Information processing device

Abstract

A server 1 (information processing device) is provided with: a provision unit 11 that provides a common virtual space V to an avatar A of each of a plurality of users; a storage unit 12 that stores user information including a position of the avatar A, for each of the plurality of users; a user identification unit 13 that identifies a target user from the plurality of users on the basis of the position of the avatar A; and a presentation information determination unit 14 that determines presentation information to be presented to the user on the basis of the user information of the target user. Thus, effective presentation information can be determined in the virtual space V.

Description

Information processing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device.

[0002] A known technology for providing information to a user in a virtual space is an information processing device described in Patent Document 1. This device receives a user's current location and transmits store advertising information to a mobile device via a store clerk character placed in the virtual space that is associated with the received user's current location.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-157785

[0004] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 cannot determine advertisements (presentation information) that are appropriate for the user.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device that can determine effective presentation information in a virtual space.

[0006] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a providing unit that provides a common virtual space for each of the avatars of a plurality of users, a storage unit that stores user information including the positions of the avatars for each of the plurality of users, a user identification unit that identifies a target user from the plurality of users based on the positions of the avatars, and a presentation information determination unit that determines presentation information to be presented to the user based on the user information of the target user.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine effective presentation information in a virtual space.

[0008] 5 is a diagram for explaining a problem with a server. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a system including a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a system including a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which presentation information is presented. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a target user identification process shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an avatar's position in a virtual space. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stay position in a virtual space. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a presentation information determination process shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a process for identifying a target user. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of a process for identifying a target user. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment.

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a problem with a server 1 (information processing device). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system 10 including the server 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 provides a virtual space V, such as a metaverse or a virtual reality space, constructed on a network N. A user of the system 10 can cause the user's avatar A to act in the virtual space V by accessing the server 1 via the network N. As shown in FIG. 2, the system 10 includes the server 1 and a plurality of user terminals 2.

[0011] The user terminal 2 is a terminal operated by a user. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like. The user terminal 2 may also be a wearable terminal such as smart glasses (registered trademark). The user terminal 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a terminal that can output the virtual space V and the avatar A in the virtual space V in a manner that is perceptible to the user.

[0012] In this embodiment, a plurality of user terminals 2 can communicate with the server 1 via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet, a public line network, a dedicated line network, etc. Note that the network N may be configured to include a plurality of different communication networks.

[0013] The server 1 provides a common virtual space V to each of the avatars A of a plurality of users. The server 1 places presentation information in the provided virtual space V. The presentation information is information presented to the user. In this embodiment, the presentation information is an advertisement for the user. The content of the presentation information can be changed as appropriate.

[0014] When presentation information is arranged in a virtual space V common to the avatars A of multiple users, it is necessary to arrange effective presentation information in the virtual space V. For example, when the presentation information is an advertisement for the user, it is necessary to improve the effectiveness of the advertisement. To solve the above problem, the server 1 has the configuration described below.

[0015] 3 is a block diagram showing a system 10 including a server 1 according to an embodiment. The server 1 includes, as its functional configuration, a providing unit 11, a storage unit 12, a user identifying unit 13, a presentation information determining unit 14, and an arrangement unit 15.

[0016] The providing unit 11 provides a common virtual space V to the avatars A of multiple users. The providing unit 11, for example, defines and models a three-dimensional virtual space V. The providing unit 11 places various objects, avatars A, and the like in the modeled virtual space V. The providing unit 11 may, for example, transmit an image lettered based on the viewpoint (virtual camera) of avatar A to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 may display the image received from the providing unit 11.

[0017] In this embodiment, the providing unit 11 provides an accompanying object 30 (see FIG. 5 ) accompanying the user's avatar A to the virtual space V. The accompanying object 30 is a display object accompanying the avatar A in the virtual space V. "Associated" means, for example, being placed near the avatar A. In this embodiment, the accompanying object 30 is a character placed near the avatar A in the virtual space V. The accompanying object 30 may be, for example, a window displayed near the avatar A. The type of the accompanying object 30 is not particularly limited.

[0018] The storage unit 12 stores predetermined information and includes a user information database D1 and a presentation information database D2.

[0019] The user information database D1 stores user information for each of multiple users. The user information is information about the user. For example, the user information includes identification information that identifies the user, location information that indicates the location of avatar A, preference information that indicates the user's preferences, and point information that indicates the points held by the user. The identification information is, for example, an ID that uniquely identifies the user. The user information database D1 stores the user's location information, preference information, and point information in association with the user's identification information.

