Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing device 10 according to an embodiment is provided with: an acquisition unit 12 that acquires position information regarding the positions of a plurality of avatars that are arranged in a virtual space VS and correspond respectively to a plurality of users; a determination unit 13 that determines, on the basis of the position information of the plurality of avatars, a movement pattern of at least one NPC object P that moves within the virtual space VS to encourage the users to purchase a certain target product; and a provision unit 14 that provides the virtual space VS, in which the plurality of avatars and the NPC object P are arranged.

Description

Information processing device and information processing method

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing method that provide a virtual space.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a user who is a passenger can purchase a product object sold by a crew character in a virtual space that simulates the interior of a vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-121496

[0004] In a system in which users can purchase products in a virtual space as described above, there is a demand for a mechanism that can further encourage users to make purchases.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can effectively encourage users to make purchases in a virtual space.

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires location information regarding the locations of multiple avatars corresponding to each of multiple users placed in a virtual space, a determination unit that determines, based on the location information, a movement pattern of at least one virtual object that moves in the virtual space to encourage users to purchase a predetermined target product, and a provision unit that provides a virtual space in which the multiple avatars and virtual objects are placed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can effectively encourage users to make purchases in a virtual space.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including an information processing device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing device; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an NPC object; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a movement pattern of an NPC object; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a movement pattern of an NPC object; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a movement pattern of an NPC object; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a movement pattern of an NPC object; FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing device; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device;

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 10 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of user terminals 20 used by a plurality of users via a network NW. The network NW may be any communication network such as the Internet.

[0011] The information processing device 10 provides a virtual space in which a plurality of products are sold to a plurality of users. The virtual space is, for example, the interior space of a virtual store (virtual shop) that mimics a store in the real world. Such a virtual space is, for example, configured by a metaverse space (three-dimensional space). However, the virtual space is not limited to the above and may also be an outdoor space of a virtual store (for example, a virtual town including a virtual store). The virtual space may also be, for example, a two-dimensional space represented on a plane. Various objects and virtual objects such as avatars of users who use the virtual space are arranged within the virtual space.

[0012] The information processing device 10 (e.g., the providing unit 14 described later) provides a virtual space image showing the scenery of the virtual space as seen from the user's virtual viewpoint (e.g., the viewpoint of an avatar corresponding to the user) placed in the virtual space to the user terminal 20 of the user. The user terminal 20 displays the virtual space image on a display provided in the user terminal 20, thereby allowing the user to experience the virtual space. Note that the virtual space image displayed on the user terminal 20 is not limited to the above-described first-person viewpoint (the viewpoint of the avatar) image, and may be, for example, a third-person viewpoint image seen from a location other than the viewpoint of the avatar.

[0013] In this embodiment, a user can purchase products for sale in a virtual space (a virtual store). For example, when a user performs a process to purchase a product in the virtual space, a payment process is executed based on a payment method (e.g., credit card information) pre-registered for the user. Such a payment process may be executed by the information processing device 10 (e.g., the processing unit 15 described below), or may be executed by a payment processing server that is an external device different from the information processing device 10.

[0014] In this embodiment, the term "product" refers not only to a physical object but also to a service that does not have a physical object (e.g., participation rights to a specific event, etc.). Furthermore, the product may be a virtual object that can be used in a virtual space, or a service that the user enjoys in the virtual space, or a real object that is delivered to the user in the real world, or a service that the user enjoys in the real world. In the latter case, when a user executes a process to purchase a product in the virtual space, the information processing device 10 (e.g., the processing unit 15 described below) may execute a process to deliver the product to the user's pre-registered address.

[0015] The user terminal 20 is a terminal device used to allow a user to experience the virtual space provided by the information processing device 10. Examples of the user terminal 20 include a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a smartphone, a tablet device, and a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounted display, smart glasses, etc.). The user terminal 20 is equipped with a display for displaying the virtual space (virtual space image) provided by the information processing device 10 (providing unit 14). The user terminal 20 also has an interface for controlling the actions of the user's own avatar in the virtual space (e.g., movement within the virtual space, purchasing products, etc.). An example of the interface is a dedicated controller, etc.

