Virtual space control system and method for controlling virtual space

Abstract

This virtual space control system 1 generates, in a virtual office, a virtual talk area for communicating about shared information presented to a plurality of users using avatars in the virtual office, and sets access information to the virtual talk area in the vicinity of the avatars present around a telop display range in which the shared information is presented.

Description

Virtual Space Control System and Virtual Space Control Method

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

[0002] In a virtual space such as a virtual office, a user can communicate using an avatar. There is a known technique that enables conversation with users of other avatars existing around one's own avatar through communication via the avatar in the virtual space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses moving the avatar of a user who is a candidate for a video call in a virtual space to conduct a video call.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-147694

[0004] When in a state of using a virtual space and wanting to casually have a conversation-like chat about interesting information such as news topics and in-house information, it is difficult to search for other users who are interested in the same information. Furthermore, even if such a user can be found, operations such as grasping the position of the avatar of that user and moving one's own avatar are required.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable easy communication in a virtual space.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a virtual space control system according to the present disclosure is a virtual space control system that causes a display unit of an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein a control unit included in the virtual space control system generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communicating about information presented to a plurality of users using avatars in the virtual space, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars existing around the range where the information is presented.

[0007] The virtual space control system relating to this disclosure is a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the control unit of the virtual space control system detects information of interest to multiple users using avatars in the virtual space, generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communication about the detected information, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user who is interested in the information.

[0008] The virtual space control system relating to this disclosure is a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays an avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the control unit of the virtual space control system detects information of interest to the user using the avatar in the virtual space, determines whether there is a virtual conversation area for communicating about the detected information, and if it is determined that there is a virtual conversation area corresponding to the detected information, sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user.

[0009] The virtual space control method relating to this disclosure is a virtual space control method executed by a virtual space control system that causes a virtual space to be displayed on the display unit of an information terminal device and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the virtual space control system generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communicating about information to be presented to multiple users using the avatar in the virtual space, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near an avatar that is located in a position where the presented information can be viewed.

[0010] The virtual space control method relating to this disclosure is a virtual space control method performed by a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the virtual space control system detects information of interest to multiple users using avatars in the virtual space, generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communication about the detected information, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user who is interested in the information.

[0011] The virtual space control method relating to this disclosure is a virtual space control method performed by a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space and displays an avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the virtual space control system detects information of interest to the user using the avatar in the virtual space, determines whether there is a virtual conversation area for communicating about the detected information, and if a virtual conversation area corresponding to the detected information exists, sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user.

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to facilitate communication in a virtual space.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a virtual space control system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram showing another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram showing another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a virtual space control method according to the first embodiment. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a virtual space control method according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Embodiments of the virtual space control system and virtual space control method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0015] [First Embodiment] (Virtual Space Control System) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space control system according to the first embodiment. The virtual space control system 1 controls a virtual office configured in a virtual space. In the following embodiments, a virtual office will be used as an example for explanation, but it is not limited to a virtual office and can be applied to various services that use avatars for communication in a virtual space.

[0016] This section describes the overview of the virtual office controlled by the virtual space control system 1. Users log in to the virtual office using their own account via an information terminal device to perform their duties. In the virtual office, an avatar is assigned to each user. When a user logs into the virtual office using the information terminal device 10 (described later), the system prompts the user to move their avatar to any seat in the virtual office, or a predetermined seat, and sit down. Users can move their avatar around the virtual office. In the virtual office, for example, if avatars are close to each other in the virtual office, or if avatars are located in the same space, such as a conference room within the virtual office, they can share information by hearing each other's voices and other sounds.

[0017] The virtual space control system 1 comprises an information terminal device 10 used by each user for their work, and a server device 30.

[0018] (Information Terminal Device) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information terminal device according to the first embodiment. The information terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by users who perform work in the virtual office. The information terminal device 10 is a terminal device on which users run applications in the virtual office. The information terminal device 10 is a terminal device on which users log in to the virtual office with their own account when logging into the virtual office.

[0019] The information terminal device 10 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet device. The information terminal device 10 is connected to the server device 30 via a network, enabling data communication.

[0020] The information terminal device 10 acquires account user information for the information terminal device 10 based on the account information of the person logged into the information terminal device 10.

[0021] The information terminal device 10 includes a camera 11, a microphone 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 17, an audio output unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a terminal control device 20.

[0022] Camera 11 captures images in the direction facing the information terminal device 10. Camera 11 is positioned to capture images in the direction facing the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. In other words, camera 11 captures images in the direction where the person using the information terminal device 10 is located. Camera 11 is positioned, for example, around the display unit 17. Camera 11 outputs the captured image to the image acquisition unit 21 of the terminal control device 20.

[0023] The microphone 12 picks up sounds from the vicinity of the information terminal device 10. The microphone 12 may also pick up sounds coming from the direction opposite to the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10, and may be provided on a headset connected to the information terminal device 10. In other words, the microphone 12 picks up the voice spoken by the person using the information terminal device 10 and the surrounding sounds. The microphone 12 outputs audio information related to the picked-up voice to the audio acquisition unit 22 of the terminal control device 20.

[0024] The operation unit 13 is an input device capable of inputting various operations to the information terminal device 10. The operation unit 13 outputs an operation signal to the terminal control device 20 corresponding to the input operation it receives. The operation unit 13 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel arranged on top of the display unit 17, buttons, switches, etc. The operation unit 13 can accept, for example, key input operations, click operations, or touch operations.

[0025] The operation unit 13 can accept operations such as moving the avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual office in any direction on the display screen of the display unit 17. For example, the operation unit 13 can accept operations such as overlapping or placing the user's own avatar in the virtual office next to another avatar on the display screen of the display unit 17.

[0026] By overlapping or placing one's own avatar next to another's, users can initiate video or audio calls within the virtual office application. Whether to use video or audio calls may be pre-configured or determined by the user.

[0027] The display unit 17 displays various types of images, including text and images. The display unit 17 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display unit 17 displays the image of the virtual office. In this embodiment, when a video call becomes possible, the display unit 17 outputs the image of the other avatar user making the video call, in other words, the image captured by the camera 11 of the information terminal device 10 used by the other avatar user. The display of the display unit 17 is controlled by the display control unit 27.

