JP7744594B2 - Information processing device, program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method.

Technology for displaying advertisements in virtual spaces is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology that can effectively display advertisements in a natural way.

JP 2013-232205 A

However, even if advertisements are placed within a virtual space, if users use the warp function to move around within the virtual space, the advertising effect may not be sufficient. On the other hand, if the advertising effect is insufficient, it may be difficult to maintain the service that provides users with a virtual experience.

In light of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to provide technology that supports the compatibility between the appeal of games and the sustainable provision of services.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device is provided. The information processing device includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to execute a movement control step, a first display step, and a second display step. In the movement control step, the user's position in the virtual space is moved from a first position to a second position. In the first display step, the user's field of view is transitioned and displayed in accordance with the movement of the position using at least one of a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions continuously along a movement path from the first position to the second position. The field of view along the movement path includes first content. The second display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions discontinuously from the first position to the second position. In the second display step, second content related to the first content is displayed when the field of view transitions using the second display mode.

This disclosure provides technology that helps balance the appeal of games with the sustainable provision of services.

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 23 in the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing a map screen 100 in which a virtual space is viewed from above. FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing a screen 200 as seen from the viewpoint of a player character PC. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen 300 on which the second position 42 can be selected. FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen 400 on which it is possible to select whether or not to display the second content C2. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of second content C2a related to first content C1a. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of second location information.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for realizing the software featured in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, the term "unit" can also include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in the broad sense, and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. This embodiment handles a variety of information, which can be represented, for example, by physical signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a collection of binary bits consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in the broad sense.

In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

1. Description of the Game Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of a game device 3 controls one or more player characters PC in a virtual game space, and pits the player characters PC against enemy characters EC, which are non-player characters NPCPC. A character is also an example of an object.

The above-described games are played using a game device 3, which is a home game console such as PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), a virtual reality (VR) game console such as Oculus VR (registered trademark) equipped with a VR headset, or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet device.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing device 2 and multiple game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is composed of, for example, a server. Each of the multiple game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, a system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or game device 3 described below alone can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on user operations. To do so, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communications network 11. Each user is assigned account information, including identification information and a password, that is associated with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at login and is used for user authentication on the information processing device 2.

After user authentication, the information processing device 2 and game device 3 become able to communicate with each other. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on user operations.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Information processing device 2>
1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet or a LAN. Main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, gacha lottery requests in response to user operations, quest execution requests, autoplay execution/end requests, account information, game data, etc. Main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information confirming that the game program has been received by the game device 3, information related to game media obtained through gacha, etc.

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, including part of the game program according to this embodiment, as well as various game-related data.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB and a lottery list. The user DB stores, for each identification number of a user playing the game, information such as the user name, user rank, status of the player character PC operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, and information on parameters, all associated with the user. The lottery list is used for a lottery process commonly known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information about game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information about the game media (such as name, ability parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection rate in the lottery. Furthermore, the ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, and speed when the game media is a player character PC.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of its own device, the information processing device 2. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to its own device, the information processing device 2, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

Examples of information processing executed by the control unit 23 include payment settlement processing, user account authentication processing, and gacha lottery selection processing. Payment settlement processing is executed, for example, based on a request for payment necessary to restore a predetermined amount of in-game parameters. User account authentication processing is executed, for example, using user identification information received from the game device 3. Gacha lottery selection processing is processing in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection processing, information about the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that sent the lottery request are associated in the user DB, and the user is thereby awarded the game media that they won as a result of their own gacha draw.

To further expand on the above, "game media" refers to electronic data representing elements related to a game, such as the name of the character used as the player character PC and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character PC within the virtual game space. Users can obtain game media through direct purchase, completing quests, or through a lottery system known as gacha. Obtained game media is stored and managed in a user database in association with the identification information of the user who has acquired the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" refers to a method in which the information processing device 2 randomly selects game media from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection ratio. The selected game media is then granted to the user's game device 3. "Granting game media selected through gacha to a user/owning the user" is synonymous with "associating/being associated with the game media selected through the lottery process with identification information identifying the user."

<Game Device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to send and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information received by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information transmitted by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to download request information, information regarding game media selected by lottery processing, etc.

The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including part of the game program, account information for the game device 3 itself, user information, etc. The user information is at least a portion of the information in the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least a portion of this master information distributed from the information processing device 2.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 itself by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 33 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game in accordance with the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as objects and textures of the virtual game space included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information using data received from the information processing device 2. The game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 34a, and the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to control the display of the display 4a and the audio output of the speaker 4b in accordance with the operation of the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself, when executing the game.