[0016] In this embodiment, a user who uses a virtual space is a user who can log in to the virtual space provided by the information processing device 10 and operate his or her own avatar. For example, a user who has completed user registration (account registration) to use a service using the virtual space provided by the information processing device 10 (i.e., a user whose user information is registered as shown in FIG. 3) can use the virtual space. The virtual space is shared by multiple users. In other words, users who are logged in to the virtual space can communicate with each other in the shared virtual space via their own avatars.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2 , the information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 11 , an acquisition unit 12 , a determination unit 13 , a provision unit 14 , and a processing unit 15 .

[0018] The storage unit 11 stores various data handled by the information processing device 10. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 11 stores virtual space information for generating a virtual space (for example, a background image of the virtual space, drawing information for drawing various objects (including avatars of each user) placed in the virtual space, and placement information indicating the positions of various objects in the virtual space). The storage unit 11 also stores various data such as user information shown in FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows an example of user information for each user who uses the virtual space. As an example, the user information includes a user ID for identifying a user who can use the virtual space (i.e., a registered user), user attributes such as the user's age, gender, residential area, hobbies and preferences, and behavioral history corresponding to the user ID, a status indicating whether the user is currently using the virtual space (logged in) or offline, and location information regarding the location of the logged-in user (the user's avatar) in the virtual space. The age, gender, residential area, hobbies and preferences included in the user information are entered by the user, for example, during user registration. The behavioral history included in the user information may be automatically registered based on, for example, the user's past actions in the virtual space via their avatar (e.g., participation in a specific event in the virtual space). The status and location information included in the user information are also monitored by the system and automatically stored and updated in the storage unit 11.

[0020] The location information of the logged-in user's avatar is not limited to a specific type of information as long as it includes information about the avatar's location within the virtual space. For example, the location information may be expressed by position coordinates indicating a specific location within the virtual space (e.g., coordinates in an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system if the virtual space is a three-dimensional space). Alternatively, if the virtual space is formed by multiple sections (areas), the location information may be information indicating the section in which the avatar is located (e.g., a section ID).

[0021] The acquisition unit 12 acquires position information regarding the positions of multiple avatars corresponding to each of multiple users placed in the virtual space. For example, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire position information of the avatar of each logged-in user by referring to the user information of each user (see FIG. 3 ) stored in the storage unit 11. For example, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire position distribution information indicating the position distribution of the avatars in the virtual space (i.e., information indicating which avatar is located at which position in the virtual space) based on the position information of the multiple avatars.

[0022] The acquisition unit 12 may acquire location distribution information of avatars of user groups by attribute by grouping the users by attribute. As shown in Fig. 3, examples of attributes include age, gender, residential area, hobbies and preferences, and behavioral history. The attribute used for grouping may also be a combination of multiple items (here, age and gender).

[0023] For example, when a combination of age and gender is used as an attribute, the acquisition unit 12 can classify multiple users into groups of "males under 10," "males in their 20s," "males in their 30s," "males in their 40s," "males in their 50s," "males over 60," "females under 10," "females in their 20s," "females in their 30s," "females in their 40s," "females in their 50s," and "females over 60," by referring to the user information of each user stored in the storage unit 11. Then, the acquisition unit 12 can acquire the position distribution of avatars by group (i.e., information indicating the position in the virtual space of the avatars of each logged-in user belonging to a certain group).

[0024] Since each avatar moves within the virtual space, the position distribution of each avatar may change. Therefore, the acquisition unit 12 may update the position distribution information periodically, for example, at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, along with the update of the position distribution information, the movement pattern of the NPC object P determined by the determination unit 13 (described later) may also be changed.

[0025] The determination unit 13 determines a movement pattern of at least one NPC object P (virtual object) that moves within the virtual space to encourage the user to purchase a predetermined target product, based on the position distribution information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The movement pattern includes various patterns related to the movement of the NPC object P. For example, the movement pattern may include a movement path, a movement range, a movement speed, etc.

[0026] In this embodiment, the target product is a product (product A) targeted particularly at male users in their twenties. An example of such a product is a product that is highly popular among male users in their twenties. Popularity may be, for example, the number of sales in a recent fixed period. However, popularity may also be an indicator other than sales volume. For example, popularity may be the number of reviews posted by users, the average value of user ratings (e.g., a five-point scale), or the like. Alternatively, the target product may be a product for which male users in their twenties are predetermined as an attribute of the sales target (e.g., a product promoted for men in their twenties). Such attributes of the sales target are set, for example, by an administrator of a service using a virtual space provided by the information processing device 10.