[0028] The audio output unit 18 is an audio output device that outputs audio from the virtual office. In this embodiment, when using the virtual office, the audio output unit 18 outputs the audio surrounding the user's avatar. Furthermore, when voice or video calls become available, the audio output unit 18 outputs the audio of the other avatar user making the voice or video call, in other words, the audio picked up by the microphone 12 of the information terminal device 10 used by the other avatar user. The audio output of the audio output unit 18 is controlled by the audio output control unit 28.

[0029] The communication unit 19 is a communication unit for wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 19 communicates using communication methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or mobile phone lines, and is connected to an intranet or the internet. The communication unit 19 is controlled by the communication control unit 29. The communication unit 19 communicates data such as video and audio with the server device 30. The communication unit 19 also communicates data such as account user information and application operating status information of the information terminal device 10 with the server device 30.

[0030] (Terminal Control Device) The terminal control device 20 controls each part of the information terminal device 10. The terminal control device 20 includes, for example, a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The terminal control device 20 executes a program that controls the operation of the information terminal device 10 according to this disclosure. The terminal control device 20 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The terminal control device 20 loads the stored program into memory and executes the instructions contained in the program. The terminal control device 20 includes internal memory such as the RAM mentioned above, and the internal memory is used for temporary storage of data in the terminal control device 20. The terminal control device 20 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] The terminal control device 20 includes, as functional blocks realized by circuits and executed programs, a video acquisition unit 21, an audio acquisition unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, an application control unit 24, a storage unit 26, a display control unit 27, an audio output control unit 28, and a communication control unit 29.

[0032] The video acquisition unit 21 acquires the video captured by the camera 11. More specifically, the video acquisition unit 21 acquires the video captured by the camera 11, which includes images of a person facing the information terminal device 10. The video data acquired by the camera 11 is a moving image.

[0033] The voice acquisition unit 22 acquires the sound detected by the microphone 12. The voice acquisition unit 22 acquires sounds such as the voices of people speaking in the vicinity of the information terminal device 10.

[0034] The operation reception unit 23 acquires an operation signal from the operation unit 13 in accordance with the operation performed on the operation unit 13. The operation reception unit 23 outputs a control signal corresponding to the acquired operation signal to each unit.

[0035] The operation reception unit 23 receives operations on the display screen of the display unit 17. For example, the operation reception unit 23 receives operations to move the user's avatar in the virtual office on the display screen of the display unit 17. For example, the operation reception unit 23 receives operations to overlap or place the user's avatar in the virtual office next to another avatar on the display screen of the display unit 17.

[0036] The application control unit 24 controls the operation of various applications running on the information terminal device 10. The applications running on the application control unit 24 may be controlled in cooperation with the application control unit 42 of the server device 30, which will be described later.

[0037] The application control unit 24 causes the display unit 17 to display information related to the application running on the information terminal device 10, via the display control unit 27, which will be described later. Application-related displays include windows, icons, etc., that show information related to the application to the user of the information terminal device 10.

[0038] When a user of the information terminal device 10 is logged into the virtual office, the application control unit 24 makes the virtual office, which is running in the application control unit 42 of the server device 30, available to the information terminal device 10.

[0039] When a virtual office application is running on the information terminal device 10, the application control unit 24 performs information sharing using the display control unit 27 and the audio output control unit 28 based on the information sharing range set around the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10. Furthermore, when a virtual office application is running on the information terminal device 10 and a video call is started with an avatar corresponding to another user, the application control unit 24 performs the video call using the display control unit 27 and the audio output control unit 28.

[0040] The application control unit 24 grasps the location and information sharing range of each avatar in the virtual office and detects whether another avatar has entered the information sharing range of any of the avatars, or whether there is a high probability that another avatar will enter it.

[0041] The memory unit 26 stores information such as the calculation contents and programs of the terminal control device 20. The memory unit 26 is composed of, for example, RAM, a main memory such as ROM, an SSD, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and other storage devices.

[0042] The memory unit 26 stores programs and configuration information related to applications used in the information terminal device 10, such as virtual office applications.

[0043] This section describes the information sharing range and information sharing that are set for avatars in a virtual office. In a virtual office, an information sharing range is set around each avatar. The information sharing range is the range in which information can be shared with users of other avatars, and it is the range in which information can be shared among multiple users that are mutually included in the information sharing range. One example of information sharing within the information sharing range is the sharing of voices. In other words, the information sharing range is the range in which the voices of users of other avatars can be heard by users of other avatars. Also, the information sharing range is the range in which users of other avatars can hear the voices of users of other avatars. The information that can be shared within the information sharing range is not limited to voice, but also includes other information such as video and text. In this embodiment, the information sharing range will be described as an example of sharing voices.

[0044] For example, when the second avatar enters the information sharing range of the first avatar, the second user of the second avatar can hear the voice of the first user of the first avatar. Also, when the second avatar enters the information sharing range of the first avatar and the first avatar enters the information sharing range of the second avatar, two-way voice sharing is performed, so that they can mutually sense each other's presence and conversations and the like become possible without any special operations. Therefore, the information sharing range can also be referred to as the voice sharing range. Specifically, when the first avatar and the second avatar are mutually included in the information sharing range, the voice acquired by the voice acquisition unit 22 of the information terminal device 10 used by the first user of the first avatar can be heard by the information terminal device 10 used by the second user, and the voice acquired by the voice acquisition unit 22 of the information terminal device 10 used by the second user of the second avatar can be heard by the information terminal device 10 used by the first user.

[0045] It is also possible to set a space that enables information sharing among all avatars existing in a specific range, such as a conference room set in the virtual office or a virtual conversation area described later. Outside the space set in this way, an information sharing range is set for each avatar.

[0046] The information sharing range for each avatar is set with an initial size and shape at the start of using the virtual office. The information sharing range for each avatar may be changed in size and shape by user operations.

[0047] The display control unit 27 controls the display of various videos on the display unit 17. The display control unit 27 controls the display of the video of the virtual office on the display unit 17. In this embodiment, when the information to be shared includes videos and texts, the videos and texts are output to the display unit 17. Also, when video calls become possible, the display control unit 27 outputs the videos of the users of the avatars in the virtual office to the display unit 17.

