JP2008107895A - Virtual space providing server, virtual space providing system, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a virtual space providing server capable of viewing a program while interacting with the other user via an avatar. <P>SOLUTION: In a virtual space 1, a program such as a sport game, etc. is displayed (P2, 1A), while positions of players are displayed on real time (P3, 1B). Each of avatars A1 to A6 which is another body of a user performs conversation 2A while viewing the program. Information transmitted via an information transmission tool 3 by each user is analyzed (P7), and taste of the user is classified (P8). Then a position where the avatar appears is controlled (P10) according to the classified taste. A degree of familiarity is detected from speech and behavior between avatars (P9), and appearance of the avatar is controlled according to the degree of familiarity (P11). Search key words (P12, P13) produced from the conversation 2A of the avatar are correlated to pieces of program data, then used for image retrieval (P14). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server that provides a virtual space, a virtual space providing system, and a computer program.

A system in which a virtual space is generated in a server provided on a network and a character (avatar) that symbolizes a user can be operated in the virtual space is known (Patent Literature). 1). In the prior art described in this document, a sports game or a movie is broadcast in a virtual space in a server so that a plurality of users can view it.
JP 2005-100053 A

  In the above prior art, a plurality of users can participate in a virtual space via an avatar and view the same video. However, the video displayed in the virtual space is a video distributed from a broadcasting station, which is significantly different from the case where the user actually goes to the stadium to support.

  When you are in a stadium seat, you can see the entire ground and court, and enjoy the game, paying attention to the desired location, although it depends on the location of the seat. On the other hand, in the video display in the virtual space, the user simply views the screen of the highlight selected on the broadcast station side in a passive posture. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to grasp the movement of each performer and the usability is low. For example, in the case of a sporting game in which each performer always moves around in a relatively wide range, such as soccer or the like, there are cases where it is desired to know the movements of other performers in a scene of a highlight such as a shot. Thus, when viewing a video of a game or the like in a virtual space, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp the positional relationship of all the performers according to the flow of the game, and the usability is low.

  The virtual space can also accommodate more avatars than can be accommodated in an actual stadium, but the more avatars that participate in the virtual space, the more you can meet existing or unknown friends. Sex declines. In an actual stadium, friends often watch a game adjacent to each other, but in a virtual space composed of a plurality of servers, friends may be located in different spaces.

  That is, even if the virtual spaces have the same name, if the servers are different, they are separate virtual spaces, and it is difficult for the avatars in each virtual space to interact with each other across the servers. Therefore, the user needs to check in advance the server to which an existing friend has logged in and log in to the same server, which is not convenient. Furthermore, each member of the group may be distributed on different servers, and it is difficult to interact with each other via an avatar in the same virtual space.

  In an actual stadium, for example, it is possible to find a clue of conversation from information such as appearance, belongings, atmosphere, etc. and to find potential friends. However, since a simplified doll called an avatar is used in the virtual space, all information such as the appearance and the atmosphere is discarded, and it is difficult to find a potential friend and the usability is low.

  Furthermore, in the case of an avatar, the appearance is simplified and standardized. In other words, the user simply selects clothes according to his / her preference from a limited range of clothes and hairstyles prepared in advance, and the types of appearance are scarce and usability is low. In addition, the appearance of the avatar cannot be changed according to the depth of the friendship and the convenience is low.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space providing server, system, and program that can improve usability. Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space providing server, system, and program capable of viewing the position of a performer along with video and improving usability. Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space providing server, system, and program that can control the position and appearance of each user's character based on the relationship between the users. Further objects of the present invention will become clear from the description of the embodiments described later.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a virtual space providing server according to one aspect of the present invention provides a common virtual space to a plurality of client computers connected via a network. In response to operation instructions input via the network, each character representing each user is operated in the virtual space, and the latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character is transmitted to each client computer via the network. A virtual space management unit that transmits the video data, a video management unit that displays the received video data in the virtual space, and a performer position management that displays the position of the performer related to the video data in the virtual space in synchronization with the video data. And received from each client computer via the network A message analyzing unit for extracting a keyword by analyzing a text message, the video management unit the extracted keyword management in association with the video data.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a performer is provided with a wireless tag in advance, and the position of the performer is detected based on the state of radio waves received from the wireless tag.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the video management unit manages the extracted keyword in association with the scene of the video data displayed in the virtual space when the keyword is extracted.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a commonality detection unit that detects commonality between users is provided, and the virtual space management unit controls the initial position of each character in the virtual space based on the detected commonality. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the virtual space management unit places the detected characters of the users having relatively high commonness close to each other and arranges them in the virtual space.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, an AC level detection unit that detects an AC level between users is provided, and the virtual space management unit controls appearance data of each character based on the detected AC level.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of types of appearance data having different drawing levels are prepared in advance for each character, and the virtual space management unit performs relative processing between users with a relatively high degree of interaction. Appearance data with a high drawing level is used, and appearance data with a relatively low drawing level is used between users with a relatively low degree of interaction.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the commonality detection unit analyzes each information source used by each user, and compares each keyword with a relatively high frequency of use in each information source, thereby enabling each user. Detect commonality between them.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the AC level detection unit detects the AC level based on at least the conversation between the characters in the virtual space and the distance between the characters in the virtual space. .

  A virtual space providing system according to another aspect of the present invention provides a virtual space providing server that provides a common virtual space to a plurality of client computers connected via a network, and the virtual space providing server via the network. A virtual space providing server comprising: a connected video distribution server; a performer location analysis server connected to the virtual space providing server via a network; and an information sending server connected to the virtual space providing server via the network. In response to operation instructions input from each client computer via the network, the character that represents each user is operated in the virtual space, and the latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character is networked. To each client computer via The virtual space management unit, the video management unit that displays the video data received from the video distribution server via the network, and the position of the performer related to the video data are received from the performer location analysis server via the network. The performer position management unit that synchronizes the received performer's position with the video data and displays it in the virtual space, and the information transmitted from each user stored in the information transmission server are analyzed and used, respectively. By comparing keywords with relatively high frequency, a commonality detection unit that detects commonality between users, at least a conversation between characters in a virtual space, and a virtual space between characters And an AC degree detection unit that detects an AC degree between each user based on the distance. Characters are placed in a virtual space close to each other, and characters are generated using appearance data with a relatively high rendering level between users with a relatively high degree of interaction And between each user with the relatively low exchange degree detected, a character is produced | generated using appearance data with a relatively low drawing level.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer program sends a user to a server computer connected to a plurality of client computers via a network according to an operation instruction input from the client computers via the network. A virtual space management unit for operating each symbolic character in the virtual space and transmitting the latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character to each client computer via the network; By each user, a video management unit that displays video data in the virtual space, a performer position management unit that displays the positions of performers related to the video data in the virtual space in synchronization with the video data, and Stored in the information transmission server used A commonality detection unit that detects commonality between the users by analyzing the transmission information of each user and comparing keywords that are relatively frequently used, and at least in the virtual space An AC degree detection unit that detects an AC degree between the users based on a conversation between the characters and a distance in the virtual space between the characters, respectively, and the virtual space management The unit places the characters of the users having a relatively high commonality in proximity to each other and arranges them in the virtual space, and is relative between the users having a relatively high degree of interaction detected. The character is generated using appearance data with a high drawing level, and appearance data with a relatively low drawing level is generated between the users with a relatively low degree of interaction. Use to produce the character.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall concept of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a virtual space 1 is formed inside the server, and a plurality of avatars 2 are arranged in the virtual space 1. A server that provides a virtual space is referred to as a virtual space providing server in the following description. Further, in the present embodiment, as the “performer”, for example, a player who participates in a sporting game will be described as an example. As video data, for example, competition video data such as a soccer game will be described as an example. However, these are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the present invention can be applied to other video data such as a movie program, a drama program, a news program, and performers of these programs.

