JP7838151B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for processing information related to virtual space.

Patent Document 1 describes a system for determining the initial positions of avatars in a virtual space accessed by multiple users, such that avatars of users with similar preferences or high levels of closeness are placed close together.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-107895

Within the virtual space, multiple virtual facilities are pre-placed. When a user begins using the virtual space with their avatar, the avatar is placed at one of the locations within the virtual space. However, if the avatar is placed far from a specific virtual facility, or in a location where it cannot see the facility, it becomes difficult for the avatar to access that facility.

Therefore, this invention has been made in view of these points, and aims to make it easier for users to access specific facilities within the virtual space when they begin using the virtual space with their avatar.

The first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the actions performed in real space by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of multiple facilities in a virtual space, which are pre-stored in a storage unit; a determination unit that determines the positional relationship of an avatar that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and a virtual space control unit that, when a user operating the avatar starts using the virtual space with the avatar, positions the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

The information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires action information indicating the actions performed in the real world by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; a determination unit that determines the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of each of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space, which are pre-stored in a storage unit, based on the action information; and a virtual space control unit that, when the user starts using the virtual space with the avatar, positions the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

The decision unit further determines, based on the behavioral information, whether or not to provide the user with predetermined benefits available in the virtual facility. The virtual space control unit may provide the benefits to the user, provided that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the benefits in the virtual facility.

The behavioral information indicates the number or frequency of visits by the user to a physical facility corresponding to the virtual facility in the real world, or to a predetermined area including the physical facility in the real world. The determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the number or frequency satisfies predetermined conditions.

The aforementioned behavioral information indicates the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing goods at a physical facility corresponding to the virtual facility in real space. The determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the purchase amount satisfies predetermined conditions.

The aforementioned behavioral information indicates the characteristics of products previously purchased by the user, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the characteristics satisfy predetermined conditions.

The aforementioned behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space in the real space. The decision unit may determine the positional relationship when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee meets predetermined conditions.

The aforementioned behavioral information indicates the amount of consideration received by the provider in the real space based on the sales performance of the goods in the virtual facility, and the determination unit may determine the positional relationship if the amount of consideration satisfies predetermined conditions.

The determination unit may determine the positional relationship that allows the user to view the virtual facility via the avatar.

A third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method comprising: a processor executing the acquisition of action information indicating the actual actions taken in real space by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the locations of multiple facilities in a virtual space, which are pre-stored in a memory unit; a step of determining the positional relationship of an avatar that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and a step of positioning the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data when a user operating the avatar begins using the virtual space with the avatar.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method comprising: a step of acquiring action information, which is performed by a processor, indicating the actions taken in the real world by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; a step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar with respect to virtual facilities arranged according to placement data, which is pre-stored in a memory unit, based on the action information; and a step of positioning the avatar in the aforementioned positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the placement data, when the user begins using the virtual space with the avatar.

A fifth aspect of the present invention involves a program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire action information indicating the actions taken in real space by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of multiple facilities in a virtual space, which are pre-stored in a memory unit; determine the positional relationship of an avatar that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, based on the action information; and, when a user operating the avatar begins using the virtual space with the avatar, position the avatar in the aforementioned positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

A program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquire action information indicating the actions performed in the real world by a user operating an avatar that can move within a virtual space; determine the positional relationship of the avatar to virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the positions of each of a plurality of facilities in the virtual space, which are pre-stored in a memory unit, based on the action information; and, when the user starts using the virtual space with the avatar, position the avatar in the aforementioned positional relationship with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data.

According to this invention, when a user begins using a virtual space with an avatar, it is possible to make it easier to access specific facilities within the virtual space.

This is a schematic diagram of the information processing system according to the embodiment. This is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the behavioral information of an exemplary provider. This is a schematic diagram illustrating example user behavior information. This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the decision-making unit determines the target users. This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the determination unit determines the positional relationship and display mode. This is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying an example of a target facility. This figure shows a flowchart of an exemplary information processing method performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[Overview of Information Processing System S]
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a user terminal 2, and a provider terminal 3. The information processing system S may include multiple user terminals 2 and provider terminals 3. The information processing system S may also include other equipment such as servers and terminals.