[0048] The display control unit 27 may output information such as news provided by, for example, a virtual office application, or shared information such as in-company information (the company's settlement disclosure information) of each user logged in to the virtual office (hereinafter referred to as "notification information") to the display unit 17. The display control unit 27 may be displayed as a telop within the virtual office screen, for example. The display control unit 27 may display the latest (new) notification information.

[0049] The display control unit 27 may display notification information of the same content at the same timing on the virtual office screens of information terminal devices 10 used by other users within the same company.

[0050] The range for displaying the telop is set in advance as the telop display range.

[0051] The voice output control unit 28 controls the output of voice in the voice output unit 18. When information sharing is being performed, the voice output control unit 28 causes the voice output unit 18 to output the speech voice of other avatar users existing within the information sharing range in the virtual office. Also, when video calling becomes possible, the voice output control unit 28 causes the voice output unit 18 to output the speech voice of the user who is the video call partner.

[0052] The communication control unit 29 controls the communication unit 19 to control the transmission and reception of data such as video and audio, and the transmission and reception of operation state information of applications between the server device 30. More specifically, the communication control unit 29 controls the communication unit 19, for example, to receive the video and audio of the virtual office from the server device 30. The communication control unit 29 controls the communication unit 19, for example, to transmit to the server device 30 the video and audio of the person facing the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 acquired by the video acquisition unit 21 and the audio acquisition unit 22. The operation state information of the application is, for example, in the virtual office application, the operation of the avatar by the operation unit 13, the operation of starting and ending a video call, and the like.

[0053] (Server Device) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. The server device 30 is a server device of a company to which the users of each information terminal device 10 belong, or a server device of a business entity that provides virtual office services, and may be a general-purpose server device including a distributed type. The server device 30 constructs and controls a virtual space such as a virtual office. The server device 30 comprises a communication unit 31 and a server control device 40.

[0054] The communication unit 31 is a communication unit for wired or wireless communication. The communication unit 31 communicates using methods such as Wi-Fi or mobile phone lines, and connects to an intranet or the internet. The communication unit 31 is controlled by the communication control unit 41. The communication unit 31 communicates data such as video, audio, and application operating status information with multiple information terminal devices 10.

[0055] (Server Control Device) The server control device 40 controls each part of the server device 30. The server control device 40 includes, for example, a control device such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The server control device 40 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The server control device 40 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software. The server control device 40 executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 30 according to this disclosure.

[0056] The server control device 40 includes a communication control unit 41, an application control unit 42, and a storage unit 49 as functional blocks realized by circuits and programs.

[0057] The communication control unit 41 controls the communication unit 31 to control the transmission and reception of data, including video and audio, and the transmission and reception of application operation status information between the information terminal device 10 and the communication control unit 41. For example, the communication control unit 41 controls the communication unit 31 to receive video captured by the camera 11 and audio picked up by the microphone 12 of the information terminal device 10. For example, the communication control unit 41 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit video and audio of the virtual office to the information terminal device 10. Application operation status information includes, for example, configuration information of the virtual office application.

[0058] The application control unit 42 controls the operation of various applications running on the server device 30. For example, the application control unit 42 controls the operation of a virtual office application. For example, the application control unit 42 controls the operation of an application used for online communication.

[0059] The application control unit 42 transmits the configuration of the application running on the server device 30 to the information terminal device 10 running the application, via the communication control unit 41. Specifically, the application control unit 43 transmits information indicating the configuration of the virtual office running on the server device 30 to the information terminal device 10 logged into the virtual office.

[0060] The memory unit 49 stores, for example, the calculation contents of the server control device 40 and information such as programs. The memory unit 49 is composed of, for example, RAM, a main memory such as ROM, and a storage device such as an SSD or HDD.

[0061] The memory unit 49 stores information indicating the virtual office configured in the virtual space. For each user who logs into the virtual office, the memory unit 49 stores information indicating the avatar, the information terminal device 10 associated with the avatar, and the account user of the information terminal device 10. The memory unit 49 may also store organizational information indicating the department to which the user belongs, or job title information indicating the job title. The memory unit 49 stores information indicating the arrangement of objects that constitute the virtual office, such as the sections and virtual desks that make up the virtual office.

[0062] (Information Processing Device) An example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 50 is a conceptual device (control unit of the virtual space control system 1) realized by the cooperation of either or both of the server device 30 and the plurality of information terminal devices 10 used in the virtual office. Either the information terminal device 10 or the server device 30 may be the information processing device 50, or an information processing system comprising the information terminal device 10 and the server device 30 may be the information processing device 50. Each part of the information processing device 50 is realized by the cooperation of either or both of the terminal control device 20 and the server control device 40.

[0063] The information processing device 50 detects attention information, which is notification information of interest to multiple users using avatars in the virtual space, generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual office for communication about the detected attention information, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user who is interested in the attention information.

[0064] A virtual conversation area for communicating about detected information of interest is, for example, a virtual lounge or conversation space set up within a virtual office for casual conversation. A lounge is a room where users who are interested in the information of interest can communicate with each other. A lounge is like a lounge or break room in a real office. A conversation space is any space within the virtual office where users who are interested in the information of interest can communicate, such as sharing voice messages or chatting, limited to the virtual conversation area.

[0065] Access information refers to the information that allows an avatar to move to a virtual conversation area. For example, access information could be a link that moves an avatar to a virtual conversation area.

[0066] The information processing device 50 detects attention information that a user using an avatar in the virtual space has shown interest in, determines whether there is a virtual conversation area corresponding to the detected attention information, and if a virtual conversation area corresponding to the attention information exists, sets a link as access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 50 includes an avatar position detection unit 51, a gaze detection unit 52, an interest determination unit 55, a display control unit 58, and an audio output control unit 59.

[0068] The avatar position detection unit 51 detects the positions of the first avatar corresponding to the first user and the second avatar corresponding to the second user by detecting the positions of the avatars in the virtual office.

[0069] The avatar position detection unit 51 detects the first avatar entering the information sharing range of the second avatar in the virtual office.

[0070] The avatar position detection unit 51 detects the first avatar that has moved outside the information sharing range of the second avatar in the virtual office.

