Usage adjustment support device, usage adjustment support system, and usage adjustment support method

Abstract

A usage adjustment support device according to the present invention includes: a space information storage unit that stores space information relating to multiple spaces in a real world on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed; an application information storage unit that stores application information relating to an application that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content; a communication unit that establishes communication connections with an owner terminal, which is an owner's side terminal device of the space, and a service provider terminal, which is a provider's side terminal device of the service; and a control unit that performs control to acquire, from the service provider terminal, desired usage space information indicating a desired usage space which is the space in which the usage was desired in the service, output the acquired desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal, acquire, from the owner terminal, availability information indicating whether the desired usage space is available, and output acquired availability information to the service provider terminal.

Description

Usage adjustment support apparatus, usage adjustment support system, and usage adjustment support method

[0001] The present invention relates to a usage adjustment support apparatus, a usage adjustment support system, and a usage adjustment support method.

[0002] In recent years, with the development of information processing technologies such as image processing, services have emerged that provide immersive digital entertainment using XR (Extended Reality) devices such as smart glasses, and services that provide an assistant function supporting users through interaction with characters appearing in animations, games, and the like in a virtual space. XR is a technology that creates new user experiences by fusing real physical space and virtual space. XR includes technologies such as VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), and MR (mixed reality), for example.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a service that enables XR content arranged in real spaces such as watersides and green spaces to be used via an application on a mobile terminal for the purpose of improving the mobility of visitors. In addition, for example, Non-Patent Document 2 describes a service that enables AR content arranged in the space of an existing market to be used with smart glasses for the purpose of providing additional information on products for sale and event holding information to visitors.

[0004] "Initiatives for Improving Mobility Utilizing XR in the Shinagawa Konan Area ~Holding of Shinagawa Illumination 2023 with XR City~", NTT Urban Solutions Co., Ltd. et al., [Retrieved December 23, 2024], Internet (URL: https: / / www.ntt-us.com / news / pdf / news_us231128_001.pdf) "AR Guide Demo App for Toyosu Outer Market", Up Frontier Inc., [Retrieved December 23, 2024], Internet (https: / / up-frontier.jp / works / shimizu-ar-marche-guide)

[0005] For example, when deploying a service that places XR content in a real-world space, such as the services described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, the service provider may need to obtain prior permission from the landowner, building owner, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "space owner") to use the land or building where the XR content is to be placed (hereinafter collectively referred to as "space"). However, especially when placing XR content in a large number of spaces, it requires considerable effort for the service provider to obtain permission for each space individually. Furthermore, if the space owners of the numerous spaces for which permission is sought are all different, the effort required to obtain permission can become enormous.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology that can make the process of adjusting arrangements regarding the use of space between space owners and service providers smoother.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a usage adjustment support device comprising: a spatial information storage unit that stores spatial information relating to a plurality of spaces in the real world on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed; an application information storage unit that stores application information relating to an application that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content; a communication unit that communicates with an owner terminal, which is a terminal device on the owner side of the space, and a service provider terminal, which is a terminal device on the provider side of the service; and a control unit that performs control to acquire desired usage space information indicating the space to be used in the service from the service provider terminal, output the acquired desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal, acquire availability information indicating whether the desired usage space can be used from the owner terminal, and output the acquired availability information to the service provider terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a usage adjustment support system comprising an owner terminal, a service provider terminal, and a usage adjustment support device, wherein the owner terminal is an owner-side terminal device that owns a real-world space on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed, the service provider terminal is a provider-side terminal device that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content, and the usage adjustment support device comprises a spatial information storage unit that stores spatial information relating to a plurality of spaces, an application information storage unit that stores application information relating to an application that provides the service, a communication unit that communicates with the owner terminal and the service provider terminal respectively, and a control unit that performs control to acquire desired usage space information indicating the space to be used in the service from the service provider terminal, output the desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal, acquire availability information indicating whether the desired usage space can be used from the owner terminal, and output the availability information to the service provider terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a computer-based method for supporting the adjustment of usage, comprising: a spatial information storage step for storing spatial information relating to a plurality of spaces in the real world on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed; an application information storage step for storing application information relating to an application that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content; a communication step for establishing communication connections between an owner terminal, which is a terminal device on the owner side of the space, and a service provider terminal, which is a terminal device on the provider side of the service; a first acquisition step for acquiring desired usage space information from the service provider terminal, which indicates the space to be used in the service; a first output step for outputting the desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal; a second acquisition step for acquiring availability information from the owner terminal, which indicates whether the desired usage space can be used; and a second output step for outputting the availability information to the service provider terminal.

[0010] This invention makes it possible to streamline the process of coordinating agreements regarding the use of space between space owners and service providers.

[0011] This is an overall configuration diagram of the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the usage adjustment support device 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the owner terminal 20 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the equipment system 25 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the service provider terminal 30 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the XR application server 35 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the pre-registration process of spatial information by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the construction process of an XR application by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the usage restriction process according to the number of users by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the usage status reference request process by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of application information used by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing a schematic of an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the utilization adjustment support device, utilization adjustment support system, and utilization adjustment support method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [Configuration of the Usage Adjustment Support System] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The usage adjustment support system 1 is an information system for supporting the adjustment of arrangements regarding the use of space (e.g., agreement on a usage contract) made between space owners and service providers.

[0014] In this embodiment, "service provider" refers to a business that provides XR services by placing XR content (XR objects) in a space. "Space" as used herein refers to the space in which the service provider places the XR content, for example, land and buildings (e.g., the ground and the air above it, the interior and exterior walls of a building, the space surrounding a building, etc.). "Space owner" refers to a person who has the right to grant permission for the placement of XR content in the space or for the use of the space (e.g., the owner of the land or building, the manager of each floor or section within a building, etc.).

[0015] In this embodiment, the service provider offering the XR service must, if necessary, obtain permission from the space owner in advance for each space in order to place the XR content in that space.

[0016] In this embodiment, the service is defined as an XR service, but it is not limited to this. For example, the service referred to herein may be any other type of service, as long as it is implemented using a space owned or managed by a party other than the service provider.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the usage adjustment support system 1 is composed of a usage adjustment support device 10, owner terminals 20-1 to 20-3, equipment systems 25-1 to 25-2, a service provider terminal 30, and XR application servers 35-1 to 35-3.

[0018] In the following explanation, if it is not necessary to distinguish between owner terminals 20-1 to 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as "owner terminal 20." Similarly, if it is not necessary to distinguish between equipment systems 25-1 to 25-2, they will be collectively referred to as "equipment system 25." Furthermore, if it is not necessary to distinguish between XR application servers 35-1 to 35-3, they will be collectively referred to as "XR application server 35."

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the number of owner terminals 20, equipment systems 25, service provider terminals 30, and XR application servers 35 are set to 3, 2, 1, and 3 respectively, but the number of these devices is not limited to these, and can be set to any number according to the scale of the service and the form of provision.

[0020] Furthermore, if there are multiple service provider terminals 30 (i.e., multiple service providers use the service adjustment support system 1), the configuration may be such that one service provider manages only one XR application server 35, or one service provider may use (and manage) multiple XR application servers 35. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that multiple service providers share one XR application server 35.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the usage adjustment support device 10 and the owner terminal 20 are each connected via network 50-1 for communication. Furthermore, the usage adjustment support device 10 and the equipment system 25 are each connected via network 50-1 for communication. However, the configuration is not limited to this; the owner terminal 20 and the usage adjustment support device 10 may be connected via the equipment system 25. Alternatively, the equipment system 25 and the usage adjustment support device 10 may be connected via the owner terminal 20.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the utilization adjustment support device 10 and the service provider terminal 30 are each connected via network 50-2 for communication. Also, the utilization adjustment support device 10 and the XR application server 35 are each connected via network 50-2 for communication. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the service provider terminal 30 and the utilization adjustment support device 10 may be connected via the XR application server 35. Alternatively, the XR application server 35 and the utilization adjustment support device 10 may be connected via the service provider terminal 30.

[0023] Note that network 50-1 and network 50-2 do not have to be separate networks, but rather a single network.

[0024] Networks 50-1 and 50-2 may be networks using wireless communication or networks using wired communication. Networks 50-1 and 50-2 may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Networks 50-1 and 50-2 may be configured by combining multiple networks.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, as an example, owner terminal 20-1 and equipment system 25-1 are devices owned or managed by space owner a, owner terminal 20-2 and equipment system 25-2 are devices owned or managed by space owner b, and owner terminal 20-3 is a device owned or managed by space owner c.

[0026] Furthermore, space owner a owns a building, and equipment system 25-1 is an information system regarding the equipment installed in that building. Similarly, space owner b also owns a building, and equipment system 25-2 is an information system regarding the equipment installed in that building. On the other hand, space owner c owns land. Therefore, space owner c does not own or manage equipment system 25. It should be noted that even if a space owner owns a building, they may not own or manage equipment system 25.

[0027] Furthermore, one space owner may own or manage multiple buildings or multiple plots of land. Also, one space owner may own or manage both buildings and land.

