JP2024078793A - Computer system, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for presenting "bustle" in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A server-side system 1010 which controls a virtual space 3 acquires use information of a participant user 2 who used a communication service within a past predetermined time. The server-side system 1010 arranges, based on the acquired use information, an NUA (Non User Avatar) 5 associated with a communication partner 7 in a relative position according to a communication status, in the vicinity of a participant user avatar 4, and controls the action of the UNA in accordance with the content of the communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system, etc.

Technology that allows multiple users to share a virtual space is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Within the shared virtual space, avatars for each user are placed, and each user can go to various places within the virtual space through their avatar and enjoy a variety of virtual experiences. Services provided through such virtual spaces are called "virtual space services."

JP 2001-312744 A

The appearance of the shared virtual space varies depending on the theme of the virtual space service, for example, it could be a fantasy world with magic and monsters, or a town where you can go shopping, watch movies, see art, attend events, play sports, and more, just like in the real world.
In virtual space services, the presence of many avatars contributes to the motivation of users to actively use the service. Therefore, when a user participates in a virtual space, if there are only a few avatars in the virtual space, the motivation of the user to use the service may decrease.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide technology that creates a sense of liveliness in a virtual space.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system having a communication function for controlling communication between users, or configured to be capable of communicating with an external system having the communication function, and controlling a virtual space in which participating user avatars of participating users are placed, the computer system comprising:
An acquisition control means (e.g., the processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the acquisition control unit 224, the acquired usage information data 570 in FIG. 12, step S24 in FIG. 19) for acquiring usage information of the communication function regarding the participating users or non-participating users who are not participating in the virtual space;
The computer system includes a placement control means (e.g., the processing unit 200s in FIG. 10, the placement control unit 228, the NUA management data 620 in FIG. 12, step S10 in FIG. 19 to step S100 in FIG. 20) that performs placement control, including whether or not to place a given avatar (e.g., NUA5 in FIG. 7) in the virtual space based on the usage information.

The "communication function" is a function for realizing one-way or two-way communication between users using any or all of text, audio, and video. The communication function may be realized, for example, via chat, e-mail, or electronic bulletin boards. The "communication function usage information" includes one or more pieces of information about when, with whom, and what kind of communication was carried out one-way or two-way.

The computer system of the first invention can not only place participating user avatars in the shared virtual space, but can also place given avatars based on communication function usage information for participating or non-participating users. This makes it possible to populate the virtual space with more avatars than the number of participating users who are actually participating in the virtual space.

A second invention is a computer system in which the placement control means determines the placement position of the given avatar based on the placement status of avatars existing in the virtual space (e.g., step S10 in FIG. 19, steps S60 to S62 in FIG. 20).

The "placement status" includes the number of placements, the density of placements, the bias in density, and the like.
The computer system of the second invention can determine the avatar based on the placement of the avatar in the virtual space. In the real world, a place may be crowded with people, or may have a moderate amount of crowding. There may be a line of people in front of a particular store. According to the second invention, the placement of the avatar can be determined based on such placement, so that the "bustling" atmosphere in the virtual space can be created more realistically.

The third invention is a computer system in which the placement control means determines the placement position of the given avatar to be a location in the virtual space that satisfies a given priority placement condition (e.g., priority placement location 6y in FIG. 7, placement status data 640 in FIG. 17, steps S60 to S62 in FIG. 20).

Not all locations in a virtual space necessarily require "bustling" activity. Even in the real world, a town's "bustling" activity does not necessarily occur evenly throughout the town. Even within a town, popular locations, such as shopping streets, squares, and in front of train stations, tend to be popular. The computer system of the third invention makes it possible to place a given avatar in a location that satisfies the priority placement conditions, so that a "bustling" atmosphere can be created effectively and naturally.

The fourth invention is a computer system in which the acquisition means acquires the usage information of the participating user, and the placement control means determines the number of people with whom the participating user will communicate based on the usage information of the participating user, and determines the number of the given avatars to be placed in the virtual space based on the number of people with whom (e.g., step S26 in FIG. 19).

The computer system of the fourth invention can determine the number of given avatars depending on the number of people with whom a participating user has communicated using the communication function. For example, if the number of people and the number of given avatars are set to have a positive correlation, if a participating user is "busy" with frequent communications outside the virtual space service, that bustle can be reflected in the virtual space.

The fifth invention is a computer system in which the participating users have registered accounts to participate in the virtual space and are users who are participating in the virtual space.

The computer system of the fifth invention can determine the number of given avatars depending on the number of people with whom a user who has registered an account and is registered as a user has communicated.

The sixth invention is a computer system in which the acquisition means acquires usage information regarding the communication between the participating user and the non-participating user from the communication function, and the placement control means performs placement control, including whether or not to place the avatar of the non-participating user in the virtual space, based on the usage information between the participating user and the non-participating user.

The computer system of the sixth invention can arrange avatars of non-participating users based on usage information regarding communication between participating and non-participating users. In other words, at least some of the given avatars can be avatars for which the corresponding users actually exist, rather than characters that are not linked to a user.

The seventh invention is the computer system described above, in which the non-participating user is a non-registered user who has not registered an account to participate in the virtual space.

The computer system of the seventh invention can place an avatar corresponding to a non-participating user even if the non-registered user is not registered as an account user of the virtual space.

The eighth invention is a computer system in which the placement control means performs control to automatically generate avatars of the non-participating users and place them in the virtual space (e.g., step S46 in FIG. 19).

According to the eighth invention, the computer system can automatically generate avatars for non-participating users and place them in the virtual space.

The ninth invention is the computer system described above, in which the non-participating user is a registered user who has registered an account to participate in the virtual space.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a computer system in which the placement control means controls placement of an avatar corresponding to the account registration of the non-participating user in the virtual space (e.g., step S44 in FIG. 19).

In the computer systems of the ninth and tenth inventions, when a non-participating user with whom a participating user is communicating is a user who has registered an account, i.e. a registered user, the avatar used by the non-participating user in the virtual space is reused as the given avatar. By reusing the avatar used in the virtual space, the realism of the "lively" effect can be increased.

The eleventh invention is a computer system in which the placement control means determines the relative orientation and/or relative position of the non-participating user's avatar with respect to the participating user's avatar when placing the non-participating user's avatar based on the usage information regarding the communication between the participating user and the non-participating user (e.g., the relative orientation determination data 530, the relative direction determination data 532, and the relative distance determination data 534 of the NUA placement pattern data 520 in FIG. 13, step S74 in FIG. 20).

The computer system of the eleventh invention can determine the relative orientation and/or position of the non-participating user's avatar with respect to the participating user's avatar, based on usage information regarding communication between the participating user and the non-participating user. For example, the more recent the date and time of communication, the more the non-participating user's avatar is made to face the participating user's avatar, making it appear as if the participating user's avatar and the non-participating user's avatar are having a conversation in the virtual space. The usage information changes from time to time depending on the use of the communication function, and as a result, it is possible to provide irregular diversity in the placement of the non-participating user's avatar.

The twelfth invention is a computer system further comprising a situation determination means (e.g., the situation determination unit 226 in FIG. 10, the communication situation data 580 in FIG. 15, step S72 in FIG. 20) for determining a communication situation regarding the content and/or number of communications between the participating user and the non-participating user based on the usage information, and the placement control means determines a placement position when placing the avatar of the non-participating user based on the communication situation (e.g., step S74 in FIG. 20).

The computer system of the twelfth invention can determine the placement position of the avatar of a non-participating user depending on the communication situation between the participating user and the non-participating user. This allows for a variety of placements that correspond to the communication situation at any given time.

The thirteenth invention is a computer system further comprising an action control means (e.g., the action control unit 230 in FIG. 10, the category-specific action pattern data 550 in FIG. 12, step S86 and step S90 in FIG. 20) that controls the action of the avatar of the non-participating user arranged by the arrangement control means based on usage information regarding the communication between the participating user and the non-participating user.

The computer system of the thirteenth invention can control the behavior of the non-participating user's avatar based on usage information related to communication between participating and non-participating users using the communication function. For example, by controlling the selection of behavior corresponding to the content of the communication, it becomes possible to make it appear as if the participating user avatar and the non-participating user avatar are discussing the content.