[0027] As described above, in this embodiment, the target product (product A) has a predetermined correlation with the attribute (first attribute) of “male in his twenties.” In such a case, in order to further improve the sales promotion effect of the NPC object P, the acquisition unit 12 may acquire position distribution information indicating the position distribution of the avatars of at least users who are logged in to the virtual space and who have the first attribute (here, “male in his twenties”) related to the target product.

[0028] 4 shows an example of an NPC object P moving within a virtual space to encourage a user to purchase a target product (product A) associated with the first attribute (male in his twenties) as described above. In this example, the NPC object P is an object modeled after a character having the same attribute as the first attribute. In this example, the NPC object P is displayed holding (carrying) a product object V representing the product A being promoted.

[0029] It should be noted that the display manner of the NPC object P is not limited to the example of FIG. 4 . For example, if the first attribute is an attribute related to a hobby or preference, such as "loving the outdoors," the NPC object P may be a human-shaped NPC object dressed for the outdoors (e.g., wearing a backpack and a hat). Also, if the first attribute is an attribute related to a hobby or preference, such as "loving dogs," the NPC object P may be, for example, an anthropomorphized dog-shaped NPC object. In this way, the NPC object P may be an NPC object having a display manner (appearance) that evokes some information related to the first attribute.

[0030] Furthermore, the display manner of the product object V indicating the target product (product A) being promoted is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 . For example, if the target product is a wearable item such as "clothes," "hat," "shoes," or "wristwatch," the product object V may be attached to a corresponding part of the body of a human-shaped NPC object P. Furthermore, the product object V does not need to be in contact with the NPC object P. For example, the product object V may be positioned so as to float near the NPC object P at a position physically separated from the NPC object P (e.g., above the head of the human-shaped NPC object P). In this way, the product object V is positioned, for example, with a predetermined relationship (positional relationship) with the NPC object P.

[0031] Furthermore, it is not essential that the product object V be placed in association with the NPC object P. For example, the NPC object P may be configured to periodically utter a voice for promoting the sales of the product A (for example, a comment highlighting the good points of the product A).

[0032] The providing unit 14 provides a virtual space in which a plurality of avatars and NPC objects P (including product objects V in this embodiment) are arranged. Furthermore, as described above, the providing unit 14 provides each user terminal 20 with a virtual space image corresponding to the viewpoint of each user's avatar, based on the virtual space information stored in the storage unit 11.

[0033] The processing unit 15 accepts a product purchase operation by a user in the virtual space and executes a process for selling the product to the user. For example, when the processing unit 15 accepts a user operation to select a product object displayed in the virtual space, the processing unit 15 executes a process for selecting the product corresponding to the product object as a purchase target (e.g., a process for adding the product to a virtual shopping cart). Furthermore, when the processing unit 15 accepts a purchase confirmation operation performed by a user at a virtual cash register located in the virtual space, the processing unit 15 confirms the purchase of the product added to the user's virtual shopping cart. Note that the user operation for confirming the purchase of the product may be configured to be executable at any location in the virtual space. In this case, the virtual cash register as described above does not need to be provided in the virtual space. However, if a virtual cash register is installed, it is possible to provide the user with an experience similar to that of shopping in real space.

[0034] When the processing unit 15 receives a user operation to select a product object V in the virtual space, the processing unit 15 may also execute a process to select the target product corresponding to the product object V as a purchase target (e.g., a process to add the product to a virtual shopping cart). According to the above configuration, when a user finds a product object V in the virtual space, the user can easily select the target product as a purchase target by performing an operation to select the product object V (e.g., a touch operation, etc.). In other words, the user does not need to go to the location where the target product is actually sold (placed) (e.g., point X1 in FIG. 5 ) in order to purchase the target product. As a result, the user's purchase behavior of the target product in the virtual space is effectively promoted.

[0035] Next, several examples of the processing of the determination unit 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of a virtual space VS. More specifically, FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams schematically illustrating maps of the interior of a virtual store configured as the virtual space VS. As an example, the virtual space VS is a virtual store in which multiple product shelves SH are arranged according to a predetermined layout, and multiple products available for purchase by a user are arranged in predetermined positions on the corresponding product shelves. A user can move around the virtual store (virtual space VS) by operating their own avatar, and can add a product to a virtual shopping cart by moving the avatar near the product they want to purchase and performing a predetermined selection operation. The user can then go to a cash register in the virtual store and complete a purchase procedure to confirm the purchase of the product added to the shopping cart.