[0028] For the sake of clarity, in this embodiment, as an example, XR application servers 35-1 to 35-3 are assumed to be server devices operated by the same service provider. This service provider is the service provider that uses the service provider terminal 30 shown in Figure 1. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and it is also possible for any two of XR application servers 35-1 to 35-3 to be operated by the same service provider, or for XR application servers 35-1, 35-2, and 35-3 to be operated by different service providers.

[0029] The applications (XR apps) and XR services provided by XR application servers 35-1 to 35-3 may be the same or different. The cases in which the applications (XR apps) and XR services provided by XR application servers 35-1 to 35-3 are the same include, for example, cases where the purpose is to distribute the service area of ​​XR application server 35, load balancing to increase the number of simultaneous users, or redundancy in preparation for failures.

[0030] [Configuration of the Usage Adjustment Support Device] The usage adjustment support device 10 mainly has a function for providing information registered by the space owner to the XR service provider, and a function for providing information registered by the XR service provider to the space owner.

[0031] Information provided to XR service providers includes, for example, information presented by the space owner indicating various conditions for placing XR content in the space, information indicating whether or not advertisements can be displayed within the XR content, and information indicating various conditions for displaying advertisements within the XR content. For example, the space owner registers information regarding the placement of XR content in the space they own (for example, whether or not XR content can be placed, conditions for placing XR content, whether or not advertisements can be displayed, conditions for displaying advertisements, conditions regarding the distribution of advertising revenue, information about the space (e.g., land or building) itself) in advance with the usage adjustment support device 10 using the owner terminal 20.

[0032] The usage adjustment support device 10 provides the service provider with this registered information (or processed registered information). For example, the usage adjustment support device 10 makes this registered information public as needed, making it accessible to the service provider. This allows the service provider to design and develop XR services, XR applications, and XR content, and to decide on advertisements to display, based on the information provided.

[0033] Information provided to the space owner includes, for example, information showing the usage status of XR applications and XR content. For example, the XR application server 35 outputs information regarding the number of users of XR applications and XR content in the space being used to the usage adjustment support device 10. This output from the XR application server 35 to the usage adjustment support device 10 may be real-time information that has been measured, or it may be predicted information.

[0034] The usage adjustment support device 10 provides the space owner with information about multiple XR applications using the same space, identified based on information obtained from the XR application server 35, and information indicating the number of users (e.g., total number of users, number of users per XR application) calculated based on information obtained from the XR application server 35. For example, the usage adjustment support device 10 makes this information public as needed, making it accessible to the space owner. This allows the space owner to set and change conditions for using XR applications in the space and conditions for placing XR content in the space, based on the provided information.

[0035] The fact that the usage adjustment support device 10 has such functions allows, for example, the space owner to specify the conditions for using XR applications in the space and the conditions for placing XR content in the space. This makes it possible to avoid situations where XR services that do not conform to the space owner's wishes are provided in the space owned by that space owner.

[0036] Furthermore, because the usage adjustment support device 10 has such functions, for example, service providers can specify the conditions for the distribution of advertising revenue within the XR application, making it possible to present the benefits (incentives) that can be obtained by allowing the use of the space to the space owner.

[0037] Furthermore, the fact that the usage adjustment support device 10 has such functions means that, for example, even if multiple XR applications use the same space, the space owner can take appropriate measures (for example, by restricting usage).

[0038] The following describes the detailed functional configuration of the user adjustment support device 10.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of a utilization adjustment support device 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. The utilization adjustment support device 10 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server device. As shown in Figure 2, the utilization adjustment support device 10 is configured to include a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0040] The communication unit 11 is a communication device. The communication unit 11 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 11 communicates data with other devices via network 50-1 or network 50-2 in accordance with the control of the control unit 13. The communication unit 11 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0041] The storage unit 12 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 12 stores data used by the control unit 13.

[0042] The memory unit 12 may function, for example, as a spatial information memory unit 121. The spatial information memory unit 121 stores spatial information. Spatial information, as used here, is a general term for information relating to a space owned or managed by a space owner. Specific examples of spatial information include the following. Note that the spatial information memory unit 121 does not necessarily have to store all of the information listed below.

[0043] (Specific examples of spatial information) ・Information indicating whether XR application use (use by users) in a space is permitted. ・Information indicating whether arrangement of XR content in a space is permitted. ・Information indicating whether advertisement placement within arranged XR content is permitted. ・Information indicating the presence or absence of (space-related) data compulsorily provided to the XR application server 35. ・Information indicating the presence or absence of data compulsorily acquired from the XR application server 35 (data that the space owner requests the XR application server 35 to provide). ・Geographic information and position information (latitude, longitude, coordinates, etc.). ・Spatial shape information (floor plans, layout drawings, elevation drawings, three-dimensional data, etc.). ・BIM (Building Information Modeling) file data. ・Information indicating whether XR content (or XR applications) arranged in a space can be disclosed to unspecified multiple users. ・Information indicating the genres of XR content (or XR applications) permitted to be arranged in the space. ・Information indicating the upper limit of the number of people permitted to simultaneously use XR content (or XR applications) in the space. ・Information indicating the time periods in which use of XR content (or XR applications) in the space is permitted. ・Information indicating the upper limit of time (for example, total usage time, continuous usage time, etc.) for which use of XR content (or XR applications) in the space is permitted. ・Information indicating the upper limit of the number of uses (for example, total number of uses, number of continuous uses, etc.) for which use of XR content (or XR applications) in the space is permitted. ・Interior description information for prompts (prompt information provided for XR applications linked with generative AI).

[0044] Note that, for example, the information shown below is information on the state of buildings (equipment) etc. obtained from the equipment system 25 (hereinafter referred to as "equipment information"). In the present embodiment, the equipment information is a type of spatial information.

[0045] ・Information indicating the number of people present in a building (for example, the number of residents, the number of users, the degree of congestion, etc.). ・Information used to detect the occurrence of fire in a building. ・Information related to the air-conditioning state in the building (for example, indoor temperature and indoor humidity, set temperature and set humidity, operation mode, etc.).

[0046] As described above, the spatial information includes various types of spatial information, such as static information related to spaces (e.g., land and buildings) per se, information related to restrictions on the use of spaces, and dynamic information related to spatial conditions. The above spatial information is not limited to information for each space (each piece of land, each building), and may be information for each section in land, each section in a building, or each floor in a building.

[0047] In addition, the spatial information includes information input by a space owner or the like using the owner terminal 20, information automatically acquired from the equipment system 25, and information stored in advance at the time of system construction or the like. The dynamic information may be stored as time-series data. Further, the information related to restrictions may be a threshold value indicating an upper limit or a lower limit.

[0048] In addition, the storage unit 12 may function as, for example, an application information storage unit 122. The application information storage unit 122 stores application information. The application information referred to herein is a general term for information related to XR applications and XR contents. Specific examples of the application information include the following information. Note that the application information storage unit 122 does not necessarily need to store all the information shown below.

[0049] (Specific examples of app information) ・Information indicating the number of users (in real time) of the XR app and XR content. ・Information indicating whether or not data that is forcibly requested by the XR app server 35 can be provided. ・Information indicating the range of users (user attributes) who can use the XR content (or XR app). ・Information indicating whether or not there are advertisements within the XR content. ・Information indicating the genre of the XR content (or XR app). ・Information indicating the expected number of users of the XR content (or XR app). ・Information indicating the expected time period during which the XR content (or XR app) can be used. ・Information indicating the expected usage time of the XR content (or XR app) (e.g., total usage time, continuous usage time, etc.). ・Information indicating the upper limit of the expected number of uses of the XR content (or XR app) (e.g., total number of uses, number of consecutive uses, etc.). ・Information indicating the reward (incentive) for allowing the placement of XR content in the space. ・Information indicating the reward (incentive) for allowing the placement of advertisements within the XR content in the space. - Information indicating the distribution of advertising revenue when permission is granted to place advertisements within XR content in the virtual space.

[0050] Thus, app information includes various types of information about the XR app, such as static information about the XR app itself (genre, presence or absence of advertisements, etc.), information about the expected users and usage patterns of the XR app, and dynamic information about the usage status of the XR app.

[0051] The application information includes information entered by service providers and XR application developers using the service provider terminal 30, as well as information stored in advance during system construction, etc. Dynamic information may be stored as time-series data. Furthermore, information regarding anticipated usage patterns of the XR application may be represented by thresholds indicating upper and lower limits.

[0052] The control unit 13 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The control unit 13 functions as a spatial information acquisition control unit 131, an equipment information acquisition control unit 132, a spatial information processing unit 133, a spatial information output control unit 134, an application information acquisition control unit 135, an application information processing unit 136, and an application information output control unit 137, as the processor executes a program.

[0053] Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the control unit 13 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may also be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0054] The spatial information acquisition control unit 131 acquires spatial information transmitted from the owner terminal 20 via the communication unit 11. The spatial information acquisition control unit 131 stores the acquired spatial information in the spatial information storage unit 121. For example, the spatial information acquisition control unit 131 detects that the communication unit 11 has received spatial information transmitted from the owner terminal 20. The control unit 13 performs storage processing to store the received spatial information in the spatial information storage unit 121.