The fourteenth invention is a computer system as described above, further comprising a contact detection means (e.g., the contact detection unit 232 in FIG. 10, step S110 in FIG. 21) for detecting that the participating user avatar has made contact with the non-participating user avatar in the virtual space, and a guidance control means (e.g., the guidance display 20 in FIG. 9, the guidance control unit 234 in FIG. 10, step S112 in FIG. 21) for performing guidance control to encourage the participating user to communicate using the communication function in response to detection by the contact detection means.

The computer system of the fourteenth invention can turn encounters in a virtual space between participating user avatars and non-participating user avatars placed to create a "lively" atmosphere into an opportunity for contact in the real world.

The fifteenth invention is a computer system in which the acquisition means acquires the usage information regarding the communication between the non-participating users from the communication function, and the placement control means performs placement control, including whether or not to place avatars of the non-participating users in the virtual space, based on the usage information acquired by the acquisition means.

According to the fifteenth invention, even when there are few participating users, avatars can be placed in the virtual space to create a lively atmosphere.

The sixteenth invention is a control method in which a computer system having a communication function for controlling communication between users or configured to be able to communicate with an external system having the communication function controls a virtual space in which participating user avatars of participating users are placed, the control method including acquiring usage information of the communication function for the participating users or non-participating users who are not participating in the virtual space, and performing placement control, including whether or not to place a given avatar in the virtual space, based on the usage information.

According to the sixteenth invention, a control method can be realized that provides the same effect as the above invention.

The seventeenth invention is a program for a computer system having a communication function for controlling communication between users or configured to be able to communicate with an external system having the communication function, to control a virtual space in which participating user avatars of participating users are placed, the program causing the computer system to execute the following: acquiring usage information of the communication function for the participating users or non-participating users who are not participating in the virtual space; and performing placement control, including whether or not to place a given avatar in the virtual space, based on the usage information.

The program of the seventeenth invention allows a computer system to function in a manner that provides the same effects as the above inventions.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space service system. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a virtual space. (1) A schematic diagram of a virtual space with few participating users (2) A schematic diagram of a virtual space with a Non-User Avatar (NUA) placed therein. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting up a NUA. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the setting of a NUA character; FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of NUAs; FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining priority placement of NUAs; FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation settings of the NUA. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of contact opportunities between users using NUA. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server-side system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in a storage unit of the server-side system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a virtual space service related data group. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of NUA arrangement pattern data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of acquired use information data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of communication situation data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of NUA management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of placement status data. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process flow relating to the handling of avatars in a virtual space service. 20 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 19 . 21 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 20 . 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing originating from a non-logged-in user.

The following describes examples of embodiments of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space service system according to the present invention.
The virtual space service system 1000 is a computer system in which multiple users can simultaneously participate in a common virtual space constructed using 3DCG (3 Dimensional Computer Graphics) using avatars, which are their respective user characters, and can move freely within the virtual space with their avatars and be provided with various content prepared within the virtual space via their avatars.

The virtual space service system 1000 is a computer system that includes a server-side system 1010 connected for data communication via a network 9 and user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) for each user, and uses the user terminals 1500 as a man-machine interface (MMIF).

The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet.

The server-side system 1010 is a computer system operated by the operator of the virtual space service system 1000, and includes a portal server system 1100P and multiple content server systems 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...).

The portal server system 1100P is a computer system that provides the basic mechanisms of the virtual space, and is a front-end server system that is first accessed by the user terminal 1500 of a user participating in the virtual space. The portal server system 1100P performs, for example, control related to user registration, control related to avatar customization, control of avatars in the virtual space, control of the virtual world in the virtual space, and control related to the provision of various contents according to the position and movement of the avatar. It also stores and manages information about registered users and avatar setting information. Of course, the portal server system 1100P may also perform other controls depending on the content provided in the virtual space. Furthermore, one or more of these controls may be realized by a back-end server.

The content server system 1100G (1100Ga, 1100Gb, ...) is a back-end server for providing one or more types of content to the user terminal 1500 as a client. The content to be provided can be set appropriately. For example, it can be shopping, playing games, visiting art galleries and museums, watching movies, events, etc.

The portal server system 1100P and the content server system 1100G each have a main unit, a keyboard, a touch panel, and storage, and the main unit is equipped with a control board 1150. The control board 1150 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

In other words, the portal server system 1100P and the content server system 1100G each realize their own separate functions by the control board 1150 performing calculations based on specific programs and data.

In FIG. 1, portal server system 1100P and content server system 1100G are each depicted as if they were a single server device, but each may be realized by multiple devices. For example, portal server system 1100P may be configured with multiple blade servers that share each function and are connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible, or it may include a database and online storage. The same is true for content server system 1100G.

In addition, part or all of the content server system 1100G may be operated by an operator other than the operator of the virtual space service system 1000 and the portal server system 1100P.

The user terminal 1500 is a computer system that a user uses to participate in a virtual space, and serves as the man-machine interface in the virtual space service system 1000. The user terminal 1500 can be used not only to participate in a virtual space, but also to browse websites and use online content such as online games, e-mail, and communication services operated by systems other than the virtual space service system 1000.

The user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, ...) is a computer system that can be connected to the network 9, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a wearable computer, a portable game device, a home game device, or a tablet computer.

In the case where the main computer and the various devices connected to it perform a single function as a whole, the main computer and the various devices can be regarded as one user terminal 1500. For example, in FIG. 1, the user terminal 1500a is shown as an example in which a VR (Virtual Reality) MMIF set 1580 is connected to a desktop personal computer for communication. The VR MMIF set 1580 includes VR goggles 1581, a VR headset 1583, a VR controller 1585, and the like. The user terminal 1500b in FIG. 1 is shown as a single smartphone, but the user terminal 1500b may be configured to include the VR MMIF set 1580 like the user terminal 1500a.

The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input device (e.g., a touch panel 1506, a keyboard, a game controller, a mouse, etc.), an image display device (e.g., a touch panel 1506, a head-mounted display, a glass-type display, etc.), and a control board 1550.

The control board 1550 is equipped with a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, a communication module 1553 for connecting to the network 9, and the like. These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be sent and received. A part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, an FPGA, or a SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of the user terminal 1500 in the IC memory 1552. The user terminal 1500 executes a specific application program to realize the functions of the man-machine interface of the virtual space service system 1000 and as a client when the user receives various contents.

The user terminal 1500 is configured to download application programs and various data required for their execution from the portal server system 1100P, but may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card obtained separately by the user.

Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the virtual space 3 in the virtual space service provided by the virtual space service system 1000. Note that, for ease of understanding, only one participating user avatar 4, which is the avatar of a participating user 2 participating in the virtual space 3, is depicted, but in actual operation, many participating user avatars 4 may exist simultaneously within the virtual space 3. Note that the participating user 2 is a registered user who has completed account registration and is a currently logged-in user.

The virtual space 3 is a space of digital data constructed by 3DCG, in which multiple participating users 2 can participate at the same time using their own participating user avatars 4 and can act freely with their own participating user avatars 4. The virtual space 3 may be a parallel world with the same flow of time as the real world, a parallel world with a flow of time that is offset from the time in the real world, or a unique time world in which time flows at a speed different from that in the real world. The virtual space 3 continues to exist as data in the server-side system 1010 even if the participating users 2 are not present, and time passes in the virtual space 3 along with the passage of time in the real world, and the world represented in the virtual space 3 continues to change. An image of the virtual space 3 is basically displayed on the user terminal 1500 from a first-person perspective as seen from the viewpoint of the participating user avatar 4. The image of the virtual space 3 may be an image from a third-person perspective.

Virtual spots 6 (6a, 6b, ...) are set in the virtual space 3 for each piece of content. In the example of FIG. 2, the virtual spots 6 are depicted as shops, but they may be set as open areas such as plazas. Participating users 2 who have participated in the virtual space 3 after a login procedure can use the content provided at the virtual spot 6 by operating their own participating user avatar 4 to move to the virtual spot 6. For example, they can go shopping, play games, visit art galleries and museums, watch movies, attend events, watch sports, etc.

In the example of FIG. 2, by moving the participating user avatar 4 to the virtual spot 6a, it becomes possible to purchase electronic books and magazines as content A at the virtual bookstore which is the virtual spot 6a.
When the participating user avatar 4 is moved to the virtual spot 6b, a game is provided as content B in the game center which is the virtual spot 6b, and the user can play the game. The game of content B is an action role-playing game (RPG) in which the user becomes a player, sets a player character 10 (a content user character in content B), and fights an encounter with an enemy NPC (Non Player Character) 12 using this, progressing through the game while surviving.