[0036] In the examples of Figures 5 to 8, the target product (product A) is placed at point X1. That is, point X1 is predetermined as the placement location (first position) of the target product (product A in this case) within the virtual space VS. Also, in Figures 5 to 8, the avatars of multiple users are not shown. That is, in reality, multiple avatars exist (are distributed) within the virtual space VS (particularly within the high-density area HD, which will be described later).

[0037] (First Example of Processing of Determination Unit 13) As shown in FIG. 5 , the determination unit 13 determines a movement route R of an NPC object P as the movement pattern of the NPC object P. In the example of FIG. 5 , the determination unit 13 identifies a high-density area HD where a high density of male users in their twenties (users having the first attribute) is present, based on position distribution information indicating the position distribution of avatars of each user who is male in their twenties (first attribute) and predetermined criteria. The determination unit 13 then determines a route that passes through the high-density area HD as the movement route R. As an example, the predetermined criteria for the high-density area HD is that the number of avatars per predetermined unit area is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The shape of the high-density area HD can be determined arbitrarily. In the example of FIG. 5 , the shape of the high-density area HD is a circle. Furthermore, three high-density areas HD are identified.

[0038] 5, the determination unit 13 determines a movement route R that passes through each of the identified high-density areas HD as the movement pattern of the NPC object P. As an example, the movement route R is configured as a straight route from a start point SP to an end point EP. However, the movement route R may be a curved route or a route that includes a bending portion (for example, a left turn or a right turn).

[0039] The start point SP and the end point EP can be arbitrarily set by a service provider, etc. For example, the start point SP or the end point EP may be set based on the position of point X1 where the target product (product A) is placed. For example, the start point SP or the end point EP may be set near point X1 (a point within a predetermined threshold distance), or may be set at a location far from point X1 (a point more than a predetermined threshold distance away).

[0040] Furthermore, the determination unit 13 may determine the start point SP or the end point EP based on the position of a predetermined specific point (e.g., a store entrance / exit, a cash register, etc.) in the virtual store. For example, in order to suitably guide a user (in this embodiment, particularly an avatar of a user who is a "male in his twenties") from the entrance of the virtual store to point X1, the determination unit 13 may set the start point SP near the entrance of the virtual store and set the end point EP near point X1. Furthermore, for example, in order to encourage a user who has reached the vicinity of the cash register to finish shopping at the virtual store to purchase product A, the determination unit 13 may set the start point SP near the cash register of the virtual store and set the end point EP near point X1.

[0041] In the first example, the determination unit 13 determines, as the movement pattern, a movement route R of the NPC object P. According to the above configuration, it is possible to move the NPC object P along a movement route R that can effectively promote the purchase of a target product (product A) (i.e., a route that has a high advertising effect for product A) based on the location distribution of users.

[0042] Furthermore, in the first example, the determination unit 13 sets a high-density area HD based on location distribution information indicating the location distribution of avatars of each user who is male in their twenties (first attribute) and a predetermined criterion, and determines a route that passes through the high-density area HD as the movement route R. According to the above configuration, it is possible to move the NPC object P along the movement route R that can more effectively promote purchases of the target product (product A) based on the location distribution of users who have the first attribute who are sales targets for the target product. In other words, the movement route R that can bring the NPC object P to the attention of many users who have the sales target attribute is determined as the movement pattern of the NPC object P. As a result, the sales promotion effect of the target product can be suitably enhanced.

[0043] (Second Example of Processing of Determination Unit 13) As shown in FIG. 6 , the determination unit 13 determines a movement area MA, which is part of the virtual space VS and through which an NPC object P can move, as the movement pattern of the NPC object P. In the example of FIG. 6 , the determination unit 13 identifies a high-density area HD where a high density of male users in their twenties (users having the first attribute) is present, based on position distribution information indicating the position distribution of avatars of each male user in their twenties (first attribute) and predetermined criteria. The determination unit 13 then determines an area including the high-density area HD as the movement area MA. The predetermined criteria for the high-density area HD are the same as those in the first example. The shape of the movement area MA can be determined arbitrarily. In the example of FIG. 6 , the shape of the movement area MA is a circle that includes the high-density area HD at its center.

