Device and method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a device and method capable of improving the user experience (UX) of determining a payment method available in a virtual space.　A virtual space providing server 100 according to the present disclosure comprises: a virtual space information processing unit 101 functioning as a providing unit that provides a virtual space including a virtual store to a user terminal 200 of a user; and a payment method determination unit that determines a payment method for purchasing a product or service in the virtual store in accordance with an action of a user's avatar in the virtual space. For example, the payment method is determined by having the avatar pass through a payment method determination gate as the action.

Description

Apparatus and method

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a virtual space.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the selection of payment methods that can be used in a virtual space.

[0003] JP 2023-29950 A

[0004] In a virtual space, a user can move around using an avatar, so if the payment method can also be determined by the movement of the avatar, the user can make an intuitive choice.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method that can improve the UX (User eXperience) when deciding on a payment method that can be used in a virtual space.

[0006] The device of the present invention comprises a providing unit that provides a virtual space including a virtual store to a user's user terminal, and a determining unit that determines a payment method for purchasing goods or services at the virtual store based on the actions of the user's avatar in the virtual space.

[0007] According to the present invention, UX can be improved when determining a payment method in a virtual space.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration including a virtual space provision server 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating specific examples of databases for each piece of information. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating payment method determination gates P and Q and virtual stores X and Y located in a virtual space for determining a payment method. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating determining a payment method before purchasing a product or the like. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the movement of avatar A after determining a payment method. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating avatar A moving to virtual store X and purchasing a product. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating avatar A going to virtual store X and attempting to purchase a product or the like before passing through the payment method determination gate. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the selection of a payment method determination gate after purchasing a product. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display of character C after purchasing a product. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a payment method determination gate R when no payment methods are available to the user. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a virtual space provision server 100 capable of performing the display processing and payment processing according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the virtual space provision server 100 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the control processing in the payment method selection area in process S103 of Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the control in the payment method selection area after shopping. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a virtual space providing server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[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] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including a virtual space provision server 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in the diagram, the virtual space provision server 100 communicates with a payment management server 300 and a user information DB 400 via a network NW.

[0011] The virtual space providing server 100 provides a virtual space to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 displays the provided virtual space to the user, allowing the user to experience the virtual space. Note that in this disclosure, virtual space includes AR (Augmented Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality).

[0012] The payment management server 300 is a server that manages payment information in the virtual space of the user of the user terminal 200. For example, the payment management server 300 stores payment information including information on the credit card used by the user in the virtual space (such as bonus information, point rate, etc.) and the payment amount. The payment information may also be information on a payment method other than a credit card. For example, it may be payment information using a two-dimensional barcode. Furthermore, it may not be limited to payment information in the virtual space but may also include payment information in the real world. In the present disclosure, the payment management server 300 may be provided for each business (such as a credit card company) that provides a payment method, or may be a server that integrates and manages the service content of each business.

[0013] The user information DB 400 is a database that stores user information. User information is information that associates a user ID with available payment methods. The user ID is user identification information. Available payment methods indicate the payment methods registered by the user. For example, the available payment methods are information for identifying payment methods such as credit cards, contactless IC cards, and two-dimensional barcode payments.

[0014] 2A is a diagram showing a specific example of user information stored in the user information DB 400. As shown in the diagram, user IDs are associated with available payment methods.

[0015] FIG. 2B shows information that associates payment methods available in a virtual store, which is stored in the virtual space information DB 102 described below.

[0016] FIG. 2( c ) shows a database that stores benefit information for each payment method stored in the payment management server 300 .

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing payment method determination gates P and Q for determining payment methods and virtual stores X and Y located in the virtual space.