By moving the participating user avatar 4 to the virtual spot 6c, it becomes possible to purchase electronic goods as content C at the virtual goods store which is the virtual spot 6c.
By moving the participating user avatar 4 to the virtual spot 6d, a live music performance can be viewed as content D at the live music venue, which is the virtual spot 6d.
The number of virtual spots 6 prepared for each content provided in the virtual space 3 is not limited to the example in Fig. 2 and can be set to a large number in actual operation. The content provided in each virtual spot 6 is also not limited to the example in Fig. 2.

The state of the virtual space 3 when this embodiment is applied will be briefly described. FIG. 3(1) is a schematic diagram of the state of the virtual space 3 with few participating users 2, in the case where this embodiment is not applied. Now, assume that a new participating user 2 logs in with a participating user avatar 4a. Since the number of participating users 2 is small in the virtual space 3 of FIG. 3(1), the participating user avatars 4 (4b, 4c) of other participating users are only sparsely present. In this situation, the new participating user 2 may lose motivation to use the virtual space service. To cite an example from the real world, it is similar to visiting an amusement park only to feel depressed when you see that the park is deserted with almost no customers.

Figure 3 (2) is a diagram showing the state of the virtual space 3 when this embodiment is applied. As shown in Figure 3 (2), the virtual space 3 is bustling with many avatars. New joining users 2 will be motivated to actively use the service. In Figure 3 (2), the number of joining users 2 actually participating in the virtual space 3 is the same as in Figure 3 (1). In this embodiment, NUAs (Non-User Avatars) 5 (5a, 5b, ...) are placed in the virtual space 3 to create a "bustling" atmosphere in the virtual space 3.

The placement of NUAs 5 is performed when the number of avatars (both participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5) present in the virtual space 3 satisfies a "lively effect execution condition" that determines that a "lively" effect is necessary. The "lively effect execution condition" may be, for example, when the total number of avatars present in the virtual space 3 does not meet a predetermined lively standard value (a number that is considered to have a minimum level of liveliness). In other words, when there are a large number of participating user avatars 4 in the virtual space 3 and the space appears lively as is, control to place NUAs 5 may not be performed, or the number of NUAs 5 may be reduced below the number that does not meet the lively standard value.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting the NUA 5. As shown in FIG.
The NUAs 5 are arranged in the virtual space 3 for each participating user 2 according to the track record of communication between the participating user 2 (in the example of FIG. 4, participating user 2b) and non-participating users within a predetermined time period in the past.

Participating user 2 can participate in virtual space 3 by starting a virtual space application (virtual space service client program) for participating in the virtual space service on his/her own user terminal 1500. In addition, by starting a communication application (communication service client program) on user terminal 1500, the user can use an external communication service other than the virtual space service.

The "communication service" allows one-way or two-way communication between users using any or all of the following: text, audio, and video (video and still images), regardless of whether the users are participating in the virtual space. The communication function may be realized in the form of chat, e-mail, electronic bulletin boards, etc. In the following explanation, the communication service will be described as a chat based on text-based exchanges.

"Usage information" refers to information on the use of a communication service, such as communication results and history, and includes one or more pieces of information about when, with whom, and what kind of communication was conducted one-way or two-way. The usage information is stored and managed in an external system that provides a communication service and/or the user terminal 1500. An example of an external system is the content server system 1100G. Alternatively, it may be an external server system outside the server-side system 1010. In this embodiment, the former is described.

The portal server system 1100P (a server that realizes the virtual space service) acquires the usage information of the participating user 2 in the communication service, and sets the NUA 5 (5g, 5m) as a given avatar corresponding to the external communication partner 7 (7g, 7m). The correspondence between the partner 7 and the NUA 5 is basically one-to-one, but it can also be one-to-many.

NUA5 is an avatar that can be considered a dummy (hereinafter simply referred to as a "dummy avatar") that is not associated with an actual participating user 2, and its appearance is set to be indistinguishable from the participating user avatar 4, as if it were a real participating user avatar 4.

The setting data of NUA5 is registered and managed in association with the account of participating user 2 (2b) of participating user avatar 4 (4b) and the account of communication partner 7 (7g, 7m) of participating user 2. Hereinafter, participating user 2 (2b) of participating user avatar 4 (4b) involved in the management of NUA5 will be referred to as the "origin user", meaning the participating user who is the origin of placing NUA5. Participating user avatar 4 of the origin user will be referred to as the "origin participating user avatar 4". Furthermore, partner 7 (7m) will be referred to as the "origin partner" since he is the communication partner who is the origin of placing NUA5.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the character of NUA5.
5(1) is an example of a case where the communication partner 7 of the origin user is a registered user of the virtual space service. However, if the communication partner 7 is a non-participating user who is not participating in the virtual space service at that time, the participating user avatar 4 (the avatar corresponding to the account registration in the virtual space 3) of the communication partner 7 used in the virtual space 3 is reused as the NUA 5. For example, the participating user avatar 4 may be directly diverted to become the NUA 5, or the setting data of the participating user avatar 4 may be copied and then some of the color scheme, size, belongings, etc. may be changed to become the NUA 5.

The example in Figure 5 (2) is a case where the communication partner 7 of the origin user is not registered in the virtual space service. Since the communication partner 7 is not registered, the communication partner 7 is also a non-participating user who is not participating in the virtual space service. In this case, the NUA 5 is automatically generated. For example, the NUA 5 may be generated by selecting one of the ready-made data for NUAs prepared in advance, and then changing some of the color scheme, size, belongings, etc. Alternatively, the NUA 5 may be automatically generated using material data referenced when the participating user avatar 4 is initially set up.

In the case where the correspondence between the other party 7 and the NUA 5 is one-to-many, if the other party 7 is a registered user of the virtual space service, the first NUA 5 may use the participating user avatar 4, and the second and subsequent NUAs may be automatically generated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the NUAs 5. As shown in FIG.
The NUA 5 is placed in the virtual space 3 around the origin participating user avatar 4. The placement position and placement orientation are determined based on usage information in the communication service between the origin user (participating user) and the origin partner (non-participating user).

The "communication status" is determined from the usage information of the communication service. The "communication status" refers to the degree or level of communication that the origin user has engaged in within a specified time period in the past (e.g., within the last 10 minutes, within the last hour, etc.). Examples of index data for the communication status include the time of communication (the time when the most recent communication took place, the length of time going back from the current date and time), the number of communications, the length of communication time (the length of time required for communication within a specified time period in the past; for example, estimated as a specified time per statement (e.g., 30 seconds), etc.), the content of communication, and the communication service ID used (the name of the communication service or the name of the communication app, etc.). Then, the relative orientation and relative position of the NUA 5 to be placed are determined based on the origin participating user avatar 4 according to the index data for the communication status.

For example, the relative orientation (black arrow in FIG. 6) is set so that the closer the communication time is, the more likely it is that the NUA 5 will face the origin participating user avatar 4, or will face the origin participating user avatar 4. The older the communication time is, the more likely it is that the NUA 5 will face the opposite direction from the origin participating user avatar 4. Also, for example, the greater the number of communications or the length of communication time, the more likely it is that the NUA 5 will face the direction of the participating user avatar 4.

For example, the relative position is determined by the "relative distance (radius)" and "direction" in a planar polar coordinate system with the origin participating user avatar 4 as the origin.

The "relative distance (radius)" can be set so that the closer the communication time is to the current time, the smaller the radius, the more frequent the communication, and the longer the communication duration, the closer the NUA 5 of the other party to the origin participating user avatar 4 will be to be placed. In addition, with regard to the content of the communication, the words spoken (message) can be compared with predetermined dictionary data to determine the category of the communication content (e.g., talk about hobbies, talk about family, talk about work, etc.), and a small radius can be set for talk about family, a medium radius for talk about hobbies, and a large radius for talk about work.

By setting the orientation so that the closer the communication time is to the current time, the closer it is to the front of the origin participating user avatar 4, the more frequently the communication is, the closer it is to the front, and the longer the communication duration, the closer it is to the front, the NUA 5 of the other party with whom communication is active can be positioned in front of the origin participating user avatar 4.

