. Specifically, the information about the user's behavior may be, for example, the user's past purchase history of goods or services in real space or virtual space. The purchase history may be the purchase history of concert tickets.

[0026] Furthermore, the information on user behavior may indicate the user's inclination (for example, whether the user prefers sale items, campaign items, or PR (public relations) items) inferred from the user's behavior (behavioral history) (note that this information may also be information on the user's preferences). Furthermore, the information on user behavior may be information indicating the locations the user visits in the virtual space. The information on user behavior may also be information other than those mentioned above.

[0027] The decision information may be information regarding the payment method used by the user to make a payment. Specifically, the information regarding the payment method used by the user to make a payment is, for example, information indicating the payment method (e.g., electronic money and credit card) registered by the user when making a payment. The above registration may be for payments related to virtual space, or may be for payments other than virtual space. The information regarding the payment method used by the user to make a payment may be information regarding points linked to the payment method registered by the user when making a payment (e.g., the number of remaining points or the number of points about to expire). The points may be those of a conventional point program. For example, points can be applied to the purchase price or exchanged for goods after being awarded. The information regarding the payment method used by the user to make a payment may be information other than the above.

[0028] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire any one or more of the above information as the decision information. Furthermore, the above information may be information about the user during a predetermined period (season, day of the week, time period). For example, the information about the user's behavior may be the user's behavior during the period.

[0029] The acquisition unit 11, for example, requests the decision information from a system that holds the decision information (for example, a computer (system) that realizes a virtual space or a system of a sales site on the Internet) and receives and acquires the decision information from the system. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire the decision information by accepting registration of the decision information from a user. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire the decision information by any other method. The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired decision information to the determination unit 12.

[0030] The determination unit 12 is a functional unit that makes a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 may determine the size or appearance of the facilities to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 may determine the placement location of the facilities to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 may determine to place a facility in the virtual space that allows movement to another facility based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 makes a decision regarding the placement of the facilities to be provided in the virtual space, for example, as follows.

[0031] The determination unit 12 receives the decision information from the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 stores decision criteria for making a decision regarding the placement of facilities based on the decision information in advance and makes a decision using the decision criteria. The decision criteria, for example, pre-set how to make a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in the virtual space for each content of the determination information. The determination unit 12 makes a decision regarding the placement of the facilities to be provided in the virtual space so as to enhance the usability of the facilities, depending on the users who use the virtual space. The determination unit 12 may use decision information for one user to make a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in a virtual space for that one user (i.e., a virtual space dedicated to that user). The determination unit 12 may use decision information for multiple users to make a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in a virtual space common to the multiple users.

[0032] 2 shows an example of some of the decision criteria stored in the decision unit 12. For example, using the decision criteria shown in FIG. 2, the decision unit 12 decides on a facility related to the decision regarding placement based on the decision information input from the acquisition unit 11. The part of the decision criteria shown in FIG. 2 is information that associates the contents of the decision information with the facility related to the decision regarding placement. The decision information in the part of the decision criteria shown in FIG. 2 may be part of the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

[0033] For example, when information about user preferences is used as the decision information, the decision unit 12 decides on a facility based on the information shown in Fig. 2(a). When a decision on the location of facilities is made using decision information for one user, for example, if the information on the user preferences indicates that the user prefers movies, the decision unit 12 decides on a movie theater corresponding to the user preference as the facility related to the decision on the location. When a decision on the location of facilities is made using decision information for multiple users, for example, if the information on the preferences of a proportion of the multiple users equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 30% of the total) indicates that the users prefer movies, the decision unit 12 decides on a movie theater corresponding to the user preference as the facility related to the decision on the location.

[0034] When information related to the attributes of the user is used as the determination information, the determination unit 12 determines the facility based on the information shown in Fig. 2(b). In this case, multiple attributes of the user may be used for the determination.

[0035] When making a decision regarding the placement of facilities using the decision information of one user, for example, if the information regarding the user's attributes indicates that the user's attributes are in their twenties and male, the decision unit 12 decides on the corresponding shop A as the facility related to the decision regarding the placement. When making a decision regarding the placement of facilities using the decision information of multiple users, for example, if the information regarding the attributes of users representing a percentage of the multiple users equal to or greater than a preset threshold (for example, 60% of the total) indicates that the user's attributes are in their twenties and male, the decision unit 12 decides on the corresponding shop A as the facility related to the decision regarding the placement.

[0036] When information on user behavior is used as the decision information, the decision unit 12 decides on a facility based on the information shown in FIG. 2( c). When a decision on the location of facilities is made using decision information for one user, for example, if the information on the user behavior indicates that the user has purchased ticket X (a movie ticket), the decision unit 12 decides on the corresponding movie theater as the facility related to the decision on the location. When a decision on the location of facilities is made using decision information for multiple users, for example, if the information on the behavior of a proportion of users equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold among the multiple users indicates that the users have purchased ticket X, the decision unit 12 decides on the corresponding movie theater as the facility related to the decision on the location.