The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in animated format in accordance with game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which may be, for example, an LCD, and the game images rendered in animated format are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b and plays and synthesizes game audio in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33, outputting this from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game apparatus 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2. Here, the system according to this embodiment is realized by the information processing system 1, and in particular by the control unit 23.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. The control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 22, thereby functioning as a reception unit 231, a movement control unit 232, a determination unit 233, a display control unit 234, and a management unit 235. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

The reception unit 231 is configured to be able to execute a reception step. In the reception step, the reception unit 231 is configured to be able to receive information via the communication unit 21 or the memory unit 22 and read this information into working memory. In particular, the reception unit 231 is configured to receive various pieces of information via the communication network 11 and the communication unit 21. In this embodiment, the various pieces of information received by the reception unit 231 are described as being stored in the memory unit 22.

In particular, the reception unit 231 is configured to be able to receive operational instructions from the user via the input device 4c. Operational instructions include operation instructions based on specified command operations and operation instructions based on pressing buttons displayed on the display 4a. The reception unit 231 receives instructions for instructing the character to move, attack, defend, use items, use magic, recover stamina, and perform other actions.

The movement control unit 232 is configured to be able to execute a movement control step. In the movement control step, the movement control unit 232 controls the movement of the player character PC within the virtual space.

The determination unit 233 is configured to be able to execute a determination step. In the determination step, the determination unit 233 determines the second content C2 or the third content C3 to be displayed on the display 4a. The determination unit 233 also determines whether or not to display the display conditions for the second content C2.

The display control unit 234 is configured to be able to execute a display step. In the display step, the display control unit 234 displays various information stored in the memory unit 32 or screens containing such information in a manner that is visible on the game device 3. Specifically, the display control unit 234 controls visual information such as screens, images, icons, and messages to be displayed on the display 41a of the game device 3. The display control unit 234 may generate only rendering information for displaying the visual information on the game device 3.

The management unit 235 is configured to be able to execute management steps. In the management steps, the management unit 235 manages multiple pieces of information by associating the pieces of information and storing them in the storage unit 32.

3. Explanation of Various Information and Terms In this section, various information, terms, etc. handled by the information processing system 1 will be explained.

In this embodiment, the player character PC is placed in a virtual space based on user operations. Various objects are also placed in the virtual space, such as roads, buildings, nature, non-player characters (NPCs), and other player characters (PCs). The virtual space can recreate a virtual world that mimics real space.

The player character PC can move to any position 4 in the virtual space based on the user's operation. In addition, the display control unit 234 displays on the display 4a a field of view corresponding to the position 4 and orientation of the player character PC in the virtual space. By operating the player character PC, the user can freely explore the virtual space via the player character PC. Hereinafter, for convenience, the position of the player character PC in the virtual space may be expressed as indicating the user's position within the virtual space.

The movement control unit 232 moves the user's position 4 in the virtual space from a first position 41 to a second position 42 based on the user's operation. Here, the user's current position 4 in the virtual space is referred to as the first position 41. The first position 41 is, for example, the location where the player character PC is initially placed after the user logs in. More specifically, it is the player character PC's home, activity base, etc. Furthermore, the destination to which the user moves is referred to as the second position 42. Specific examples of the second position 42 are an office, an event venue, or a conference room. For example, the user can commute from home to the office in the virtual space by operating the player character PC.

In this embodiment, advertising information used to advertise a product or service is referred to as content C. Specific examples of advertising information include advertising images, promotional videos, and commercials for the product or service. Content C is classified into first content C1, second content C2, and third content C3 depending on the display format of the advertisement.

The first content C1 is content C associated with at least one point included in the movement path 5 of the player character PC. The display control unit 234 displays the first content C1 as an object arranged in virtual space. When the first content C1 is included in the field of view of the player character PC, the display control unit 234 displays the first content C1 so that it can be seen by the user.

An individual or company (hereinafter referred to as the provider) advertising a product or service can pay a specified advertising fee to have first content C1 advertising their product or service placed at any location in the virtual space. The advertising fee required to place the first content C1 is determined taking into account factors such as foot traffic and land prices, with the higher the likelihood that the location will be visible to more users, the higher the advertising fee required. The display control unit 234 places the first content C1 at a specified location 4 in the virtual space in response to a request from the provider. Typically, the first content C1 is placed along a road, facing the road so that it is within the field of view of the player character PC passing by the point where the first content C1 is placed. The second content C2 and third content C3 will be described later.

4. Operation of Information Processing System 1 In this section, the flow of operation of the information processing system 1 described above will be described.

3 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. The flow of information processing will be outlined below with reference to this activity diagram. As an example of a preferred embodiment, a scene in which a user travels from a home, which is a first location 41, to a workplace, which is a second location 42, where the user works, will be described.

First, when the user logs in, the display control unit 234 places the player character PC at the first position 41, which is the player's home in the virtual space. The display control unit 234 also displays a field of view corresponding to the orientation of the player character PC (A101). The user can recognize through the display 4a that the player character PC is at home.