In addition, the content of communication can be set so that private content is placed at the front and work-related content is placed at the back.

In addition, if the communication app used is a chat app in which the number of conversation partners is limited and conversation can be established in a relatively short time, the relative distance (radius) can be made small and the direction can be set forward, whereas in an app such as email in which the number of conversation partners is large and conversation takes time to be established, the relative distance (radius) can be made large and the direction can be set backward.

The orientation that determines the relative position is not limited to a two-dimensional orientation as in the example of FIG. 6, but may be a three-dimensional orientation. For example, when the participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5 can be positioned three-dimensionally in the virtual space 3 (specifically, when the virtual space 3 is set as a zero-gravity space or when the participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5 are set to be able to levitate in the air), it is preferable to apply a three-dimensional orientation.

However, not all NUAs 5 are necessarily placed based on the position and orientation of the origin participating user avatar 4. Some of the NUAs 5 that are placed are preferentially placed in locations that satisfy given priority placement conditions, based on the placement status of the avatars (including both participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5) that exist in the virtual space 3.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the priority arrangement of the NUAs 5. In FIG.
In the virtual space 3, locations where participating user avatars 4 tend to gather, such as commercial facilities, playgrounds, athletic fields, art exhibitions, and other virtual spots 6, are likely to be bustling in the virtual space 3. In other words, from the perspective of maintaining the motivation of participating users, these are "places that should be bustling." Such virtual spots 6 are set in advance as priority placement locations 6y.

Then, the number of avatars (including both participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5) placed at each priority placement location 6y is counted, and if the number is less than a lively reference value sufficient to represent the "livelyness" at each location, some of the NUAs 5 to be placed are placed at that priority placement location. In the example of FIG. 7, of the four NUAs 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) that are placed when the origin user has four communication partners, three (NUAs 5b, NUAs 5c, NUAs 5d) are placed at the priority placement location 6y.

The priority placement of the NUA 5 is not limited to the method of counting the number of avatars placed at each priority placement location. For example, the density of avatars may be compared between the priority placement location 6y and other locations to determine whether or not to place avatars at the priority placement location 6y. Alternatively, for example, a method may be adopted in which the number of avatars placed is counted for each area into which the virtual space 3 is divided, without setting a priority placement location 6y, and avatars are placed preferentially in sparsely populated areas so that the density bias does not exceed a predetermined reference value. Also, when the virtual space 3 is viewed from above, if an arrangement of a predetermined number or more of avatars is not detected around a specific virtual spot 6, the avatars may be preferentially placed around the virtual spot 6. In this case, for example, avatars may be preferentially placed in places where a queue should be/is desired to be formed, creating a "bustling" atmosphere.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the operation of the NUA 5. In FIG.
The operation of the NUA 5 is set based on the usage information of the communication service between the origin user (joining user 2b) and the origin partner of the NUA 5 (partner 7g of NUA 5g, partner 7m of NUA 5m), and the NUA 5 is automatically controlled.

Specifically, information about the communication content (e.g., text data of remarks and messages) is extracted from the usage information, and the category of the communication content is determined by comparing it with given dictionary data. Then, one of a number of operation patterns prepared in advance corresponding to the determined category is selected, and the NUA 5 is automatically controlled with the selected operation pattern.

For example, if the category is "soccer," the NUA5 sets the actions of playing soccer (e.g., kicking, heading, etc.) and the actions of cheering on a soccer match (e.g., gestures of disappointment, gestures of joy, gestures when explaining tactics, etc.) as the action patterns.

For example, if the category is "work," the behavior pattern is set to be behavior that resembles a conversation about work (including, for example, gestures as if one is having a meeting, gestures used when giving a presentation, etc.).

Of course, it's a good idea to set up appropriate behavior patterns that are generally used in conversations. Also, to handle cases where the category can't be determined, it's a good idea to prepare behaviors such as searching for someone, gazing into the distance, and being lost in thought.

In the example of FIG. 8, the content of communication between the origin user, joining user 2b, and the person 7g who is considered to be the origin partner is category α, so NUA 5g selects behavior pattern α1. The content of communication between the origin user, joining user 2b, and the person 7m who is considered to be the origin partner is category β, so NUA 5m selects behavior pattern β3.

The behavior pattern applied to the NUA 5 is reselected and reset at appropriate times. This allows the NUA 5 to behave naturally, as if it were the participating user avatar 4 being operated by the participating user 2.

Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the creation of contact opportunities between users using NUA5. In Figure 9, a participating user avatar 4a of participating user 2a and a participating user avatar 4b of participating user 2b are placed in virtual space 3, along with two NUAs 5g and 5m, whose origin user is participating user 2b. From the perspective of participating user 2a, participating user avatar 4b, NUA 5g, and NUA 5m all appear to be avatars that are actually being operated by participating user 2. And, participating user avatar 4a of participating user 2a is "making contact" with NUA 5g.

The "action of making contact" is executed by the new user avatar 4 when the new user 2 performs a specified operational input on the user terminal 1500. The appearance can be appropriately set to tap the avatar on the shoulder, lightly raise one hand as a signal to start a greeting, or nod.

When an action of contacting the NUA 5 from the participating user avatar 4 is detected, a prompting display 20 is displayed on the user terminal 1500 (1500a) of the participating user avatar 4 (4a).

The guidance display 20 displays guidance content encouraging communication using a communication function with the person 7 who is considered to be the origin partner of NUA 5 (in the example of FIG. 9, the person 7g who is considered to be the origin partner of NUA 5g). Specifically, the guidance display 20 displays the name of the communication app, the account name of the person 7 who is considered to be the origin partner, and an operation icon 22 that accepts an operation to start the communication app.

The operation icon 22 is displayed if a communication app corresponding to the communication service name displayed in the guidance display 20 is already installed, and if it is not installed, the display may be changed to an operation icon for installing the communication app.

Next, the functional configuration will be described.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server-side system 1010, and shows all the functions carried out by the portal server system 1100P and the content server system 1100G.

The server-side system 1010 is functionally divided into a portal server system 1100P and a content server system 1100G, but when grouped together as a single server-side system 1010, it is configured to include an operation input unit 100s, a processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a memory unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server-side system 1010 (the portal server system 1100P and the content server system 1100G). Examples of this include a keyboard, a touch panel, and a mouse.

The processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as processors that are arithmetic circuits, such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc., as well as IC memories, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100s and the memory unit 500s. It performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, data received from operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the server-side system 1010.

The processing unit 200s of the server-side system 1010 includes a virtual space service management unit 220, a communication management unit 270, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The virtual space service management unit 220 realizes various functions for providing virtual space services. For example, the virtual space service management unit 220 has a user management unit 222, an acquisition control unit 224, a situation determination unit 226, a placement control unit 228, an operation control unit 230, a contact detection unit 232, and a guidance control unit 234.

The user management unit 222 performs processes related to user registration (account registration) for the virtual space service and manages the storage of various information linked to the account. It also performs processes related to customization and management of participating user avatars 4 used by registered users in the virtual space 3. Therefore, the user management unit 222 can also be said to be an avatar management unit.

The acquisition control unit 224 acquires communication service usage information for the participating user 2. Specifically, the acquisition control unit 224 acquires communication service usage information between the participating user 2 and a non-participating user (communication partner 7) who is not participating in the virtual space 3 from the communication function (communication management unit 270).

The status determination unit 226 determines the communication status regarding the content and/or number of communications between the participating user 2 and the non-participating user (communication partner 7) based on the acquired usage information.

Based on the acquired usage information, the placement control unit 228 performs placement control, including whether or not to place the avatar of the non-participating user in the virtual space 3 as the NUA 5.

For NUA5, if the non-participating user is a non-registered user who has not registered an account to participate in the virtual space 3, the placement control unit 228 performs control to automatically generate the NUA5 of the non-participating user and place it in the virtual space 3. If the non-participating user is a registered user who has registered an account, the placement control unit 228 performs control to place an avatar corresponding to the non-participating user's account registration in the virtual space (see FIG. 5).

Regarding placement, the placement control unit 228 determines the placement position of the avatar based on the placement status of the avatars present in the virtual space 3, at a location that satisfies a given priority placement condition in the virtual space 3 (see FIG. 7). In addition, the placement control unit 228 determines the placement position when placing the NUA5 of a non-participating user based on the communication status determined by the status determination unit 226.