The information processing device 1 is a computer that processes information related to the virtual space displayed on the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. The virtual space is a virtual space (e.g., a metaverse) formed on the computer. The virtual space is displayed as a region with area or volume on both the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3. On the other hand, the actual space in which the user lives (e.g., the space on Earth) is called the real space.

The information processing device 1 places multiple virtual facilities, which are virtual facilities, in a virtual space. A virtual facility is, for example, a store selling one or more types of goods. A virtual facility corresponds to, for example, a real-world facility and has a structure in the virtual space that mimics the real-world facility. Each of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space can experience visiting a virtual facility using an avatar, similar to visiting a real-world store corresponding to the virtual facility. An avatar is an image that operates in the virtual space according to the operations performed by the user on the user terminal 2.

User terminal 2 is an information terminal used by users who utilize the virtual facility. Provider terminal 3 is an information terminal used by users who are providers (virtual facility employees, owners, administrators, etc.) who provide or operate the virtual facility. Users utilize the virtual facility by operating their avatars in the virtual space. Among the multiple virtual facilities placed in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a particular provider is referred to as Target Facility E1.

The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 are, for example, smartphones, tablet devices, or personal computers. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 have an operation unit such as a touch panel or keyboard for receiving input, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information. The user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 can communicate with the information processing device 1 via a network.

The following describes the process performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 acquires behavioral information indicating the actions taken by the provider or user in the real world. Provider behavioral information includes, for example, the provider paying a predetermined fee to a business operator providing or operating a virtual space in the real world, or the provider receiving payment in the real world based on sales performance of goods in a virtual store. User behavioral information includes, for example, visiting a physical facility corresponding to a virtual facility in the real world, visiting a predetermined area including a physical facility, or purchasing goods at a physical facility in the real world.

The information processing device 1 determines at least one of the following based on the acquired behavioral information: the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1, and the display method of the target facility E1 for the user operating the avatar. The positional relationship is, for example, the relative position of the avatar and the target facility E1 so that the user can visually perceive the target facility E1 through the avatar. The display method is, for example, a display method (color, pattern, text, etc.) that makes the target facility E1 stand out more than other virtual facilities.

The information processing device 1, when a user begins using the virtual space with their avatar, performs at least one of the following: positioning the avatar relative to the target facility E1 in a determined positional relationship, and displaying the target facility E1 to the user in a determined display manner.

Thus, based on the provider's or user's behavioral information, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a location that makes a specific virtual facility easily accessible, or displays the specific virtual facility to the user in a way that makes it stand out. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for the user to access a specific virtual facility within the virtual space when they begin using the virtual space with their avatar.

[Configuration of Information Processing System S]
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing system S according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the arrows indicate the main data flow, and there may be other data flows besides those shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, each block represents a functional unit configuration, not a hardware (device) unit configuration. Therefore, the blocks shown in Figure 2 may be implemented in a single device, or they may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data exchange between blocks may be performed via any means, such as a data bus, network, or portable storage medium.

The information processing device 1 comprises a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing device 1 may also be configured by connecting two or more physically separate devices via wired or wireless connections. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may be configured as a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for sending and receiving data between the user terminal 2 and the provider terminal 3 via the network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of data received via the network from the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices. The communication unit 11 also transmits data output from the control unit 13 to the user terminal 2, the provider terminal 3, or other devices via the network.

The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 12 pre-stores programs to be executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be located outside the information processing device 1, in which case data may be exchanged with the control unit 13 via a network.

The control unit 13 comprises a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a decision unit 133, and a virtual space control unit 134. The control unit 13 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, acquisition unit 132, decision unit 133, and virtual space control unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

The following describes in detail the processes performed by the information processing device 1. When a user begins using the virtual space using an avatar, they perform a predetermined start operation on the user terminal 2. In response to the user's start operation, the user terminal 2 transmits a start request to the information processing device 1, indicating that the user is beginning to use the virtual space. In the information processing device 1, the reception unit 131 receives the start request transmitted by the user terminal 2.

The acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the actions taken by the provider or user in the real world. When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processing for each of the multiple providers and multiple users. Among the multiple virtual facilities arranged in the virtual space, a specific virtual facility provided or operated by a specific provider is referred to as the target facility E1.

The performance record includes, for example, the actions performed by the provider or user in the real world, and the results caused by those actions (such as the amount of assets exchanged as a result of the action, or the evaluation received from others for the action). The acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, action information pre-stored in the storage unit 12, or acquires action information from a device different from the information processing device 1.

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary provider behavior information. In the example shown in Figure 3(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to a business operator that provides or operates a virtual space in the real world, or that such fee has been paid. The fee paid by the provider to the business operator is a predetermined amount of assets (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) necessary to apply the positional relationship or display method described later to the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the fee paid by the provider to the business operator from a device that manages information about the business operator.

In the example shown in Figure 3(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the amount of consideration (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) received by the provider in the real world, based on the sales performance of products at the target facility E1. The consideration received by the provider is, for example, an asset (currency, virtual currency, points, etc.) of a predetermined amount corresponding to the price or number of products sold by the provider to avatars at the target facility E1. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires information indicating the consideration received by the provider from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire behavioral information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 by users who purchased products at the target facility E1. The evaluation of the target facility E1 is, for example, information indicating an index (such as a score) corresponding to the good or bad state of the target facility E1 as specified by the user. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, information indicating the evaluation of the target facility E1 from a device that manages information related to the target facility E1.

Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary user behavior information. In the example shown in Figure 4(a), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the number or frequency of visits by the user to the actual facility E2, which corresponds to the target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the history of location information of the user terminal 2 over a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency of times the user terminal 2 was located within the actual facility E2, thereby acquiring the number or frequency of visits by the user to the actual facility E2.

In the example shown in Figure 4(b), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating the number or frequency of visits by the user to a predetermined area A in real space. Area A is, for example, a predetermined area including a real facility E2, which corresponds to the target facility E1 in real space. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, the history of location information of the user terminal 2 over a predetermined period and calculates the number or frequency of times the user terminal 2 was located within area A, thereby acquiring the number or frequency of visits by the user to area A.

In the example shown in Figure 4(c), the acquisition unit 132 acquires behavioral information indicating purchase information about products previously purchased by the user in the real world. Purchase information includes, for example, the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing the product in the real world, or information indicating the characteristics of the product purchased by the user (type, name, etc.). The acquisition unit 132 may acquire purchase information about products purchased by the user at a physical facility E2, which corresponds to the target facility E1 in the real world, or it may acquire purchase information about products purchased by the user at a store different from physical facility E2. In this case, the acquisition unit 132 may, for example, acquire the purchase information from a device that manages information about the physical facility E2 or other store where the user purchased the product.

The determination unit 133 determines that some of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space will be targeted users to which at least one of the positional relationships and display modes described later will apply. Alternatively, the determination unit 133 may determine all of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space to be targeted users.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the decision unit 133 determines target users. Based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the decision unit 133 selects some of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space as target users. For example, the decision unit 133 determines target users in such a way that the number of target users increases with respect to factors such as the fees paid by the provider to the service provider, the compensation received by the provider based on product sales performance, or the user's evaluation of the target facility E1.

In this case, the determination unit 133 determines the number of users to whom at least one of the location relationship and display pattern should be applied, based on the fees paid by the provider to the business operator, the consideration received by the provider based on sales performance of the products, or the evaluation of the target facility E1 by the users. The determination unit 133 randomly selects users to be included in the selection from among multiple users utilizing the virtual space, or selects users to be included in the selection according to a predetermined rule (e.g., the order in which users logged into the virtual space). This allows the information processing device 1 to select a larger number of users to whom the location relationship or display pattern of the target facility E1 provided or operated by the provider should be applied, for providers who pay high fees to the business operator, have high sales of products, or receive positive evaluations from users.