  In this embodiment, as described below, “a virtual space providing server that provides a common virtual space to a plurality of client computers connected via a network, each client computer via the network. In response to the operation instruction inputted in the above, each character that symbolizes each user is operated in the virtual space, and the latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character is updated via the network. A virtual space management unit that transmits to each client computer; a commonality detection unit that detects commonality between the users; and an AC level detection unit that detects the AC level between the users. Based on the detected commonality, the management unit sets an initial value of each character in the virtual space. A virtual space providing server, a virtual space providing system, and a computer program for controlling the position and / or appearance data of each character are disclosed, and in this embodiment, received video data is displayed in the virtual space. A video management unit, a performer location management unit that displays the location of the performer regarding the video data in the virtual space in synchronization with the video data, and text received from each client computer via the network A configuration including a message analysis unit that analyzes messages and extracts keywords is also disclosed.

  The virtual space 1 is formed like a virtual stadium, for example, and is provided inside the virtual space providing server. In the virtual space 1, an avatar 2 as a “character” operated by each user is arranged. The avatar 2 is formed as a doll that symbolizes the user, and is operated by the user. The user can have a conversation 2 </ b> A with another user's avatar 2 in the virtual space 1 via his / her avatar 2.

  In the virtual space 1, for example, a video display unit 1A, a player position display unit 1B, and an advertisement display unit 1C can be provided. The video display unit 1A displays videos of various competitions such as soccer, rugby, marathon, and the like. For example, video data captured and transmitted by a broadcasting station is displayed on the video display unit 1A. The video data displayed in the virtual space 1 may be so-called live broadcast video data or recorded video data.

  The player position display unit 1B is for individually displaying the positions of all the competitors participating in the competition displayed on the video display unit 1A in synchronization with the display on the video display unit 1A. . Here, the position of the referee and the ball are displayed on the player position display section 1B in addition to all the players participating in the game, as will be described later. In addition to being displayed on the player position display unit 1B, the detected positions of the players, balls, and the like are stored in the virtual space providing server or another server.

  The advertisement display unit 1C displays, for example, advertisement data related to a competition sponsor displayed on the video display unit 1A, a sponsor of a virtual space providing service, and the like. The advertisement data can be configured to include, for example, characters, still images, moving images, sounds, and the like.

  A user who operates each avatar can use the information transmission tool 3. The information transmission tool 3 may be provided inside the virtual space providing server, or may be provided on a server different from the virtual space providing server. The information transmission tool 3 is a program for a user to transmit information via a network. Examples thereof include a web log (BLOG), an electronic bulletin board (BBS), a homepage (HP), and the like.

  Next, the overall operation of the virtual space providing system will be described. A symbol “P” is assigned to each process. First, when a sporting event such as soccer or marathon is started (P1), the sporting event is distributed as an actual program of a sports game by a television broadcasting station, for example (P2). Here, the live-action program is a program that distributes sports matches currently being performed anywhere in the world in almost real time. Hereinafter, the live program may be referred to as a live program or a live video. The distributed program is displayed on the video display unit 1A in the virtual space 1.

  The positions of the athletes, referees and balls participating in the sport game are analyzed in synchronization with the progress of the sport game (P3), and the position analysis results are displayed on the player position display unit 1B. For example, as will be apparent from the examples described later, for example, a player, a referee, and a ball are each attached with a wireless tag in advance, and are communicated with each wireless tag by a plurality of antennas provided at a game venue. Then, by analyzing the communication state (the intensity of the received radio wave) between each antenna and each wireless tag, it is possible to measure the position of the player or the ball in the game venue in real time. The positions of the players, balls, etc. are specified as positions on the two-dimensional plane of the game venue and displayed on the player position display section 1B in the virtual space 1. Note that the position detection of a player or a ball is not limited to the configuration using the above-described wireless tag.

  The video data of the live program relayed live from the game site is stored, for example, by the virtual space providing server or another server (P4). The stored video data is associated with search information as described later (P13, P14).

  Advertisement data provided by an advertising company, a sponsor, or the like is displayed on the advertisement display unit 1C (P5). As described later, by analyzing the behavior and line of sight of the avatar 2, the effect of the advertisement displayed on the advertisement display unit 1C is measured (P15, P16) and provided to the advertising company, the sponsor, and the like.

  Since the virtual space 1 is a virtual space provided in the virtual space providing server, a large number of avatars 2 can be accommodated as long as the processing capacity of the server or communication line permits. In an actual game venue, it is impossible to accommodate more than the number of people that can be physically accommodated. However, since the virtual space 1 can be provided in each of a plurality of virtual space providing servers, A large number of avatars 2 can be accommodated beyond the limit.

  However, the avatars 2 cannot interact with each other between different virtual space providing servers. That is, it is common for an avatar 2 existing in a virtual space 1 in a virtual space providing server and an avatar 2 existing in a virtual space 1 in another virtual space providing server to have a conversation 2A via the avatar. It is difficult to. This is because, even if the videos viewed by the respective avatars 2 existing in different virtual space providing servers are the same, if the servers are different, they become different virtual spaces 1.

  Therefore, even in the real world, even if they are friends, avatars 2 existing in virtual spaces 1 on different virtual space providing servers cannot interact with each other via avatars. When trying to experience the virtual space 1 with a friend in the real world, it is necessary to log in to at least the same virtual space providing server.

  However, even in the virtual space 1 on the same virtual space providing server, for example, when the virtual space 1 is generated from many maps, there is a possibility that the friend's avatar 2 cannot be found immediately. is there. In this case, for example, the user searches for a friend while moving a plurality of maps while contacting the friend's avatar 2 using a conversation function (chat function) in the virtual space 1.

  As described above, how to control the arrangement of the avatar 2 is an important problem for the exchange via the avatar 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the initial arrangement position of the avatar 2 is controlled as follows.

  The user performs user registration before using the virtual space providing service (P6). In user registration, for example, predetermined information such as a contact e-mail address, gender, and age is input. The virtual space providing server, for example, analyzes user registration information and information acquired from each information transmission tool 3 (P7), so that preference commonality between each user (each avatar) (P8) and intimacy (P9) is calculated respectively.

  For example, when the registration information of the user registration information includes, for example, information such as a hobby, age, blood type, etc., it can be determined that users of the same age having a common hobby have a common preference. Similarly, information such as hobbies and ages may be acquired by performing word analysis on information transmitted by each user using the information transmission tool 3.

  For example, in the case of a weblog, profile information, link information, and the like are provided in addition to a diary portion describing daily events. In some cases, gender and age can be detected by obtaining profile information and analyzing the word. Moreover, it is also possible to analyze a user's preference (hobby) by analyzing the appearance frequency of the word described in the diary part. Further, it is possible to analyze the user's preference by analyzing what weblog link or home page (web page) is set for. In addition, by registering detailed information in the user registration information, it is possible to detect the commonality of preferences between users and the potential or actual familiarity relatively easily, but protect personal information. A mechanism to do this is required. Therefore, for example, the user registration information may be abolished and only the information acquired from the information transmission tool 3 may be analyzed.