The operation control unit 230 controls the operation of the NUA 5 of the deployed non-participating user based on the acquired usage information (see Figure 8).

The contact detection unit 232 detects when a participating user avatar 4 makes contact with a non-participating user NUA 5 in the virtual space 3 (see Figure 9).

In response to detection by the contact detection unit 232, the guidance control unit 234 performs guidance control to encourage communication using the communication function to the participating user 2 of the participating user avatar 4 who has made contact (see Figure 9).

A communication management unit 270 is provided for each type of external communication service, and realizes various functions for providing each communication function.
For example, the communication management unit 270 includes a user management unit 272 and a usage information management unit 274. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 272 handles the processes related to the user registration procedures for the communication app and stores and manages various information linked to user accounts.

The usage information management unit 274 creates and manages usage information for communication services for each registered user (user with registered account). In other words, it manages and controls various data that can trace the communication history of each registered user.

Then, in response to a given request from the acquisition control unit 224 of the virtual space service management unit 220, the communication management unit 270 controls the provision of some or all of the usage information managed by the usage information management unit 274 to the virtual space service management unit 220.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure various times, such as the current date and time and time limits.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates and decodes audio data. The sound generation unit 290s outputs the generated audio signal to the sound output unit 390s. The sound output unit 390s is realized by a speaker or the like, and emits sound based on the audio signal.

The image generation unit 292s generates images of various management screens for system management of the server-side system 1010, and outputs image data to the image display unit 392s. It also generates some or all of the images to be displayed on the user terminal 1500. The image display unit 392s is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s. The communication unit 394s realizes communication by connecting to the network 9. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for implementing various functions for the processing unit 200s to control the server-side system 1010 in an integrated manner. The storage unit 500s is also used as a working area for the processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is implemented, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, online storage, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to storage media such as the IC memory 1152 and hard disks mounted on the main unit of the portal server system 1100P and the content server system 1100G. Online storage may also be included in the storage unit 500s.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the storage unit 500s.
The storage unit 500s stores a virtual space service server program 501, a distribution virtual space service client program 503, a virtual space service related data group 510, a communication server program 701, a distribution communication client program 703, a communication service related data group 710, and a current date and time 900. The storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (for example, timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The virtual space service server program 501 is a program that is executed by the portal server system 1100P to realize the functions of the virtual space service management unit 220.

The distribution virtual space service client program 503 is an original client program related to the virtual space service that is provided to and executed by the user terminal 1500.

The virtual space service related data group 510 stores various data related to the realization of virtual space services. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the virtual space service related data group 510 includes virtual space initial setting data 511, avatar custom material data group 512, NUA automatically generated material data group 514, communication service ID list for which usage information is obtained 516, NUA placement pattern data 520, category determination criteria data 540, category-specific movement pattern data 550, priority placement location-specific movement pattern data 552, virtual space service account registration data 560, obtained usage information data 570, communication status data 580, and virtual space control data 610. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The virtual space initial setting data 511 stores various initial setting data for realizing the virtual space 3. This includes data specifying the reference point or range of the virtual spot 6 in the coordinate system of the virtual space 3, the correspondence between the virtual spot 6 and the content ID, etc.

The avatar customization material data group 512 is a group of material data for customizing the participating user avatar 4.

NUA automatically generated material data group 514 is a material data group for automatic generation of NUA5.

The communication service ID list 516 for which usage information is to be obtained indicates the communication services for which usage information is to be obtained. For example, the application name of the communication service, access information to the server of the communication service, etc.

NUA placement pattern data 520 is prepared for each pattern in which NUAs 5 are placed with the origin participating user avatar 4 of the origin user as the base point, and stores various data for determining the placement. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, one NUA placement pattern data 520 includes application conditions 521, which are conditions that must be satisfied to apply the pattern data, data for determining relative orientation 530, data for determining relative direction 532, and data for determining relative distance 534. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The application condition 521 is written as a combination of one or more sub-conditions, using AND or OR.
The sub-conditions are conditions for index data of a communication situation that can be determined from the usage information. For example, the application condition 521 includes a communication time sub-condition 523, a communication count sub-condition 524, a communication duration sub-condition 525, a communication content sub-condition 526, a communication service sub-condition 527, and a number of other parties sub-condition 528.

The communication time sub-condition 523 is a condition regarding the proximity of the time when the most recent communication between participating user 2 and the communication partner (non-participating user; partner 7) took place from the current date and time 900.

The communication count sub-condition 524 is a condition regarding the number of communications exchanged between participating user 2 and the communication partner (non-participating user; partner 7) within a time range from the current date and time 900 to a specified time in the past. The counting method for the number of communications in this sub-condition is set appropriately depending on the form of communication, for example, counting one communication per utterance (one message) or counting one communication per 10 seconds during which a voice conversation or communication app is active.

The communication duration sub-condition 525 is a condition regarding the duration of communication exchanged within a time range from the current date and time 900 to a specified time in the past. Depending on the form of communication, for example, a specified time per utterance (e.g., 30 seconds) may be counted, or the duration of the conversation may be timed.

The communication content sub-condition 526 is a condition about what was discussed in the communication. For example, it may be written as a list of keywords or a list of categories of communication content, as described below.

The communication service sub-condition 527 is a list of the communication service name and the communication application name. Depending on the communication service, the communication form may be either one-way or two-way, so this sub-condition can also be said to be a condition about the communication direction.

The number of people sub-condition 528 is a condition regarding the total number of people with whom the origin user has communicated within a specified period of time in the past.

The sub-conditions used in describing the applicable condition 521 can be added or omitted as appropriate. For example, a sub-condition regarding the frequency of communication can be added. One or more of these sub-conditions can be omitted, and the contents of the sub-conditions can be "not set" or "unlimited."

The relative orientation determination data 530 is a function, table data, constant, etc. for determining the forward direction of the NUA 5 to be placed based on the direction in which the NUA 5 faces the origin participating user avatar 4.

The relative orientation determination data 532 is a function, table data, constants, etc. for determining the orientation of the placement position of the NUA 5 to be placed, based on the forward direction at the time of placement of the origin participating user avatar 4. For example, the data may determine the orientation with the origin participating user avatar 4 as the polar coordinate origin.

The relative distance determination data 534 is a function, table data, constants, etc. for determining the distance to the placement position of the NUA 5 to be placed, based on the forward direction at the time of placement of the origin participating user avatar 4. For example, the data may be used to determine the radius with the origin participating user avatar 4 as the origin of polar coordinates.

When the placement position of the NUA 5 to be placed is determined in Cartesian coordinates with the origin participating user avatar 4 as the origin of the Cartesian coordinates, the relative orientation determination data 532 and the relative distance determination data 534 may be combined.

Returning to FIG. 12, the category determination criteria data 540 is prepared for each category of communication content (for example, soccer, fishing, games, work, family, etc., which can be set as appropriate), and stores various data for determining that communication is being made regarding the content of that category. For example, one category determination criteria data 540 includes a category ID and determination criteria dictionary data. The dictionary data can be set as appropriate, such as keywords, audio, images, etc.

Category-specific movement pattern data 550 is prepared for each category of communication content, and is data for causing an avatar to execute the movements and gestures of a person when talking about the content of that category. Each category-specific movement pattern data 550 includes a category ID and a movement pattern data group (motion data group).

Priority placement location specific motion pattern data 552 is prepared for each priority placement location 6y (see FIG. 7) and is data for causing the avatar to execute the motions and gestures of the user at that location. Each priority placement location specific motion pattern data 552 includes the area ID of the area designated as the priority placement location (or the coordinate range in virtual space 3 indicating the range of that priority location) and a motion pattern data group (motion data group).

The virtual space service account registration data 560 is created for each registered user of the virtual space service, that is, for each registered user who has completed the account registration procedure, and stores various data associated with the user, such as the user account, avatar setting data for the participating user avatar 4, accounts and passwords for each communication service used by the user, participation history information including information such as the date and time of participation in the virtual space 3, and behavioral history information, which is a chronological history of where the user went and what they did in the virtual space 3. The accounts and passwords for each communication service are set by prompting the user to enter them when registering the user. Registered users can also add and delete them as appropriate.