Next, the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the following based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132: the positional relationship between the avatar operated by the target user and the target facility E1, and the display mode of the target facility E1 to the target user. For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies predetermined conditions for determining at least one of the positional relationship and the display mode.

Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating how the determination unit 133 determines the positional relationship between the avatar and the target facility E1. The determination unit 133 determines a positional relationship in which the target user can visually perceive the target facility E1 via the avatar when the behavioral information meets predetermined conditions. If the behavioral information does not meet these conditions, the determination unit does not determine such a positional relationship (i.e., does not apply the positional relationship to the target facility E1).

The positional relationship for which the target facility E1 is visible is such that, when the target user begins using the virtual space (e.g., when logging in), the target facility E1 is positioned within the field of view of the avatar operated by the target user (i.e., within the target user's display screen). The positional relationship for which the target facility E1 is visible includes, for example, at least one of the following: positioning the avatar within a predetermined distance from the target facility E1, or positioning the avatar so that it is facing the target facility E1.

The determination unit 133 acquires information pre-stored in the memory unit 12 that indicates conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen, and uses the conditions indicated by the acquired information to determine the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen.

The conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may, for example, be that the behavioral information indicates that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space. Alternatively, the conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 is visible may also be that the amount of the fee paid by the provider to the operator providing or operating the virtual space, as indicated by the behavioral information, is equal to or greater than a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users to access the target facility E1 of providers who have paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space.

The conditions for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may, for example, be that the compensation received by the provider in the real world, based on the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information, is above a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users to access the target facility E1 of providers who have received high compensation based on their sales performance at the target facility E1.

The conditions for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may, for example, be that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1, or to area A including the physical facility E2, is above a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who frequently visit physical facility E2 or area A to access the target facility E1.

The conditions for determining the visible positional relationship of the target facility E1 may, for example, be that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing goods at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1, as indicated by the behavioral information, is above a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who have a high purchase amount at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

The conditions for determining the positional relationship in which the target facility E1 can be seen may, for example, be that the characteristics of the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavioral information are predetermined characteristics (e.g., the product type is a specific type, the product name is a specific name, etc.). This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who have purchased products with specific characteristics to use the target facility E1.

Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating how the determination unit 133 determines the display mode for the target facility E1. The determination unit 133 determines a display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out when the behavioral information meets predetermined conditions, and does not determine a display mode (i.e., does not apply the display mode to the target facility E1) when the behavioral information does not meet those conditions.

The display method for highlighting the target facility E1 is a display method that makes the appearance of the target facility E1 different from other facilities in the virtual space. This display method for highlighting the target facility E1 includes, for example, setting the target facility E1 to a different color or pattern from other virtual facilities, and displaying predetermined characters or images in association with the target facility E1. The characters or images displayed in association with the target facility E1 are, for example, characters or images indicating "recommended," or characters or images indicating that the target user can use coupons or other benefits at that store.

The determination unit 133 acquires information indicating conditions for determining the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out, which is pre-stored in the memory unit 12, and uses the conditions indicated by the acquired information to determine the display mode that makes the target facility E1 stand out.

The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, indicate that the user's behavioral information shows that the provider has paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space. Alternatively, the conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may also include, for example, that the amount of the fee paid by the user to the operator providing or operating the virtual space, as indicated by the behavioral information, is above a certain threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make the target facility E1 of providers who have paid a predetermined fee to the operator providing or operating the virtual space more accessible to target users.

The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the compensation received by the provider in the real world, based on the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1 as indicated by the behavioral information, is above a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users to access the target facility E1 of providers who have received high compensation based on the sales performance of the products at the target facility E1.

The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the number or frequency of visits by the user to the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information, or to the area A containing the physical facility E2, is above a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who frequently visit physical facility E2 or area A to use the target facility E1.

The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the purchase amount paid by the user when purchasing goods at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 indicated by the behavioral information is above a threshold. This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who have a high purchase amount at the physical facility E2 corresponding to the target facility E1 to use the target facility E1.