When moving the player character PC to the second location 42, which is the office, the user can select a movement method: moving the player character PC along movement path 5 toward second location 42, or using the warp function to move to second location 42. Depending on the movement method selected by the user, the display control unit 234 transitions the user's field of view in accordance with the movement of position 4 using at least one of the first display mode and the second display mode. The movement modes of the player character PC are further explained below. For convenience, the movement method in which the user moves the player character PC by repeatedly performing movement operations is referred to as "normal movement." For convenience, the method in which the user moves to second location 42 using the warp function is referred to as "warp movement."

The display control unit 234 displays a warp function execution button B on the display 4a so that the user can select it. If the user does not press the execution button B and the reception unit 231 does not receive an instruction to execute the warp function, the movement control unit 232 assumes that "normal movement" has been selected and moves the player character PC based on the user's movement operation.

<Normal movement>
The following describes the movement mode when moving the player character PC along the movement path 5. When the warp function is not used, the user moves the player character PC to the second position 42 by operating the player character PC along the movement path 5. Specifically, the reception unit 231 receives a movement operation from the user via the input device 4c.

When a movement operation is received, the movement control unit 232 moves the user's position 4 in the virtual space a fixed distance from the first position 41 in the direction of travel of the player character PC (A103a). The display control unit 234 also shifts the user's field of view along the movement direction (A103b). In normal movement, the user can reach the second position 42 by repeatedly performing a movement operation. In this way, when repeated movement operations are performed during movement to the second position 42, the display control unit 234 continuously shifts and displays the user's field of view in accordance with the movement of the user's position 4. Hereinafter, this display mode will be referred to as the first display mode. The first display mode is a display mode in which the field of view continuously shifts along the movement path 5 from the first position 41 to the second position 42.

Here, if the movement path 5 of the player character PC includes a point associated with the first content C1, the display control unit 234 displays a field of view that includes the first content C1 on this movement path 5. Specifically, when the player character PC passes along a road facing the placement position of the first content C1, the first content C1 is included in the field of view of the player character PC. According to this aspect, the user moves to the second position 42 while viewing advertisements for the products or services represented by the first content C1. Then, when the player character PC arrives at the second position 42, the process proceeds to A111, and the display control unit 234 displays the field of view at the second position 42.

The display control unit 234 continues to display the execution button B even while the player is moving along the movement path 5. Therefore, the user can use the warp function at any time while the player is moving along the movement path 5. In other words, the player can use the warp function to move the player character PC from the midpoint between the first position 41 and the second position 42.

<Warp Movement>
On the other hand, when the receiving unit 231 receives an instruction to execute the warp function, the display control unit 234 transitions the user's field of view in a second display mode. The movement mode when the player character PC is moved using the warp function will be described below. Details of the second display mode will be described later.

The display control unit 234 displays a screen 300 on which the user can select a second location 42 as a destination. On the screen 300, the user can select any second location 42 as a destination. The reception unit 231 receives a selection operation for the second location 42 from the user via the input device 4c (A104).

Once the second position 42 is determined, the determination unit 233 determines the second content C2 to be displayed on the display 4a. The method for determining the second content C2 is described in detail below.

First, the determination unit 233 determines a movement route 5 from the first position 41 to the second position 42 selected by the user (A105). For example, the determination unit 233 determines the shortest route from the first position 41 to the second position 42 as the movement route 5. At this time, if the user information includes a movement history in which the player character PC has moved from the first position 41 to the second position 42 multiple times in the past, the determination unit 233 determines the movement route 5 based on the user's past movement history. For example, the determination unit 233 determines the movement route 5 that was used most frequently as the movement route 5 to the second position 42. In this way, the determination unit 233 determines the movement route 5 based on the user information.

Next, the determination unit 233 determines the first content C1 based on the determined travel route 5. Specifically, the determination unit 233 selects at least one first content C1 from among the first content C1 associated with at least one point included in the determined travel route 5 (A106). In this way, the determination unit 233 determines the first content C1 based on the positional relationship between the first position 41 and the second position 42.

Next, the determination unit 233 determines second content C2 to be presented to the user based on the first content C1 (A107). Second content C2 related to the first content C1 is second content C2 that advertises the same product or service as the first content C1. The determination unit 233 determines second content C2 corresponding to first content C1 that is an advertisement on the travel route 5 to the destination as second content C2 to be presented to the user. If multiple first contents C1 are selected in A106, second content C2 related to at least one of the multiple first contents C1 is determined. In this manner, the determination unit 233 determines second content C2 that can be viewed by the user when the user travels along the travel route 5.

Here, if multiple first contents C1 are selected in A106, the determination unit 233 selects associated second contents C2 for each first content C1. If the number of selected second contents C2 exceeds a predetermined number, the determination unit 233 narrows down the second contents C2 from the multiple second contents C2 to a predetermined number. For example, the determination unit 233 determines the second contents C2 to be displayed on the display 4a based on information related to the location of the first contents C1.