[0071] The avatar position detection unit 51 detects when the avatar moves near the ticker display area (described later) in the virtual office, and the duration of the avatar's stay near the ticker display area.

[0072] When the information processing device 50 is implemented in the information terminal device 10, the avatar position detection unit 51 only needs to detect the second user for the first user logged into the information terminal device 10. When the information processing device 50 is implemented in the server device 30, the avatar position detection unit 51 only needs to detect the second user for each user. The same applies to each part of the information processing device 50.

[0073] The gaze detection unit 52 detects the user's gaze toward the virtual office on the display screen of the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. The method of gaze detection can be any known method and is not limited to it. Based on the position of the camera 11 located near the display unit 17 and the position of the display unit 17, the gaze detection unit 52 associates the direction in which the user's gaze is directed with the display range in which the virtual office is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 17. The gaze detection unit 52 identifies the display range in which the virtual office is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 17 and detects whether the user is directing their gaze toward the display range of the virtual space.

[0074] The interest determination unit 55 determines whether multiple users using avatars in the virtual office have shown interest in the content displayed within the ticker display area. The interest determination unit 55 determines whether there is any notification information (attention information) that multiple users using avatars in the virtual office have shown interest in. More specifically, based on the gaze of multiple users using avatars detected by the gaze detection unit 52, the interest determination unit 55 detects notification information displayed at the location where multiple users' gazes are directed as attention information that multiple users have shown interest in. For example, the interest determination unit 55 detects that a user has shown interest in the content displayed within the ticker display area, and also detects that other users within the same company have shown interest in the content displayed within the ticker display area.

[0075] The interest determination unit 55 determines whether a user using an avatar in the virtual office is interested in the content displayed within the text display area. The interest determination unit 55 determines that the user is interested in the notification information if it detects that the user is paying attention to the notification information displayed in the virtual office, or if it detects that the user is paying attention to the notification information using their avatar.

[0076] An example of detecting user attention behavior is described below. The gaze detection unit 52 detects the user's gaze direction from the video feed of the camera 11 installed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 being used by the user. Based on the detected gaze direction, the interest determination unit 55 determines that the user of the avatar has shown interest in the notification information displayed as text if their gaze has been directed towards the text display area for a predetermined time, such as 10 seconds or longer.

[0077] An example of detecting gaze operations using an avatar is described below. Here, we will describe the case where the virtual office is displayed as a three-dimensional virtual office space. Assume that the text display range is set above the virtual office space. In this case, instead of the gaze detection unit 52, the avatar position detection unit 51 detects when the user operates the avatar to move it near the text display range in the virtual office space and keeps the avatar in the vicinity of the text display range for a predetermined time, such as 10 seconds or more. If the interest determination unit 55 detects that the avatar user has become interested in the notification information, it will determine that the user of the avatar has become interested in the notification information.

[0078] The interest determination unit 55 determines that a user is interested in information viewed on the information terminal device 10, or in other words, information viewed outside of the virtual office application, if it detects that the user is paying attention to that information or performing an operation that indicates attention to that information. Information that multiple users are interested in is called attention information.

[0079] An example of detecting user gaze behavior on information viewed on the information terminal device 10 will be described. The gaze detection unit 52 detects the user's gaze direction from the video feed of the camera 11 installed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 being used by the user. The interest determination unit 55 determines that the user's gaze has been directed towards the area where the WEB information is displayed (the display area of ​​the WEB information) for a predetermined time, such as 10 seconds or more, and that the avatar user has been interested in the content displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 (the information displayed in the WEB browser). The interest determination unit 55 may further add conditions, such as when the user opens a link to an article in the WEB information, displays a screen showing a specific article, and then determines that their gaze has been directed towards that screen for a predetermined time, such as 60 seconds.

[0080] Furthermore, if the interest determination unit 55 detects that multiple users using avatars within the virtual office have shown interest in the featured information, and a virtual conversation area has not yet been created, it generates a virtual conversation area within the virtual office corresponding to the featured information that multiple users have shown interest in.

[0081] The display control unit 58 causes the display units 17 of the multiple information terminal devices 10 to display images showing various types of information, such as virtual office screens.

[0082] When a video call becomes possible, the display control unit 58 ensures that images of faces and other visuals are displayed to each other on the information terminal device 10 used by the first user corresponding to the first avatar and the information terminal device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "second information terminal device 10") used by the second user who is logged into the virtual office and corresponding to the second avatar. More specifically, the display control unit 58 causes the display unit 17 of the first information terminal device 10 to output the image of the second user captured by the camera 11 of the second information terminal device 10, and causes the display unit 17 of the second information terminal device 10 to output the image of the first user captured by the camera 11 of the first information terminal device 10.

[0083] The display control unit 58 stops sharing video between the first user and the second user if the video call is stopped.

[0084] The display control unit 58, when the interest determination unit 55 detects that multiple users using avatars in the virtual office have shown interest in the featured information displayed within the ticker display area, displays a link icon to the virtual conversation area corresponding to the featured information that multiple users have shown interest in on the virtual office display screen of the information terminal device 10 of the interested users.

[0085] Link icons to virtual discussion areas should clearly indicate the information they target. For example, a link icon to a virtual discussion area may be displayed near the target information to clearly indicate its focus.

[0086] Let's explain using an example where notification information A (for example, the company's financial disclosure information) is displayed within the ticker display area of ​​the virtual office, followed by notification information B (for example, information regarding the company's personnel). If multiple users are interested in notification information A during the period when notification information A is displayed within the ticker display area, the link icon to the virtual conversation area corresponding to the featured information (notification information A) may be displayed only during the period when the featured information is displayed within the ticker display area of ​​the virtual office.

[0087] Another example is the case where it is detected that a user has shown interest in notification information displayed within the display range of the web information, and during the period when that information is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user's information terminal device 10, it is detected that another user has shown interest in the same web information or web information with common content. In this case, the link icon to the virtual conversation area corresponding to the web information may be displayed only until the user closes the window displaying the web information or displays other information.

[0088] The display control unit 58 may display a link icon, which is access information to a virtual conversation area corresponding to the detected attention information, near the avatar used by a user who is interested in the attention information.