[0037] When information about the payment method used by the user to make a payment is used as the determination information, the determination unit 12 determines a facility based on the information shown in Fig. 2(d). For example, a facility associated with the information about the payment method is a facility where the payment method indicated in the information about the payment method can be used (e.g., a facility where goods or services can be purchased using the payment method).

[0038] When making a decision regarding the placement of a facility using the decision information of one user, for example, if the information regarding the payment method used by the user to make a payment indicates that only payment method X provided by company A is available, the decision unit 12 will decide on the corresponding shop A as the facility related to the decision regarding the placement. When making a decision regarding the placement of a facility using the decision information of multiple users, for example, if the information regarding the payment method used by a percentage of users among the multiple users equal to or greater than a preset threshold indicates that only payment method X provided by company A is available, the decision unit 12 will decide on the corresponding shop A as the facility related to the decision regarding the placement.

[0039] The determination unit 12 may use a combination of multiple types of determination information to determine a facility related to the placement decision. For example, if the information on the user's attributes indicates that the user is in his or her twenties and male, and the information on the user's preferences indicates that the user likes music, the determination unit 12 determines a facility that the user is likely to like (e.g., a concert venue) as a facility related to the placement decision.

[0040] After determining the facility as described above, the determination unit 12 makes a decision regarding the placement of the facility. For example, the determination unit 12 makes the following decisions. The determination unit 12 determines (changes) the size of the determined facility. For example, the determination unit 12 determines (determines) that the size of the determined facility is larger than a normal size of the facility that is set in advance. For example, the determination unit 12 enlarges and displays the facility at a predetermined magnification (for example, 2x or 3x) larger than the normal size. This decision makes it easier for the user to find the facility in the virtual space. Note that the size does not necessarily have to be large and may be small. Furthermore, the size does not necessarily have to be determined based on the normal size.

[0041] The determination unit 12 may determine (change) the appearance of the determined facility. For example, the determination unit 12 may determine to decorate the facility, such as by lighting it up, in addition to the normal appearance of the facility that has been set in advance. This determination can make it easier for the user to find the facility in the virtual space. Note that the appearance may be something other than decoration.

[0042] The determination unit 12 may determine (change) the location of the determined facility. When making a decision regarding the location of a facility using the decision information of one user, for example, the determination unit 12 determines (determines) to place the facility at a predetermined location (position) within a predetermined distance (for example, a distance that can be traveled within three minutes at a normal moving speed) from the location where the avatar of the one user is located when the one user logs in to the virtual space.

[0043] When making a decision regarding the placement of a facility using the decision information of multiple users, for example, the decision unit 12 places (decides to place) the facility in a place (position) where the multiple users gather in large numbers. The place where the multiple users gather in large numbers can be determined from information indicating the positions visited by users in the virtual space, which is information regarding user behavior. For example, the positions visited by users are counted for each area divided into sections of the virtual space, and the area with the highest number is determined to be the place where the multiple users gather in large numbers. In this case, the users associated with the positions visited by users may only be users associated with the facility to be placed. For example, when placing a movie theater, information regarding user preferences may be used that indicates that the users prefer movies. This decision makes it easier for users to visit the facility in the virtual space. Note that the placement location of the facility may be other than the above.

[0044] The determination unit 12 may determine to place a facility that can be accessed to the determined facility. For example, the determination unit 12 may place (decide to place) an access point that can be accessed to the determined facility. The determination unit 12 may also place (decide to place) a signboard related to the determined facility. For example, a signboard advertising an event to be held at the concert venue may be displayed in a store near the concert venue. The location of the access point or signboard may be a predetermined location, or may be determined in the same manner as when determining (changing) the location of a facility. This determination makes it easier for the user to visit the facility in the virtual space. Note that the determination regarding the placement of a facility that can be accessed to another facility may be other than the above.

[0045] The determination unit 12 may determine (change) to place the determined facility. For example, the determination unit 12 may determine to place (display) the determined facility that has not been placed (displayed) in the virtual space. The location of the facility may be a preset location, or may be determined in the same way as when determining (changing) the location of a facility.

[0046] The above-described decisions regarding the placement of facilities by the decision unit 12 may be combined. For example, the decision (change) of the placement location of a facility may be combined with the decision (change) of the size of the facility and the decision (change) of the appearance of the facility, such as decorative display. Changing the location of a facility may cause the location of the facility to become unclear, but the location of the facility can be made easier to understand by enlarging the facility, decorating the facility, etc.

[0047] The determination unit 12 may make a decision other than the above, as long as it makes a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision-making information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

[0048] The determination unit 12 reflects the determined content regarding the layout of the facilities in the virtual space. For example, the determination unit 12 transmits the determined content regarding the layout of the facilities to a computer that realizes the virtual space and the facilities in the virtual space, and reflects the content in the facilities in the virtual space. In this way, the determination unit 12 controls the facilities in the virtual space. The determination unit 12 may control the facilities using the determined content regarding the layout of the facilities in a manner other than the above. The above are the functions of the virtual space control device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0049] Next, a virtual space control method, which is a process executed by the virtual space control device 10 according to this embodiment (a method of operation performed by the virtual space control device 10), will be described using the flowchart of Figure 3. In this process, first, the acquisition unit 11 acquires decision information, which is information about a user who uses the virtual space (S01, acquisition step). Next, the determination unit 12 determines the layout of facilities to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The determined details regarding the layout of facilities are reflected in the facilities in the virtual space (S02, determination step). The above is the virtual space control method, which is a process executed by the virtual space control device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the layout of facilities provided in a virtual space can be tailored to the user. As a result, the usability of the facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved. For example, the facilities can be made more accessible to the user.