[0018] A user's avatar A can move through the virtual space, visiting payment method determination gates P and Q and virtual stores X and Y to shop for products and make payments. For example, before purchasing a product at virtual store X, avatar A can move to payment method determination gate P to determine a payment method. Then, by moving to virtual store X and making a purchase, avatar A can pay using the determined payment method. These payment method determination gates P and Q may be set for each virtual store or each virtual space (or berth). In the present disclosure, there are multiple types of payment method determination gates in the virtual space, but at least one is sufficient. Furthermore, these payment method determination gates are used by operators (e.g., the operator of a virtual shop) to determine acceptable payment methods. Naturally, there are no gates indicating payment methods that cannot be accepted due to a lack of a contract. These payment method determination gates are contracted with the operator of the virtual space (or virtual store) and are prepared in advance by the operator based on the payment methods available (contracted) to each user.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how to determine a payment method before purchasing a product or the like. As shown in the figure, when avatar A arrives at the payment method selection area S, payment method determination gates P and Q are displayed to determine the payment methods available to the user of avatar A. Avatar A can then select one of them. At each of the payment method determination gates P and Q, information about the points awarded when purchasing a product or the like using that payment method is presented to avatar A (the user). In this disclosure, a speech bubble F containing the awarded points is attached to the payment method determination gates P and Q. Avatar A can determine the payment method by passing through either of the payment method determination gates P and Q.

[0020] 5A and 5B show the movement of avatar A after the payment method has been determined. In Fig. 5A, avatar A moves to a payment method determination gate P. Avatar A may pass through the gate, or the payment method may be determined when avatar A arrives there.

[0021] In Fig. 5(b), avatar A has a mark M attached to it, indicating that payment method P has been selected. This mark M allows the user operating avatar A to always know which payment method has been selected, and can move to virtual store X or Y to make a purchase.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating avatar A moving to virtual store X to purchase a product. FIG. 6( a) shows virtual store X to which avatar A has moved with payment option P selected. As shown in FIG. 5, avatar A selected payment method selection gate P, and thus a mark M indicating payment by payment option P is attached. In this figure, a speech bubble F (or a balloon) indicates the percentage of points to be awarded (potential points to be awarded) and the points to be awarded upon purchasing the displayed products. Because no products have been selected at this point, speech bubble F may indicate the points to be awarded upon purchasing, for example, 10,000 yen worth of products. The product may be selected by the avatar's hand operation or by an action toward the displayed object (product), such as a throwing gesture or shooting. Furthermore, if the payment method has already been determined, the purchase payment may be completed with that. The size of the products presented here may change depending on the points awarded. For example, the more points awarded, the larger the product appears.

[0023] 6(b) and 6(c) show avatar A purchasing products α and β by selecting them in the virtual space. 6(b) shows avatar A selecting products α and β, and 6(c) shows avatar A acquiring products α and β. Once products α and β are acquired, payment is made using payment P.

[0024] Next, we will explain the outline of the process for determining a payment method when the timing for determining the payment method is after purchasing a product. Figure 7 shows avatar A going to virtual store X before passing through the payment method determination gate and attempting to purchase a product. As shown in Figure 7(a), virtual store x has products α and β, and as shown in Figure 7(b), avatar A purchases products α and β. As shown in the figure, avatar A has not yet decided on a payment method, so payment P is not marked.

[0025] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the process of selecting a payment method selection gate after purchasing a product. As shown in the figure, avatar A purchases a product or receives a service at store X, and then heads from virtual store X to one of payment method selection gates P or Q. Here, the payment method selection gate P etc. displays the point rate and the points awarded when purchasing products α and β.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 9 , avatar A passes through either one of the payment method determination gates P or Q to pay the fee (settlement) using the payment method associated with the gate passed through. For example, in FIG. 9 , by passing through the payment method determination gate P, the payment method P associated with the payment method determination gate P can be determined and payment processing can be performed. Note that in FIG. 9 , avatar A determines the payment method and performs payment processing by passing through the payment method determination gate P, but this is not limited to this. If the payment method determination gate is a pin, or if it is a shooting patrol, avatar A may determine the payment method and complete the purchase payment by making an action such as throwing a hoop or shooting. The size of the display object used to determine the payment method (payment method determination gate P in FIG. 9 ) may change depending on the awarded points.