[0089] The display control unit 58 may present the user with other user information present within the virtual conversation area before the user enters the virtual conversation area. If the display control unit 58 detects that the user has performed an operation to overlay their avatar onto a link icon to the virtual conversation area, it may present the user with other user information present within the virtual conversation area before the user enters the virtual conversation area.

[0090] Other user information present within the virtual conversation area includes, for example, the other user's name, icon image, affiliation, job title, and year of joining the company.

[0091] This section describes the operation required to enter the virtual conversation area. For example, if the user moves their avatar and the operation is detected to overlap the avatar with the link icon for the virtual conversation area, and a predetermined time, such as 5 seconds, has elapsed while the avatar is overlapping the link icon, the application control unit 42 will move the avatar into the virtual conversation area. Note that if the avatar is moved from the link icon before the predetermined time has elapsed while the avatar is overlapping the link icon, the user will not enter the virtual conversation area.

[0092] The audio output control unit 59 enables the second user to share the first user's voice when the second avatar enters the first avatar's information sharing range. Furthermore, if the second avatar is within the first avatar's information sharing range, and the first avatar is within the second avatar's information sharing range, the audio output control unit 59 enables the second user to share the first user's voice, and the audio output control unit 59 enables voice communication between the first and second users when voice sharing becomes possible. More specifically, when voice sharing becomes possible, the audio output control unit 59 enables voices and other sounds to be heard by both the information terminal device 10 used by the first user corresponding to the first avatar and the second information terminal device 10 where the second user, corresponding to the second avatar, is logged into the virtual office. More specifically, the audio output control unit 59 causes the audio output unit 18 of the first information terminal device 10 to output the audio of the second user picked up by the microphone 12 of the second information terminal device 10, and the audio output unit 18 of the second information terminal device 10 to output the audio of the first user picked up by the microphone 12 of the first information terminal device 10.

[0093] The audio output control unit 59 stops audio sharing between the first user and the second user if the first avatar and the second avatar are no longer included in the information sharing range due to the avatars moving or for other reasons.

[0094] The audio output control unit 59 enables information sharing between avatars within the virtual conversation area. More specifically, it allows voices and other sounds to be heard between the information terminal devices 10 used by the users of each avatar in the virtual conversation area.

[0095] (Display Example 1) Using Figures 5 to 9, the display screen of the display unit 17 of the first information terminal device 10 used by the first user logged into the virtual office will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. In Figure 5 and other examples, the virtual office is represented in two dimensions, but the virtual office may also be represented in three dimensions. As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 17 of the first information terminal device 10 displays a window W1 that displays the virtual office screen by, for example, the virtual office application. In Figure 5, an avatar A1 corresponding to user U1, and other avatars A corresponding to other users are displayed. Notification information is displayed in the ticker display area T1 provided above window W1. In the ticker display area T1, as an example of notification information, notification information A, which is the company's financial disclosure information, is displayed.

[0096] Figure 6 shows another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. In Figure 6, it is detected that multiple users using avatars in the virtual office have shown interest in notification information A displayed in the ticker display area T1, and a virtual conversation area corresponding to the attention information A that multiple users have shown interest in is generated in the virtual office. A link icon L1 to the virtual conversation area is displayed near the ticker display area T1 of the window W1 displaying the virtual office screen of the information terminal device 10 of the interested user.

[0097] Figure 7 shows another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. In Figure 7, user U1 has moved avatar A1 and is overlaid on the link icon L1 of the virtual conversation area.

[0098] Figure 8 shows another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, when user U1 places avatar A1 over the link icon L1 of the virtual conversation area indicated by the link icon L1, other user information within the virtual conversation area indicated by the link icon L1 is displayed. In Figure 8, it is shown that users BB and JJ are already in the virtual conversation area of ​​the featured information A displayed in the ticker display range T1.

[0099] Figure 9 shows another example of a virtual office window displayed on the display screen of an information terminal device according to the first embodiment. In Figure 9, avatar A1 is shown in a state where it has entered a virtual conversation area. In window W1, attention information A that multiple users have shown interest in is displayed in the ticker display area T2 of the virtual conversation area. Window W1 also displays a link icon L2 for exiting the virtual conversation area. The attention information A displayed in the ticker display area T2 of the virtual conversation area may be the information at the time it was detected that each user in the virtual conversation area had shown interest in it, and if the display of attention information A continues, it may be the same content as the attention information A displayed in the ticker display area T1 of the virtual office. If the attention information A displayed in the ticker display area T2 of the virtual conversation area is the information at the time it was detected that each user in the virtual conversation area had shown interest in it, even if the display of other notification information starts outside the virtual conversation area, the information in the ticker display area T2 of the virtual conversation area may not be updated, and the attention information that each user has detected as having shown interest in it may be repeatedly displayed. For example, let's consider a scenario where, after notification information A (the company's financial disclosure information) is displayed in the virtual office's ticker display area T1, notification information B (information related to the company's personnel) is displayed. If a virtual conversation area corresponding to notification information A displayed in the virtual office's ticker display area T1 is created, even if the display in the virtual office's ticker display area T1 starts displaying notification information B, the display of notification information A (the attention information) will continue in the ticker display area T2 of the virtual conversation area corresponding to the attention information. In addition, each user corresponding to an avatar in the virtual conversation area can communicate, such as sharing voices and chatting, which are limited to within the virtual conversation area.

[0100] (Display Example 2) The information that generates a virtual conversation area when a user of the virtual office pays attention to it is not limited to notification information provided by the virtual office application, but may also include information that can be viewed on the information terminal device 10 outside of the virtual office application. For example, it may be a web article displayed in a web browser, or internal shared data viewed via the internal network. Figures 10 to 13 will be used to explain the case in which multiple users become interested in such information as a web article. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the display unit 17 of the first information terminal device 10 displays, for example, a window W1 that displays the virtual office screen by the virtual office application, and a window W2 that displays the web browser screen, which is the display range for web information. In Figure 10, user U1 is shown to be logged into the virtual office and viewing web information.