[0055] The equipment information acquisition control unit 132 controls the acquisition of equipment information transmitted from the equipment system 25 via the communication unit 11. The equipment information acquisition control unit 132 stores the acquired equipment information in the spatial information storage unit 121. For example, the equipment information acquisition control unit 132 detects that the communication unit 11 has received equipment information transmitted from the equipment system 25. Then, the control unit 13 performs storage processing to store the received equipment information in the spatial information storage unit 121.

[0056] The spatial information processing unit 133 performs information processing using the spatial information stored in the spatial information storage unit 121. For example, the spatial information processing unit 133 processes the spatial information stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and stores the processed spatial information (hereinafter referred to as "processed spatial information") in the spatial information storage unit 121. For example, the spatial information processing unit 133 generates processed spatial information by associating multiple pieces of spatial information with each other and stores it in the spatial information storage unit 121.

[0057] For example, the spatial information processing unit 133 generates tabular data that associates information such as whether or not the XR application can be used on each floor of the building, whether or not advertisements can be placed within the XR content, whether or not there is data that is forcibly provided to the XR application server 35 (e.g., fire occurrence information), and whether or not there is data that is forcibly requested to be provided to the XR application server 35 (e.g., the number of XR application users).

[0058] The spatial information output control unit 134 controls the output of processed spatial information or (unprocessed) spatial information to an external device via the communication unit 11. For example, the spatial information output control unit 134 further processes the processed spatial information to match the output destination before outputting it. For example, the spatial information output control unit 134 processes the tabular data, which is generated by the spatial information processing unit 133 and associates multiple spatial pieces of information for each floor of the building, to generate data for the display screen shown on the image display device of the service provider terminal 30.

[0059] Furthermore, the spatial information output control unit 134 generates a display screen that also serves as an input form for the service provider to select at least one space from among the multiple spaces by displaying the names of the multiple spaces (for example, floor names).

[0060] The generated display screen is shown, for example, on an image display device (for example, the output unit 342 described later) provided by the service provider terminal 30. By referring to this display screen, the service provider can, for example, consider and select a space for placing the desired XR content. This allows the service provider to freely specify the space in which the XR content will be placed by referring to the spatial information displayed on the display screen provided by the service provider terminal 30.

[0061] Furthermore, the spatial information output control unit 134 may further process the processed spatial information, which associates floor maps (maps of the sections on each floor) within the building with the names of the sections within each floor, to visually represent it, thereby generating a display screen that allows service providers to easily recognize the location and name of each section within the floor.

[0062] Furthermore, the spatial information output control unit 134 generates a display screen that also serves as an input form, displaying multiple section names and allowing the service provider to select at least one section from among the multiple sections. This allows the service provider to freely specify the section on the floor where the XR content will be placed by referring to the spatial information displayed on the display screen of the service provider terminal 30.

[0063] Furthermore, the spatial information output control unit 134 may generate a display screen showing tabular data for each floor or section of a building, which includes the maximum number of simultaneous users of the XR application, the available time slots, the maximum usage time per user, the genres of XR content that can be installed in the space, and prompt-based interior explanation information, etc., which are associated with each other.

[0064] The application information acquisition control unit 135 acquires application information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30 and at least one of the multiple XR application servers 35 via the communication unit 11. The application information acquisition control unit 135 stores the acquired application information in the application information storage unit 122.

[0065] For example, the application information acquisition control unit 135 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a request for basic information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. The control unit 13 reads the basic information stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read basic information to the service provider terminal 30 via the network 50-2. As a result, the basic information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the service provider terminal 30.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the application information acquisition control unit 135 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a request for detailed information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. The control unit 13 refers to the spatial information stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and determines whether the space for which a request for detailed information has been received is a space that requires permission to use from the space owner.

[0067] If the space for which a request for detailed information has been received is a space that requires permission to use from the space owner, the control unit 13 reads the service provider information for which the request for detailed information has been received from the storage unit 12 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read service provider information to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1. In this way, the service provider information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0068] The service provider information referred to here includes, for example, attribute information of the service provider, such as the genre of XR content to be deployed, the expected number of users, the expected available time slots, the expected usage time (total usage time, continuous usage time), and the expected number of uses.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the application information acquisition control unit 135 detects that the communication unit 11 has received application information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. The control unit 13 then performs application information registration processing. The application information registration processing referred to here is, for example, the process of registering the XR application of a service provider using a space in association with a space that the space owner has permitted to use.

[0070] The application information processing unit 136 performs information processing using the application information stored in the application information storage unit 122. For example, the application information processing unit 136 processes the application information stored in the application information storage unit 122 and stores the processed application information (hereinafter referred to as "processed application information") in the application information storage unit 122. For example, the application information processing unit 136 generates processed application information by associating multiple pieces of application information with each other and stores it in the application information storage unit 122.

[0071] The application information output control unit 137 controls the output of processed application information or (unprocessed) application information to an external device via the communication unit 11. For example, the application information output control unit 137 further processes the processed application information to match the output destination and outputs it. For example, the application information output control unit 137 further processes the processed application information generated by the application information processing unit 136, which associates multiple application pieces of information with each other, to represent it visually and generate data for the display screen that will be displayed on the image display device of the owner terminal 20.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 13 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a login request sent from the owner terminal 20, it performs authentication processing. Next, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to send information indicating a login response based on the authentication result to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1. As a result, information indicating a login response is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 13 detects that the communication unit 11 has received permission information from the owner terminal 20 indicating that the space user has authorized the use of the space. The control unit 13 then reads the detailed information stored in the space information storage unit 121 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read detailed information to the service provider terminal 30 via the network 50-2. As a result, the detailed information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the service provider terminal 30.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 13 detects that the communication unit 11 has received a spatial information provision request transmitted from the XR application server 35. The control unit 13 reads the spatial information for the XR application stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read spatial information for the XR application to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2. As a result, the spatial information for the XR application is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 13 detects that the communication unit 11 has received a spatial information provision request transmitted from each XR application server 35. The control unit 13 then performs permission acquisition confirmation processing. This permission acquisition confirmation processing involves confirming whether the space for which use has been requested is a space that requires permission to use from the space owner, and, if it is a space that requires permission to use from the space owner, whether the XR application server 35 has obtained such permission.

[0076] The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to send approval information to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 if the space for which use has been requested is a space that does not require permission from the space owner to use the space, or if the XR application server 35 has obtained permission from the space owner to use the space. As a result, approval information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35. The approval information referred to here is information indicating that the use of the space by the XR application server has been approved.

[0077] The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to send information for confirming the receipt of mandatory provision information to each XR application server 35 via the network 50-2. As a result, information for confirming the receipt of mandatory provision information is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to each XR application server 35. The information for confirming the receipt of mandatory provision information referred to here is instruction information that the user adjustment support device 10 uses to confirm with the XR application server 35 whether or not the XR application server 35 is able to receive the mandatory provision information that the user adjustment support device 10 sends to the XR application server 35.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 13 detects, for example, that the communication unit 11 has received a spatial information provision request transmitted from each XR application server 35. The control unit 13 then controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the application usage information and advertising information stored in the storage unit 12 to each XR application server 35 via the network 50-2. As a result, the application usage information and advertising information are transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to each XR application server 35.

[0079] The application information processing unit 136 of the control unit 13 performs a user count aggregation process that sums up the values ​​of the number of users of the space included in each XR application server 35. The application information processing unit 136 reads the upper limit value of the number of simultaneous users of the space stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and performs a restriction execution determination process that compares the read upper limit value with the summed number of users of the space.

[0080] The application information output control unit 137 controls the communication unit 11 to send a user limit notification to each XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 if the total number of users of the space exceeds the upper limit. As a result, the user limit notification is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to each XR application server 35. The user limit notification referred to here is a notification instructing the XR application server 35 to restrict the addition of new users to use the space.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 13 detects, for example, that the communication unit 11 has received a spatial information provision request transmitted from each XR application server 35. The application information output control unit 137 of the control unit 13 then controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the application usage information and advertising information stored in the storage unit 12 to each XR application server 35 via the network 50-2. As a result, the application usage information and advertising information are transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to each XR application server 35.

[0082] The application information processing unit 136 of the control unit 13 performs a user count aggregation process, which sums up the values ​​of the number of users of the space included in the forced acquisition information received from each XR application server 35. The application information processing unit 136 reads the upper limit value of the number of simultaneous users of the space stored in the spatial information storage unit 121, and performs a restriction execution determination process, which compares the read upper limit value with the above-mentioned aggregated number of users of the space.

[0083] The application information output control unit 137 controls the communication unit 11 to send a user limit notification to each XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 if the total number of users of the space exceeds the upper limit. As a result, the user limit notification is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to each XR application server 35. The user limit notification referred to here is a notification instructing the XR application server 35 to restrict the addition of new users to use the space.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 13 performs, for example, a process to check the status of the surrounding space. This process to check the status of the surrounding space involves the control unit 13 comparing the current number of users in another space nearby with the upper limit of the number of users in that other space to check the usage status (for example, the degree of congestion, the number of new users that can be accommodated).