[0020] In this embodiment, the position information indicates the position of avatar A at multiple points in time. The position information indicates the position of avatar A at each predetermined time period (e.g., one minute). However, the position information may indicate the position of avatar A at any timing. The position of avatar A is, for example, coordinates defined in the virtual space V.

[0021] In this embodiment, the preference information includes registration information, purchase information, behavioral information, and interaction information. The registration information is information that a user has registered in advance. The registration information includes, for example, a community to which the user belongs. A community is, for example, an organization made up of multiple users. It can be said that users tend to select a community to belong to based on their own preferences. Therefore, it can be said that the community to which a user belongs indicates the user's preferences.

[0022] Purchase information is information indicating products purchased by a user. For example, purchase information is a history of products purchased by a user in the past. Products include, for example, both paid products and free products. Products include both tangible products and intangible products. Intangible products include, for example, services provided to users. It can be said that users tend to select products to purchase based on their own preferences. Therefore, products purchased by a user are considered to indicate the user's preferences.

[0023] The behavioral information is information indicating the behavior of the user in the virtual space V. The behavioral information includes, for example, the products indicated by the presented information viewed by the user in the virtual space V and the time the user viewed the presented information. It can be said that the longer the time the presented information is viewed, the greater the user's interest in the products indicated by the presented information. In this embodiment, the user information database D1 stores, as behavioral information, the products indicated by the presented information that the user viewed for a predetermined period of time or more (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "interested products").

[0024] The interaction information is information that indicates the user's interpersonal relationships in the virtual space V. The interaction information is, for example, preference information of other users that the user follows (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "following users"). It can be said that users tend to follow other users who have the same or similar preferences as themselves and interact with these other users. Therefore, the users that a user follows are considered to indicate the user's preferences.

[0025] The points indicated by the point information are points that cannot be exchanged for cash and can be used for the next or subsequent purchase of a product. However, the points may also be points that can be exchanged for cash. For example, when a user purchases a product, points are awarded to the user according to the price of the product. For example, the price of the product purchased by the user may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient to be awarded to the user as points.

[0026] The presentation information database D2 stores presentation information to be placed in the virtual space V. The presentation information database D2 stores presentation information, presentation identification information, and recommended preference information. The presentation identification information is information for uniquely identifying the presentation information. The recommended preference information is information indicating products recommended to users with certain preferences. The presentation information database D2 stores recommended preference information for each of multiple pieces of presentation information.

[0027] The user identification unit 13 identifies a target user from among multiple users based on the position of avatar A. The target user is a user who serves as a criterion for determining presentation information. The user identification unit 13 identifies the target user based on a predetermined criterion.

[0028] The presentation information determination unit 14 determines presentation information based on user information of the target user. The presentation information determination unit 14 determines, for example, advertisements whose content matches the preferences of the target user as presentation information. The advertisements whose content matches the preferences of the target user are, for example, advertisements for products that match the preferences of the target user.

[0029] The placement unit 15 places the presentation information determined by the presentation information determination unit 14 in the virtual space V. In this embodiment, the placement unit 15 causes the attachment 30 to place the presentation information in the virtual space V.

[0030] Next, an example of the operation of the server 1 will be described. Before starting the operation described below, the storage unit 12 pre-stores user information for each of multiple users. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 1 according to one embodiment. First, the providing unit 11 provides a common virtual space V to each of the avatars A of multiple users (step S1). More specifically, the providing unit 11 defines and models a three-dimensional virtual space V, and displays the modeled virtual space V on the user terminal 2.

[0031] Next, the user identification unit 13 executes a target user identification process (step S2). In the target user identification process, the user identification unit 13 identifies a target user from among multiple users based on the position of avatar A. The target user identification process will be described in detail later.

[0032] Next, the presentation information determination unit 14 executes a presentation information determination process (step S3). In the presentation information determination process, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines presentation information to be presented to the user. The presentation information determination process will be described in detail later.

[0033] Next, the placement unit 15 places the presentation information determined in step S3 in the virtual space V (step S4). In step S4, the provision unit 11 provides the accessory 30 in the virtual space V. More specifically, the provision unit 11 provides the accessory 30 in a predetermined area R (described later). Next, the placement unit 15 places the presentation information determined in step S3 on the accessory 30.