[0044] As an example, the NPC object P is configured to move within the moving area MA without going outside the moving area MA. In the example of Figure 6, the NPC object P moves straight within the moving area MA and then reverses its moving direction so as to reflect at the boundary of the moving area MA. With this mechanism, the NPC object P can move so as to pass through the high-density area HD within the moving area MA multiple times.

[0045] In the second example, the determination unit 13 determines, as the movement pattern, a movement area MA of the NPC object P. According to the above configuration, it is possible to move the NPC object P within the movement area MA that can effectively promote the purchase of the target product (product A) (i.e., within an area that has a high advertising effect for product A) based on the location distribution of users.

[0046] In the second example, the determination unit 13 sets a high-density area HD based on location distribution information indicating the location distribution of avatars of users who are male in their twenties (first attribute) and predetermined criteria, and determines an area including the high-density area HD as the movement area MA. According to the above configuration, it is possible to move the NPC object P within the movement area MA, which can more effectively promote purchases of the target product (product A), based on the location distribution of users who have the first attribute who are the sales target of the target product. In other words, the movement area MA, which can bring the NPC object P into the sight of many users who have the sales target attribute, is determined as the movement pattern of the NPC object P. As a result, the sales promotion effect of the target product can be favorably enhanced.

[0047] The determination unit 13 may also determine the size of the movement area MA based on the popularity of the target product (product A). In the example of FIG. 6 , the movement area MA is circular, and the size of the movement area MA is determined based on the radius d. For example, the determination unit 13 may set the radius d to a first value when the popularity of the target product (here, popularity among male users in their twenties) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and may set the radius d to a second value smaller than the first value when the popularity of the target product is less than the threshold. That is, the determination unit 13 may increase the size (radius d) of the movement area MA as the popularity of the target product increases, so that the NPC object P is seen by more users. According to the above configuration, the size of the movement area MA can be appropriately determined based on the popularity of the target product.

[0048] 7 and 8, the determination unit 13 may determine the number of NPC objects P to be placed in the virtual space VS based on the position information of multiple avatars. In the examples of Figures 7 and 8, the number of NPC objects is determined to be two based on high-density areas HDa and HDb identified from position distribution information obtained from the position information of multiple avatars. Note that the number of NPC objects P determined by the determination unit 13 may be three or more.

[0049] 7 shows an example of determining movement paths Ra and Rb for NPC objects Pa and Pb, as in the first example described above. As shown in FIG. 7 , for example, if high-density areas HDa and HDb exist at positions spaced a certain distance from each other, the determination unit 13 may set movement paths Ra and Rb for each of the high-density areas HDa and HDb, and set two NPC objects Pa and Pb to move along the respective movement paths Ra and Rb. For example, the determination unit 13 may determine, as the movement pattern for the NPC objects Pa and Pb, movement paths Ra and Rb that branch out from a common starting point SP and pass through each of the high-density areas HDa and HDb.

[0050] 8 shows an example of determining movement areas MAa and MAb for NPC objects Pa and Pb as in the above-described example 2. As shown in Fig. 8, for example, if high-density areas HDa and HDb exist at positions spaced apart from each other by a certain distance or more, the determination unit 13 may set movement areas MAa and MAb for each high-density area HDa and HDb, and set two NPC objects Pa and Pb that move within each movement area MAa and MAb.

[0051] As another example, when one movement route R is longer than a certain length, the determination unit 13 may set a plurality of NPC objects P (for example, a plurality of NPC objects arranged to move at intervals of a certain length or more) that move along the same movement route R. Furthermore, when the size of one movement area MA (radius d in this embodiment) is larger than a certain length, the determination unit 13 may set a plurality of NPC objects P that move along different movement routes within the same movement area MA.

[0052] According to the third example, the number of NPC objects P to be placed in the virtual space VS can be appropriately set based on the position distribution information obtained from the position information of multiple avatars, thereby favorably enhancing the sales promotion effect of the target product.