  The commonality of preferences, that is, the preference classification (P8) can be detected from the appearance frequency of words included in the information acquired from the information transmission tool 3 as described above. For example, when a name of a specific soccer team or a favorable word (for example, “cheer”, “like”, etc.) frequently appears in the weblog of one user and the other user, The other user can be estimated to be a fan of the same soccer team, and can be detected as having a common preference.

  The intimacy between users can also be detected by analyzing the information acquired from the information transmission tool 3. For example, when one user's weblog and the other user's weblog set a plurality of trackbacks, it is considered that one user and the other user have a high degree of exchange. However, since the number of trackbacks increases even when users are arguing, for example, by analyzing the diary part of the weblog and detecting the frequency of words that appear, etc. It is also necessary to judge. In addition, it is possible to measure the intimacy between users by analyzing the number of comments written by the users in the other party's web log and the content of the comments.

  Furthermore, the intimacy between users can also be measured by analyzing the frequency and time of the conversation 2A that one user and the other user's avatars intersect in the virtual space 1, the words that appear, and the like. For example, if a favorable word such as “Ye” or “Sodane” appears frequently and the conversation continues for a relatively long time, it can be determined that these users are close to each other. .

  As described above, the virtual space providing server can comprehensively determine the intimacy between users by analyzing the information obtained from the information transmission tool 3 from various viewpoints. Then, the virtual space providing server determines the initial position of the avatar 2 so that the avatars 2 of users with common preferences and highly intimate users are arranged close to each other in the same virtual space 1 ( P10). The initial position is a position when the avatar 2 appears in the virtual space 1. Therefore, in the virtual space 1, the avatars 2 grouped according to the preference classification result are arranged relatively close to each other. Thereby, each user can discover a potential friend comparatively easily by conversation 2A. In addition, since the avatars 2 of the respective users who are already in close relation are also arranged close to each other, it is possible to quickly exchange with existing friends in the virtual space 1.

  The virtual space providing server controls the display level of the appearance (appearance) of the avatar 2 based on the familiarity between the users (P11). Here, the display level means the drawing level of the avatar 2. For example, the virtual space providing server prepares data of a plurality of types of drawing levels in advance for the avatar 2 related to the same user, and displays the avatar 2 at a drawing level corresponding to the familiarity. For example, the avatar 2 with a low drawing level (or coarse image resolution) is displayed between users with low intimacy, and the avatar 2 with a high drawing level (or high image resolution) is displayed between users with a high intimacy. Let Thereby, for example, users with high intimacy can interact with each other using a real avatar that is close to the user's actual appearance, and users with low intimacy interact with each other using a simplified avatar. be able to.

  In the virtual space 1, each user can state an opinion, an impression, and the like via the avatar 2 while watching the video of the sports game displayed on the video display unit 1 </ b> A. The virtual space providing server analyzes the content of the conversation 2A of the avatar 2 (P12), and generates a search keyword (P13). That is, the virtual space providing server extracts, for example, words that appear in the conversation 2A, and selects words having a high appearance frequency as search keywords. For example, when the point of the score is displayed on the video display unit 1A, some impression of the score appears in the conversation 2A, and for example, when a trouble between players is displayed on the video display unit 1A, It is thought that the impression regarding the trouble appears in the conversation 2A.

  Therefore, the virtual space providing server selects a search keyword from the frequency of words appearing in the conversation 2A. The search keyword generated in this way is stored in association with the video data and used for a later search (P14). The search keyword is associated with the video data in synchronization. The association in synchronization with the video data means that the association is performed in synchronization with the reproduction time of the video data. That is, simply, for each scene of the video data, a search keyword extracted in that scene is associated. Therefore, for example, by designating the name of a specific player as a search condition, it is possible to reproduce only the scene in which that player is active.

  By the way, as described above, the advertisement data is displayed on the advertisement display unit 1C. The virtual space providing server measures the effect of the advertisement displayed on the advertisement display unit 1C by analyzing the line of sight of the avatar 2 and the conversation 2A (P15) (P16). That is, the virtual space providing server can digitize and output how much attention is paid to the advertisement displayed on the advertisement display unit 1C.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, video data such as a sports game is displayed in the virtual space 1, and the user can watch a sports game or the like while having a conversation 2 </ b> A via the avatar 2. Thereby, the user can view the same video while exchanging with many other users and share the impression. Therefore, for example, it is possible to have a more realistic experience than when each user views a video by streaming distribution or the like. That is, since the virtual space 1 is constructed as a virtual stadium resembling an actual stadium, each user can experience a realistic watching game via the avatar 2.

  In this embodiment, it is set as the structure which displays on the player position display part 1B in real time the position of a player, a ball, etc. of a sports game in synchronism with the image | video displayed on the video display part 1A. Therefore, the user can always check the positions of the athletes and the balls, and can grasp the movements of the athletes in real time. Therefore, it is possible to analyze tactics and the like by paying attention to the movement of the competitors. For this reason, for example, a manager or a member of a school sports club or the like can participate in the virtual space 1 through the avatar 2 to study the carrying of the game.

  In this embodiment, based on the information acquired from the information transmission tool 3 and the conversation 2A in the virtual space 1, the commonality and intimacy of each user's preference are detected, and according to the preference (or preference and intimacy) Thus, the initial position of the avatar 2 is controlled. Therefore, the user's avatar 2 with common taste can be placed in the virtual space 1 relatively close to each other, and active exchange between users can be promoted.

  In this embodiment, it was set as the structure which controls the drawing level of the avatar 2 according to the closeness between users. Therefore, close users can perform exchanges closer to the real world in the virtual space 1 using the avatar 2 drawn more precisely. Users who are not intimate can enjoy exchange in the virtual space 1 using the simplified avatar 2. Even if the users are not intimate at first, the drawing level of the avatar 2 changes when the intimacy increases while continuing the exchange in the virtual space 1, and the avatar 2 drawn more precisely is used. Exchange close to the real world.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the search keyword is generated by analyzing the conversation 2A of the avatar 2 and stored in synchronization with the video data. Therefore, keywords for searching for video data can be automatically generated and associated with video data, and the convenience of the search system can be improved. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the virtual space providing system according to the present embodiment. The virtual space providing system includes, for example, a virtual space providing server 10, a player position analysis server 20, a program distribution server 30, a web server 40, an information transmission service server 50, and a client computer 60. These computers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 are connected via a communication network CN such as the Internet.

  The virtual space providing server 10 provides the virtual space generated in the computer to each of the plurality of client computers 60. The virtual space providing server 10 can be composed of, for example, one or a plurality of server computers. When the virtual space providing server 10 is composed of a plurality of server computers, a cluster can be formed by the plurality of server computers and the load can be distributed. Details of the virtual space providing server 10 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The player position analysis server 20 analyzes in real time the position of a player (competitor), a referee, and a ball who are playing a sports game in an actual game hall (stadium), and provides position information to the virtual space providing server 10. It is. The player position analysis server 20 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The program distribution server 30 photographs a sports game that is being performed at an actual game venue and provides the photographed video data to the virtual space providing server 10.

  The web server 40 is for exchanging information with the client computer 60. The web server 40 can also be provided on the same server computer as the virtual space providing server 10. The virtual space generated by the virtual space providing server 10 is provided to each client computer 60 via the web server 40. Therefore, the virtual space is displayed on the web browser provided in the client computer 60. A configuration may be employed in which dedicated software different from the web browser is installed in the client computer 60 and the virtual space is accessed by the dedicated software. In this case, the web server 40 can be abolished.