[0034] 5 is a diagram showing an example of how the presentation information is presented. In step S4, for example, the placement unit 15 displays a speech bubble above the character that is the accompanying object 30. The placement unit 15 places the presentation information by, for example, displaying a message in the displayed speech bubble. After the above processing, the server 1 ends the series of operations.

[0035] Next, the target user identification process shown in Fig. 4 will be described in detail. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the target user identification process shown in Fig. 4. For example, it is considered that a user determines their behavior in the virtual space V according to their own preferences. For example, a user who likes a particular sport is considered to act in the virtual space V around a point where information about that particular sport can be obtained. Therefore, it is considered that the position of avatar A in the virtual space V reflects, for example, the preferences of the user operating avatar A. Below, the target user identification process will be described in detail.

[0036] First, the user identification unit 13 acquires the position of avatar A at each of a plurality of time points indicated by the position information stored in the storage unit 12 (step S21). In step S21, the user identification unit 13 acquires the position of avatar A at each of a plurality of time points for each of a plurality of users.

[0037] Next, the user identification unit 13 identifies the stay position (step S22). In step S22, the user identification unit 13 identifies the stay position for each of the multiple users. The stay position is a position where avatar A is estimated to have stayed. Here, "staying" does not necessarily mean being located at the same point, but also includes movement within a predetermined range.

[0038] In step S22, the user identification unit 13 calculates the distance from the position of avatar A at a certain time point to the position of avatar A at a time point next to the certain time point. The next time point is a time point that is later than the certain time point and closest to the certain time point. In this embodiment, the next time point is a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) after the certain time point. Next, if the calculated distance is within the predetermined distance, the user identification unit 13 identifies the position of avatar A at the certain time point as the stay position.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a position P of an avatar A in a virtual space V. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a staying position P10 in the virtual space V. FIG. 7 shows a position P1, which is the position P of an avatar A of one user at multiple time points, and a position P2, which is the position P of an avatar A of another user different from the one user at multiple time points. In FIG. 7, the change in the position P of the avatar A over time is indicated by a dashed arrow. In FIG. 7, the position P of the avatar A that was not identified as the staying position P10 in step S22 is indicated by a dashed circle.

[0040] 7, the user identification unit 13 excludes positions P other than the identified staying position P10 from the positions P of the avatar A at each of the multiple time points. As a result, the staying positions P10 for each of the multiple users are identified as shown in FIG.

[0041] Next, the user identification unit 13 identifies the target user based on the staying position P10 identified in step S22 (step S23). In this embodiment, the user identification unit 13 identifies the avatar A whose staying position P10 is included in a predetermined area R in the virtual space V. The user identification unit 13 identifies the user operating the identified avatar A as the target user.

[0042] Area R is set in the virtual space V by, for example, an administrator of the server 1. The administrator of the server 1 sets, for example, a location in the virtual space V where avatar A is likely to gather as area R. Area R may be, for example, a lobby where avatar A is likely to gather, or a landmark such as a park in the virtual space V.

[0043] 8, the staying position P10 of avatar A of one user and the staying position P10 of avatar A of another user are included in area R. Therefore, the user identification unit 13 identifies the one user and the other user as target users. After the above processing, the user identification unit 13 ends the target user identification processing.

[0044] Next, the presentation information determination process shown in Fig. 4 will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the presentation information determination process shown in Fig. 4. First, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether there is any commonality among the target users identified in step S2 (step S31).

[0045] More specifically, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether the target users have something in common, based on the preference information stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether there is a common community among the communities to which the identified target users belong, based on the registration information. In this specification, "common" does not necessarily mean that the communities are the same, but also includes belonging to the same field. If it is determined that there is a common community, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines that the target users have something in common.

[0046] For example, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether there is a common product among the products purchased by the identified target users based on the purchase information. If it is determined that there is a common product, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines that there is a common item between the target users.

[0047] For example, the presentation information determination unit 14 acquires interest products for each target user based on the behavioral information. The presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether there are any common interest products among the interest products of the target users. If it is determined that there are common interest products, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines that there are items common to the target users.

[0048] For example, the presentation information determination unit 14 acquires following users for each target user based on the interaction information. The presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether or not there is a common following user among the following users of the target user. If it is determined that there is a common following user, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines that the target users have something in common.