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 13 detects, for example, that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating an alternative space search request transmitted from the XR application server 35-1. The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to transmit information indicating the search results to the XR application server 35-1 via the network 50-2. As a result, information indicating the search results is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35-1. The information indicating the search results here refers to information indicating another space in the surrounding area that can be used to guide a new user as an alternative space, as identified by the surrounding space status confirmation process.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 13 detects, for example, that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating an application information request transmitted from the owner terminal 20. The application information output control unit 137 of the control unit 13 reads the application information stored in the application information storage unit 122 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read application information to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1. As a result, the application information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0087] [Configuration of Owner Terminal] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the owner terminal 20 in one embodiment of the present invention. The owner terminal 20 is configured using information devices such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or dedicated device. The owner terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, an input unit 241, and an output unit 242.

[0088] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 21 communicates data with other devices via the network 50-1 in accordance with the control of the control unit 23. The communication unit 21 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0089] The storage unit 22 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 22 stores data used by the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 stores data necessary when the control unit 23 performs processing. For example, the storage unit 22 stores spatial information.

[0090] The control unit 23 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and memory (main memory). The control unit 23 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 23 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor memory devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0091] The control unit 23 may, for example, execute an application installed on its own device (owner terminal 20). A specific example of such an application is an application provided to the owner terminal 20 as a dedicated application for the user adjustment support system 1. Another specific example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the owner terminal 20, or it may be downloaded each time the user adjustment support process is executed.

[0092] For example, if implemented as a web browser application, the owner terminal 20 may download and execute the application from a device specified by the web server (which may be the web server itself or another server) in response to the owner terminal 20 connecting to a specific web server. The control unit 23 operates according to the program of the running application.

[0093] The control unit 23 controls the owner terminal 20 in response to operations by the user (e.g., the space owner) and information received from the usage adjustment support device 10. For example, the control unit 23 transmits information entered by the user through the operation of the input unit 241 to the usage adjustment support device 10 using the communication unit 21.

[0094] For example, when the control unit 23 receives information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 at the communication unit 21, it generates screen data based on the received information and displays the screen data on the output unit 242. Such screen data includes images and characters that represent the information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10. Alternatively, for example, when the control unit 23 receives information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 at the communication unit 21, it may generate audio data based on the received information and output the audio data from the output unit 242.

[0095] For example, the control unit 23 uses the input unit 241 to detect login operations performed by the space owner or the like. When the control unit 23 detects a login operation, it controls the communication unit 21 to send information indicating a login request to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1. As a result, information indicating a login request is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0096] For example, the control unit 23 detects that the communication unit 21 has received information indicating a login response transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10. If the login response based on the information received by the communication unit 21 is a login response indicating a successful login, the control unit 23 reads the spatial information stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 23 then controls the communication unit 21 to transmit the read spatial information to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1. As a result, the spatial information is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the user adjustment support device 10.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to send a login notification to the equipment system 25 via the network 50-1, indicating that login to the service provided by the user adjustment support device 10 has been successful. As a result, the login notification is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the equipment system 25.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 23 detects that the communication unit 21 has received service provider information transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. The control unit 23 performs permission information input processing to receive permission information from the space owner indicating whether or not the space can be used. The control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit the permission information indicating whether or not the space can be used, which was entered through the permission information input processing, to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1. As a result, the permission information is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating an application information request to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1. As a result, information indicating an application information request is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The information indicating an application information request here refers to, for example, instruction information for the owner terminal 20 to request the usage adjustment support device 10 to display the current or predetermined usage status of XR applications in the space.

[0100] The input unit 241 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit 241 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the owner terminal 20. The input unit 241 may also be an interface for connecting the input device to the owner terminal 20. In this case, the input unit 241 inputs the input signal generated in the input device in response to the user's input to the owner terminal 20.

[0101] The input unit 241 may be configured using a microphone and a speech recognition device. In this case, the input unit 241 acquires an acoustic signal generated by the user's speech, performs speech recognition on the words spoken by the user, and inputs the recognized string information to the owner terminal 20. The speech recognition process may be performed by the control unit 23. The input unit 241 can be configured in any way that allows user instructions to be input to the owner terminal 20.

[0102] The output unit 242 outputs information in a format that the user can recognize. The output unit 242 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 242 may also be an interface for connecting the image display device to the owner terminal 20. In this case, the output unit 242 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it.

[0103] The output unit 242 may be a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker or headphones. Alternatively, the output unit 242 may be an interface for connecting an audio output device, such as a speaker or headphones, to the owner terminal 20. In this case, the output unit 242 generates an audio signal for playing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to it. The output unit 242 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 241.

[0104] [Configuration of the Equipment System] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the equipment system 25 in one embodiment of the present invention. The equipment system 25 is configured using a combination of multiple devices, including, for example, a personal computer or a server device, or a single information processing device. Here, as an example, the case in which the equipment system 25 is configured using a single information processing device will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the equipment system 25 (equipment management device) is configured to include a communication unit 251, a storage unit 252, a control unit 253, and an equipment information collection unit 254.

[0105] The communication unit 251 is a communication device. Alternatively, the communication unit 251 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 251 communicates data with other devices via the network 50-1 in accordance with the control of the control unit 253. The communication unit 251 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0106] The storage unit 252 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 252 stores data used by the control unit 253. The storage unit 252 may also function as, for example, an equipment information storage unit 2521.

[0107] The equipment information storage unit 2521 stores equipment information. As mentioned above, equipment information is a type of spatial information and is a general term for information relating to the state of buildings (equipment), etc.

[0108] The control unit 253 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 253 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 253 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor memory devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0109] The control unit 253 acquires equipment information stored in the equipment information storage unit 2521 and controls the output of the equipment information to an external device via the communication unit 251.

[0110] For example, the control unit 253 detects that the communication unit 251 has received a login notification sent from the owner terminal 20. The control unit 253 reads the equipment information stored in the equipment information storage unit 2521 and controls the communication unit 251 to transmit the read equipment information to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1. As a result, the equipment information is transmitted from the equipment system 25 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0111] The equipment information collection unit 254 is configured, for example, using at least one sensor capable of collecting equipment information. Alternatively, the equipment information collection unit 254 may be a communication interface for collecting equipment information from an external device. The equipment information collection unit 254 stores the collected equipment information in the equipment information storage unit 2521.

[0112] For example, the equipment information collection unit 254 may be configured using a camera or a motion sensor to collect information indicating the number of people present in the building (number of occupants, number of users, degree of congestion, etc.). Alternatively, for example, the equipment information collection unit 254 may be configured using a fire sensor to collect information for detecting the occurrence of a fire in the building. Alternatively, for example, the equipment information collection unit 254 may be configured using a temperature and humidity sensor to collect information regarding the state of the air conditioning inside the building. Furthermore, the equipment information collection unit 254 may be configured to collect multiple pieces of this information, or it may be configured to collect information other than this information.

[0113] [Configuration of the Service Provider Terminal] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of a service provider terminal 30 in one embodiment of the present invention. The service provider terminal 30 is configured using information devices such as a personal computer, dedicated equipment, tablet, or smartphone. The service provider terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, an input unit 341, and an output unit 342.

[0114] The communication unit 31 is a communication device. Alternatively, the communication unit 31 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 31 communicates data with other devices via the network 50-2 in accordance with the control of the control unit 33. The communication unit 31 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0115] The storage unit 32 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 32 stores data used by the control unit 33. The storage unit 32 stores data necessary when the control unit 33 performs processing.

[0116] The control unit 33 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and memory (main memory). The control unit 33 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 33 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor memory devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0117] The control unit 33 may, for example, execute an application installed on its own device (owner terminal 20). A specific example of such an application is an application provided to the service provider terminal 30 as a dedicated application for the usage adjustment support system 1. Another specific example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the service provider terminal 30, or it may be downloaded each time the usage adjustment support process is executed.

[0118] For example, if implemented as a web browser application, the service provider terminal 30 may download and execute the application from a device specified by the web server (which may be the web server itself or another server) in response to the service provider terminal 30 connecting to a specific web server. The control unit 33 operates according to the program of the application being executed.

[0119] The control unit 33 controls the service provider terminal 30 in response to operations by the user (e.g., the space owner) and information received from the usage adjustment support device 10. For example, the control unit 33 transmits information entered by the user through the operation of the input unit 341 to the usage adjustment support device 10 using the communication unit 31.

[0120] For example, when the control unit 33 receives information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 to the communication unit 31, it generates screen data based on the received information and displays the screen data on the output unit 242. Such screen data includes images and characters that represent the information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10. Alternatively, for example, when the control unit 33 receives information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 to the communication unit 31, it may generate audio data based on the received information and output the audio data from the output unit 242.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 33 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating a request for basic information to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2. As a result, information indicating a request for basic information is transmitted from the service provider terminal 30 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The basic information referred to here includes, for example, a list of registered spaces and basic attribute information for each space (for example, information indicating whether XR applications can be used on each floor of a building, whether advertisements can be placed in XR content, whether there is data that is forcibly provided to the XR application server 35, and whether there is data that is forcibly requested to be provided to the XR application server 35).

[0122] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 33 detects that the communication unit 31 has received basic information transmitted from the utilization adjustment support device 10. The control unit 33 performs space selection input processing to accept space selection input from the service provider. The control unit 33 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating a request for detailed information about the space selected by the space selection input processing to the utilization adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2.