  The information transmission service server 50 is a server for providing a service for each user to transmit information via the communication network CN. Examples of the information transmission service include a web log (hereinafter referred to as a blog), a home page (web page), an electronic bulletin board, and the like. The user can send his / her opinions and daily events via these web logs and the like. In the following description, a blog will be mainly described as an information transmission service.

  The client computer 60 is a computer used by a user, and is typically configured as a personal computer. For example, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, or the like can be used.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the virtual space providing server 10. The virtual space providing server 10 includes, for example, a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 140. The control unit 100 includes, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 100 reads and executes a program stored in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, thereby realizing each function 101 to 109 described later.

  The storage unit 120 includes, for example, a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, and a hard disk. The storage unit 120 stores various types of information to be described later.

  The communication unit 140 is for bidirectional communication with the other servers 20, 30, 40 and the client computer 60 via the communication network CN. 3 and 4, illustration of the web server 40 is omitted.

  Functions realized by the control unit 100 will be described. The control unit 100 includes, for example, a user management unit 101, a preference / intimacy management unit 102, a player position management unit 103, a virtual space management unit 104, a virtual space providing unit 105, a program management unit 106, an advertisement A management unit 107, a log analysis unit 108, and a line-of-sight analysis unit 109 can be provided.

  The user management unit 101 is a function for managing users who use the virtual space providing service. The user management unit 101 stores information input from the client computer 60 in the user management information 121 in the storage unit 120. The user management unit 101 performs user authentication when the user logs in to the virtual space providing service. The contents of the user management information 121 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The preference / intimacy management unit 102 is a function for measuring and managing the commonality of preferences and intimacy between users. For example, the preference / intimacy management unit 102 analyzes each user's blog based on the blog management information 122 and classifies each user's preference. Information regarding the classified preferences is stored in the preference classification information 123 in the storage unit 120. In addition, the preference / intimacy management unit 102 measures the intimacy between users on the basis of the state of exchange between the blogs of each user (number of trackbacks, number of comments, etc.), chat logs in the virtual space, and the like. The measured familiarity is stored in the familiarity management information 124 in the storage unit 120.

  In FIG. 3, the log analysis unit 108 and the preference / intimacy management unit 102 are not connected due to space limitations. However, in practice, the preference / intimacy management unit 102 includes the log analysis unit 108. Analysis results can be used. The blog management information 122, the preference classification information 123, and the closeness management information 124 will be described later with reference to the drawings. As described above, the preference / intimacy management unit 102 is a function of managing the relationship between users, and can be called an AC state management unit.

  The player position management unit 103 is a function for managing the position information received from the player position analysis server 20. The player position management unit 103 displays the positions of players and the like in the virtual space based on the received position information.

  The virtual space management unit 104 is a function for generating a virtual space and managing the state of the virtual space. That is, the virtual space management unit 104 generates a virtual space as a virtual stadium having one or a plurality of maps based on the virtual space management information 125, and places each user's avatar in the virtual space. To do. The virtual space management unit 104 determines the position and appearance of the avatar based on the avatar management information 126 and displays them in the virtual space.

  Further, the virtual space management unit 104 displays the video received from the program distribution server 30 in the virtual space, and further displays the positions of the players received from the player position analysis server 20 in the virtual space in synchronization with the video. Let The virtual space management unit 104 reflects the behavior of each avatar in the virtual space and keeps the virtual space in the latest state. Accordingly, the behavior of each avatar in the virtual space is displayed on each client computer 60 in real time.

  The virtual space providing unit 105 is a function for providing each client computer 60 with the virtual space generated and managed by the virtual space management unit 104. The virtual space providing unit 105 can be configured as a web server, for example. In this case, the web server 40 illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponds to the virtual space providing unit 105.

  The program management unit 106 is a function for providing the virtual space management unit 104 with program data (video data such as a sports game) 129 received from the program distribution server 30. Further, the program management unit 106 generates a search keyword based on the analysis result of the chat log 127 output from the log analysis unit 108, and registers this search keyword in the search keyword database 128. The search keyword database 128 is stored in association with the program data 129. 3 shows a case where the program data 129 and the search keyword database 128 are stored in the storage unit 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the program data 129 is stored in the program distribution server 30. The database 128 may be stored in the virtual space providing server 10.

  The advertisement management unit 107 is a function for supplying the advertisement data 131 stored in the storage unit 120 to the virtual space management unit 104 and displaying the advertisement data in the virtual space. Further, the advertisement management unit 107 determines how much advertisement data has been viewed based on the analysis result of the chat log 127 by the log analysis unit 108 and the analysis result of the line of sight of the avatar by the line of sight analysis unit 109. The result of the determination is stored in the advertisement effect information 130.

  The log analysis unit 108 analyzes the log data 127 of chat contents performed between each avatar in the virtual space, and extracts, for example, words having a high appearance frequency. That is, for example, the log analysis unit 108 extracts one or more meaningful keywords by performing morphological analysis on the chat log 127 and provides them to the program management unit 106 and the advertisement management unit 107, respectively. As described above, the analysis result by the log analysis unit 108 is also provided to the preference / intimacy management unit 102.

  The configuration of the client computer 60 is also shown in a simplified manner on the lower side of FIG. The client computer 60 includes a communication unit 61 and client software 62, for example. The communication unit 61 is for communicating with the virtual space providing server 10 via the communication network CN. The client software 62 is for using the virtual space providing service. When the virtual space is provided via a web server, the client software 62 is configured as a web browser. In addition, the client software 62 can be configured as a dedicated client for the virtual space service.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified configuration of the player position analysis server 20. A player 80, a ball 90, and the like exist in the stadium 70 where an actual game is played. Here, the player 80 includes a referee. Each of the player 80 and the ball 90 is provided with a wireless tag 21 in advance. For example, the wireless tag 21 can be provided inside the shoe of the player 80, inside the ball 90, or the like. For example, the wireless tag 21 includes an antenna unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, and identification information for uniquely specifying each wireless tag 21 is stored in the storage unit in advance.

  A plurality of antennas 22 are provided in the stadium 70. When the antenna unit in the wireless tag 21 receives a radio wave transmitted from the antenna 22, the wireless tag 21 generates power by electromagnetic induction or the like, and transmits the identification information stored in the storage unit to the outside. The antenna 22 receives the radio wave transmitted from the wireless tag 21. The radio wave signal received by each antenna 22 is input to the signal processing unit 23. The signal processing unit 23 detects the received radio wave intensity and identification information. The intensity of the radio wave received by each antenna 22 from the wireless tag 21 varies depending on the positional relationship between each antenna 22 and the wireless tag 21. Therefore, the position of the wireless tag 21 in the stadium 70 can be specified based on the intensity of the radio wave received by each antenna 22 from the wireless tag 21.

  The player position analysis server 20 includes, for example, a control unit 200, a storage unit 210, and a communication unit 220. The control unit 200 includes a player position analysis unit 201. In the storage unit 210, for example, player position information 211, referee position information 212, and ball position information 213 are stored.

  The player position analysis unit 201 is a function for calculating the position of each wireless tag 21 based on the signal from the signal processing unit 23. The positions of the player 80 and the ball 90 calculated by the player position analysis unit 201 are stored in position information 211, 212, and 213 corresponding to each type together with time information for specifying the position. The detected position information is transmitted from the communication unit 220 to the virtual space providing server 10 via the communication network CN.