[0049] Although a specific example of a method by which the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether or not the target users have something in common has been described above, the method is not limited to the above example. The presentation information determination unit 14 may determine whether or not the target users have something in common by using a known means.

[0050] If it is determined that there is no common item among the target users (step S31: NO), the presentation information determination unit 14 executes step S33. If it is determined that there is a common item among the target users (step S31: YES), the presentation information determination unit 14 determines common information related to the item identified in step S31 as presentation information (step S32).

[0051] More specifically, in step S32, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, from the common items identified in step S31, items that are highly common to the target users as common preferences of the target users. For example, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, from the identified common items, an item that is related to the largest number of target users as a common preference of the target users. Then, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies products to be recommended to the target users based on the identified common preferences and recommended preference information. Next, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies advertisements for the identified products as common information. Then, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines the identified common information as presentation information.

[0052] For example, if a specific community is identified as a common preference of the target user, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies products recommended to users belonging to the community as products recommended to the target user based on the recommended preference information. For example, if the community is a community for a specific sport, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies products used in the sport as products recommended to the target user based on the recommended preference information. The presentation information determination unit 14 identifies advertisements for products recommended to the identified target user as common information.

[0053] For example, if a specific product is identified as a common preference of the target user, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, based on the recommended preference information, a product recommended to a user who purchased the specific product as a product recommended to the target user. For example, if the specific product is a product used in a specific sport, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, based on the recommended preference information, a product used in the sport as a product recommended to the target user. The presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, as common information, an advertisement for the product recommended to the identified target user.

[0054] For example, if a specific product of interest is identified as a common preference of the target user, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, based on the recommended preference information, products recommended to users who are interested in the specific product of interest as products recommended to the target user. For example, if the specific product of interest is a product used in a specific sport, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, based on the recommended preference information, products used in the sport as products recommended to the target user. The presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, as common information, advertisements for products recommended to the identified target user.

[0055] For example, if a specific following user is identified as having a common preference with the target user, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, based on the recommended preference information, products recommended to users who follow the specific following user as products recommended to the target user. For example, if the following user is a player who is active in a specific sport, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies merchandise of the player as products recommended to the target user based on the recommended preference information. The presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, as common information, advertisements for products recommended to the identified target user.

[0056] In step S33, the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether the points of the target user satisfy a predetermined condition based on the point information stored in the storage unit 12. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the target user has points equal to or greater than a predetermined value. However, the predetermined condition can be changed as appropriate.

[0057] If it is determined that the points of the target user satisfy the predetermined condition (step S33: YES), the presentation information determination unit 14 determines point-related information related to the predetermined condition as the presentation information (step S34). In step S34, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, for example, advertisements for products that can be purchased with the points held by the target user as the point-related information. The presentation information determination unit 14 determines the identified point-related information as the presentation information.

[0058] If it is determined that the points of the target user do not satisfy the predetermined condition (step S33: NO), the presentation information determination unit 14 determines predetermined information as the presentation information. The predetermined information is, for example, information set in advance by an administrator of the server 1. The predetermined information may be, for example, an advertisement for a popular product that has been purchased by a predetermined number of users or more within a predetermined period of time.

[0059] After executing step S32, step S34, or step S35, the presentation information determination unit 14 ends the presentation information determination process.

[0060] Next, we will explain the effects of the server 1. The server 1 includes a providing unit 11 that provides a common virtual space V to each of the avatars A of multiple users, a storage unit 12 that stores user information including the position of the avatar A for each of the multiple users, a user identifying unit 13 that identifies a target user from the multiple users based on the position of the avatar A, and a presentation information determining unit 14 that determines presentation information to be presented to the user based on the user information of the target user.

[0061] The server 1 can identify a target user who serves as a reference for determining presentation information according to the position P of the avatar A. This makes it possible to identify, for example, users who behave similarly to each other in the virtual space V as target users. Furthermore, since the presentation information is determined based on the user information of the target user, it is possible to determine presentation information according to, for example, the preferences of the target user indicated by the user information. Therefore, it is possible to determine presentation information according to the preferences of users who behave similarly to each other, and therefore it is possible to determine effective presentation information in the virtual space V.

[0062] The user identification unit 13 identifies as the target user a user who operates an avatar A whose position P is included in a predetermined area R in the virtual space V. In this case, the target user is identified as a user who operates an avatar A that has a common visit to the area R. Therefore, users who behave similarly to each other in the virtual space V can be identified as the target user with greater accuracy.