[0051] As in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about the user's preferences as the decision information. With this configuration, the layout of facilities provided in the virtual space can be tailored to suit the user's preferences. As a result, the usability of the facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved.

[0052] As in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about the attributes of the user as the decision information. With this configuration, the layout of facilities provided in the virtual space can be tailored to the attributes of the user. As a result, the usability of the facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved.

[0053] As in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire information about the user's behavior as the decision information. With this configuration, the layout of facilities provided in the virtual space can be adapted to the user's behavior. As a result, the usability of the facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved.

[0054] As in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the decision information, information regarding the payment method used by the user to make a payment. With this configuration, the layout of facilities provided in the virtual space can be adjusted according to the payment method used by the user to make a payment. As a result, the usability of facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved. However, the decision information does not necessarily have to be any of the above, and may be information regarding the user who uses the virtual space.

[0055] As in the present embodiment, the determination unit 12 may determine the size or appearance of a facility to be provided in the virtual space. This configuration, for example, as described above, makes it easier for users to find the facility in the virtual space. As a result, the usability of the facility provided in the virtual space can be improved.

[0056] As in the present embodiment, the determination unit 12 may determine the location of facilities provided in the virtual space. This configuration makes it easier for users to visit facilities in the virtual space, as described above, for example. As a result, the usability of facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved.

[0057] As in the present embodiment, the determination unit 12 may determine to place a facility in the virtual space that allows users to move to another facility. This configuration makes it easier for users to visit facilities in the virtual space, as described above, for example. As a result, the usability of the facilities provided in the virtual space can be improved. However, the determination by the determination unit 12 does not necessarily have to be one of the above, and may be a determination regarding the placement of facilities provided in the virtual space.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, 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.

[0060] For example, the virtual space control device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs information processing according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the virtual space control device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described virtual space control device 10 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, etc.

[0061] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the virtual space control device 10 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figures, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0062] Each function in the virtual space control device 10 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.

[0063] The processor 1001, for example, runs an operating system to control the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, each function of the virtual space control device 10 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0064] 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 of the virtual space control device 10 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 virtual space control device 10 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] The virtual space control device 10 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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."

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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."

[0087] The virtual space control device and virtual space control method disclosed herein have the following configuration. [1] A virtual space control device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires decision information, which is information about a user who uses a virtual space; and a decision unit that makes a decision regarding the placement of facilities to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision information acquired by the acquisition unit. [2] The virtual space control device described in [1], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the preferences of the user as the decision information. [3] The virtual space control device described in [1] or [2], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the attributes of the user as the decision information. [4] The virtual space control device described in any of [1] to [3], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the behavior of the user as the decision information. [5] The virtual space control device described in any of [1] to [4], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding a payment method used when the user makes a payment as the decision information. [6] The virtual space control device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the determination unit determines a size or appearance of a facility to be provided in the virtual space based on decision-making information acquired by the acquisition unit. [7] The virtual space control device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the determination unit determines a location of a facility to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision-making information acquired by the acquisition unit. [8] The virtual space control device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the determination unit determines to provide a facility in the virtual space that can be moved to another facility based on the decision-making information acquired by the acquisition unit. [9] A virtual space control method including: an acquisition step in which the virtual space control device acquires decision-making information that is information about a user who uses the virtual space; and a decision step in which the virtual space control device makes a decision regarding the location of a facility to be provided in the virtual space based on the decision-making information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0088] 10...Virtual space control device, 11...Acquisition unit, 12...Decision unit, 1001...Processor, 1002...Memory, 1003...Storage, 1004...Communication device, 1005...Input device, 1006...Output device, 1007...Bus

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires determination information, which is information about a user who uses a virtual space, and a determination unit that makes a determination regarding the arrangement of facilities provided in the virtual space based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit. A virtual space control device comprising the same.

2. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the preferences of the user as the determination information.

3. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the attributes of the user as the determination information.

4. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the behavior of the user as the determination information.

5. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the payment means when the user makes a payment as the determination information.

6. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the size or appearance of the facilities provided in the virtual space based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit.

7. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the location where the facilities provided in the virtual space are to be arranged based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit.

8. The virtual space control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to arrange, in the virtual space, a facility that can move to another facility based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit.

9. A virtual space control method including an acquisition step in which a virtual space control device acquires determination information, which is information about a user who uses a virtual space, and a determination step in which the virtual space control device makes a determination regarding the arrangement of facilities provided in the virtual space based on the determination information acquired in the acquisition step.

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