[0027] In FIG. 9, when payment P is determined and payment processing is performed, a character C is displayed according to the payment amount or the points awarded. The virtual space information processing unit 101 performs image processing on this character C so that the larger the payment amount or the points awarded, the larger the character C is displayed. The number of characters C may also be increased according to the payment amount or the points awarded. In addition to images, a specific sound may also be played. The specific sound may motivate the user to use the payment method. Furthermore, when other avatars (other users) hear the sound, it may also serve as advertising for the payment method.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a payment method selection gate R when no payment methods are available to the user. As shown in the figure, the user of avatar A can use payment methods P and Q, but may not be able to use payment method R. For example, the user may not have a service contract with payment method R, but payment method R is available in the virtual space. In this case, the display of payment method selection gate R is controlled so that it is not visible to avatar A. In FIG. 10, the payment method selection gate R is represented by a dotted line to indicate that it is not visible to avatar A. Note that the display of payment method selection gate R is controlled so that it is visible to other avatars (other users) who can use payment method R.

[0029] In the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 10, a payment method determination gate and a virtual store are displayed so that avatar A can make an appropriate selection, and payment processing can also be performed.

[0030] 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a virtual space provision server 100 capable of performing the display processing and payment processing. As shown in the figure, the virtual space provision server 100 includes a virtual space information processing unit 101, a virtual space information DB 102, a payment method determination unit 103, a points processing unit 104, and a product management unit 105.

[0031] The virtual space information processing unit 101 is a unit that executes processing for providing a virtual space to the user terminal 200. For example, it provides the user terminal 200 with objects such as an avatar corresponding to the user, a virtual store, a payment method determination gate, and objects such as a streetscape of the virtual space. The virtual space information processing unit 101 not only provides the virtual space to the user terminal 200, but also receives operation information from the user terminal 200 and executes processing accordingly.

[0032] The virtual space information DB 102 is a part that stores objects to be processed by the virtual space information processing unit 101. The virtual space information DB 102 stores information such as character data (image data) of avatars, NPCs, etc., image data of virtual stores, image data of payment method determination gates, etc.

[0033] The payment method determination unit 103 is a part that determines the payment method determination gate provided in the virtual space. This determination is made by the avatar selecting a payment method determination gate P. The selection can be determined by the virtual space information processing unit 101 based on the avatar's position information in the virtual space.

[0034] The payment method determination unit 103 is a part that performs payment processing using the payment method corresponding to the selected payment method determination gate. Specifically, the payment method determination unit 103 requests the payment management server 300 to perform payment processing and processes the payment result.

[0035] The point processing unit 104 accesses the payment management server 300 to acquire benefit information (such as the point award rate) for the payment methods available to the user. The virtual space information processing unit 101 reflects this benefit information in the virtual space.

[0036] The product management unit 105 is a unit that stores products selected in the virtual store. In other words, in the present disclosure, when a product is purchased (selected) before a payment method is determined, the product management unit 105 stores (stores) the selected product before payment in the shopping cart and manages it.

[0037] Next, the operation of the virtual space provision server 100 configured as above will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the virtual space provision server 100 of the present disclosure. This process shows the first pattern of operation when avatar A selects a payment method before purchasing a product and then purchases the product.

[0038] The virtual space information processing unit 101 provides the user terminal 200 with a virtual space (including avatars, virtual stores, and payment method selection gates) (S101). The virtual space information processing unit 101 then controls the display of an area related to payment methods according to the position of the avatar (S102). For example, the virtual space information processing unit 101 transmits virtual space information (including the avatars and other elements contained therein) to the user terminal 200 to display a payment method selection area on the user terminal 200 according to the position of the avatar in the virtual space.

[0039] The virtual space information processing unit 101 also controls the payment method selection area (S103). For example, when the virtual space information processing unit 101 determines that an avatar is present in the payment method selection area in the virtual space, it references the user information DB 400 and displays a payment method selection gate in the payment method selection area corresponding to the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the virtual space information processing unit 101 displays payment method selection gates P and Q in the payment method area. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, payment method selection gate R corresponding to a payment method that the user cannot use is not displayed. In the present disclosure, the user ID is associated with payments P and Q as user information, but payment R is not associated.