[0101] Figure 11 shows another example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. When it is detected by the direction of user U1's gaze that user U1 is interested in the information displayed in window W2, and it is detected that other users within the same company are also interested in the same WEB information, or information with the same content in other WEB information, in other words, when it is detected that multiple users using avatars in the virtual office are interested in the same information, a virtual conversation area is generated in the virtual office corresponding to the attention information (in this case, the same WEB information, or WEB information with common content) that multiple users have been detected as being of interest to. For this reason, a link icon L1 to the virtual conversation area is displayed in window W2, which displays the virtual office screen of the information terminal device 10 of the user who is interested in the same information. Figure 11 shows the state in which user U1 has moved avatar A1 and overlaid avatar A1 on the link icon L1 to the virtual conversation area. Through this operation, user U1 can enter the virtual conversation area indicated by the link icon L1.

[0102] Figure 12 shows another example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, before user U1 enters the virtual conversation area indicated by the link icon L1, other user information within the virtual conversation area indicated by the link icon L1 is displayed. In Figure 12, it is shown that users BB and JJ are already in the virtual conversation area of ​​the featured information displayed within the display range of the WEB information.

[0103] Figure 13 shows another example of the display screen of the information terminal device according to the first embodiment. In Figure 13, the avatar A1 of user U1 is shown in the virtual conversation area. Window W1 may display information of interest to multiple users. Window W1 also displays a link icon L2 for exiting the virtual conversation area.

[0104] (Virtual Space Control Method) The virtual space control method will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the virtual space control method according to the first embodiment. The process shown in Figure 14 is executed while the virtual office is provided by the virtual space control system 1. If the information processing device 50 is implemented in the information terminal device 10, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 14 only needs to be executed for the first user logged into the information terminal device 10. If the information processing device 50 is implemented in the server device 30, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 14 only needs to be executed for all users.

[0105] The information processing device 50 determines whether or not it has detected attention information that the user is interested in (step S101). More specifically, the information processing device 50 uses a gaze detection unit 52 to detect the direction in which the user's gaze is directed and associate it with the virtual office screen on the display screen of the display unit 17, based on the position of the camera 11 located near the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 used by the user and the position of the display unit 17. The information processing device 50 uses an interest determination unit 55 to determine, based on the detected gaze direction, that the user's gaze has been directed towards the ticker display area for a predetermined time, such as 10 seconds or more, and detects that the avatar user is interested in the notification information displayed as ticker text. If the information processing device 50 determines that it has detected attention information that the user is interested in (step S101; Yes), it proceeds to step S102. If the information processing device 50 does not determine that it has detected attention information that the user is interested in (step S101; No), it terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0106] If the information processing device 50 determines that it has detected attention information that the user is interested in (step S101; Yes), the interest determination unit 55 determines whether or not a virtual conversation area corresponding to the attention information exists (step S102). If the information processing device 50 determines that a virtual conversation area corresponding to the attention information exists (step S102; Yes), it proceeds to step S105. If the information processing device 50 determines that a virtual conversation area corresponding to the attention information does not exist (step S102; No), it proceeds to step S103.

[0107] If the information processing device 50 determines that there is no virtual conversation area corresponding to the information of interest (step S102; No), the information processing device 50 uses the interest determination unit 55 to determine whether there are other users who are interested in the same information of interest (step S103). If the information processing device 50 determines that there are other users who are interested in the same information of interest (step S103; Yes), it proceeds to step S104. If the information processing device 50 does not determine that there are other users who are interested in the same information of interest (step S103; No), it terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0108] If the information processing device 50 determines that there are other users who are interested in the same information of interest (step S103; Yes), the interest determination unit 55 generates a virtual conversation area for the information of interest (step S104). More specifically, the information processing device 50 generates a virtual conversation area corresponding to the information of interest within the virtual office using the interest determination unit 55.

[0109] The information processing device 50 displays a link to a virtual conversation area for the information of interest using the display control unit 58 (step S105). More specifically, the information processing device 50 uses the display control unit 58 to display a link icon to the generated virtual conversation area near the display position of the information of interest, such as a ticker T1, on the virtual office screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 used by the user. The information processing device 50 then proceeds to step S106.

[0110] The information processing device 50 determines, via the display control unit 58, whether or not it has detected an operation to enter the virtual conversation area (step S106). More specifically, the information processing device 50 determines, via the display control unit 58, that if the user moves their avatar and places it over the link icon to the virtual conversation area, the user has detected an operation to enter the virtual conversation area indicated by the link icon. The process in step S106 may also be a determination of whether or not an operation to place an avatar over the link icon to the virtual conversation area has been detected. If the information processing device 50 determines that it has detected an operation to enter the virtual conversation area (step S106; Yes), it proceeds to step S107. If the information processing device 50 does not determine that it has detected an operation to enter the virtual conversation area (step S106; No), it terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0111] If the information processing device 50 determines that an operation to enter the virtual conversation area has been detected (step S106; Yes), the display control unit 58 displays information about other users in the virtual conversation area (step S107). More specifically, the information processing device 50, using the display control unit 58, displays, for example, the names and icon images of other users in the virtual conversation area near the link icon to the virtual conversation area. The information processing device 50 then proceeds to step S108.

[0112] The information processing device 50, using the display control unit 58, determines whether the avatar has moved away from the link icon (step S108). More specifically, the information processing device 50 determines whether the avatar has moved away from the link icon before a predetermined time elapses, such as 5 seconds, after detecting the operation to overlap the avatar with the link icon. If the information processing device 50 determines that the avatar has moved away from the link icon (step S108; Yes), it terminates the processing of this flowchart. If the information processing device 50 does not determine that the avatar has moved away from the link icon (step S108; No), it proceeds to step S109.

[0113] If the information processing device 50 does not determine that the avatar has moved from the link icon (step S108; No), the display control unit 58 displays a virtual conversation area on the virtual office screen, enabling communication with other users in the virtual conversation area (step S109). More specifically, when a predetermined time elapses, such as 5 seconds, during which the avatar remains overlapping the link icon, the information processing device 50 displays an indication that the avatar has entered the virtual conversation area, enabling communication with other users in the virtual conversation area by voice or other means. The information processing device 50 then proceeds to step S110.