Here, the information about the location of the first content C1 refers to various information about the installation conditions of the first content C1 or the display mode of the first content C1 at the location where the first content C1 is placed. Specifically, for example, this information may include the land value of the location where the first content C1 is placed and the visibility of the first content C1 at the location where the first content C1 is placed. For example, the determination unit 233 preferentially determines, as the second content C2 to be displayed on the display 4a, the second content C2 associated with the first content C1 having the highest land value at the placement location among the first contents C1 included in the travel route 5. Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 233 determines, based on the display mode of the first content C1, the second content C2 associated with the first content C1 having the highest visibility as the second content C2 to be displayed on the display 4a. For example, when the player character PC moves at a constant speed along the movement path 5, the determination unit 233 determines, as the second content C2 to be displayed on the display 4a, the second content C2 related to the first content C1 that is included in the field of view for the longest period of time. In this way, the determination unit 233 determines the second content C2 based on the positional relationship between the first position 41 and the second position 42. According to this aspect, the second content C2 related to the first content C1 that is placed in a location that is easily visible to the user or that is placed in a more conspicuous manner than other first content C1 is selected.

Next, before moving to position 4, the display control unit 234 displays a screen 400 that allows the user to select whether or not to display second content C2 on display 4a for a certain period of time. On screen 400, the user can select whether or not to view second content C2 when moving using the warp function. If viewing second content C2 is selected, the display control unit 234 transitions the user's field of view in the second display mode, on the condition that second content C2 is displayed.

Screen 400 includes display conditions for second content C2. The display conditions are the number of second content C2 and the length of time for which second content C2 is displayed (A108). According to this aspect, before viewing second content C2, the user can know in advance the number and length of the second content C2 that they will view.

When the reception unit 231 receives an input operation to select viewing of the second content C2, the display control unit 234 transitions the screen from the screen displaying the field of view at the first position 41, and displays the second content C2 determined by the determination unit 233 in A107 on the display 4a (A109). In this way, the display control unit 234 displays the second content C2 related to the first content C1 when the field of view transitions in the second display mode.

When the display of the second content C2 ends, the movement control unit 232 moves the user's position 4 in the virtual space from the first position 41 to the second position 42 (A110a). At the same time, the display control unit 234 transitions the screen from the display screen of the second content C2 to a screen displaying the field of view at the second position 42 (A110b and A111). In this way, the display control unit 234 transitions the field of view discontinuously from the first position 41 to the second position 42. This transition mode of the field of view is referred to as the second display mode. Because movement related to the second display mode does not involve continuous movement operations by the user, the movement time is shorter than in the case of normal movement.

<Summary>
To summarize the above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 23. The control unit 23 includes the following units: a movement control unit 232 and a display control unit 234. The movement control unit 232 moves the user's position 4 in the virtual space from a first position 41 to a second position 42. The display control unit 234 transitions and displays the user's field of view in response to the movement of the position 4 using at least one of a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions continuously along a movement path 5 from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The field of view on the movement path 5 includes a first content C1. The second display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions discontinuously from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The display control unit 234 displays second content C2 related to the first content C1 when the field of view transitions using the second display mode.

According to another aspect, the program according to this embodiment causes a computer to execute the following steps: In the movement control step, the user's position 4 in the virtual space is moved from a first position 41 to a second position 42. In the display control step, the user's field of view is transitioned and displayed in accordance with the movement of the position 4 using at least one of a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions continuously along a movement path 5 from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The field of view on the movement path 5 includes a first content C1. The second display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions discontinuously from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The display control unit 234 displays second content C2 related to the first content C1 when the field of view transitions using the second display mode.

Furthermore, according to another aspect, an information processing method executed by the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment includes the following steps. In the movement control step, the user's position 4 in the virtual space is moved from a first position 41 to a second position 42. In the movement control step, the user's position 4 in the virtual space is moved from the first position 41 to the second position 42. In the display control step, the user's field of view is transitioned and displayed in accordance with the movement of position 4 using at least one of a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions continuously along a movement path 5 from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The field of view on the movement path 5 includes a first content C1. The second display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions discontinuously from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The display control unit 234 displays second content C2 related to the first content C1 when the field of view transitions using the second display mode.

In this manner, the information processing system 1 can provide technology that supports both the entertainment value of the game and the sustainable provision of services. In particular, when a user uses the warp function to move within the virtual space, the display control unit 234 displays advertisements placed on the route 5 to the destination for a certain period of time as a condition for using the warp function. This prevents advertisements placed within the virtual space from being unnoticeable by the user when the user uses the warp function. Furthermore, since the user can select the means of transportation and whether or not to view advertisements, the convenience of movement within the virtual space is ensured, and the entertainment value of the game is guaranteed.