[0063] The storage unit 12 stores user information including the position P of avatar A at each of a plurality of time points, and if the distance from the position P of avatar A at a time point to the position P of avatar A at the time point following the time point is within a predetermined distance, the user identification unit 13 identifies the position P of avatar A at the time point as a staying position P10 and identifies the target user based on the identified staying position P10. In this case, for example, the target user is identified based on the staying position P10 of avatar A rather than a position P that avatar A passed through in a short time. This makes it possible to more accurately identify, for example, users who behave similarly to each other in the virtual space V as target users.

[0064] The presentation information determination unit 14 determines common information related to matters common to the target users as presentation information. This allows, for example, common information according to the target users' common preferences to be determined as presentation information. Therefore, effective presentation information in the virtual space V can be determined with greater accuracy.

[0065] The storage unit 12 stores preference information indicating user preferences and recommended preference information indicating products recommended to users who have the preferences. The presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether the target users have common matters based on the preference information. If it is determined that the target users have common matters, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies preferences common to the target users from the common matters. Based on the preferences common to the identified target users and the recommended preference information, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies products recommended to the target users and identifies advertisements for the identified products as common information. This allows products recommended to the target users to be identified based on the preferences common to the target users. Furthermore, because advertisements for the identified products can be identified as common information, advertisements for products that match the target users' common preferences can be identified as common information with greater accuracy.

[0066] The storage unit 12 stores points held by each of multiple users, and the presentation information determination unit 14 determines point-related information related to the predetermined condition as the presentation information when the points of the target user satisfy a predetermined condition. Thus, since point-related information related to the condition satisfied by the target user is determined as the presentation information, for example, information corresponding to the points held by the user can be determined as the presentation information. For example, the user can be encouraged to use their points.

[0067] The server 1 further includes an arrangement unit 15 that arranges the presentation information in the virtual space V, the providing unit 11 provides an attachment 30 that accompanies the avatar A in the virtual space V, and the arrangement unit 15 causes the attachment 30 to arrange the presentation information in the virtual space V. By arranging the presentation information in the virtual space V via the attachment 30, the presentation information can be displayed to the user more effectively.

[0068] Next, a server 1 according to a modification will be described. Differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described below, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] First, the server 1 according to the first modification will be described. The server 1 according to the first modification differs from the server 1 according to the above embodiment in the content of the target user identification process. The target user identification process according to the first modification will be described in detail below.

[0070] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a process for identifying a target user. Fig. 10 shows position P1, which is the position P of avatar A for one user at multiple time points, and position P2, which is the position P of avatar A for another user different from the one user at multiple time points. Fig. 10 also shows position P3, which is the position P of avatar A for yet another user different from the one user and the other user at multiple time points.

[0071] In the target user identification process, first, the user identification unit 13 acquires the position P of the avatar A at each of a plurality of points in time. The user identification unit 13 executes a process similar to the process of step S21.

[0072] Next, the user identification unit 13 generates at least one user group U by clustering multiple users based on the positions P of the avatars A. In this embodiment, the user identification unit 13 identifies avatars A that are located within a predetermined distance from each other. Then, the user identification unit 13 generates a user group U made up of users who operate each of the identified avatars A. In the example of Fig. 10, the user identification unit 13 generates a user group U made up of one user and another user.

[0073] Next, the user identification unit 13 identifies, as target users, users included in the generated user group U. In the example of Fig. 10 , the user identification unit 13 identifies one user and another user included in the generated user group U as target users.

[0074] In the first modified example, the user identification unit 13 generates at least one user group U by clustering multiple users based on the position P of the avatar A, and identifies users included in the generated at least one user group U as target users. For example, the user group U is generated by users who are close to each other within a predetermined distance in the virtual space V. This makes it possible to identify users who behave similarly to each other in the virtual space V as target users.

[0075] Next, the server 1 according to a second modified example will be described. In this modified example, in step S1, the providing unit 11 sets a plurality of meshes M that partition the virtual space V. As shown in Fig. 11 , in this modified example, the providing unit 11 sets the meshes M having the same shape and size. The shape of the meshes M is a square. The shape and size of the meshes M are not particularly limited.

[0076] In the target user identification process, first, the user identification unit 13 acquires the position P of the avatar A at each of a plurality of points in time. The user identification unit 13 executes a process similar to the process of step S21.