[0114] The information processing device 50 determines whether the avatar has left the virtual conversation area (step S110). More specifically, the information processing device 50 determines whether an operation on the link icon for leaving the virtual conversation area has been performed as a result of the avatar being operated on. If an operation on the link icon for leaving the virtual conversation area has been performed, the information processing device 50 determines that the avatar has left the virtual conversation area. If the information processing device 50 determines that the avatar has left the virtual conversation area (step S110; Yes), it proceeds to step S111. If the information processing device 50 does not determine that the avatar has left the virtual conversation area (step S110; No), it repeats the process in step S110.

[0115] If the information processing device 50 determines that the avatar has left the virtual conversation area (step S110; Yes), it terminates the display of the virtual conversation area on the virtual office screen and cancels the state in which communication with other users in the virtual conversation area is possible (step S111). More specifically, the information processing device 50 cancels the state in which communication with other users in the virtual conversation area is possible and also returns the display screen of the virtual office from the display of the virtual conversation area shown in Figures 9 and 13 to the display of the virtual office shown in Figures 7 and 11. At this time, the avatar that left the virtual conversation area returns to the position it was in just before entering the virtual conversation area in the virtual office.

[0116] The generated virtual conversation area persists as long as there are avatars within it. However, if there are no more avatars within the virtual conversation area—in other words, if all avatars that entered the virtual conversation area leave it—the virtual conversation area is deleted.

[0117] The generated virtual conversation area may be maintained only for a predetermined period of time, for example, about 15 minutes, after the attention information is displayed or after the virtual conversation area is created, and after the predetermined period has elapsed, the virtual conversation area may be deleted. When the virtual conversation area is deleted due to the expiration of the predetermined period, any avatars present in the virtual conversation area will return to the position they were in just before entering the virtual conversation area in the virtual office.

[0118] Furthermore, the amount of time an avatar can stay in a virtual conversation area may be limited. For example, the amount of time an avatar can stay in a virtual conversation area may be limited to 5 to 15 minutes, which is equivalent to or shorter than the time the virtual conversation area is maintained.

[0119] The total amount of time an avatar corresponding to a single user can spend in a virtual conversation area per day may be limited, for example, to a maximum of 30 minutes. Furthermore, the interval between using one virtual conversation area and being able to use another virtual conversation area based on other relevant information may be set to, for example, 60 minutes or more.

[0120] (Effects) As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to detect information of interest that multiple users using avatars in the virtual office have taken an interest in, and to generate a virtual conversation area within the virtual office for communication about that information of interest. In this embodiment, access information to the virtual conversation area can be set near the avatar used by the user who has taken an interest in the information of interest. According to this embodiment, while using the virtual office, users who are interested in the same information, such as news topics or company information, can easily have casual conversations with each other. In this way, this embodiment makes it possible to communicate easily in a virtual space.

[0121] In this embodiment, if it is determined that there is a virtual conversation area corresponding to the information of interest that a user using an avatar in the virtual office has expressed interest in, access information to the virtual conversation area can be set near the avatar used by the user. According to this embodiment, while using the virtual office, users who are interested in the same information, such as news topics or company information, can easily engage in casual conversations with each other. In this way, this embodiment makes it possible to easily communicate in a virtual space.

[0122] In this embodiment, if a user is detected paying attention to shared information displayed within the virtual office, or if an action of paying attention using an avatar is detected, it can be determined that the user is interested in the information. According to this embodiment, attention-grabbing information can be appropriately detected.

[0123] In this embodiment, if the user's attention-gazing behavior or operation is detected on information viewed in the information terminal device 10, it can be determined that the user is interested in the information. According to this embodiment, attention-grabbing information can be appropriately detected.

[0124] In this embodiment, before entering the virtual conversation area, information about other users present in the virtual conversation area can be presented to the user. In this embodiment, before entering the virtual conversation area, the user can confirm the presence of other users in the virtual conversation area.

[0125] [Second Embodiment] The virtual space control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a virtual space control method according to the second embodiment. The basic configuration of the virtual space control system 1 is the same as that of the virtual space control system 1 of the first embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those of the virtual space control system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals or corresponding reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the information processing device 50 differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0126] In this embodiment, as a prerequisite, it is assumed that, similar to the first embodiment, a shared area within the virtual office is set to display shared information shared with users of the virtual office, such as a ticker display area.

[0127] Shared information refers to information that is shared with employees using the virtual office.

[0128] The display area for the text overlay may be set in one location within the virtual office, or it may be set in multiple locations.

[0129] The information processing device 50 of this embodiment only needs to include, for example, the avatar position detection unit 51, the display control unit 58, and the audio output control unit 59 from the configuration shown in Figure 4.

[0130] The information processing device 50 generates a virtual conversation area within the virtual office for communicating about shared information presented to multiple users using avatars within the virtual office, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars that are located around the ticker display area, which is the area where the shared information is presented.

[0131] The information processing device 50 may determine that avatars located within the same area as the ticker display area within the virtual office are avatars located around the ticker display area. Specifically, the information processing device 50 presents shared information in a viewable format within the virtual office and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars located within the same area as the ticker display area within the virtual office. The area shared with the ticker display area refers, for example, to a section that contains the ticker display area when the virtual office contains multiple sections. In other words, within a section of the virtual office, access information to the virtual conversation area is set near avatars located within a section that contains the ticker display area.

[0132] The information processing device 50 may determine that an avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 and shared information presented in the virtual office are displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10, and that avatar is located near the ticker display area. Specifically, the information processing device 50 presents the shared information in the virtual office in a viewable format, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10, where the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 and the shared information presented in the virtual office are displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. The shared information may be within the ticker display area.

[0133] The display control unit 58 generates a virtual conversation area within the virtual office for communication regarding shared information to be presented to multiple users using avatars within the virtual office. The display control unit 58 then sets access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars that are located around the periphery of the ticker display area.

[0134] Avatars located around the text display area are, for example, within a predetermined distance from the text display area in a virtual office.

[0135] The predetermined distance refers to a range of approximately 10 to 20 meters, for example, assuming that the virtual office is displayed in three dimensions and that each avatar is approximately 1.5 meters tall.

[0136] The display control unit 58 makes the shared information viewable within the virtual office. The display control unit 58 may also set access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars that are located within the same range as the display range of the shared information presented within the virtual office. As a result, when an avatar in the virtual office is located within the same range as the ticker display range, a link icon to the virtual conversation area will be displayed near that avatar.