[0053] (Fourth Example of Processing by Determination Unit 13) The determination unit 13 may determine a movement pattern of an NPC object P based on the positional relationship between an NPC object P and an avatar A1 in the virtual space VS. For example, as shown in (A) of FIG. 9 , when the distance between the NPC object P and a user's avatar A1 located closest to the NPC object P is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13 may set the movement speed (movement pattern) of the NPC object P to a first speed v1. On the other hand, as shown in (B) of FIG. 9 , when the distance between the NPC object P and a user's avatar A1 located closest to the NPC object P is less than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 13 may set the movement speed (movement pattern) of the NPC object P to a second speed v2 slower than the first speed v1.

[0054] As another example, the determination unit 13 may cause the NPC object P to perform a special behavior (e.g., jumping or dancing) to attract the attention of the user (avatar A1) when the NPC object P is located within a predetermined threshold range from the user's avatar A1 that is located closest to the NPC object P.

[0055] According to the fourth example, by determining the movement pattern of the NPC object P based on the positional relationship between the NPC object P and the avatar A1, it is possible to suitably attract the attention of the user of the avatar A1 to the NPC object P. Furthermore, according to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B, it is possible to lengthen the period during which the NPC object P is present near the avatar A1 of any user (i.e., the period during which the NPC object P exerts a promotional effect on the product A), thereby suitably enhancing the sales promotion effect of the target product (product A).

[0056] The operation of the determination unit 13 is not limited to the above-described examples. In the first to third examples, the determination unit 13 determined the movement pattern (movement route R, movement area MA, etc.) of the NPC object P based on the position information of the avatar of a user with a specific first attribute (in this embodiment, a male in his twenties). However, for example, if the target product is not targeted at users with a specific attribute but is a product suitable for everyone, the determination unit 13 may determine the movement pattern (movement route R, movement area MA, etc.) of the NPC object P based on the position information of the avatars of all logged-in users. Furthermore, the determination unit 13 may be configured to execute only one of the first to fourth examples, or may be configured to execute multiple processes arbitrarily selected from the first to fourth examples. For example, the determination unit 13 may place an NPC object P (see FIG. 5) that moves according to a movement route R and an NPC object P (see FIG. 6) that moves according to a movement area MA in the same virtual space VS.

[0057] Next, an example of the operation (information processing method) of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] In step S1, the acquisition unit 12 acquires position information of a plurality of avatars corresponding to a plurality of users placed in the virtual space VS. In the present embodiment, as an example, the acquisition unit 12 acquires position distribution information indicating the position distribution of the avatars of each user who has a first attribute (here, a male in his twenties) related to the target product (product A).

[0059] In step S2, the determination unit 13 determines a movement pattern of at least one NPC object P that moves within the virtual space VS to encourage the user to purchase the target product (product A), based on the position distribution information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. For example, the determination unit 13 executes the processes of the first to fourth examples described above (see FIGS. 5 to 9).

[0060] In step S3, the providing unit 14 provides a virtual space VS in which a plurality of avatars and NPC objects P (including product objects V in this embodiment) are arranged. For example, the providing unit 14 provides, to each of the user terminals 20 of a plurality of users currently logged in to the virtual space VS, an image of the virtual space as seen from the virtual viewpoint of each user (for example, the viewpoint of an avatar corresponding to each user).

[0061] The information processing device 10 and information processing method described above make it possible to move NPC objects P for promoting purchases according to movement patterns corresponding to the positional distribution of users' avatars within the virtual space VS. In other words, the sales promotion effect of the NPC objects P can be suitably enhanced based on the positional distribution of avatars within the virtual space VS. As a result, it is possible to promote product purchasing behavior by users within the virtual space VS.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the virtual space VS is configured as an interior space of a virtual store, but the virtual space VS may include spaces other than the above (for example, an exterior space of the virtual store). In this case, the NPC object P described above may be placed in the exterior space of the virtual store within the virtual space VS.

[0063] [Note] The present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0064] [1] An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires location information regarding the locations of multiple avatars corresponding to each of multiple users placed in a virtual space; a determination unit that determines a movement pattern of at least one virtual object that moves in the virtual space based on the location information of the multiple avatars to encourage users to purchase a predetermined target product; and a provision unit that provides the virtual space in which the multiple avatars and the virtual objects are placed.

[0065] [2] The information processing device of [1], wherein the determination unit determines a movement path of the virtual object as the movement pattern.

[0066] [3] The information processing device of [2], wherein the acquisition unit acquires location distribution information indicating the location distribution of avatars of each user who has a first attribute related to the target product based on location information of the multiple avatars, and the determination unit sets a high-density area of ​​users who have the first attribute based on the location distribution information and predetermined criteria, and determines a route that passes through the high-density area as the movement route of the virtual object.