  A plurality of cameras 31 are provided in the stadium 70. The camera 31 captures the state of the game and outputs video data. Video data from each camera 31 is stored in the program distribution server 30. The program distribution server 30 appropriately edits video data from each camera 31 to generate program data, and transmits the program data to the virtual space providing server 10.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the state of the virtual space displayed on the screen of the client computer 60. When the user starts a web browser as the client software 62 and logs in to the virtual space providing server 10, a virtual space G1 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  In the virtual space G1, a program display unit G2 that displays program data such as sports matches, a position display unit G3 that displays the positions of the players 80 and the ball 90 on a two-dimensional plane, and an advertisement display that displays advertisement data Each part G4 is provided.

  In the virtual space G1, a plurality of avatars A1 to A6 are arranged. Each avatar A1 to A6 is operated by a different user. The user can enjoy a conversation via an avatar. The content of the message input to the chat operation unit G5 is displayed in the virtual space via the avatar.

  For example, menus M1 to M5 are arranged at the left end of the web browser. The menu M1 is for accessing a virtual store on the network. When the user operates M1 with a pointing device or the like, for example, another web browser is activated to access the virtual store. The user can purchase products and the like corresponding to items introduced in the advertisement display unit G4 and items worn by other avatars from the virtual store. When a product (including service) is purchased from a virtual store, an item corresponding to the product can be attached to the avatar. For example, if a soccer team uniform is purchased at a virtual store, the uniform is delivered to the user at a later date, and the user's avatar can immediately wear an item (clothing item) that symbolizes the uniform. It has become.

  The program guide menu M2 displays a schedule of programs displayed on the program display unit G2. The news menu M3 displays news related to the displayed program. The mail menu M4 is for transmitting an e-mail to other users. The blog menu M5 is for accessing one's blog or another person's blog.

  Further, for example, operation buttons B1 to B6 for controlling the operation of the avatar are provided on the lower side of the web browser. When the button B1 is operated, the expression of the avatar changes to a smile. When the button B2 is operated, the expression of the avatar changes to a crying face. When the button B3 is operated, the avatar performs applause. When the button B4 is operated, the avatar sits on the spot, and when the button B5 is operated, the avatar stands. When the button B6 is operated, the avatar repeats standing and sitting periodically in synchronization with other avatars. The above operations are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  What is important is that a plurality of avatars A1 to A6 are arranged in the virtual space G1 where the program is projected, and the user can talk with the surrounding avatars through his / her avatar, It can be operated. That is, the user can enjoy the program in the virtual space G1 together with many other avatars by using his / her avatar, and can share his / her impressions.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configurations of the user management information 121 and the blog management information 122, respectively. The user management information 121 is for managing each user who uses the virtual space providing service. The user management information 121 manages, for example, a user ID, password, name, contact e-mail address or telephone number, gender, age, last login time, and the like. These items are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these items. For example, items such as occupation and address may be added, and items such as name and age may be abolished.

  The blog management information 122 manages information related to the blog established by each user. The blog management information 122 manages, for example, a user ID, a blog ID, a blog address, a profile, and the like in association with each other. The user ID is information for identifying each user who uses the virtual space providing service. The blog ID is information for identifying each blog opened by each user. The blog address is information indicating the location of the blog on the network. If a browsing password is set for the blog, the browsing password can also be included in the blog address. The profile is a profile extracted from the blog.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the preference classification information 123. The preference classification information 123 can include, for example, blog access management information 123A and blog classification information 123B.

  The blog access management information 123A is for managing a situation in which each user is accessing another user's blog. The blog access management information 123A is configured by associating, for example, a user ID, a blog ID, an access frequency, a trackback number, and the like.

  The access frequency is information indicating the number of accesses to the blog specified by the blog ID. The number of trackbacks is information indicating the number of trackbacks provided between the blog specified by the blog ID. Therefore, the blog access management information 123A manages the state of exchange through each user's blog. It can be determined that the greater the access frequency and the number of trackbacks, the greater the interaction between the users.

  The blog classification information 123B is to classify and manage the contents of each blog. The blog classification information 123B is prepared for each user's blog, for example. In the blog classification information 123B, the words included in the user's blog are analyzed, and the words are arranged in the order of appearance frequency for each category prepared in advance.

  That is, for example, categories such as “gourmet”, “sports”, “fashion”, “music”, and “movie” are prepared in advance, and words extracted from the blog are classified by category. For example, the words “ramen” and “gyudon” are classified into the category “gourmet”. The words “world cup” and “soccer” are classified into the category “sports”. There are also words belonging to multiple categories. In this way, the words in the user's blog are classified by category and rearranged in the order of appearance frequency within each category. Thereby, the information about the user's interests and hobbies direction and strength can be obtained.

  The preference classification information 123 can be configured as described above. However, the configuration of each table is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Also in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example for description.

  The degree of exchange between users via a blog can be detected by the blog access management information 123A. That is, the existing AC relationship can be detected. It can be considered that users of each blog are intimate between blogs having a high number of visits (access frequency). With the blog classification information 123B, it is possible to detect in which direction the user's interests and hobbies are directed, and how strong the user is. That is, it can be used to detect potential friendships.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the familiarity management information 124. The intimacy management information 124 can be configured to include, for example, speech management information 124A, AC relationship management information 124B, and AC desired level management information 124C.

  The comment management information 124A is for managing the exchange state between the avatars based on the frequency of chatting. The comment management information 124A manages, for example, a user ID, a partner user ID, a statement frequency, an exchange time ratio, a keyword matching degree, and the like in association with each other. The partner user ID is used to identify the conversation partner user. Here, for convenience of explanation, the user specified by the user ID in the first column is the user, the avatar operated by the user is the avatar, the user specified by the counterpart user ID is the counterpart user, and the counterpart user. The avatar operated by is called the opponent avatar.

  The utterance frequency is the number of utterances with the other party's avatar in the total number of utterances of this avatar, and is displayed as a percentage. For example, if the avatar makes 100 utterances during the period from logging in to the virtual space and logging out, and 20 utterances in conversation with the other party's avatar, the utterance frequency is 20%.

  The exchange time ratio indicates a ratio of time in which the present avatar and the other party's avatar exist within a range in which the present avatar and the other party's avatar can talk in the entire period in which the present avatar stays in the virtual space. If at least one of the users wants to be intimate with the other user, the one user's avatar will likely take longer to be located near the other user's avatar. Here, although different depending on the size of the virtual space, the setting of the conversational range, and the like, generally, avatars existing within a predetermined distance in the virtual space can talk in the so-called ALL mode. The ALL mode is a mode in which the avatar's speech is delivered to all other avatars in close proximity. On the other hand, even when avatars are separated from each other, there is a mode in which a conversation can be performed by specifying the name of the conversation partner's avatar. Direct interactive mode. The AC state in the direct dialogue mode is reflected in the “speech frequency” described above. The state of conversation in ALL mode is reflected in the “interaction time ratio”.

  The keyword matching rate indicates a rate at which a word that appears in a conversation between avatars and a word that appears in a blog established by the user match. It can be determined that the closer the concordance rate is, the more intimate conversation is held on a common topic.