The conditions for determining the display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out may, for example, be that the characteristics of the product purchased by the user in the real space indicated by the behavioral information are predetermined characteristics (e.g., the product type is a specific type, the product name is a specific name, etc.). This allows the information processing device 1 to make it easier for target users who have purchased products with specific characteristics to use the target facility E1.

Furthermore, the decision unit 133 may further determine, based on the behavioral information, whether or not to provide the target user with a predetermined benefit usable at the target facility E1. Benefits usable at the target facility E1 include, for example, coupons, points, etc., that allow the target user to receive goods or discounts at the target facility E1. For example, the decision unit 133 decides to provide the benefit to the target user if the target user's behavioral information satisfies either the conditions for determining a positional relationship that makes the target facility E1 visible or the conditions for determining a display manner that makes the target facility E1 stand out; otherwise, it decides not to provide the benefit. This allows the information processing device 1 to encourage the target user to use the target facility E1.

When a user begins using the virtual space using their avatar, the virtual space control unit 134, in response to, for example, the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start using the virtual space from the user's terminal 2, places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to the placement data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, and also places the avatar corresponding to the user in the virtual space. The placement data includes, for example, information indicating the shape and position of each of the multiple virtual facilities.

The virtual space control unit 134, when arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatars of target users, performs at least one of the following: arranging the target user's avatar in a positional relationship determined by the determination unit 133 relative to the target facility E1; and displaying the target facility E1 to the target user in a display mode determined by the determination unit 133.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal 2 displaying an exemplary target facility E1. In the example shown in Figure 7, the virtual space control unit 134 positions the avatar so that the target user can visually perceive the target facility E1 via the avatar, and displays the target facility E1 to the target user in a prominent manner. This allows the information processing device 1 to easily guide the target user to a specific target facility E1 when they begin using the virtual space with their avatar, thereby making it easier for the target user to access and utilize that specific target facility E1.

When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the location relationship and display mode based on the provider's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the location relationship and display mode to the target facility E1, which is a virtual facility provided or operated by the provider. This allows the information processing device 1 to, for example, prioritize the use of the target facility E1 of a provider with a specific behavioral history.

When the determination unit 133 determines at least one of the positional relationship and display mode based on the user's behavior information, the virtual space control unit 134 applies the positional relationship and display mode to the target facility E1, which is not limited to virtual facilities provided or operated by a specific provider. This allows the information processing device 1 to prioritize the user's use of, for example, a real facility E2 visited by the user in the real world, or a target facility E1 corresponding to a real facility E2 located in area A visited by the user.

Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 provides the target user with a predetermined benefit available at the target facility E1, provided that the decision unit 133 has determined that such benefit should be provided to the target user. For example, the virtual space control unit 134 sets the target user's avatar in the virtual space to be able to use the predetermined benefit at the target facility E1, and then allows the target user to use the benefit after they have moved their avatar to the target facility E1 and performed a predetermined operation.

Furthermore, the virtual space control unit 134 may allow the user to enter the target facility E1 if the user's behavioral information satisfies either of the conditions for determining a positional relationship that allows the target facility E1 to be visible, or the conditions for determining a display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out. Otherwise, the user may be denied entry to the target facility E1. This allows the information processing device 1 to, for example, restrict access to specific target users only for specific events (such as pre-openings or family sales) held at the target facility E1.

[Flowchart of information processing method]
Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary information processing method performed by the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The acquisition unit 132 acquires action information indicating the actual actions taken by the provider or user in real space (S11). When there are multiple providers and multiple users, the information processing device 1 performs the following processing for each of the multiple providers and multiple users.

The determination unit 133, based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, determines that some of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space will be targeted users to which at least one of the positional relationships and display modes will be applied (S12). Alternatively, the determination unit 133 may determine all of the multiple users utilizing the virtual space to be targeted users.

The determination unit 133, for example, determines whether the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 satisfies predetermined conditions for determining at least one of the positional relationship and display mode to be applied to the target user (S13).

If the behavioral information meets the predetermined conditions (YES in S14), the decision unit 133 performs at least one of the following: determining the positional relationship that allows the target user to visually perceive the target facility E1 via the avatar, and determining a display method that makes the target facility E1 stand out (S15).