[0123] As a result, information indicating a request for detailed information is transmitted from the service provider terminal 30 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The detailed information referred to here is detailed attribute information for each space (for example, information indicating the maximum number of simultaneous users of the XR application for each floor or section, the available time period, the maximum usage time per user, and the genre of XR content that can be installed in the space).

[0124] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 33 detects that the communication unit 31 has received detailed information transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10. The control unit 33 reads the application information of the XR application that uses the XR content to be placed in space from the storage unit 32 and controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the read application information to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2.

[0125] This transmits application information from the service provider terminal 30 to the owner terminal 20. The application information referred to here is, for example, application information for registering an XR application for a permitted space in the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 33 detects that the communication unit 31 has received detailed information transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. The control unit 33 reads the embedded code from the storage unit 32 and controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the read embedded code to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2.

[0127] This transmits the embedded code from the service provider terminal 30 to the XR application server 35. The embedded code referred to here is, for example, a program written in the XR application, which defines information about the space to be used within the XR application program.

[0128] The input unit 341 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit 341 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the service provider terminal 30. The input unit 341 may also be an interface for connecting the input device to the service provider terminal 30. In this case, the input unit 341 inputs the input signal generated in response to the user's input in the input device to the service provider terminal 30.

[0129] The input unit 341 may be configured using a microphone and a speech recognition device. In this case, the input unit 341 acquires an acoustic signal generated by the user's speech, performs speech recognition on the words spoken by the user, and inputs the recognized string information to the service provider terminal 30. The speech recognition process may be performed by the control unit 33. The input unit 341 can be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting user instructions to the service provider terminal 30.

[0130] The output unit 342 outputs information in a format that the user can recognize. The output unit 342 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The output unit 342 may also be an interface for connecting the image display device to the service provider terminal 30. In this case, the output unit 342 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to it.

[0131] The output unit 342 may be a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker or headphones. The output unit 342 may also be an interface for connecting an audio output device, such as a speaker or headphones, to the service provider terminal 30. In this case, the output unit 342 generates an audio signal for playing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to it. The output unit 342 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 341.

[0132] [Configuration of XR Application Server] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the XR application server 35 in one embodiment of the present invention. The XR application server 35 is configured to include, for example, an information processing device such as a server device or a personal computer. As shown in Figure 6, the XR application server 35 is configured to include a communication unit 351, a storage unit 352, a control unit 353, and an application information collection unit 354.

[0133] The communication unit 351 is a communication device. Alternatively, the communication unit 351 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 351 communicates data with other devices via the network 50-2 in accordance with the control of the control unit 353. The communication unit 351 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0134] The storage unit 352 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 352 stores data used by the control unit 353. The storage unit 22 may function as, for example, an application information storage unit 3521 and an application storage unit 3522.

[0135] The application information storage unit 3521 stores application information. As mentioned above, application information is a general term for information related to XR applications and XR content. Application information includes various types of information related to XR applications, such as static information about the XR application itself (genre, presence or absence of advertisements, etc.), information about the expected users and usage patterns of the XR application, and dynamic information about the usage status of the XR application.

[0136] The application storage unit 3522 stores, for example, the distribution program and distribution data of the XR application that are distributed to the user's terminal (not shown).

[0137] The control unit 353 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 353 functions when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 353 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor memory devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0138] The control unit 353 acquires application information stored in the application information storage unit 3521 and controls the output of the application information to an external device via the communication unit 351. The control unit 353 also acquires the distribution program and distribution data of the XR application stored in the application storage unit 3522 and controls the output of these to an external device (user's terminal) via the communication unit 351.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 353 performs code embedding processing when it detects, for example, that the communication unit 351 has received an embedded code transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. Code embedding processing, as referred to here, is the process of writing an embedded code that defines information about the space used by the XR application into the XR application program. The control unit 353 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit information indicating a request for spatial information provision to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2. As a result, information indicating a request for spatial information provision is transmitted from the XR application server 35 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0140] The spatial information referred to here is, for example, spatial information for XR applications relating to a space where XR content is to be placed, and which has been permitted for use by the space owner (or does not require permission from the space owner). Spatial information for XR applications is data in a data description format that can be used within the XR application.

[0141] Furthermore, when the control unit 353 detects that the communication unit 351 has received spatial information for the XR application transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10, for example, it performs spatial information setting processing. The spatial information setting processing referred to here is the process of setting data in a data description format that can be used within the XR application for the XR application program.

[0142] Furthermore, the control unit 353 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit information indicating a request to start using the space to the utilization adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2. As a result, information indicating a request to start using the space is transmitted from the XR application server 35 to the utilization adjustment support device 10.

[0143] Furthermore, the control unit 353 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit, for example, response information indicating that mandatory provision information can be received and mandatory acquisition information to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2. As a result, response information indicating that mandatory provision information can be received and mandatory acquisition information are transmitted from each XR application server 35 to the user adjustment support device 10. The mandatory acquisition information referred to here is information that the user adjustment support device 10 forcibly collects from each XR application server 35. For example, the mandatory acquisition information includes information indicating the number of users of the space.

[0144] Furthermore, the control unit 353 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit, for example, response information indicating that compulsory provision information can be received and compulsory acquisition information to the utilization adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2.

[0145] As a result, response information indicating that mandatory provision information can be received and mandatory acquisition information are transmitted from each XR application server 35 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The mandatory acquisition information referred to here is information that the usage adjustment support device 10 forcibly collects from each XR application server 35. For example, the mandatory acquisition information includes information indicating the number of people using the space.

[0146] Furthermore, when the control unit 353 detects, for example, that the communication unit 351 has received a user limit notification transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10, it performs a user restriction execution process. This user restriction execution process is a process that restricts newly arriving users from being able to use the XR application. This suppresses a further increase in the number of users in the space.

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit 353 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit information indicating an alternative space search request to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2. As a result, information indicating an alternative space search request is transmitted from the XR application server 35-1 to the user adjustment support device 10. The information indicating an alternative space search request here is instruction information that causes the user adjustment support device 10 to search for another space in the surrounding area that can be used as an alternative space to guide a new user, when space usage restrictions are in place.

[0148] Furthermore, if the control unit 353 detects that the user adjustment support device 10 has failed to confirm the receipt confirmation response indicating that it is able to receive the compulsory provision information, it performs an application termination display process. The application termination display process referred to here is, for example, a process in which the XR application server 35 displays information indicating the termination of the XR application on the display screen of the user terminal under its control.

[0149] The application information collection unit 354 is configured to include a communication interface for collecting application information from external devices. Alternatively, the application information collection unit 354 may be configured to collect application information via a communication unit 351. For example, the application information collection unit 354 collects application information from the user's terminal. The application information collection unit 354 stores the collected application information in the application information storage unit 3521.

[0150] For example, the app information collection unit 354 collects various information about the XR app, such as static information about the XR app itself (genre, presence or absence of advertisements, etc.), information about the expected users and usage patterns of the XR app, and dynamic information about the usage status of the XR app.

[0151] [Examples of Processing by the Usage Adjustment Support System] The following describes the processing flow performed by the usage adjustment support system 1 in this embodiment, using four specific examples.

[0152] (Pre-registration process for spatial information) Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the pre-registration process for spatial information by the utilization adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] First, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 detects a login operation performed by the space owner or the like using the input unit 241. When the control unit 23 detects a login operation, it controls the communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating a login request to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 (step S001).

[0154] As a result, information indicating a login request is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The information indicating a login request here is instruction information that requests the usage adjustment support device 10 from the owner terminal 20 to execute an authentication process for the space owner, etc., to log in and use the services provided by the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0155] Next, when the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a login request transmitted from the owner terminal 20, it performs authentication processing (step S002). Next, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to transmit information indicating a login response based on the authentication result to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1 (step S003). As a result, information indicating a login response is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0156] Next, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 detects that the communication unit 21 has received information indicating a login response transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. If the login response based on the information received by the communication unit 21 indicates a login failure (i.e., the space owner, etc., was unable to log in), the pre-registration process for the space information described below will not be performed, and the process will end here. The following describes the case where the login response based on the information received by the communication unit 21 indicates a successful login.

[0157] Next, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 reads the spatial information stored in the memory unit 22. Then, the control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit the read spatial information to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 (step S004). As a result, the spatial information is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the user adjustment support device 10.

[0158] Next, the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received spatial information transmitted from the owner terminal 20. The control unit 13 performs storage processing to store the received spatial information in the spatial information storage unit 121 (step S005).

[0159] Furthermore, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 controls the communication unit 21 to send a login notification to the equipment system 25 via the network 50-1, indicating that login to the service provided by the usage adjustment support device 10 has been successful (step S006). As a result, the login notification is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the equipment system 25.

[0160] Next, the control unit 253 of the equipment system 25 detects that the communication unit 251 has received a login notification sent from the owner terminal 20. The control unit 253 reads the equipment information stored in the equipment information storage unit 2521 and controls the communication unit 251 to transmit the read equipment information to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 (step S007). As a result, the equipment information is transmitted from the equipment system 25 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0161] Next, the control unit 13 of the utilization adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received the equipment information transmitted from the equipment system 25. The control unit 13 then performs a storage process to store the received equipment information in the spatial information storage unit 121 (step S008).