  The exchange relationship management information 124B is to classify and manage other users for each user's friendship level. The exchange state can be quantified based on the statement frequency, the exchange time ratio, the keyword match rate, etc. managed by the above-described statement management information 124A. For example, an expression such as AC state value = f (speech frequency, AC time ratio, keyword matching rate) may be used. By classifying the calculated AC status values according to predetermined friendship levels, a group of particularly close users (friendship level 1), a group of relatively good users (friendship level 2), and a group of users who are acquaintances As in (Friendship level 3), a user group for each friendship level can be obtained. Therefore, by referring to the exchange relationship management information 124B, it is possible to immediately detect the friendship level between a certain user and another user.

  The exchange request level management information 124C is for managing a user group that desires exchange in the virtual space. The exchange desired level management information 124C manages, for example, a user ID and a flag for selecting each friendship level in association with each other. If the friend level is set to “1”, it means that the user wishes to interact with the user belonging to the friend level. If the friend level is set to “0”, the user who belongs to the friend level Means to refuse to interact. It can be specified when the user logs into the virtual space whether or not he / she wishes to interact with the user belonging to which friend level. By making it possible to specify the level at which you want to interact at the time of login, for example, it becomes easier to find new friends, and you can temporarily disconnect from existing close friends, improving usability .

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the virtual space management information 125. The virtual space management information 125 can be configured to include, for example, virtual space configuration information 125A and world management information 125B.

  The virtual space configuration information 125A manages the configuration of the virtual space. The virtual space configuration information 125A manages, for example, a space ID, a space name, a configuration file name, a program ID, an advertisement ID, a world ID, and the like in association with each other. The space ID is information for identifying the virtual space. The space name is the name of the virtual space. The configuration file name is information for specifying a file that defines the configuration of the virtual space. The program ID is information for specifying program data displayed in the virtual space. The advertisement ID is information for specifying advertisement data displayed in the virtual space. The world ID is information for specifying the world in which the virtual space is provided.

  The world is the name of the server where the virtual space is provided. As described above, the virtual space providing server 10 can be configured as an aggregate of a plurality of physically different servers, and a virtual space having the same name can be set for each server. Accordingly, it is possible to deal with more users, and it is possible to realize a smooth operation by distributing the load among servers. When the virtual space providing server 10 is composed of only a single server, the number of connectable users is limited to a low value. In addition, since the server load increases, there is a possibility that the avatar operation by the user and the display of the program data cannot be performed smoothly.

  The world management information 125B manages the state of each world. The world management information 125B manages, for example, a world ID, a world name, a server ID, the number of connected users, a load, and the like in association with each other. The world name is a name like a nickname of the world. The server ID is information for specifying a server in which the world is set. The number of connected users is the number of users connected to the world. The load is information indicating the CPU load and memory consumption of the world.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the avatar management information 126. The avatar management information 126 can include, for example, avatar position management information 126A, avatar appearance management information 126B, item display information 126C, item sales information 126D, and the like.

  The avatar position management information 126A is for managing the position of the avatar. The avatar position management information 126A manages, for example, a user ID, a time, a world ID, a space ID, coordinates, and the like in association with each other. In other words, it is managed for each predetermined time which user, where, in which virtual space that belongs to which world.

  The avatar appearance management information 126B manages the appearance (appearance) of the avatar. The avatar appearance management information 126B manages, for example, a user ID and an appearance file for each friendship level in association with each other. That is, the appearance of the avatar varies depending on the friendship level. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The item display information 126C manages items that the avatar has. The item display information 126C manages, for example, a user ID, an item ID, an attribute, an item display file for each friendship level, and the like in association with each other. The item means, for example, a hat, gloves, muffler, megaphone, glasses, handbag, play equipment, clothes, and the like worn by an avatar. The item ID is information for identifying each item. The attribute is information indicating a category to which each item belongs. For example, various hat items such as student caps, baseball caps, bowler caps, and the like have an attribute “hat”. Similar to the drawing level of the appearance of the avatar, the drawing level of the item also changes according to the friendship level. Among close users, items are more accurately depicted. Item display is simplified among unfamiliar users.

  The item sales information 126D manages information related to sales of actual products related to items. The item sales information 126D manages, for example, an item ID, an item name, a sales agency, a virtual store address, a product code, and the like in association with each other. The distributor is the name of a trader who sells actual products related to the item. The virtual store address is information for accessing a virtual store (electronic store on the network) that sells actual products related to the item. The product code is information for specifying an actual product related to the item.

  The user can purchase a product known from an advertisement in the virtual space or an item worn by another user from the virtual store. Products purchased from the virtual store are delivered to the user at a later date by courier service or the like. Further, when a product is purchased from a virtual store, an avatar can wear an item associated with the product.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the initial position and appearance of the avatar. A plurality of zones are set concentrically around the position of the focused avatar. FIG. 11 shows four stages of zones from zone 1 closest to the attention avatar to zone 4 farthest away.

  Within the range of the diameter L1 centered on the position of the target avatar, zone 1 (zone 1 ≦ L1), within the range of L2, zone 2 (L1 <zone 2 ≦ L2), within the range of L3, zone 3 (L2 <zone) 3 ≦ L3) and L4 are defined as zone 4 (L3 <zone 4 ≦ L4), respectively. When a user logs in and an avatar is arranged, the initial position of the avatar is selected in consideration of familiarity and commonality with other users who have previously logged in. For example, when a close friend (community level 1) has logged in first, his avatar appears in zone 1 within a diameter L1 from the close friend's avatar. In addition, when only a mere acquaintance (friendship level 4) has logged in first, his / her avatar appears in zone 4 within L4 that is farther than the diameter L3 from the acquaintance.

  Each zone has a friendship level. A friendship level 1 is preset in the zone 1, a friendship level 2 is preset in the zone 2, a friendship level 3 is set in the zone 3, and a friendship level 4 is preset in the zone 4. In other words, the friendship level is set according to the distance from the avatar so that the distance from the avatar increases, the friendship level value decreases, and the distance to the avatar decreases, the friendship level value increases. Has been.

  The higher the friendship level, the more detailed the avatar's appearance is. The lower the friendship level, the more simply the avatar looks. Therefore, users with close relationships can perform intimate conversations through more realistic avatars. Users who are not so close can communicate with each other carefully through a simplified avatar. Thus, by changing the appearance of the avatar according to the familiarity, it is possible to prevent troubles between users and perform more appropriate exchange.

  Here, the AC level and the zone are related only when the avatar is first placed in the virtual space. That is, the zone at the initial position is selected according to the AC level, and the appearance of the avatar is selected according to the AC level. Thereafter, even when the user moves the zone by operating the avatar, the appearance of the avatar does not change. The appearance of the avatar is controlled by the intimacy between users.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for detecting the positions of the player 80 and the ball 90 in the actual stadium 70. This process is executed by the control unit 200 of the player position analysis server 20.

  First, the player position analysis server 20 communicates with each player 80 and the wireless tag 21 provided on the ball 90 via the antenna 22 (S11). The player position analysis server 20 calculates the position of each wireless tag 21 based on the strength of radio waves received from each wireless tag 21 (S12).

  Then, the player position analysis server 20 classifies and stores the calculated position of each wireless tag for each player 80 or ball 90 (S13). That is, the player position is stored in the player position information 211, the referee position is stored in the referee position information 212, and the ball position is stored in the ball position information 213 together with the time. Each position information 211, 212, 213 is obtained by associating, for example, a program ID, a measurement target ID (player ID, referee ID, ball ID), a time for each predetermined period, and a coordinate value for each time. Composed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the virtual space providing service. Here, a case where the user logs in after the virtual space is constructed will be described as an example. First, the program distribution server 30 transmits program data shot and edited at the stadium 70 to the virtual space providing server 10 (S21). The player position analysis server 20 detects the positions of the players 80 and the balls 90 in the stadium 70 (S22), and transmits the detected position information to the virtual space providing server 10 (S23).