[0077] Next, the user identification unit 13 determines whether or not a predetermined number of avatars A have visited one mesh M. "Avatar A visits mesh M" means that the position P of avatar A is included in mesh M. If it is determined that a predetermined number (e.g., two) or more avatars A have visited one mesh M, the user identification unit 13 identifies the user operating the avatar A who visited the mesh M as the target user.

[0078] 11 , one user and another user are visiting mesh M1 among a plurality of meshes M set in the virtual space V. Therefore, the user identification unit 13 identifies the one user and the other user as target users.

[0079] In the second modified example, the providing unit 11 sets a plurality of meshes M that partition the virtual space V, and when a predetermined number or more of avatars A visit one mesh M, the user identifying unit 13 identifies, as a target user, a user operating an avatar A that visits the mesh M. Even in such a case, it is possible to identify, as target users, users who behave similarly to each other in the virtual space V.

[0080] The order and content of the processes described in the above embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, if it is determined in the presentation information determination process that there is no common item between the target users (step S31: NO), the presentation information determination unit 14 determines whether the points of the target users satisfy a predetermined condition (step S33). However, if it is determined that the points of the target users do not satisfy the predetermined condition (step S33: NO), the presentation information determination unit 14 may execute step S31. In this case, if it is determined that there is no common item between the target users (step S31: NO), the presentation information determination unit 14 may execute step S35.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, in step S32, the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies, from among the common items identified in step S31, an item that is associated with the largest number of target users as a common preference of the target users. However, the method by which the presentation information determination unit 14 identifies a preference common to the target users can be changed as appropriate. For example, from among the common items identified in step S31, the presentation information determination unit 14 may identify, as a common preference of the target users, a plurality of items in descending order of the number of target users that are associated with the common item. Furthermore, the presentation information determination unit 14 may identify items that are highly common to the target users, for example, using a machine learning model generated in advance.

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the user information includes identification information, location information, preference information, and point information. However, the user information only needs to include location information, and does not necessarily need to include at least any of the identification information, preference information, and point information.

[0083] The user information may include user attributes. The user attributes may include, for example, the user's gender, age, contract information, and membership information. In this case, the presentation information determination unit 14 may identify attributes common to the target users and identify information corresponding to the identified attributes as the common information. For example, if the target users are all female, the presentation information determination unit 14 may identify advertisements for a campaign aimed at women as the common information.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the presented information is a product advertisement. However, the presented information may be, for example, an announcement of the date and time of maintenance of the server 1. The presented information may be, for example, a guide on how to use the system in the virtual space V.

[0085] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the preference information includes registration information, purchase information, behavior information, and interaction information. However, the preference information may be any information that indicates the preferences of the user, and is not limited to the information exemplified above.

[0086] In the above-described first modified example, an example has been described in which the user identification unit 13 generates one user group U. However, the user identification unit 13 may generate multiple user groups U. In this case, the user identification unit 13 may identify, as target users, users included in each of the multiple generated user groups U.

[0087] The above embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example may be implemented in any suitable combination. For example, in the first modified example, the user identification unit 13 generates the user group U by clustering multiple users based on the position P of avatar A. However, the user identification unit 13 may also generate the user group U by clustering multiple users based on the stay position P10 of avatar A. In this case, the user identification unit 13 may generate the user group U consisting of users who have stay positions P10 that are close to each other within a predetermined distance in the virtual space V. In the second modified example, "avatar A visits mesh M" may mean that the stay position P10 of avatar A is included in mesh M.

[0088] The timing at which step S2 and step S3 are executed can be changed as appropriate. For example, the server 1 may execute steps S2 and S3 at a time when users cannot access the virtual space V, such as during system maintenance. The server 1 may also execute steps S2 and S3 at a preset time. Furthermore, the server 1 may execute steps S2 and S3 at a time designated by an administrator of the server 1.

[0089] The information processing device of the present disclosure has the following configuration.

[0090] [1] An information processing device comprising: a providing unit that provides a common virtual space to avatars of each of a plurality of users; a storage unit that stores user information including a position of the avatar for each of the plurality of users; a user identifying unit that identifies a target user from the plurality of users based on the position of the avatar; and a presentation information determining unit that determines presentation information to be presented to the target user based on the user information of the target user.