[0162] In this embodiment, equipment information is transmitted from the equipment system 25 to the utilization adjustment support device 10 when login to the service provided by the utilization adjustment support device 10 is successful. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, equipment information may be transmitted from the equipment system 25 to the utilization adjustment support device 10 at all times (for example, periodically) regardless of the login status.

[0163] (XR application construction process) Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the XR application construction process by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The XR application construction process referred to here is the process of creating an environment in which the service provider can start providing services to users via the XR application by selecting a space to place XR content, obtaining permission from the space owner as necessary, and registering the spatial information of the selected space in the XR application.

[0164] First, the control unit 33 of the service provider terminal 30 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating a request for provision of basic information to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S101).

[0165] As a result, information indicating a request for basic information is transmitted from the service provider terminal 30 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The basic information referred to here is, as mentioned above, for example, a list of registered spaces and basic attribute information for each space (for example, information indicating whether XR applications can be used on each floor of a building, whether advertisements can be placed in XR content, whether there is data that is forcibly provided to the XR application server 35, and whether there is data that is forcibly requested to be provided to the XR application server 35).

[0166] Next, the control unit 13 of the service adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a request for basic information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. The control unit 13 reads the basic information stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read basic information to the service provider terminal 30 via the network 50-2 (step S102). As a result, the basic information is transmitted from the service adjustment support device 10 to the service provider terminal 30.

[0167] Next, the control unit 33 of the service provider terminal 30 detects that the communication unit 31 has received the basic information transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. The control unit 33 performs space selection input processing to accept the space selection input from the service provider (step S103). Specifically, the control unit 33 controls the output unit 342 (or an image display device connected to the output unit 342) to display the basic information received by the communication unit 31 on the output unit 342. The service provider refers to the basic information displayed on the output unit 342 (or an image display device connected to the output unit 342) and uses the input unit 341 to select a space.

[0168] Next, the control unit 33 of the service provider terminal 30 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating a request for detailed information about the space selected by the space selection input process to the utilization adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S104).

[0169] As a result, information indicating a request for detailed information is transmitted from the service provider terminal 30 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The detailed information referred to here is, as mentioned above, for example, detailed attribute information of each space (for example, information indicating the maximum number of simultaneous users of the XR application for each floor or section, the available time period, the maximum usage time per user, and the genre of XR content that can be installed in the space).

[0170] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a request for detailed information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. The control unit 13 refers to the spatial information stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and determines whether the space for which a request for detailed information has been received is a space that requires permission for use from the space owner.

[0171] If the space for which a request for detailed information has been received is a space that requires permission to use from the space owner, the control unit 13 reads the service provider information for which the request for detailed information has been received from the storage unit 12 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read service provider information to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1 (step S105). As a result, the service provider information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0172] As mentioned above, the service provider information referred to here includes, for example, the attribute information of the service provider (for example, information indicating the genre of XR content to be deployed, the expected number of users, the expected available time slots, the expected usage time (total usage time, continuous usage time), and the expected number of uses).

[0173] Next, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 detects that the communication unit 21 has received the service provider information transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. The control unit 23 then performs permission information input processing to receive permission information from the space owner indicating whether or not the space can be used (step S106).

[0174] Specifically, the control unit 23 controls the output unit 242 (or an image display device connected to the output unit 242) to display the service provider information received by the communication unit 21 on the output unit 242. The space owner refers to the service provider information displayed on the output unit 242 (or an image display device connected to the output unit 242) and uses the input unit 241 to respond whether or not the space is available.

[0175] Next, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit permission information indicating whether or not the space can be used, which was entered through the permission information input process, to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 (step S107). As a result, permission information is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0176] If permission information indicating that the space owner has refused to allow use of the space is transmitted, the subsequent XR application construction process will not be performed, and the process will end here. The following describes the case where permission information indicating that the space owner has permitted use of the space is transmitted. Note that even if the space for which a request for detailed information has been received is a space that does not require permission from the space owner, the subsequent XR application construction process will still be performed.

[0177] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received permission information from the owner terminal 20 indicating that the space user has authorized the use of the space. The control unit 13 then reads the detailed information stored in the space information storage unit 121 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read detailed information to the service provider terminal 30 via the network 50-2 (step S108). As a result, the detailed information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the service provider terminal 30.

[0178] Next, the control unit 33 of the service provider terminal 30 detects that the communication unit 31 has received detailed information transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. The control unit 33 reads the application information of the XR application that uses the XR content to be placed in space from the storage unit 32 and controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the read application information to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S109). As a result, the application information is transmitted from the service provider terminal 30 to the owner terminal 20.

[0179] As mentioned above, the application information referred to here is, for example, application information used by the usage adjustment support device 10 to register an XR application for a space that has been authorized for use.

[0180] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received application information transmitted from the service provider terminal 30. The control unit 13 then performs application information registration processing (step S110). As mentioned above, the application information registration processing refers to the process of registering, for example, the XR application of a service provider using a space that has been permitted for use by the space owner.

[0181] Furthermore, the control unit 33 of the service provider terminal 30 detects that the communication unit 31 has received detailed information transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10. The control unit 33 reads the embedded code from the storage unit 32 and controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the read embedded code to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 (step S111).

[0182] This transmits the embedded code from the service provider terminal 30 to the XR application server 35. The embedded code referred to here is, as mentioned above, a program written in the XR application, which defines information about the space to be used within the XR application program.

[0183] Next, when the control unit 353 of the XR application server 35 detects that the communication unit 351 has received the embedded code transmitted from the service provider terminal 30, it performs code embedding processing (step S112). As mentioned above, code embedding processing refers to the process of writing embedded code that defines information about the space used by the XR application into the XR application program.

[0184] Next, the control unit 353 of the XR application server 35 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit information indicating a request for spatial information provision to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S113). As a result, information indicating a request for spatial information provision is transmitted from the XR application server 35 to the user adjustment support device 10.

[0185] As mentioned above, spatial information here refers to the spatial information for XR applications concerning the space where XR content is to be placed, which has been permitted for use by the space owner (or does not require permission from the space owner). Spatial information for XR applications refers to data in a data description format usable within the XR application (for example, a data format such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)).

[0186] Next, the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received a spatial information provision request transmitted from the XR application server 35. The control unit 13 reads the spatial information for the XR application stored in the spatial information storage unit 121 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read spatial information for the XR application to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 (step S124). As a result, the spatial information for the XR application is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35.

[0187] Next, when the control unit 353 of the XR application server 35 detects that the communication unit 351 has received spatial information for the XR application transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10, it performs spatial information setting processing (step S115). As mentioned above, spatial information setting processing is the process of setting data in a data description format that can be used within the XR application for the XR application program.

[0188] (Usage restriction processing based on the number of users) Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of usage restriction processing based on the number of users by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the usage adjustment support system 1 aggregates the number of users in the space where the XR content is placed in real time, and if the number of users exceeds the upper limit, it implements usage restrictions that restrict the addition of new users. In addition, the usage adjustment support system 1 checks the usage status of other spaces located around the space where the upper limit of the number of users has been exceeded, and guides users to other spaces as necessary.

[0189] First, the control unit 353 of each XR application server 35 controls the communication unit 351 to send information indicating a request to start using the space to the utilization adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S201). As a result, information indicating a request to start using the space is transmitted from the XR application server 35 to the utilization adjustment support device 10.

[0190] Next, the control unit 13 of the utilization adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received spatial information provision requests transmitted from each XR application server 35. The control unit 13 then performs permission acquisition confirmation processing (step S202).

[0191] The permission acquisition confirmation process referred to here, as described above, is a process that confirms whether the space for which use has been requested is a space that requires permission from the space owner to use the space, and if it is a space that requires permission from the space owner to use the space, whether the XR application server 35 has obtained such permission.

[0192] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to send approval information to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 if the space for which use has been requested is a space that does not require permission from the space owner to use the space, or if the XR application server 35 has obtained permission from the space owner to use the space (step S203).

[0193] As a result, approval information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35. The approval information referred to here is, as mentioned above, information indicating that the XR application server has approved the start of use of the space.

[0194] The sequence diagram shown in Figure 9 represents the case where XR application servers 35-1 and 35-2 have obtained permission from the space owner to use the space, while XR application server 35-3 has not obtained permission from the space owner to use the space. Therefore, approval information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to XR application servers 35-1 and 35-2, but not from the usage adjustment support device 10 to XR application server 35-3.

[0195] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to send information for confirming receipt of compulsory provision information to XR application server 35-1 and XR application server 35-2 via the network 50-2 (step S204). As a result, information for confirming receipt of compulsory provision information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to XR application server 35-1 and XR application server 35-2, respectively.

[0196] The information used here to confirm the receipt of compulsory provision information is, as mentioned above, instruction information that the user adjustment support device 10 uses to confirm with the XR application server 35 whether or not the XR application server 35 is able to receive the compulsory provision information that the user adjustment support device 10 sends to the XR application server 35. For example, here we will describe the case where both XR application server 35-1 and XR application server 35-2 are able to receive the compulsory provision information.