[0040] When multiple payment method determination gates are presented, the payment method determination unit 103 determines the selected payment method when the avatar moves to one of the payment method determination gates (S104, see FIG. 5). Note that there may be cases where only one payment method gate is presented, but even in that case, one payment method is determined by the movement of the avatar.

[0041] Thereafter, the avatar moves to the virtual store and makes a purchase, whereupon payment processing is carried out using the determined payment method.

[0042] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the control process in the payment method selection area in process S103 of Fig. 12. As shown in the figure, when the virtual space information processing unit 101 recognizes that the avatar is in the payment method selection area (S201), the payment method determination unit 103 refers to the user information DB 400 and acquires payment methods available to the user from the user information DB 400 based on the user ID (S202).

[0043] The point processing unit 104 then refers to the payment management server 300 to obtain benefit information (such as point rates) for each payment method available to the user (S203). The point processing unit 104 then calculates points for each payment method based on the purchase amount of the product (S304). For example, the point processing unit 104 calculates the number of points to be awarded for a purchase amount of 10,000 yen.

[0044] The virtual space information processing unit 101 presents in the virtual space a payment method determination gate for determining the payment methods that the user can use, and also processes the display of the bonus information and the points awarded in association with the payment method determination gate. That is, the virtual space information processing unit 101 transmits virtual space information including the payment method determination gate, bonus information, and points awarded to the user terminal 200, and the user terminal 200 displays the information (S205).

[0045] In this way, avatar A can make intuitive selections using mechanisms unique to virtual spaces, thereby improving UX in the virtual space.

[0046] Alternatively, the payment method can be determined after shopping and payment processing can be performed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for determining a payment method after shopping and processing the payment. As shown in the figure, the virtual space information processing unit 101 generates a virtual space and provides it to the user terminal 200 (S301). When an avatar makes a purchase in a virtual store in accordance with a user operation, the product management unit 105 stores the purchased products. The virtual space information processing unit 101 then accepts the purchase operation and also accepts the movement of the avatar (S302). That is, when the avatar finishes shopping, it moves to the payment method selection area in accordance with the user operation.

[0047] When the virtual space information processing unit 101 moves to the payment method selection area, it displays the payment method selection area (S303). The virtual space information processing unit 101 performs control in the payment method selection area (S304). As will be described later, this area presents the payment methods available to the user, as well as information about benefits that can be obtained by using those methods.

[0048] The virtual space information processing unit 101 accepts the movement of the avatar through a user operation, moves the avatar to a payment method determination gate corresponding to the operation, and the payment method determination unit 103 performs the payment process (S305). In this case, the avatar has already placed the product in the shopping cart for purchase, and by passing through the payment method determination gate, the payment process can be performed.

[0049] 15 is a flowchart showing the control in the payment method selection area after shopping, which shows the details of step S304.

[0050] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the control process in the payment method selection area in process S304 of Fig. 14. As shown in the figure, when the virtual space information processing unit 101 recognizes that the avatar is in the payment method selection area (S401), the payment method determination unit 103 refers to the user information DB 400 and acquires payment methods available to the user from the user information DB 400 based on the user ID (S402).

[0051] The point processing unit 104 then refers to the payment management server 300 to obtain benefit information (such as point rates) for each payment method available to the user (S403).The point processing unit 104 then calculates points for each payment method based on the prices of the items in the shopping cart (S404).

[0052] The virtual space information processing unit 101 presents a payment method selection gate in the virtual space for the user to select available payment methods, and also performs processing to present bonus information and awarded points in association with the payment method selection gate. That is, the virtual space information processing unit 101 transmits virtual space information including the payment method selection gate, bonus information, and awarded points to the user terminal 200, and the user terminal 200 displays the information (S405, see FIG. 8).

[0053] When the avatar passes through the payment method selection gate, the payment method is selected and the payment process is completed. This process can be realized by intuitive operations that are unique to using a virtual store in a virtual space.