[0091] [2] The information processing device according to [1], wherein the user identification unit identifies, as the target user, the user operating the avatar whose position is included in a predetermined area in the virtual space.

[0092] [3] The information processing device according to [1], wherein the user identification unit generates at least one user group by clustering the plurality of users based on positions of the avatars, and identifies the user included in the generated at least one user group as the target user.

[0093] [4] The information processing device according to [1], wherein the providing unit sets a plurality of meshes that partition the virtual space, and the user identifying unit, when a predetermined number or more of the avatars visit one of the meshes, identifies the user operating the avatar that visits the one of the meshes as the target user.

[0094] [5] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the storage unit stores the user information including the position of the avatar at each of a plurality of time points, and the user identification unit, when a distance from the position of the avatar at one of the time points to the position of the avatar at a time point next to the one of the time points is within a predetermined distance, identifies the position of the avatar at the one time point as a staying position, and identifies the target user based on the identified staying position.

[0095] [6] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the presentation information determination unit determines common information related to an item common to the target users as the presentation information.

[0096] [7] The information processing device described in [6], wherein the storage unit stores preference information indicating the preferences of the user and recommended preference information indicating products recommended to the user having the preference, and the presentation information determination unit determines whether there are any common matters among the target users based on the preference information, and if it is determined that there are common matters among the target users, identifies preferences common to the target users from the common matters among the target users, identifies products recommended to the target users based on the identified preferences common to the target users and the recommended preference information, and identifies advertisements for the identified products as the common information.

[0097] [8] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the storage unit stores points held by the users for each of the plurality of users, and the presentation information determination unit determines point-related information related to a predetermined condition as the presentation information when the points of the target user satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0098] [9] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising an arrangement unit that arranges the presentation information in the virtual space, wherein the provision unit provides an attachment that accompanies the avatar in the virtual space, and the arrangement unit causes the attachment to arrange the presentation information in the virtual space.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] For example, the server 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs information processing according to the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described server 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 20 may also be as described here.

[0102] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the server 1 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0103] Each function in server 1 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0104] 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 server 1 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0105] 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 server 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in server 1 may be, for example, a database including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003, a server, or other appropriate medium.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] The server 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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."

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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."

[0128] 1...server (information processing device), 11...providing unit, 12...storage unit, 13...user identification unit, 14...presentation information determination unit, 15...placement unit, 30...accompanying object, A...avatar, M...mesh, P, P1, P2, P3...position, P10...stay position, V...virtual space.

Claims

1. A providing unit that provides a virtual space common to each avatar of a plurality of users, a storage unit that stores user information including the position of the avatar for each of the plurality of users, a user specifying unit that specifies a target user from the plurality of users based on the position of the avatar, and a presentation information determining unit that determines presentation information presented to the user based on the user information of the target user. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user specifying unit specifies, as the target user, the user who operates the avatar whose position in the virtual space is included in a predetermined area.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user specifying unit generates at least one user group by clustering the plurality of users based on the position of the avatar, and specifies, as the target user, the user included in the at least one generated user group.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit sets a plurality of meshes that partition the virtual space, and the user specifying unit specifies, as the target user, the user who operates the avatar that has visited the one mesh when a predetermined number or more of the avatars have visited the one mesh.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the user information including the position of the avatar at a plurality of time points, and the user specifying unit specifies the position of the avatar at the one time point as a staying position when the distance from the position of the avatar at the one time point to the position of the avatar at the next time point is within a predetermined distance, and specifies the target user based on the specified staying position.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentation information determining unit determines common information related to matters common to the target user as the presentation information.

7. The memory unit stores preference information indicating the preferences of the user and recommended preference information indicating products recommended to the user having the preferences. The presentation information determination unit determines whether there are any common matters among the target users based on the preference information. When it is determined that there are common matters among the target users, the presentation information determination unit identifies the common preferences of the target users from the common matters among the target users, identifies products recommended to the target users based on the identified common preferences of the target users and the recommended preference information, and identifies the advertisement of the identified products as the common information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The memory unit stores the points held by the user for each of the plurality of users. The presentation information determination unit determines the point-related information related to the predetermined condition as the presentation information when the points of the target user satisfy the predetermined condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The apparatus further includes an arrangement unit that arranges the presentation information in the virtual space. The providing unit provides an accessory associated with the avatar in the virtual space. The arrangement unit causes the accessory to arrange the presentation information in the virtual space. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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