[0067] [4] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the determination unit determines, as the movement pattern, a movement area that is part of the virtual space and in which the virtual object can move.

[0068] [5] The information processing device of [4], wherein the acquisition unit acquires location distribution information indicating the location distribution of avatars of each user who has a first attribute related to the target product based on location information of the multiple avatars, and the determination unit sets a high-density area of ​​users who have the first attribute based on the location distribution information and predetermined criteria, and determines an area including the high-density area as the movement area of ​​the virtual object.

[0069] [6] The information processing device of [4] or [5], wherein the determination unit determines the size of the movement area based on the popularity of the target product.

[0070] [7] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the determination unit determines the number of virtual objects to be placed in the virtual space based on position information of the multiple avatars.

[0071] [8] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the determination unit determines the movement pattern of the virtual object based on a positional relationship between the virtual object and the avatar in the virtual space.

[0072] [9] An information processing method including: a step of acquiring location information regarding the locations of a plurality of avatars corresponding to each of a plurality of users placed in a virtual space; a step of determining, based on the location information of the plurality of avatars, a movement pattern of at least one virtual object configured to be movable within the virtual space in order to encourage users to purchase a predetermined target product; and a step of providing the virtual space in which the plurality of avatars and the virtual objects are placed.

[0073] [Definition of Terms, etc.] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of 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., using wires, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or the multiple devices.

[0074] Functions include, but are not limited to, judging, determining, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, verifying, receiving, transmitting, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, expecting, anticipating, regarding, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assigning.

[0075] For example, the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the information processing method of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing 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.

[0076] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in FIG. 11 , or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0077] Each function of the information processing 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.

[0078] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system, and may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc.

[0079] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program code), 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 the programs. 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 functional unit of the information processing device 10 (e.g., the determination unit 13, etc.) may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be used for other functional blocks. 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.

[0080] 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 implementing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] 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 above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] The information processing 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.

[0086] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described in this specification. The present embodiment can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present embodiment.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The names used for the parameters described above are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical formulas and the like that use these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and the various names assigned to these various information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0096] 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."

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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."

[0101] 10...information processing device, 11...storage unit, 12...acquisition unit, 13...determination unit, 14...provision unit, 15...processing unit, 20...user terminal, A1...avatar, HD, HDa, HDb...high density area, MA, MAa, MAb...movement area, P, Pa, Pb...NPC object (virtual object), R, Ra, Rb...movement path, V...product object.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires position information regarding the positions of a plurality of avatars corresponding to each of a plurality of users arranged in a virtual space; a determination unit that determines a movement pattern of at least one virtual object that moves within the virtual space in order to prompt a user to purchase a predetermined target product based on the position information of the plurality of avatars; and a provision unit that provides the virtual space in which the plurality of avatars and the virtual object are arranged.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the movement route of the virtual object as the movement pattern.

3. The acquisition unit acquires position distribution information indicating the position distribution of the avatars of each user having a first attribute related to the target product based on the position information of the plurality of avatars; the determination unit sets a high-density area of users having the first attribute based on the position distribution information and a predetermined criterion, and determines a route passing through the high-density area as the movement route of the virtual object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines, as the movement pattern, a movement area that is a part of the virtual space and in which the virtual object can move.

5. The acquisition unit acquires position distribution information indicating the position distribution of the avatars of each user having a first attribute related to the target product based on the position information of the plurality of avatars; the determination unit sets a high-density area of users having the first attribute based on the position distribution information and a predetermined criterion, and determines an area including the high-density area as the movement area of the virtual object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines the size of the movement area based on the popularity of the target product.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the number of virtual objects arranged in the virtual space based on the position information of the plurality of avatars.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the movement pattern of the virtual object based on the positional relationship between the virtual object and the avatar in the virtual space.

9. A step of acquiring position information regarding the positions of a plurality of avatars corresponding to each of a plurality of users arranged in a virtual space; a step of determining a movement pattern of at least one virtual object configured to be movable within the virtual space in order to prompt a user to purchase a predetermined target product based on the position information of the plurality of avatars; and a step of providing the virtual space in which the plurality of avatars and the virtual object are arranged. An information processing method including these steps.

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