[0054] Next, we will explain the effects of the virtual space provision server 100 of the present disclosure. The virtual space provision server 100 of the present disclosure includes a virtual space information processing unit 101 that functions as a provider that provides a virtual space including a virtual store to the user terminal 200 of the user, and a payment method determination unit 103 that determines a payment method for purchasing goods or services at the virtual store based on the actions of the user's avatar in the virtual space.

[0055] This allows users to decide on a payment method (such as a credit card) based on the actions of an avatar in a virtual space, improving UX (User eXeperience) through intuitive operations in the virtual space. In other words, it improves the operability of users in deciding on a payment method. It also makes it possible to complete the payment process when purchasing a product without transitioning to the purchase screen.

[0056] In the present disclosure, the virtual space information processing unit 101 presents a predetermined shape in the virtual space as a decision position for the payment method. The decision position is the position indicated by the payment method decision gate. The predetermined shape is a virtual object visualized in the virtual space by the user, such as the payment method decision gate. This payment method decision gate may be a virtual object that is visible only to the user attempting to select it, or may be a virtual object that is visible to third parties other than the user. By making it visible to third parties, the existence of the payment method can be advertised to other users.

[0057] The "action" in this disclosure refers to the avatar moving to a determined position, which is the display position of a payment method determination gate. Note that the action may be moving to that position or passing through the gate.

[0058] Furthermore, when the "action" is a pin placed at a position that determines the payment method, the avatar performs a decision action (for example, a gesture of throwing a ring or shooting) on ​​the pin.

[0059] In the present disclosure, after determining the payment method, the payment method determination unit 103 performs operations for payment processing when the avatar (user) selects a product in the virtual store. Typically, the virtual space providing server 100 does not have a payment function, so the payment method determination unit 103 requests payment processing by accessing the payment management server 300, but the server may also have a payment processing function.

[0060] In the present disclosure, when a payment method is determined, the virtual space information processing unit 101 performs processing to change the display form of an avatar in the virtual space. For example, a character may be added to the avatar, or the display form of the avatar itself may be changed (such as changing the color or size). In the above disclosure, the addition of a payment mark M indicates that the payment method has been determined.

[0061] This allows the user to understand that they have decided on a payment method. Therefore, since the user has already completed the preliminary confirmation, the payment process can be completed without transitioning to the purchase screen. Furthermore, after the purchase, a character corresponding to the awarded points may be displayed, which not only indicates that the payment was successful but also allows the advantageous payment method to be advertised to other users of the virtual store.

[0062] When there are multiple payment methods available to the user, the virtual space information processing unit 101 may present a payment method determination position (payment method determination gate) so that the user can determine the payment method based on a determination criterion. For example, the virtual space information processing unit 101 may use a criterion available to the user (such as whether the user has a credit card contract) as the determination criterion. Alternatively, the determination criterion may be the payment method with the highest number of points awarded, which is one of the benefit information when the user uses a payment method available to the user. Note that the determination criterion is not limited to points, and may also be other criteria such as a point rate.

[0063] The virtual space providing server 100 of the present disclosure further includes a product management unit 105 that manages products selected by users in a virtual store. For example, the product management unit 105 manages an avatar's shopping cart, which stores products selected by the avatar. When the avatar of a user who has selected a product arrives at a payment method determination position (payment method determination gate), the payment method determination unit 103 determines a payment method and performs operations for payment processing for the products in the shopping cart. As described above, the payment method determination unit 103 may perform payment processing in cooperation with the payment server 400, or the payment method determination unit 103 may perform payment processing itself.

[0064] The virtual space providing server 100 of the present disclosure further includes a points processing unit 104 that manages information about points awarded for using payment methods. The payment method determination unit 103 displays information about points in a predetermined location linked to the virtual store. For example, the number of points and point rate for purchases may be displayed to the user in the upper right corner of the virtual store. This allows the user to know how much benefit each payment method offers before making a payment.