In particular, when a user travels using the warp function, the determination unit 233 determines an advertisement selected from advertisements along the travel route 5 to the destination as the advertisement to be presented to the user. As a result, advertisements placed on roads that are more likely to be on the travel route 5 are more likely to be displayed, allowing advertisement providers to obtain advertising effects that are commensurate with the advertising fees paid.

4.2 Details of Information Processing Next, the details of the information processing explained in the previous section will be further explained with reference to the image diagram.

Figure 4 is an illustration of a map screen 100 showing a virtual space viewed from above. Icon 101 indicates the home position, which is the first position 41 before the player character PC moves, and icon 102 indicates the workplace position (second position 42), to which the player character PC moves. Line 103 indicates a movement path 5 from the first position 41 to the second position 42. Icon 104 indicates the position of first content C1a, which will be described later in Figure 5, and icon 105 indicates the position of first content Cb, which will be described later in Figure 5. Icon 106 indicates the first position 41 of the player character PC, which is on its way from the first position 41 to the second position 42. As shown in Figure 4, the movement control unit 232 moves the position of the player character PC from the first position 41 to the second position 42 along the movement path 5 based on a user's operation instruction. The display control unit 234 displays a map screen 100 showing a virtual space viewed from above based on a user's operation request. The following explanation will continue assuming that the player character PC moves from the first position 41 indicated by icon 101 to the second position 42 indicated by icon 102.

Figure 5 is an image diagram showing a screen 200 as seen from the viewpoint of the player character PC. In particular, Figure 5 shows the field of view as seen from the position of the player character PC indicated by icon 106. The screen 200 includes a warp function execution button B, an arrow 201, first content C1a, and second content C2b. When the user selects the execution button B, the reception unit 231 receives an instruction to execute the warp function. The arrow 201 indicates the direction of the player character PC. As shown in Figure 5, first content C1b and first content C1a associated with at least one point in the virtual space are arranged, each facing the road. Also, as shown in Figure 5, when the player character PC passes along the road facing the position of the first content C1, the first content C1 is included in the field of view of the player character PC. The display control unit 234 displays a field of view corresponding to the orientation of the player character PC on the display 4a.

Figure 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen 300 on which the second location 42 can be selected. As shown in Figure 6, the display control unit 234 displays the screen 300 on which the second location 42, which is the destination of the player character PC, can be selected. The screen 300 indicates that "Workplace" or "Cafe A" can be selected as the second location 42. Figure 6 shows an example in which "Workplace" has been selected as the second location 42.

The second location 42 shown on screen 300 is a pre-registered location that has been visited in the past. When the reception unit 231 receives an instruction to register the second location 42 from the user, the management unit 235 manages the specified second location 42 as a bookmarked location. The display control unit 234 then displays the registered second location 42 on screen 300. On the other hand, when the reception unit 231 receives an instruction to select the second location 42 on the map, the display control unit 234 displays the map screen 100 shown in FIG. 4, allowing the user to select any location 42.

Figure 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen 400 on which it is possible to select whether or not to display the second content C2. As shown in Figure 7, the display control unit 234 displays a screen on the display 4a where it is possible to select whether or not to display the second content C2 for a certain period of time. Figure 7 shows an example in which it has been selected to display the second content C2. The screen 400 also includes the display conditions for the second content C2. The example in Figure 7 shows that the display time for the second content C2 is 30 seconds.

Figure 8 is an image diagram showing an example of second content C2a related to first content C1a. As shown in Figures 5 and 8, when the field of view transitions in the second display mode, the display control unit 234 displays a screen 500 including second content C2a corresponding to the first content C1a. According to this mode, the display control unit 234 displays advertising information that may come into the field of view of the player character PC when the user moves along the travel path 5.

[others]
The information processing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured as follows.

The movement control unit 232 may grant a privilege to the user on the condition that the second content C2 is displayed. Here, a privilege refers to some kind of benefit that the user can enjoy within or outside the virtual space. The privilege may be game media (e.g., items, in-game currency, etc.) that can be used within the virtual space. The privilege is not limited to objects or media, but also includes advantageous effects given to the user. The advantageous effects given to the user include effects that enhance the user's interest in the game compared to normal times, such as generating special visual effects on the game screen, enhancing the display of game images, and generating special background music or sound effects, thereby enhancing the user's interest in the game through the user's five senses. The advantageous effects given to the user also include various functions that can improve the convenience of activities within the virtual space compared to normal times. In FIG. 7, the display control unit 234 selectably displays privileges that the user can acquire on the condition that the second content C2 is displayed. The selectable privileges may be functions that are expected to be used after the user moves to the second location 42. Figure 7 shows examples of benefits, such as permission to use the voice transcription function and the acquisition of limited-time background music.