The acquired usage information data 570 is created for each participating user 2 and for each combination with the other party with whom the participating user 2 communicated (partner 7; see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 14, for example, one acquired usage information data 570 includes a participating user account 571, a other party account 572, a used communication service ID 575 indicating the service or app used in the communication, and utterance data 577. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The utterance data 577 is created for each utterance made by the participating user and the communication partner, and stores the utterance date and time in association with the utterance text (message text). Depending on the communication service, the utterance data 577 may be time-series data in which the utterances made by the user and the communication partner are stored in chronological order together with the utterance date and time.

Returning to FIG. 12, the communication situation data 580 is created for each participating user 2 and for each combination of the participating user 2 with the other party (partner 7) with whom the participating user 2 communicated. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, one piece of communication situation data 580 includes a participating user account 581, a other party account 582, and situation index data 590.

The situation index data 590 includes data corresponding to sub-conditions describing the application conditions 521 of the NUA placement pattern data 520 (see FIG. 13). For example, it includes the most recent communication time 591, which is the most recent statement date and time of the participating user and the other party, the number of communications 592, the communication duration 593, a category ID list 594, and a communication service ID 595. Of course, data other than these can also be included as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 12, the virtual space control data 610 stores various data for controlling and managing the virtual space 3. The virtual space control data 610 includes participating user avatar management data 612, NUA management data 620, and placement status data 640. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

Participating user avatar management data 612 is created for each participating user 2 and stores various data related to the participating user avatar 4 of that participating user (e.g., avatar ID, participating user account, placement position, orientation, action control data, equipment list, etc.).

NUA management data 620 is created for each NUA 5 and stores various data related to the avatar. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, one NUA management data 620 includes an avatar ID 621, an origin user account 622 indicating participating user 2 who is the "origin user" of the NUA 5, an origin participating user avatar ID 623 of the origin user, an origin partner account 624 which is a copy of partner account 572 (see FIG. 14) of partner 7 (see FIG. 4) who is the origin of the NUA 5, NUA setting data 625 which is detailed setting data for the avatar of the NUA 5, and NUA control data 626. Of course, other data than these may also be included as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 12, the placement status data 640 is prepared for each of a plurality of areas set in the virtual space 3, and stores various data regarding the distribution of participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5 in the area. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, one piece of placement status data 640 includes an area ID 641, range definition data 642, a priority placement location flag 643 indicating that the area is a priority placement location 6y (see FIG. 7), the number of avatars in the area 644 that are placed in the area, and an avatar density in the area 645. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate. For example, data regarding the placement shape of the avatars present in the area when the area is viewed from above (for example, the presence or absence of a queue at a specific position) may be included.

Returning to FIG. 11, the communication server program 701 is a program prepared for each communication service and executed by the content server system 1100G for the communication service to realize a given communication function.

The distribution communication client program 703 is prepared for each type of external communication service, and is an original client program that is provided to and executed by the user terminal 1500 in relation to that external communication service.

The communication service related data group 710 is prepared for each type of external communication service, and stores various data related to the external communication service.
One communication service related data group 710 includes, for example, a communication service ID 711, service initial setting data 713, account registration data 715, communication service control data 717, and usage information 720. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

Usage information 720 is created each time a comment is made in the communication service. A "comment" refers to the posting of any message using the communication service, and can therefore be replaced with the term "post." One piece of usage information 720 stores, for example, comment date and time 721, commenter account 722, other party account 723, and comment data 724. Of course, data other than these may also be stored as appropriate.

Depending on the service form of the communication service, the data configuration of the usage information 720 is not limited to this and can be set appropriately. For example, in a service form in which communication is performed by user groups, the usage information 720 may be electronic bulletin board data for each group. If the service form is one-way communication in the form of short message posting, it can be determined that the data is an electronic bulletin board posting data for each user, and the other account can be determined to be another account that is a registered reader of the electronic bulletin board.

Figure 18 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals corresponding to various operation inputs made by the user to the device processing unit 200. For example, this can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, etc.

The device processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, and an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by executing various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various types of data received from the server-side system 1010.

The device processing unit 200 has a client control unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The client control unit 260 performs various controls to make the user terminal 1500 function as an MMIF (man-machine interface) as a game client in the virtual space service system 1000. Specifically, the client control unit 260 has an operation input information providing unit 261 and a display control unit 262.

The operation input information providing unit 261 controls the transmission of operation input information to the server-side system 1010 in response to input from the operation input unit 100.

The display control unit 262 performs control to display various images based on the data received from the server-side system 1010.

The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limits, etc.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390. The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs (emits sound) based on the sound signals input from the sound generation unit 290, such as a speaker.

The image generation unit 292 generates and outputs an image signal that causes the image display unit 392 to display an image based on the control of the client control unit 260. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a graphics controller, a graphics board, etc., mounted on the control board 1550. The image display unit 392 is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to the communication module 1553.

The device storage unit 500 stores programs for causing the device processing unit 200 to realize given functions, various data, etc. It is also used as a working area for the device processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the device processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data entered from the operation input unit 100, etc. These functions are realized by, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROM or DVD, etc. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550.

Specifically, the terminal storage unit 500 stores a virtual space service client program 800 (application program) for causing the user terminal 1500 to function as a client control unit 260 for virtual space services, a communication service client program 801 for causing the user terminal 1500 to function as a client control unit 260 for communication services, a user account 802 and login password 804 stored in conjunction with the user registration procedure for the virtual space 3, and a current date and time 900. Of course, data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

Figures 19 to 21 are flowcharts for explaining the process flow related to the handling of avatars in the virtual space service executed by the server-side system 1010. In addition to the flowcharts, the server-side system 1010 also performs various processes such as managing the virtual space 3 and providing various services in the virtual spot 6.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the server-side system 1010 detects a login request (YES in step S6), it executes the login process. Specifically, it places a participating user avatar 4, which has been registered in advance by the login user who requested the login, in the virtual space 3, and starts controlling the operation of the participating user avatar 4 in response to the user's operation (step S8).

The server-side system 1010 monitors whether the "lively performance execution conditions" are met. Specifically, if the number of avatars (both participating user avatars 4 and NUAs 5) present in the virtual space 3 does not meet a predetermined "lively standard value," it is determined that the lively performance execution conditions are met. If the determination is positive (YES in step S10), the server-side system 1010 determines a target number of NUAs 5 to be newly added (step S18). The target number of additions may be, for example, the number that is short of the lively standard value, or the shortfall may be further multiplied by a predetermined multiple (for example, "1.2" or "5") as a safety factor.

The server-side system 1010 then executes an origin user setting process (step S20). Specifically, it sets the processing order with the participating user 2 as the origin user, and executes loop A for each origin user according to the processing order (steps S22 to S48). The processing order may be selected randomly from among the origin users, or may be in order of proximity to the priority placement location 6y (see FIG. 7). If there is already acquired usage information data 570, it may also be in order of the number of communication partners.

In loop A, the server-side system 1010 acquires usage information 720 (see FIG. 11) related to communications performed by the target user within a specified period of time in the past for each communication service listed in the communication service ID list 516 for which usage information is to be acquired, and generates acquired usage information data 570 (see FIG. 14) (step S24).

For example, if the communication service is configured to store the usage information 720 on a specific server, the required information may be requested and acquired using an API prepared in advance for that server. At this time, if necessary, the account and password for that communication service are read from the virtual space service account registration data 560 (see FIG. 11) and used in the request.

For example, if the communication service is configured to store usage information 720 in the user terminal 1500 of the user who is the target of processing in loop A, information such as the model and OS type may be obtained from the user terminal 1500, and the required information may be requested and obtained using an API that is prepared in advance for that OS.

Next, the server-side system 1010 determines the number of NUAs to be added for the target user based on the acquired usage information data 570 (step S26). The number of NUAs to be added is determined by comparing the target number to the number of people with whom the target user has communicated within a specified period of time in the past, whichever is smaller.

Note that an upper limit may be set for the number of NUAs to be added. The number of partners may be used as is, or may be determined by multiplying the number of partners by a given multiple so that there is a positive correlation between the number of partners and the number of NUAs to be added. Also, instead of subtracting the total number of partners with whom communication was made, a predetermined percentage of the number of partners (e.g., 80%) may be subtracted. This predetermined percentage may be made proportional to the distance between the participating user avatar 4 of the processing target user and the nearest priority placement location 6y (see FIG. 7), so that the NUAs 5 added for the processing target user are more likely to be placed in the priority placement location 6y as a result.