  The virtual space providing server 10 generates a virtual space in the server 10 based on the virtual space management information 125 (S24). As described above, program data and advertisement data are displayed in this virtual space.

  A user who wishes to participate in the virtual space accesses the virtual space providing server 10 through the client computer 60 and inputs a user ID and password (S25). The virtual space providing server 10 compares the input user ID and password with the user ID and password registered in the user management information 121, and performs user authentication (S26).

  When the user authentication is successful, the virtual space providing server 10 determines an initial position where the user's avatar is placed (S27). A method for determining the initial position will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The virtual space providing server 10 determines the appearance of the avatar (S28). As described above, the appearance of the avatar is controlled according to the closeness between the user and other users. Therefore, even if it is the avatar of the same user, it will be seen as a real avatar by a certain user, but it will only be seen as a simplified avatar by other users. When updating the latest state of the virtual space, if the appearance data of other avatars is transmitted to the client computer 60 in accordance with the degree of closeness between the user and other users, how the avatar looks for each user Can be changed.

  When the virtual space providing server 10 determines the initial position and appearance of the avatar, the virtual space providing server 10 arranges the avatar in the virtual space (S29). The virtual space providing server 10 transmits the latest state of the virtual space to the client computer 60 at predetermined intervals (S30). The web browser of the client computer 60 displays the latest virtual space transmitted from the virtual space providing server 10 (S31). The user operates his / her avatar arranged in the virtual space (S32). For example, the user can have a conversation with another user's avatar via an avatar or move his / her avatar in the virtual space.

  When receiving the operation instruction from the client computer 60, the virtual space providing server 10 reflects the instructed operation content in the virtual space (S33). That is, when the user moves the avatar, the position of the avatar is changed to a position desired by the user. When talking via an avatar, the message received from the client computer 60 is displayed in the virtual space.

  The virtual space providing server 10 stores the operation content received from the client computer 60 (S34), and analyzes the operation content (S35). For example, when the avatar conversation is started, the virtual space providing server 10 stores the conversation in the chat log 127. Then, the virtual space providing server 10 extracts words by performing morphological analysis on the conversation, for example. The extracted word is used as a search keyword for program data, for example. Further, as described above, by comparing the extracted word with a word in another user's blog, it is possible to determine the commonality of the preference and the familiarity. Furthermore, by analyzing the avatar posture (line of sight, etc.) instructed by the user, it is possible to determine how much attention is paid to the advertisement displayed in the virtual space.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the initial position of the avatar. First, the virtual space providing server 10 determines whether or not the user wishes to interact with other users (S41). When the user logs in, the virtual space providing server 10 can determine whether or not exchange with other users is desired, and input of a friendship level when exchange is desired.

  When the user does not wish to exchange (S41: NO), the virtual space providing server 10 selects the world (server) with the lowest load (S42), and selects a preset position in the virtual space of the world. (S43). For example, when the virtual space is configured to resemble a virtual stadium, the vicinity of the entrance to the virtual stadium is selected as the appearance position of the avatar.

  When the user wishes to interact with other users (S41: YES), the virtual space providing server 10 further determines whether or not the user wishes to interact with other users beyond the acquaintance (S44). ). As described above, the friendship level between the users is registered in the familiarity management information 124 in advance. Therefore, the user can give priority to the exchange with the users belonging to the predetermined group (the friendship level) by designating the friendship level in which the exchange is desired. For example, the user can designate a desired friendship level such as “desiring a user of friendship level 2 or higher”, “desiring a user of friendship level 3 or higher”, and the like.

  When the user designates the friendship level (S44: YES), the virtual space providing server 10 retrieves the user ID of the designated friendship level by searching the closeness management information 124 at the designated friendship level. (S45). The virtual space providing server 10 determines whether or not the user with the searched user ID is currently logged in (S46).

  When the user of the designated friendship level is logged in (S46: YES), the virtual space providing server 10 selects the same world as the first-arrival user (S47), and the avatar position of the first-arrival user is the center. A predetermined zone is selected (S48). That is, when the relationship between the user who logs in first and the user who logs in later is friendship level 1, the avatar of the user who logs in later is in one of the zones within the diameter L1 from the first user's avatar. Be placed.

  When users belonging to the designated friendship level are distributed in different worlds, a world in which more friends exist can be selected by performing weighting according to the friendship level. For example, if the index for selection is SE, SE = number of users at friendship level 1 × α + number of users at friendship level 2 × β (α> β> 0) for each world. Each index SE is calculated, and the world with the highest SE value may be selected. Then, in the selected world, the zone may be selected around the avatar of the user with the highest friendship level.

  By the way, it is also conceivable that the user wishes to interact in the virtual space (S41: YES) but does not wish to interact with existing friends (S44: NO). This is the case when he wants to find new friends. In this case, by using the preference classification information 123, another user who has the same or similar preference as the user is searched (S49). Even when there is no interaction on the blog, it is possible to detect users having similar or similar directions of interest and hobbies by analyzing the contents of each user's blog. In the following description, users who share a common or similar direction of interest and hobbies are referred to as like users.

  Next, the virtual space providing server 10 determines whether or not the like user is logged in (S50). When the like user is logged in (S50: YES), the virtual space providing server 10 selects the world in which the like user is logged in most (S51), and the position in the area where the like user's avatar density is high. Are randomly selected (S52). If no like user has logged in (S50: NO), the virtual space providing server 10 moves to S42, selects a low-load world (S42), and selects a preset position (S43).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process for automatically generating a search keyword related to program data displayed in the virtual space. The virtual space providing server 10 receives the program data from the program distribution server 30 (S61) and displays it in the virtual space (S62).

  In the virtual space, each user's avatar discusses opinions and impressions while watching the program. The virtual space providing server 10 collects a chat log performed between avatars (S63) and analyzes the chat log (S64). The virtual space providing server 10 extracts keywords by analyzing the chat log (S65), and uses all or part of the extracted keywords as search keywords in association with the time when the chat log is collected (at the time of speaking). And stored in the search keyword database 128 (S66).

  As shown in FIG. 15, the search keyword database 128 manages, for example, program IDs, keyword extraction times, and search keywords in association with each other. The keyword extraction time is the time when the keyword is spoken in the virtual space. Thereby, the scene of the program when the keyword is spoken can be associated with the keyword.

  The virtual space providing server 10 can also provide a video search service. When the user inputs a keyword for searching for a desired scene, the virtual space providing server 10 searches the search keyword database 128 with the input keyword (S67). The virtual space providing server 10 detects all times when the input keyword matches the search keyword registered in the database 128 (S68), and reads out the program data corresponding to each detected time (S68). S69), display in the virtual space (S70). With such a video search service, the user can extract and reproduce only a desired scene from programs broadcast in the virtual space. Note that the video search service can be provided by a program search server or the like different from the virtual space providing server 10.

  Since this embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the program data displayed in the virtual space can be viewed while a plurality of users have a conversation or the like via their respective avatars. Therefore, it is possible to perform a watching game with a sense of reality with other users scattered in remote places, as compared with the case where a television broadcast program or streaming distribution is viewed alone.