Here, the movement control unit 232 performs control so that second position information associated with the second position 42 can be acquired.
The second position information is information that can be acquired without moving from the position 4. The second position information includes information about another user located at the second position 42. FIG. 9 is an image diagram illustrating an example of second position information. FIG. 9 illustrates a screen in which a user and another user located at a different location from the user are engaged in a video call. The screen 600 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a screen 601 including an image of the user operating a player character PC and a screen 602 including an image of the other user located at the second position 42. While the user is located at the first position 41, the movement control unit 232 acquires visual information, audio information, and text information related to the other user located at the second position 42, and the display control unit 234 displays the acquired information on the display 4a. In this way, the user can communicate with users located at different locations in the virtual space while remaining at the first position 41. Note that FIG. 9 may also illustrate a screen in which the player characters PCs of the respective users are engaged in a video call. This allows the player characters PCs located at different locations in the virtual space to communicate with each other through avatar chat.

Here, the display control unit 234 displays the second content C2 or the third content C3 when acquiring the second location information. For example, the user associated with screen 601 is located at position 4 indicated by icon 101 (see FIG. 4), and the user associated with screen 602 is located at position 4 indicated by icon 102 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the determination unit 233 determines the first content C1 based on the positional relationship between position 4 indicated by icon 101 and position 4 indicated by icon 102. The determination unit 233 determines the second content C2 related to the determined first content C1 as the third content C3 to be displayed on the display 4a. The display control unit 234 then displays the determined second content C2. According to this aspect, the display control unit 234 can similarly display advertisements even when using a function that allows interaction with other users without moving between virtual spaces.

At this time, the display control unit 234 may display third content C3 when acquiring the second location information. FIG. 9 shows an example in which third content C3 related to first content C1a is displayed. The third content C3 is content C related to the first content C1 and has more favorable display conditions for the user than the second content C2. The third content C3 related to the first content C1 is third content C3 that advertises the same product or service as the first content C1. The content C with more favorable display conditions for the user is content C that has undergone various specification changes to reduce the advertising burden on the user compared to the second content C2. For example, compared to the second content C2, the display time is shorter and the area that content C occupies on the display 4a is smaller. When acquiring the second location information, the display control unit 234 may display fewer copies of second content C2 than the number of copies of second content C2 viewed when warping to the location of another user.

The determination unit 233 may determine whether or not to display the display conditions based on user information associated with the second location 42. If the determination unit 233 determines to display the display conditions, the display control unit 234 may display a screen 400 including the display conditions before moving to location 4. The user information associated with the second location 42 is information indicating a history of movement to the second location 42 or a planned movement to the second location 42. The history of movement to the second location 42 is, for example, the number of times the user has visited the second location 42. The information indicating a planned movement to the second location 42 is, for example, information indicating whether or not a planned movement to the second location 42 is included in the user's calendar information.

The determination unit 233 refers to the movement history related to the second location 42 and determines to display the display conditions if the user has never visited the second location 42. This prevents the user from unintentionally viewing the second content C2 for a longer time due to the user finding the distance to the second location 42 longer than expected.

The determination unit 233 may also compare the start time of an event scheduled for the second location 42 with the current time based on calendar information, and if the time from the current time to the start time of the event is equal to or less than a threshold, display the display time of the second content C2, etc. For example, if the time from the current time to the start time of the event is less than 10 minutes, the determination unit 233 may display the display time of the second content C2. This allows the user to take into account the advertisement viewing time when warping to the second location 42 and confirm whether they will be able to make it to their scheduled time if they watch the advertisement and then warp. The display control unit 234 may also display a notification encouraging the user to travel earlier, taking into account the time from the current time to the start time of the event and the display time of the second content C2. It is preferable that such a notification be possible even before the use of the warp function is selected. According to this aspect, the user can determine their means of transportation and adjust their travel schedule within the virtual space after knowing the advertisement viewing time in advance.

The determination unit 233 may also determine whether or not to display the second content C2 when using the warp function, based on user information associated with the second location 42.

When the field of view transitions in the second display mode, the determination unit 233 may determine the degree of movement difficulty for moving to position 4 based on the positional relationship between the first position 41 and the second position 42, and may determine the second content C2 based on the movement difficulty. The movement difficulty is an index that indicates the degree of difficulty involved in moving from the first position 41 to the second position 42. The movement difficulty is calculated based on the distance from the first position 41 to the second position 42, the time required, etc. For example, the determination unit 233 calculates a higher movement difficulty the longer the distance from the first position 41 to the second position 42. Furthermore, the determination unit 233 calculates a higher movement difficulty the longer the time required to reach the second position 42. The determination unit 233 then determines the display conditions for the second content C2 based on the calculated movement degree. At this time, the determination unit 233 determines display conditions that are more disadvantageous to the user the higher the movement difficulty.

Display conditions that are unfavorable to the user include a long display time for the second content C2 and a large number of pieces of second content C2 being displayed. In this way, the determination unit 233 determines viewing conditions such as the number of advertisements to be played and the length of the video, depending on the degree of difficulty of movement. Then, based on the determined display conditions, the determination unit 233 determines the number of pieces of second content C2 and content C to be displayed on the display 4a.