Next, the server-side system 1010 refers to the acquired usage information data 570 of the user to be processed and selects the partner accounts to which NUAs 5 are to be set up, equal to the number of NUAs to be added (step S28).

The selection method may be, for example, random selection, or selection evenly by communication service. When selecting, an attempt is made to select by excluding partner accounts that are already the origin partner of the NUA5. If there is a shortage in the number of NUAs to be added, the length of the specified past time applied when the previous usage information was acquired may be extended further back in time, the usage information may be acquired again, and step S28 may be executed again. Alternatively, the shortage may be selected from partner accounts that are already the origin partner of the NUA5. In this case, multiple NUAs 5 with one partner account as the origin partner will be set.

Next, the server-side system 1010 executes loop B for each selected partner account to create new NUA management data 620 (see FIG. 16) (steps S40 to S48).

In loop B, if the target partner account is a registered user of the virtual space service (YES in step S42), the server-side system 1010 reuses the setting data of the participating user avatar 4 of the target partner account to set the NUA5 character of the target partner account (step S44). If the target partner account is not a registered user (NO in step S42), the server-side system 1010 automatically generates the NUA5 character (step S46).

When loop B is completely completed, the target addition number is updated by subtracting the number of NUA5 newly added to the current processing target users of loop A (step S50).
20, if the updated target addition number is not "0" (NO in step S52), loop A is executed for the next participating user 2 to be processed (step S54). If the updated target addition number is "0" (YES in step S52), loop A is exited, and even if there is an unprocessed participating user 2 in loop A, it is skipped.

Basically, when the number of participating users 2 gradually decreases from a situation where the area is bustling with participating user avatars 4 and the "bustlingness" can no longer be maintained, NUA 5 is placed, so loop A is executed while the target number of additional participants is a relatively small value and there are a reasonable number of participating users 2. Therefore, loop A is exited without executing loop A for all participating users 2. However, if considering a case where NUA 5 is placed after the number of participating users 2 becomes small, a step similar to step S52 may be added after loop A is executed for all participating users 2, and if the target number of additional participants has not become "0", the system may be configured to return to step S22 and perform loop A again.

When the target number of characters to be added reaches "0", it means that the newly added character NUA5 is prepared, and the placement positions of each character are then determined.
To do this, the server-side system 1010 first determines whether there is a location that satisfies the priority placement condition, in other words, whether there is a priority placement location 6y that requires priority placement (step S60). Specifically, the placement status data 640 (see FIG. 17) is updated, and among the areas where the priority placement location flag 643 is ON, a search is performed for a priority placement location 6y where the number of avatars in area 644 or the avatar density in area 645 does not meet a predetermined reference value (which may be set for each area), and if there is a match, it is determined that the priority placement location 6y requires priority placement and satisfies the priority placement condition.

If the judgment is positive (YES in step S60), the server-side system 1010 sets the placement location of some or all of the newly added NUA 5 to a priority placement location 6y where priority placement is required (step S62).

Next, for the NUA5 that was not given priority among the newly added NUA5, loop C is executed to determine the placement positions of the NUA5 around each of the origin participating user avatars 4 (steps S70 to S76).

In loop C, the server-side system 1010 refers to the acquired usage information data 570 between the origin user (participating user) and the origin partner (non-participating user) of the NUA to be processed in loop C to determine the communication situation between the origin user and the origin partner of the NUA to be processed (step S72). Specifically, it obtains the situation index data 590 of the communication situation data 580 (see FIG. 15).

Next, the server-side system 1010 compares the communication situation data 580 with the application conditions 521 of the NUA placement pattern data 520 (see FIG. 13), and determines the relative orientation and relative position (relative orientation and relative distance) of the NUC to be processed based on the relative orientation determination data 530, relative direction determination data 532, and relative distance determination data 534 of the matching pattern data (step S74).

After executing loop C for all NUAs 5 that were not given priority placement, the server-side system 1010 then executes loop D for each NUA 5 that is newly added to set the operation pattern (steps S80 to S88).

In loop D, the server-side system 1010 first determines whether the placement location of the NUC to be processed is the priority placement location 6y. If so (YES in step S82), the operation pattern data by priority placement location 552 (see FIG. 12) is searched for pattern data that matches the placement location, and one of the movement patterns is selected (step S84). If not (NO in step S82), the operation pattern data by category 550 (see FIG. 12) is searched for pattern data that matches the category ID, and one of the movement patterns is selected (step S86).

Once loop D has been executed for all the newly added NUAs 5 and the operation patterns have been set, the server-side system 1010 places and executes the newly added NUAs 5 in the virtual space 3, and starts automatic control so that they operate according to the set operation patterns (step S90).

This means that there are enough avatars in the virtual space 3 to make it look lively, but the behavior of the NUAs 5 placed in the virtual space 3 can be changed as appropriate.
21, when a predetermined operation update condition (e.g., the passage of a predetermined time, the end of an active operation pattern, etc.) is satisfied (YES in step S92), the usage information is acquired again for each deployed NUA, and the communication situation is reassessed (step S94). Then, in accordance with the reacquired usage information and the reassessed communication situation, a new operation pattern is selected from the category-specific operation pattern data 550, and operation control using that operation pattern is started (step S96).

Furthermore, the NUAs 5 placed in the virtual space 3 can be erased as appropriate.
For example, if logout of new user 2 is detected (YES in step S100), the server-side system 1010 erases the NUA 5 having this logged-out user as the origin user from the virtual space 3, and deletes the NUA management data 620 (see FIG. 12) (step S102).

When deleting the NUA 5, it is preferable to display the same effect as when the participating user avatar 4 is deleted when the participating user 2 logs out, so that the NUA 5 appears as if it is a genuine participating user avatar 4.
In addition, in relation to steps S100 and S102, the number of NUAs to be deleted may be determined so as not to exceed the lively reference value (see step S10 in FIG. 19) before execution. The NUAs 5 to be deleted are not limited to NUAs 5 whose origin is the logged-out user, and may be selected randomly.

If an action of contacting the NUA 5 from the participating user avatar 4 is detected (YES in step S110), the server-side system 1010 displays a prompting display 20 (see FIG. 9) on the user terminal 1500 of the participating user 2 of the participating user avatar 4 (step S112).

According to this embodiment, not only can the participating user avatars 4 of the participating users 2 be placed in the shared virtual space 3, but also NUAs 5 can be placed based on the communication usage information of the participating users 2. Therefore, the virtual space can be populated with more avatars than the number of participating users 2 actually participating in the virtual space 3.

The NUAs 5 are basically arranged around the origin participating user avatar 4 of the origin user as the base point, so that the participating user 2 sees that there are always avatars around his or her own participating user avatar 4, making the virtual space 3 appear lively. Also, the behavior of each NUA 5 is determined according to the content of the communication between the origin user and the origin partner, so the NUAs 5 appear to behave naturally, as if they were real participating user avatars 4.

Depending on the placement of the avatars in the virtual space 3, the NUA 5 is not placed around the origin participating user avatar 4 of the origin user, but is placed preferentially in the priority placement location 6y. This ensures that a "bustling" atmosphere is created in high priority locations that appear bustling.

Unlike NPCs (Non Player Characters) in RPGs (Roll Playing Games) and the like, NUAs 5 are linked to participating users 2 as their origin users, and so the act of a participating user avatar 4 contacting a NUA 5 can be used by participating user 2 of said participating user avatar 4 as an opportunity to make contact with the user who is the origin of NUA 5. If contact between users increases, it is expected that the number of users of virtual space services will increase and the user community will become more active.

[Modifications]
Although examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above forms, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

(Variation 1)
For example, in the above embodiment, the communication service is exemplified as an external function separate from the virtual space service, but the communication service may be provided as part of the virtual space service. In other words, the server-side system 1010 may be provided with a communication function that controls communication between users of the virtual space service even when one or both users are not participating in the virtual space 3.