[0197] Next, the control unit 353 of XR application server 35-1 and the control unit 353 of XR application server 35-2 control the communication unit 351 to transmit response information indicating that mandatory provision information can be received and mandatory acquisition information to the user adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S205). As a result, response information indicating that mandatory provision information can be received and mandatory acquisition information are transmitted from XR application server 35-1 and XR application server 35-2 to the user adjustment support device 10.

[0198] The information referred to here as "forcibly acquired information" is, as mentioned above, information that the usage adjustment support device 10 forcibly collects from each XR application server 35. For example, the forcibly acquired information includes information indicating the number of people using the space.

[0199] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received spatial information provision requests transmitted from XR application servers 35-1 and 35-2. The control unit 13 then controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the application usage information and advertising information stored in the storage unit 12 to XR application servers 35-1 and 35-2, respectively, via the network 50-2 (step S206). As a result, the application usage information and advertising information are transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to XR application servers 35-1 and 35-2, respectively.

[0200] Next, the control unit 13 of the utilization adjustment support device 10 performs a user count aggregation process, which sums the values ​​of the number of users of the space included in the forced acquisition information received from the XR application server 35-1 and the XR application server 35-2, respectively (step S207). Next, the control unit 13 of the utilization adjustment support device 10 reads the upper limit value of the number of simultaneous users of the space stored in the spatial information storage unit 121, and performs a restriction execution determination process, which compares the read upper limit value with the above-mentioned aggregated number of users of the space (step S208).

[0201] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to send a user limit notification to the XR application server 35-1 and the XR application server 35-2 via the network 50-2, respectively, if the total number of users of the space exceeds the upper limit (step S209).

[0202] As a result, the user limit notification is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35-1 and the XR application server 35-2, respectively. The user limit notification referred to here is a notification instructing the XR application server 35 from the user adjustment support device 10 to restrict the addition of new users to use the space, as described above.

[0203] Next, when the control unit 353 of XR application server 35-1 and the control unit 353 of XR application server 35-2 detect that the communication unit 351 has received the user limit notification transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10, they perform the user limit execution process (step S210).

[0204] The usage restriction process referred to here is, as mentioned above, a process that restricts newly arriving users from using the XR application. This prevents a further increase in the number of users in the space. Specifically, for example, a message indicating that the XR application is temporarily unavailable will be displayed on the user terminal screen of new users.

[0205] Furthermore, the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 performs a status check of the surrounding space (step S211). As mentioned above, the status check of the surrounding space is a process in which the control unit 13 compares the current number of users in another space nearby with the upper limit of the number of users in that other space to check the usage status (for example, the degree of congestion, the number of new users that can be accepted).

[0206] Next, for example, the control unit 353 of the XR application server 35-1 controls the communication unit 351 to transmit information indicating an alternative space search request to the utilization adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S212).

[0207] As a result, information indicating an alternative space search request is transmitted from the XR application server 35-1 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The information indicating an alternative space search request, as mentioned above, is instruction information to cause the usage adjustment support device 10 to search for another nearby space that can be used as an alternative space to guide a new user, when space usage restrictions are in place.

[0208] Next, the control unit 13 of the utilization adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating an alternative spatial search request transmitted from the XR application server 35-1. The control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to transmit information indicating the search results to the XR application server 35-1 via the network 50-2 (step S213). As a result, information indicating the search results is transmitted from the utilization adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35-1.

[0209] The information representing the search results, as mentioned above, is information that indicates an alternative space in the vicinity that can be used to guide a new user, as identified by the surrounding space status confirmation process in step S211.

[0210] The sequence diagram shown in Figure 10 illustrates the case where, in the forced provision information reception confirmation process of steps S204 to S205 of the sequence diagram shown in Figure 9, the user adjustment support device 10 fails to confirm whether or not the XR application server 35 is able to receive the forced provision information.

[0211] First, the control unit 353 of the XR application server 35 controls the communication unit 351 to send information indicating a request to start using the space to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-2 (step S301). As a result, information indicating a request to start using the space is transmitted from the XR application server 35 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0212] Next, when the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received the spatial information provision request transmitted from the XR application server 35, it performs permission acquisition confirmation processing (step S302). As described above, permission acquisition confirmation processing is the process of confirming whether the space for which the start of use has been requested is a space that requires permission for use from the space owner, and further, if it is a space that requires permission for use from the space owner, whether the XR application server 35 has obtained that permission.

[0213] Next, the control unit 13 of the usage adjustment support device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to send approval information to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 if the space for which use has been requested is a space that does not require permission from the space owner to use the space, or if the XR application server 35 has obtained permission from the space owner to use the space (step S303).

[0214] As a result, approval information is transmitted from the usage adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35. As mentioned above, the approval information is information indicating that the XR application server has approved the start of use of the space.

[0215] The sequence diagram shown in Figure 10 illustrates a case where the space for which access has been requested does not require permission from the space owner, or where the XR application server 35 has obtained permission from the space owner to use the space. Therefore, approval information is transmitted from the access adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35.

[0216] Next, the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 controls the communication unit 11 to send information for confirming receipt of mandatory provision information to the XR application server 35 via the network 50-2 (step S304). As a result, information for confirming receipt of mandatory provision information is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the XR application server 35.

[0217] As mentioned above, the information used to confirm the receipt of compulsory provision information is instruction information that the user adjustment support device 10 uses to confirm with the XR application server 35 whether or not the XR application server 35 is able to receive the compulsory provision information that the user adjustment support device 10 sends to the XR application server 35. Here, we will explain the case where the user adjustment support device 10 fails to confirm whether or not the XR application server 35 is able to receive the compulsory provision information.

[0218] When the control unit 353 of the XR application server 35 detects that the user adjustment support device 10 has failed to confirm the receipt acknowledgment response indicating that it can receive the compulsory provision information, it performs an application termination display process (step S305). As mentioned above, the application termination display process refers to the process by which the XR application server 35 displays information indicating the termination of the XR application on the display screen of the user terminal under its control.

[0219] Furthermore, the control unit 353 determines, for example, that the utilization adjustment support device 10 has failed to confirm the receipt confirmation response indicating that compulsory provision information can be received, based on the fact that no response has been received from the utilization adjustment support device 10 even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0220] (Processing of requests to reference usage status) Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing requests to reference usage status by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0221] First, when the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 detects a login operation performed by the space owner or the like using the input unit 241, it controls the communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating a login request to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 (step S401). As a result, information indicating a login request is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10.

[0222] Next, when the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating a login request transmitted from the owner terminal 20, it performs authentication processing (step S402). Next, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 11 to transmit information indicating a login response based on the authentication result to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1 (step S403). As a result, information indicating a login response is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0223] Next, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 detects that the communication unit 21 has received information indicating a login response transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10. If the login response based on the information received by the communication unit 21 indicates a login failure, the subsequent pre-registration process for spatial information is not performed, and the process ends here. The following describes the case where the login response based on the information received by the communication unit 21 indicates a successful login.

[0224] Next, the control unit 23 of the owner terminal 20 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit information indicating an application information request to the usage adjustment support device 10 via the network 50-1 (step S404). As a result, information indicating an application information request is transmitted from the owner terminal 20 to the usage adjustment support device 10. The information indicating an application information request, as mentioned above, is, for example, instruction information for the owner terminal 20 to request the usage adjustment support device 10 to display the current or predetermined usage status of XR applications in the space.

[0225] Next, the control unit 13 of the user adjustment support device 10 detects that the communication unit 11 has received information indicating an application information provision request transmitted from the owner terminal 20. The control unit 13 reads the application information stored in the application information storage unit 122 and controls the communication unit 11 to transmit the read application information to the owner terminal 20 via the network 50-1 (step S405). As a result, the application information is transmitted from the user adjustment support device 10 to the owner terminal 20.

[0226] (Example of App Information Data Structure) Figure 12 shows an example of the data structure of app information used by the usage adjustment support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 12, the app information is tabular data in which the values ​​of items such as "XR app name," "genre," "current number of users," "service provider name," and "contact information" are associated with each other.

[0227] "XR App Name" represents the name of each XR app. "Genre" represents the app type of each XR app. "Current Number of Users" represents the current number of users of each XR app in a given space. "Service Provider Name" represents the name of the service provider that provides services using each XR app. "Contact Information" represents the contact information for the space owner to use when making inquiries about each XR app to the service provider.

[0228] [Hardware Configuration Example] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a hardware configuration example of an information processing device 90 applied to one embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a communication interface 93, an auxiliary storage device 94, an input / output interface 95, and an internal bus 96. The processor 91, the main memory 92, the communication interface 93, the auxiliary storage device 94, and the input / output interface 95 are connected to each other via the internal bus 96 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0229] The information processing device 90 may be applied to, for example, the user adjustment support device 10, the owner terminal 20, the equipment system 25, the service provider terminal 30, and the XR application server 35. In this case, for example, the communication unit 11, communication unit 21, communication unit 251, communication unit 31, and communication unit 351 may be configured using a communication interface 93. For example, the storage unit 12, storage unit 22, storage unit 252, storage unit 32, and storage unit 352 may be configured using an auxiliary storage device 94. Furthermore, the control unit 13, control unit 23, control unit 253, control unit 33, and control unit 353 may be configured using a processor 91 and a main memory device 92.