In this manner, the determination unit 233 can select an appropriate second content C2 based on the degree of difficulty involved in moving from the first position 41 to the second position 42. Furthermore, the longer the moving distance, the longer the display time of the second content C2. Therefore, even when warping in virtual space, the user can move while feeling the length of the distance to the second position 42, thereby improving the entertainment value of the game.

Furthermore, in the first display mode, the display control unit 234 may display at least one of a first means of transportation and a second means of transportation as selectable. Here, the first means of transportation is a means of transportation that does not require payment of the first fee. Specifically, for example, this refers to travel by foot or a bicycle owned by the player character PC, rather than using public transportation installed in the virtual space. The second means of transportation is a means of transportation that can be selected on the condition of payment of the first fee, and is a means of transportation that can move to position 4 more advantageously than the first means of transportation. Specifically, for example, the second means of transportation is a means of transportation that the player character PC uses in the virtual space, such as a train or bus. When the second means of transportation is selected, the time required to reach second position 42 is shorter than when traveling by the first means of transportation, and the burden of traveling is reduced.

The first consideration is a ticket that can be acquired by paying in-game currency. For example, the first consideration is a commuter pass that allows travel between designated locations for a certain period of time, or a coupon ticket that allows travel between designated locations for a certain period of time. Some first considerations are accompanied by a second consideration as a benefit. First considerations accompanied by a second consideration are, in particular, the commuter pass or coupon ticket described above. The second consideration is a benefit acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of the first consideration. An example of a benefit associated with the second consideration is a benefit that eliminates the need to view the second content C2 when using the warp function. When the second consideration is paid, the display control unit 234 does not display the second content C2 when the field of view transitions in the second display mode. The user can acquire the first consideration accompanied by the second consideration by paying a larger amount of in-game currency than usual. Note that when in-game currency is paid, the display control unit 234 may not display the second content C2 when the field of view transitions in the second display mode.

Furthermore, if the first consideration accompanied by the second consideration is a commuter pass or a coupon ticket, the second consideration will be granted to a user who plans to visit a specified location multiple times. Since the more times a destination location is visited, the greater the demand for using the warp function, this configuration can effectively grant a special second consideration to users who have a high demand for using the warp function. Note that, if the second consideration is paid when the field of view transitions in the second display configuration, the movement control unit 232 may consider that the second content C2 has been viewed, and grant a special consideration different from the second consideration shown in FIG. 7. Note that,

In A106, the determination unit 233 may select not only first content C1 associated with a point included in the travel route 5, but also first content C1 associated with a position 4 within a predetermined range from the travel route 5. In this case, when selecting first content C1 related to a point outside the travel route 5, the determination unit 233 can select first content C1 taking into consideration past travel history and the degree of road congestion. This makes it possible to display advertisements that may come into view if the user makes a detour on their way to the second position 42 during a field of view transition in the second display mode.

In A107, if the number of selected second contents C2 exceeds a predetermined number, the determination unit 233 may determine the second content C2 to be displayed on the display 4a from among the multiple second contents C2 based on the advertising fee for the first content C1.

If the second location 42, which is the user's destination, is located at the location where the first content C1 is located or at a location associated with the provider of the first content C1, the display control unit 234 may not display the second content C2 when the field of view transitions in the second display mode.

In the above embodiment, it was stated that content C is installed based on a request from a provider of a product or service, but this is not limited to this. For example, content C may be installed by some organization or by a user operating a player character PC. Furthermore, content C is not limited to a product or service, as long as it transmits some kind of information.