(Variation 2)
In the above embodiment, as an example of a condition for performing a lively effect, a case where the number of avatars existing in the virtual space 3 does not reach the lively reference value is exemplified. The lively reference value is not limited to being fixed, and may be variable. For example, when the time period in the virtual space 3 is late at night or the weather in the virtual space 3 is bad, the lively reference value may be slightly lower than normal. Conversely, during periods when the real world is more lively than normal, such as Christmas, Halloween, and New Year's, the lively reference value may be slightly higher than normal.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, a virtual world in which content can be used at each virtual spot 6 is shown as an example of the virtual space service, but the virtual space service is not limited to this. For example, the virtual space service may be an online game in which a player operates a player character (corresponding to a participating user avatar 4) in the virtual space to play.

(Variation 4)
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the "origin user" that is the origin of placing the NUA 5 is the participating user 2 (logged-in user) (see FIG. 2), but this is not limited to this. There are two types of non-participating users: 1) a registered user who has registered an account in the virtual space 3 but is not logged in at the time, and 2) a non-registered user who cannot participate in the virtual space 3 because they have not registered an account in the first place. However, the non-logged-in user of 1) may be used as the origin user.

For example, if the number of participating users 2 is "0" or is less than a predetermined minimum number of participants, step S20 (see FIG. 19) is executed, including the non-logged-in user origin placement process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the non-logged-in user originating process.
In the non-logged-in user origin process, the server-side system 1010 first selects a non-logged-in user to be the origin user (step S130). Specifically, from the virtual space service account registration data 560 (see FIG. 12), a user who is not logged in at that time, in other words, a registered user who does not have a participating user avatar 4, is selected. The number of selections may be set so that the total number of selections and the number of participating users 2 exceeds the minimum number of participants, and the non-logged-in users may be selected by the number of selections based on a given priority order. The given priority order may be, for example, in the order of the closest date and time of the previous participation in the virtual space 3 by referring to the participation history information from the virtual space service account registration data 560 (see FIG. 12). Alternatively, the usage information 720 (see FIG. 11) may be referred to in the order of the closest comment date and time. Alternatively, the priority order may be set randomly.

Next, the server-side system 1010 creates a non-logged-in user avatar for each selected non-logged-in user (step S132). The non-logged-in user avatar may be created by reusing the settings of the Avatar 4 of the non-logged-in user, or may be created in the same manner as the automatic generation of the NUA 5 in step S46.

Next, the server-side system 1010 places the created non-logged-in user avatar in the virtual space 3 (step S134), and starts automatic operation control (step S136).
The placement position may be determined randomly within the priority placement location 6y (see FIG. 7).
The behavior of the non-logged-in user avatar may be reproduced based on the behavior history at the priority placement location 6y from the behavior history information in the virtual space service account registration data 560 (see FIG. 12). Alternatively, data on motion control patterns for non-logged-in user avatars may be prepared in advance and applied.

Next, the server-side system 1010 sets a processing order for loop A for each non-logged-in user (step S138). The processing order for non-logged-in users may be set to be after the processing order for participating user 2, or the processing order may be set without distinguishing between participating user 2 and non-logged-in users.

Then, after the non-logged-in user originating process is executed, step S22 (see FIG. 19) and subsequent steps including loop A are executed.
In step S24, if the user to be processed is a non-logged-in user, the acquisition control unit 224 will acquire usage information 720 (see Figure 11) regarding communication between the non-logged-in user and non-registered users (non-participating users) from the communication function.

In addition, in step S72 (see FIG. 20), the situation determination unit 226 determines the communication situation regarding the content and/or number of communications between the non-logged-in user, who is the origin user, and another non-participating user (which may be either another non-logged-in user or a non-registered user) who is the communication partner 7 of the non-logged-in user.

By executing non-logged-in user origin processing, the server-side system 1010 can place a sufficient number of NUAs 5 to create a lively atmosphere in the virtual space 3 even when the number of participating users 2 is "0" or is less than the minimum number of participants.

2...Participating user 3...Virtual space 4...Participating user avatar 6y...Priority placement location 7...Other party 20...Guidance display 200s...Processing unit 220...Virtual space service management unit 222...User management unit 224...Acquisition control unit 226...Situation determination unit 228...Placement control unit 230...Operation control unit 232...Contact detection unit 234...Guidance control unit 270...Communication management unit 274...Usage information management unit 500s...Storage unit 501...Virtual space service server program 510...Virtual space service related data group 511...Virtual space initial setting data 520...NUA placement pattern data 550...Category-specific movement pattern data 552...Priority placement location-specific movement pattern data 560...Virtual space service account registration data 570...Acquired usage information data 580...Communication situation data 610...Virtual space control data 612...Participating user avatar management data 620...NUA management data 622: Origin user account 624: Origin partner account 625: NUA setting data 626: NUA control data 640: Placement status data 643: Priority placement location flag 644: Number of avatars within area 710: Communication service related data group 720: Usage information 1000: Virtual space service system 1010: Server side system 1500: User terminal

Claims (17)

A computer system having a communication function for controlling communication between users or configured to be capable of communicating with an external system having the communication function, and controlling a virtual space in which participating user avatars of participating users are placed,
An acquisition means for acquiring usage information of the communication function regarding the participating users or non-participating users who are not participating in the virtual space;
a placement control means for controlling placement of an avatar in the virtual space based on the usage information;
A computer system comprising: the placement control means determines a placement position of the given avatar based on a placement situation of avatars existing in the virtual space;
2. The computer system of claim 1. the placement control means determines a placement position of the given avatar at a location in the virtual space that satisfies a given priority placement condition;
2. The computer system of claim 1. The acquiring means acquires the usage information of the participating users,
the placement control means determines the number of people with whom the participating user will communicate based on the usage information of the participating user, and determines the number of the given avatars to be placed in the virtual space based on the number of people with whom the participating user will communicate;
2. The computer system of claim 1. The participating user is a user who has registered an account for participating in the virtual space and is participating in the virtual space.
2. The computer system of claim 1. The acquisition means acquires the usage information regarding the communication between the participating user and the non-participating user from the communication function;
the placement control means performs placement control including determining whether or not to place an avatar of the non-participating user in the virtual space based on the usage information between the participating user and the non-participating user.
2. The computer system of claim 1. The non-participating user is a non-registered user who has not registered an account to participate in the virtual space.
7. The computer system of claim 6. the placement control means performs control to automatically generate avatars of the non-participating users and place them in the virtual space;
8. The computer system of claim 7. The non-participating user is a registered user who has registered an account to participate in the virtual space.
7. The computer system of claim 6. the placement control means controls placement of an avatar corresponding to the account registration of the non-participating user in the virtual space;
10. The computer system of claim 9. the placement control means determines a relative orientation and/or a relative position of the avatar of the non-participating user with respect to the participating user avatar based on the usage information regarding the communication between the participating user and the non-participating user;
A computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 10. A situation determination means for determining a communication situation regarding the content and/or number of communications between the participating users and the non-participating users based on the usage information;
Further comprising:
the placement control means determines a placement position of the avatar of the non-participating user based on the communication situation.
A computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 10. an action control means for controlling the action of the avatar of the non-participating user arranged by the arrangement control means based on the usage information regarding the communication between the participating user and the non-participating user;
11. The computer system of claim 6, further comprising: a contact detection means for detecting that the participating user avatar has made contact with the non-participating user's avatar in the virtual space;
a guidance control means for performing guidance control to encourage the new user to communicate using the communication function in response to detection by the contact detection means;
11. The computer system of claim 6, further comprising: The acquisition means acquires the usage information regarding the communication between the non-participating users from the communication function,
the placement control means performs placement control, including determining whether or not to place the avatars of the non-participating users in the virtual space, based on the usage information acquired by the acquisition means.
2. The computer system of claim 1. A control method in which a computer system having a communication function for controlling communication between users or configured to be capable of communicating with an external system having the communication function controls a virtual space in which participating user avatars of participating users are placed, comprising the steps of:
Acquiring usage information of the communication function regarding the participating users or non-participating users who are not participating in the virtual space;
performing placement control including determining whether or not to place a given avatar in the virtual space based on the usage information;
A control method comprising: A computer system having a communication function for controlling communication between users or configured to be able to communicate with an external system having the communication function, said computer system being a program for controlling a virtual space in which participating user avatars of participating users are placed,
Acquiring usage information of the communication function regarding the participating users or non-participating users who are not participating in the virtual space;
performing placement control including determining whether or not to place a given avatar in the virtual space based on the usage information;
A program for causing the computer system to execute the above.

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