[0065] The virtual space information processing unit 101 also presents the user with a payment method determination gate for determining payment methods available to the user. Therefore, payment methods unavailable to the user are not presented. The device and method disclosed herein have the following configuration: [1] A device comprising: a providing unit that provides a virtual space including a virtual store to a user terminal of the user; and a determining unit that determines a payment method for purchasing goods or services at the virtual store based on a movement of the user's avatar in the virtual space. [2] The device described in [1], in which the providing unit presents a visualized shape in the virtual space as a determined position of the payment method. [3] The device described in [1] or [2], in which the movement is the avatar moving to the determined position of the payment method. [4] The device described in [1] or [2], in which the movement is the avatar moving to the determined position of the payment method. [5] The device described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the providing unit performs processing to change the display form of the avatar in the virtual space when the payment method is determined. [6] The device described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the providing unit, when there are multiple payment methods available to the user, presents a determined position of the payment method so that the user can determine the payment method based on a determination criterion. [7] The device described in any one of [6], wherein the determination criterion is information regarding points earned by using the payment method. [8] The device described in any one of [1] to [4], [6], and [7], further comprising: a product management unit that manages products selected by the user in a virtual store, wherein the determination unit determines the payment method and performs operation for payment processing for the selected product using the payment method when the avatar of the user who selected the product arrives at the determined position. [9] The device described in [8], further comprising: a point processing unit that manages information regarding points awarded for using the payment method, wherein the providing unit presents information regarding the points at a predetermined position linked to the virtual store.

[10] A method comprising: a providing step of providing a virtual space including a virtual store; and a determining step of determining a payment method for the user to purchase goods or services at the virtual store according to a position of the user's avatar in the virtual space.

[0066] 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 connected directly or indirectly (e.g., via wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

[0067] 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.

[0068] For example, the virtual space providing server 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the virtual space providing method of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the virtual space providing server 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned virtual space providing server 100 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.

[0069] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the virtual space provision server 100 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0070] Each function of the virtual space provision server 100 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.

[0071] 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, the above-mentioned virtual space information processing unit 101, payment method determination unit 103, point processing unit 104, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0072] 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 these 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, the virtual space information processing unit 101, the payment method determination unit 103, and the point processing unit 104 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 a single 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.

[0073] 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 referred to as 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 a virtual space providing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 1004 may include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, part of the virtual space information processing unit 101 described above may be realized by the communication device 1004. The communication device 1004 may be implemented with a transmitter and a receiver that are physically or logically separated.

[0076] 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. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0077] 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.

[0078] The virtual space providing server 100 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.

[0079] The notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in the present disclosure and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI) and Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB))), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 sent to another device.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Note that terms described in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present 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. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0090] The names used for the above-described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical expressions using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0091] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0092] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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."

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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."

[0100] 100...Virtual space providing server, 101...Virtual space information processing unit, 102...Virtual space information DB, 103...Payment method determination unit, 104...Point processing unit, 105...Product management unit, 200...User terminal, 300...Payment management server, 400...Payment server.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a provider unit that provides a virtual space including a virtual store to a user's user terminal; and a decision unit that determines a payment method for purchasing goods or services at the virtual store based on the actions of the user's avatar in the virtual space.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit presents a visualized shape in the virtual space as the determined position of the payment method.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the action is that the avatar moves to a determined position of the payment means.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the action is for the avatar to perform a determined action on a determined location of the payment instrument.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit performs processing to change the display form of the avatar in the virtual space when the payment method is determined.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit, when there are multiple payment methods available to the user, presents a determination location of the payment method so that the user can determine the payment method based on a determination criterion.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the decision criterion is information regarding points that can be obtained by using the payment method.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a product management unit that manages products selected by the user in the virtual store, wherein the determination unit, when an avatar of the user who selected the product arrives at a determined position, determines the payment method and performs an operation for payment processing for the selected product using the payment method.

9. The device described in claim 8, further comprising a point processing unit that manages information regarding points awarded for using the payment means, and the providing unit presents information regarding the points at a predetermined location linked to the virtual store.

10. A method comprising: a providing step of providing a virtual space including a virtual store; and a determining step of determining a payment method for the user to purchase goods or services at the virtual store based on the position of the user's avatar in the virtual space.

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