The determination unit 233 may also determine the benefit to be granted to the user based on the purpose of traveling to the second location 42, the user's attributes, and the relationship between the user and the management entity of the second location 42. For example, the determination unit 233 determines a benefit related to the category to which the purpose of traveling to the second location 42 belongs as the benefit to be granted to the user. The determination unit 233 also changes the benefit depending on whether the organization to which the user belongs is related to the management entity of the second location 42 or not.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first content C1, second content C2, and third content C3 are related to one another; for example, the second content C2 is determined by the first content C1, which is identified based on the travel route 5 in the virtual space. However, the first content C1, second content C2, and third content C3 can also be unrelated contents C. In this case, for example, the second content C2 can be set as a dedicated advertisement for users who warp travel in the virtual space and sold, thereby improving the degree of freedom in presenting content C in the virtual space.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.
In the information processing device, the control unit is configured to further execute a determination step, in which the control unit determines the second content based on a positional relationship between the first position and the second position, and in the first display step, the control unit displays the second content determined in the determination step in the second display mode.
In the information processing device, in the determination step, the first content is determined based on the movement route, and in the first display step, the second content related to at least one of the multiple first contents is displayed in the second display mode.
In the information processing device, the first content is content associated with at least one point included in the travel route, and in the determining step, the second content is determined based on information about the point.
In the information processing device, the control unit is configured to further execute a determining step, in which the moving route is determined based on a past moving history of the user.
In the information processing device, in the determining step, a degree of movement difficulty in moving the position is determined based on the positional relationship, and the second content is determined based on the degree of movement difficulty.
In the information processing device, in the second displaying step, a display condition of the second content is displayed before the position is moved.
In the information processing device, the control unit is configured to further execute a determination step, in which the determination step determines whether or not to display the display conditions based on user information associated with the second position, and in the second display step, if it is determined in the determination step that the display conditions are to be displayed, the display conditions are displayed before the position is moved.
In the information processing device, the movement control step controls so that second location information associated with the second location can be acquired, the second location information being information that can be acquired without moving the location, and the second display step displays the second content or the third content when the second location information is acquired, the third content being content related to the first content and having more favorable display conditions for the user than the second content.
In the information processing device, in the first display step, at least one of a first transportation means and a second transportation means is displayed in a selectable manner in the first display mode, the first transportation means is a transportation means that does not require payment of a first consideration, and the second transportation means is a transportation means that can be selected on the condition of payment of the first consideration and is a transportation means that can move to the location more advantageously than the first transportation means, the first consideration is accompanied by a second consideration as a bonus, and in the second display step, if the second consideration is paid, the second content is not displayed in the second display mode.
In the information processing device, in the movement control step, a benefit is given to the user on condition that the second content is displayed.
In the information processing device, in the first displaying step, the transition state is displayed in the second display mode on the condition that the second content is displayed.
A program that causes a computer to execute each of the steps.
An information processing method executed by an information processing device, the information processing method comprising steps performed by the information processing device.
Of course, this is not the case.

Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Such embodiments and their variations are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Memory unit 23: Control unit 231: Reception unit 232: Movement control unit 233: Determination unit 234: Display control unit 235: Management unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Memory unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphic processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 41: First position 41a: Display 42: Second position 5: Movement route 100: Map screen 101: Icon 102: Icon 104: Icon 105: Icon 106: Icon 200: Screen 201: Arrow 300: Screen 400: Screen 500: Screen 600: Screen 601 : Screen 602 : Screen A : Cafe B : Execution button C : Content C1 : First content C1a : First content C1b : First content C2 : Second content C2a : Second content C2b : Second content C3 : Third content Cb : First content EC : Enemy character PC : Non-player character NPC

Claims (10)

An information processing system,
At least one processor is provided, the processor being configured to execute a program to perform the following steps:
In the movement control step, a position of the user in the virtual space is moved from a first position to a second position;
In the first display step, the display is performed in at least one of a first display mode and a second display mode, while transitioning the field of view of the user in accordance with the movement of the position;
the first display mode is a display mode in which the field of view is continuously transitioned along a movement path from the first position to the second position,
the field of view in the travel route includes first content used for advertising the advertised object;
the second display mode is a display mode in which the field of view transitions discontinuously from the first position to the second position,
In the second display step, when the field of view transitions in the second display mode, a second content whose promotion target is different from the first content is displayed. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in the determining step, the second content is determined so that an advertisement target is different from that of the first content specified based on the positional relationship between the first location and the second location;
In the second display step, the second content determined in the determination step is displayed in the second display mode. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, in the determining step, the second content is determined so that the advertising target is different from the first content identified based on the user's past movement history. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2 ,
the first content is content associated with at least one point included in the travel route;
In the determining step, the second content is determined so that the promotion target is different from the first content identified based on information about the location. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2,
In the determination step, the system determines the degree of difficulty in moving the location based on the positional relationship, and determines the second content based on the degree of difficulty in moving and so that the promotion target is different from that of the first content. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Furthermore, in the determining step, it is determined whether or not to display the display condition of the second content based on user information associated with the second location;
In the second display step, if it is determined in the determination step that the display conditions are to be displayed, the display conditions are displayed before the position is moved. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
In the movement control step, control is performed so that information associated with the second position can be acquired;
the information associated with the second location is information that can be acquired without moving the location,
In the second display step, the second content or the third content is displayed when the information associated with the second location is acquired;
The third content is content whose advertising target is the same as that of the first content and whose display conditions are more favorable for the user than those of the second content. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In the first display step, at least one of a first movement means and a second movement means is displayed in a selectable manner in the first display mode;
the first transportation means is a transportation means that is not conditional on payment of a first consideration,
the second transportation means is a transportation means that can be selected on condition of payment of the first consideration, and that has a required travel time shorter than that of the first transportation means,
The first consideration is accompanied by a second consideration as a benefit,
In the second display step, if the second consideration is paid, the second content is not displayed in the second display mode. A program,
A program that causes a computer to execute each step in the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An information processing method, comprising:
A method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.