[0230] According to the embodiment described above, the user adjustment support device comprises a spatial information storage unit, an application information storage unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. For example, the user adjustment support device is the user adjustment support device 10 in the embodiment, the spatial information storage unit is the spatial information storage unit 121 in the embodiment, the application information storage unit is the application information storage unit 122 in the embodiment, the communication unit is the communication unit 11 in the embodiment, and the control unit is the control unit 13 in the embodiment.

[0231] The spatial information storage unit stores spatial information relating to multiple real-world spaces where virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed. For example, the content is XR content in the embodiment, and the space is the space on which the XR content in the embodiment will be placed, such as land, the interior and exterior walls of a building, and the space around the building (e.g., the sky and the surrounding ground). The application information storage unit stores application information relating to an application that provides an Extended Reality (XR) service using virtual world content. For example, the application is an XR application in the embodiment.

[0232] The communication unit establishes communication connections with the owner terminal, which is the terminal device on the owner's side of the space, and the service provider terminal, which is the terminal device on the service provider's side. For example, the owner terminal is owner terminal 20 in the embodiment, and the service provider terminal is service provider terminal 30 in the embodiment. The control unit obtains desired space information from the service provider terminal, which indicates the space to be used for the above service, outputs the obtained desired space information and application information to the owner terminal, obtains availability information from the owner terminal, which indicates whether the desired space can be used, and outputs the obtained availability information to the service provider terminal.

[0233] Furthermore, in the above-described utilization adjustment support device, the control unit may be configured to acquire utilization condition information indicating the conditions for applications that can be placed in the space from the owner terminal and to output the acquired utilization condition information to the service provider terminal.

[0234] Furthermore, in the above-described usage adjustment support device, the control unit may be configured to obtain reward information from the service provider terminal indicating the rewards that can be obtained when permission is granted for the use of the space by an application, and to output the obtained reward information to the owner terminal.

[0235] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned usage adjustment support device, the application information and usage conditions information may include at least one of the following: information regarding the genre of the application, information regarding the number of simultaneous users of the application, information regarding the time period during which the application is used, information regarding the number of times the application has been used, and information regarding whether or not the application contains advertisements.

[0236] In addition, in the above-described usage adjustment support device, the control unit may periodically acquire information from the server device that runs the application that shows the actual or predicted values ​​of an indicator that shows the usage status of the application arranged in space, and if the actual or predicted value of the indicator exceeds a predetermined threshold, it may perform control to output instruction information to the server device to restrict new use of the application. For example, the server device is the XR application server 35 in the embodiment.

[0237] Furthermore, in the above-described utilization adjustment support device, the control unit may acquire equipment information from an equipment system installed in the space, which includes at least one of the following: information indicating the number of people present in the space, information used for detecting a fire in the space, and information regarding the state of the air conditioning in the space, and then control the output of the acquired equipment information to the service provider terminal. For example, the equipment system is the equipment system 25 in the embodiment.

[0238] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the usage adjustment support system includes an owner terminal, a service provider terminal, and a usage adjustment support device. For example, the usage adjustment support system is the usage adjustment support system 1 in the embodiment, the usage adjustment support device is the usage adjustment support device 10 in the embodiment, the owner terminal is the owner terminal 20 in the embodiment, and the service provider terminal is the service provider terminal 30 in the embodiment.

[0239] The owner terminal is a terminal device on the owner's side that owns a real-world space on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed. For example, the content is XR content in the embodiment, and the space is the space on which the XR content in the embodiment will be placed, for example, land, the interior and exterior walls of a building, the space around a building (for example, the sky or the surrounding ground), etc. The service provider terminal is a terminal device on the provider's side that provides an extended reality service using virtual world content. The usage adjustment support device comprises a spatial information storage unit, an application information storage unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. For example, the spatial information storage unit is the spatial information storage unit 121 in the embodiment, the application information storage unit is the application information storage unit 122 in the embodiment, the communication unit is the communication unit 11 in the embodiment, and the control unit is the control unit 13 in the embodiment.

[0240] The spatial information storage unit stores spatial information relating to multiple spaces. The application information storage unit stores application information relating to the application providing the service. For example, the application is an XR application in this embodiment. The communication unit establishes communication connections with the owner terminal and the service provider terminal, respectively. The control unit obtains desired space information from the service provider terminal, which indicates the space to be used for the service, outputs the desired space information and application information to the owner terminal, obtains availability information from the owner terminal, which indicates whether the desired space can be used, and outputs the availability information to the service provider terminal.

[0241] The configurations of the user adjustment support device 10, owner terminal 20, equipment system 25, service provider terminal 30, and XR application server 35 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into the computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside the computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, or it may be for the purpose of realizing the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be for the purpose of realizing using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0242] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0243] 1...Usage adjustment support system, 10...Usage adjustment support device, 11...Communication unit, 12...Storage unit, 13...Control unit, 20...Owner terminal, 21...Communication unit, 22...Storage unit, 23...Control unit, 25...Equipment system, 30...Service provider terminal, 31...Communication unit, 32...Storage unit, 33...Control unit, 35...XR application server, 50...Network, 90...Information processing device, 91...Processor, 92...Main memory, 93...Communication interface, 94...Auxiliary memory, 95...Input / output interface, 96...Internal bus, 121...Spatial information storage unit, 122...Application information storage unit 131...Spatial information acquisition control unit, 132...Equipment information acquisition control unit, 133...Spatial information processing unit, 134...Spatial information output control unit, 135...Application information acquisition control unit, 136...Application information processing unit, 137...Application information output control unit, 241...Input unit, 242...Output unit, 251...Communication unit, 252...Storage unit, 253...Control unit, 254...Equipment information collection unit, 341...Input unit, 342...Output unit, 351...Communication unit, 352...Storage unit, 353...Control unit, 354...Application information collection unit, 2521...Equipment information storage unit, 3521...Application information storage unit, 3522...Application storage unit

Claims

1. A usage adjustment support device comprising: a spatial information storage unit that stores spatial information relating to multiple spaces in the real world on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed; an application information storage unit that stores application information relating to an application that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content; a communication unit that establishes communication connections between an owner terminal, which is the owner's terminal device of the space, and a service provider terminal, which is the terminal device of the service provider; and a control unit that performs control to acquire desired usage space information indicating the space to be used in the service from the service provider terminal, output the acquired desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal, acquire availability information indicating whether the desired usage space can be used from the owner terminal, and output the acquired availability information to the service provider terminal.

2. The usage adjustment support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires usage condition information indicating the conditions for the application that can be placed in the space from the owner terminal and controls the output of the acquired usage condition information to the service provider terminal.

3. The usage adjustment support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtains reward information from the service provider terminal indicating a reward to be obtained when the use of the space by the application is permitted, and controls the output of the obtained reward information to the owner terminal.

4. The usage adjustment support device according to claim 2, wherein the application information and the usage conditions information include at least one of the following: information relating to the genre of the application, information relating to the number of simultaneous users of the application, information relating to the time period during which the application is used, information relating to the number of times the application has been used, and information relating to whether or not the application contains advertisements.

5. The usage adjustment support device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit periodically acquires information from a server device that runs the application indicating the measured or predicted value of an indicator showing the usage status of the application arranged in the space, and if the measured or predicted value of the indicator exceeds a predetermined threshold, it controls the output of instruction information to the server device to restrict new use of the application.

6. The usage adjustment support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires equipment information from an equipment system installed in the space, which includes at least one of the following: information indicating the number of people present in the space, information used for detecting the occurrence of a fire in the space, and information regarding the state of the air conditioning in the space, and controls the output of the acquired equipment information to the service provider terminal.

7. A usage adjustment support system comprising an owner terminal, a service provider terminal, and a usage adjustment support device, wherein the owner terminal is an owner-side terminal device that owns a real-world space on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed, the service provider terminal is a provider-side terminal device that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content, and the usage adjustment support device comprises: a spatial information storage unit that stores spatial information relating to a plurality of spaces, an application information storage unit that stores application information relating to an application that provides the service, a communication unit that communicates with the owner terminal and the service provider terminal respectively, and a control unit that performs control to acquire desired usage space information indicating the space to be used in the service from the service provider terminal, output the desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal, acquire availability information indicating whether the desired usage space can be used from the owner terminal, and output the availability information to the service provider terminal.

8. A computer-operated method for supporting the adjustment of usage, comprising: a spatial information storage step for storing spatial information relating to a plurality of spaces in the real world on which virtual world content to be merged into the real world can be placed; an application information storage step for storing application information relating to an application that provides an extended reality service using the virtual world content; a communication step for establishing communication connections between an owner terminal, which is a terminal device on the owner side of the space, and a service provider terminal, which is a terminal device on the provider side of the service; a first acquisition step for acquiring desired usage space information from the service provider terminal, which indicates the space to be used in the service; a first output step for outputting the desired usage space information and the application information to the owner terminal; a second acquisition step for acquiring availability information from the owner terminal, which indicates whether the desired usage space is available for use; and a second output step for outputting the availability information to the service provider terminal.

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