[0137] The area that overlaps with the on-screen text display area is, for example, the same room in a virtual office, or the same physical space.

[0138] The display control unit 58 makes the shared information viewable within the virtual office. The display control unit 58 may also set access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device whose display unit shows the shared information presented within the virtual office. As a result, when the user's avatar and the ticker display area are displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 used by the user of the avatar within the virtual office, a link icon to the virtual conversation area will be displayed near the avatar.

[0139] (Virtual Space Control Method) The virtual space control method will be explained using Figure 15. Steps S204 to S209 of the flowchart shown in Figure 15 perform the same processing as steps S106 to S111 of the flowchart shown in Figure 14.

[0140] The information processing device 50 determines whether or not there is shared information that can be viewed within the virtual office (step S201). The information processing device 50, using the display control unit 58, determines whether or not shared information that can be viewed within the virtual office is displayed on the virtual office screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 used by the user. If the information processing device 50 determines that there is shared information that can be viewed within the virtual office (step S201; Yes), it proceeds to step S202. If the information processing device 50 does not determine that there is shared information that can be viewed within the virtual office (step S201; No), it terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0141] The information processing device 50 generates a virtual conversation area corresponding to the shared information (step S202). More specifically, the information processing device 50 generates a virtual conversation area corresponding to the shared information within the virtual office using the display control unit 58. The information processing device 50 then proceeds to step S203.

[0142] The information processing device 50 displays a link to the virtual conversation area near the avatars that are located around the periphery of the ticker display area (step S203). More specifically, the information processing device 50, via the display control unit 58, causes the generated link icon to the virtual conversation area to be displayed near the avatars that are located around the periphery of the ticker display area on the virtual office screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 used by the user. The information processing device 50 then proceeds to step S204.

[0143] In this embodiment, in step S203, a link icon to the generated virtual conversation area may be displayed near an avatar that is within the same range as the ticker display range on the virtual office screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10 used by the user.

[0144] In this embodiment, in step S203, a link icon to the generated virtual conversation area may be displayed near the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10, which is displayed on the virtual office screen where the shared information is shown on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10.

[0145] (Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, access information to the virtual conversation area can be set near avatars that are located around the area where the shared information is displayed as a ticker in the virtual office.

[0146] In this embodiment, access information to the virtual conversation area can be set near avatars that are located within the same range as the display area of ​​the ticker text of the information presented in the virtual office.

[0147] In this embodiment, an avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10 and information presented within the virtual office are displayed on the display unit 17 of the information terminal device 10. Access information to the virtual conversation area can be set near the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device 10.

[0148] The components of the illustrated virtual space control system are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of them may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on the processing load and usage of each device.

[0149] The configuration of the virtual space control system is implemented, for example, as software, such as a program loaded into memory. In the above embodiment, these were described as functional blocks implemented through the cooperation of hardware or software. That is, these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms using hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

[0150] The above-described components include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0151] The virtual space control system and virtual space control method disclosed herein can be used, for example, in a communication system that uses avatars for communication in a virtual space such as a virtual office.

[0152] 1 Virtual Space Control System 10 Information Terminal Device 11 Camera 12 Microphone 13 Operation Unit 17 Display Unit 18 Audio Output Unit 19 Communication Unit 20 Terminal Control Device 21 Video Acquisition Unit 22 Audio Acquisition Unit 23 Operation Reception Unit 24 Application Control Unit 26 Storage Unit 27 Display Control Unit 28 Audio Output Control Unit 29 Communication Control Unit 30 Server Device 31 Communication Unit 40 Server Control Device 41 Communication Control Unit 42 Application Control Unit 49 Storage Unit 50 Information Processing Device 51 Avatar Position Detection Unit 52 Gaze Detection Unit 55 Interest Determination Unit 58 Display Control Unit 59 Audio Output Control Unit

Claims

1. A virtual space control system that causes a virtual space to be displayed on the display unit of an information terminal device, and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the control unit of the virtual space control system generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communicating about information to be presented to multiple users using avatars in the virtual space, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars that are present around the area where the information is presented.

2. The virtual space control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit presents the information in a viewable manner within the virtual space, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near avatars that exist within a range common to the display range of the information presented within the virtual space.

3. The control unit presents the information in the virtual space in a viewable manner, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device, where the avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device and the information presented in the virtual space are displayed on the display unit of the information terminal device.

4. A virtual space control system that causes a virtual space to be displayed on the display unit of an information terminal device, and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the control unit of the virtual space control system detects information of interest to multiple users using avatars in the virtual space, generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communication about the detected information, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user who is interested in the information.

5. A virtual space control system that causes a virtual space to be displayed on the display unit of an information terminal device, and displays an avatar corresponding to the user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the control unit of the virtual space control system detects information of interest to the user using the avatar in the virtual space, determines whether there is a virtual conversation area for communicating about the detected information, and, if it is determined that there is a virtual conversation area corresponding to the detected information, sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user.

6. The virtual space control system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit determines that the user has become interested in the shared information displayed in the virtual space when it detects that the user is paying attention to the information or performing an operation to pay attention using the avatar.

7. The virtual space control system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit determines that the user has become interested in the information viewed on the information terminal device when it detects that the user is paying attention to the information or performing an operation to pay attention to the information.

8. The virtual space control system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit presents the user with information about other users present in the virtual conversation area before the user enters the virtual conversation area.

9. A virtual space control method executed by a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space on its display unit and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, the method comprising: generating a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communicating about information presented to multiple users using the avatar in the virtual space; and setting access information to the virtual conversation area near an avatar located in a position where the presented information can be viewed.

10. A virtual space control method executed by a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space on its display unit and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the virtual space control system detects information of interest to multiple users using avatars in the virtual space, generates a virtual conversation area in the virtual space for communication about the detected information, and sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user who is interested in the information.

11. A virtual space control method executed by a virtual space control system that causes an information terminal device to display a virtual space on its display unit and displays an avatar corresponding to a user of the information terminal device in the virtual space, wherein the virtual space control system detects information of interest to a user using the avatar in the virtual space, determines whether there is a virtual conversation area for communicating about the detected information, and, if a virtual conversation area corresponding to the detected information exists, sets access information to the virtual conversation area near the avatar used by the user.

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