When a target user begins using the virtual space using their avatar, the virtual space control unit 134, in response to, for example, the reception unit 131 receiving a request to start using the virtual space from the target user's user terminal 2, places multiple virtual facilities in the virtual space according to the placement data pre-stored in the storage unit 12, and also places an avatar corresponding to the target user in the virtual space.

The virtual space control unit 134, when arranging multiple virtual facilities and the avatars of target users, performs at least one of the following: arranging the avatars of target users in a positional relationship determined by the determination unit 133 relative to the target facility E1 (S16), and displaying the target facility E1 to the target users in a display manner determined by the determination unit 133 (S17).

If the behavioral information does not meet the predetermined conditions (NO in S14), the virtual space control unit 134 places multiple virtual facilities and avatars in the virtual space without applying at least one of the positional relationships and display modes determined by the determination unit 133.

[Effects of the Embodiment]
According to the information processing system S of this embodiment, the information processing device 1 places the user's avatar in a location that is easily accessible to a specific target facility E1, or displays a specific virtual facility to the user in a conspicuous manner, based on the behavioral information of the provider or user. As a result, the information processing device 1 makes it easier for the user to access a specific virtual facility within the virtual space when they start using the virtual space with their avatar.

Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments.

S Information Processing System 1 Information Processing Device 11 Communication Unit 12 Storage Unit 13 Control Unit 131 Reception Unit 132 Acquisition Unit 133 Decision Unit 134 Virtual Space Control Unit 2 User Terminal 3 Provider Terminal

Claims (7)

An acquisition unit acquires action information indicating the actions taken in the real world by a provider that provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the location of each of multiple facilities in a virtual space, which is pre-stored in a memory unit.
Based on the aforementioned behavioral information, a determination unit determines the positional relationship of avatars that can move within the virtual space relative to the virtual facilities arranged according to the arrangement data, and determines some of the users among the multiple users who operate the avatars as target users.
A virtual space control unit that, when the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, performs the process of placing the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility arranged according to the placement data, and does not perform the said process when a user other than the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar,
Having,
Information processing device. The decision unit further determines, based on the behavioral information, whether or not to provide the user with predetermined benefits available at the virtual facility.
The virtual space control unit provides the user with the benefit, on the condition that the decision unit has determined that the user will provide the benefit in the virtual facility.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The aforementioned behavioral information indicates that the provider paid a predetermined fee to the business operator that provides or operates the virtual space in the real space.
The determination unit determines the positional relationship when the provider has paid the fee or when the amount of the fee meets predetermined conditions.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The aforementioned behavioral information indicates the amount of consideration received by the provider in the real world in accordance with the sales performance of the goods in the virtual facility.
The determination unit determines the positional relationship when the amount of the consideration satisfies predetermined conditions.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The determination unit determines the positional relationship that allows the user to view the virtual facility via the avatar.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The processor executes
The steps include: acquiring action information indicating the actions taken in the real world by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the location of each of the multiple facilities in the virtual space that are pre-stored in the memory unit;
Based on the aforementioned behavioral information, the step of determining the positional relationship of the avatars that can move within the virtual space with respect to the virtual facilities arranged according to the placement data,
The steps include: determining some of the users among the multiple users who operate the avatar as target users;
When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is performed to place the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility which is arranged according to the placement data, and when a user other than the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is not performed.
An information processing method having the following characteristics. On the computer,
The steps include: acquiring action information indicating the actions taken in the real world by a provider who provides or operates virtual facilities arranged according to arrangement data indicating the location of each of the multiple facilities in the virtual space that are pre-stored in the memory unit;
Based on the aforementioned behavioral information, the step of determining the positional relationship of the avatar, which is movable within the virtual space, with respect to the virtual facility, which is arranged according to the arrangement data;
The steps include: determining some of the users among the multiple users who operate the avatar as target users;
When the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is performed to place the avatar in the positional relationship with respect to the virtual facility which is arranged according to the placement data, and when a user other than the target user starts using the virtual space using the avatar, the process is not performed.
A program that executes something.