  In this embodiment, the position of each player 80 or the like is displayed in real time in synchronization with the broadcast of the sports game. Accordingly, the user can view a highlight scene such as a shoot scene while grasping the overall position and movement of each player, and the usability is improved.

  In this embodiment, by analyzing the information transmitted by each user on the network as a blog, the commonality of preferences among users is automatically detected without making each user aware of it, and based on the commonality of preferences. To control the initial position of the avatar. Therefore, the exchange between users can be promoted by arranging avatars having common preferences at a relatively close distance. As a result, even unknown users can establish friendships relatively easily, improving usability.

  In this embodiment, the behavior of the avatar in the virtual space is observed, the intimacy between the users is automatically detected without making the user aware of it, and the drawing level of the avatar is controlled according to the intimacy. . Therefore, more intimate users can enjoy a more realistic exchange using a more realistic avatar, and a non-intimate user can use a simplified appearance avatar to carefully promote exchanges. It is possible to improve usability.

  In the present embodiment, users are grouped in advance at friendship levels corresponding to intimacy, and it is possible to select whether or not exchange is desired and the friendship level at which exchange is desired upon login. Therefore, for example, by changing the appearance position (initial position) of your avatar according to the content of program data displayed in the virtual space, you can interact with users at a specific friendship level or with new users. You can search for exchanges and improve usability.

  In this embodiment, a conversation between avatars performed in a virtual space is automatically analyzed, a search keyword is generated, and managed in association with a scene (playback time) of program data displayed in the virtual space. The configuration. Therefore, a video search keyword can be generated almost simultaneously with the reproduction of the program. As a result, immediately after the program is broadcast, only a specific scene can be called up by keyword search, improving usability.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. A person skilled in the art can make various additions and changes within the scope of the present invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of a virtual space provision system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a virtual space provision server. It is explanatory drawing which shows structures, such as a player position analysis server. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the mode of the virtual space displayed on the screen of a client computer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of user management information and blog management information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of preference classification information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of closeness management information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of virtual space management information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of avatar management information. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the relationship between the initial position and appearance of an avatar. It is a flowchart which shows the process which analyzes a player position. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of a virtual space provision system. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines the initial position of an avatar. It is a flowchart which shows a mode that the keyword for an image search is produced | generated based on the conversation between avatars.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual space, 1A ... Image | video display part, 1B ... Athlete position display part, 1C ... Advertisement display part, 2 ... Avatar, 2A ... Conversation, 3 ... Information transmission tool, 10 ... Virtual space provision server, 20 ... Athlete position Analysis server, 21 ... wireless tag, 22 ... antenna, 23 ... signal processing unit, 30 ... program distribution server, 31 ... camera, 40 ... web server, 50 ... information transmission service server, 60 ... client computer, 61 ... communication unit, 62 ... Client software, 70 ... Stadium, 80 ... Player, referee, 90 ... Ball, 100 ... Control unit, 101 ... User management unit, 102 ... Intimacy management unit, 103 ... Player position management unit, 104 ... Virtual space management unit , 105 ... Virtual space providing unit, 106 ... Program management unit, 107 ... Advertisement management unit, 108 ... Log analysis unit, 109 ... Gaze analysis unit, 120 ... Storage unit, 1 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User management information, 122 ... Blog management information, 123 ... Preference classification information, 123A ... Blog access management information, 123B ... Blog classification information, 124 ... Intimacy management information, 124A ... Statement management information, 124B ... Exchange relation management information 124C ... Interaction desired level management information, 125 ... Virtual space management information, 125A ... Virtual space configuration information, 125B ... World management information, 126 ... Avatar management information, 126A ... Avatar position management information, 126B ... Avatar appearance management information, 126C ... Item display information, 126D ... Item sales information, 127 ... Chat log, 128 ... Search keyword database, 129 ... Program data, 130 ... Advertisement effect information, 131 ... Advertisement data, 140 ... Communication unit, 200 ... Control unit, 201 ... Player position analysis unit, 210 ... storage unit, 211 ... Hand position information, 212 ... Referee position information, 213 ... Ball position information, 220 ... Communication section, A1 to A6 ... Avatar, B1 to B6 ... Operation buttons, G1 ... Virtual space, G2 ... Program display section, G3 ... Position display section , G4 ... Advertisement display part, G5 ... Chat operation part, M1-M5 ... Menu

Claims (11)

A virtual space providing server that provides a common virtual space to a plurality of client computers connected via a network,
In response to an operation instruction input from each client computer via the network, each character representing each user is operated in the virtual space, and the latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character is reflected. A virtual space management unit that transmits a state to each of the client computers via the network;
A video management unit for displaying received video data in the virtual space;
Performer position management unit for displaying the position of the performer regarding the video data in the virtual space in synchronization with the video data;
A message analysis unit that analyzes a text message received from each client computer via the network and extracts a keyword;
The video management unit is a virtual space providing server that manages the extracted keyword in association with the video data.   The virtual space providing server according to claim 1, wherein the performer is provided with a wireless tag in advance, and the position of the performer is detected based on a state of radio waves received from the wireless tag.   The virtual space providing server according to claim 1, wherein the video management unit manages the extracted keyword in association with a scene of the video data displayed in the virtual space when the keyword is extracted. A commonality detection unit for detecting commonality between the users;
The virtual space providing server according to claim 1, wherein the virtual space management unit controls an initial position of each character in the virtual space based on the detected commonality.   The virtual space providing server according to claim 4, wherein the virtual space management unit places the detected characters of the users having relatively high commonness in proximity to each other in the virtual space. An AC level detection unit for detecting the AC level between the users is provided.
The virtual space providing server according to claim 1, wherein the virtual space management unit controls appearance data of each character based on the detected degree of interaction. A plurality of types of appearance data having different drawing levels are prepared in advance for the character,
The virtual space management unit uses appearance data with a relatively high drawing level between users with a relatively high degree of exchange, and between users with a relatively low degree of exchange The virtual space providing server according to claim 6, wherein appearance data having a relatively low drawing level is used.   The commonality detection unit analyzes each information source used by each user, and compares keywords that are relatively frequently used in each information source, so that the common among the users The virtual space provision server according to claim 4 which detects nature.   7. The degree of AC detection according to claim 6, wherein the AC degree detection unit detects the AC degree based on at least a conversation between the characters in the virtual space and a distance between the characters in the virtual space. Virtual space providing server. A virtual space providing server that provides a common virtual space to a plurality of client computers connected via a network, a video distribution server connected to the virtual space providing server via a network, and the virtual space providing server A virtual space providing system comprising a performer location analysis server connected to the virtual space providing server, and an information transmission server connected to the virtual space providing server via the network,
The virtual space providing server is:
In response to an operation instruction input from each client computer via the network, each character representing each user is operated in the virtual space, and the latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character is reflected. A virtual space management unit that transmits a state to each of the client computers via the network;
A video management unit for displaying video data received from the video distribution server via the network in the virtual space;
The position of the performer who receives the position of the performer related to the video data from the performer position analysis server via the network, and displays the position of the performer received in the virtual space in synchronization with the video data. The management department,
A commonality detection unit that analyzes the information transmitted from each user stored in the information transmission server and detects the commonality between the users by comparing relatively frequently used keywords. When,
And an AC degree detection unit that detects an AC degree between the users based on at least a conversation between the characters in the virtual space and a distance between the characters in the virtual space. ,
The virtual space management unit arranges the characters of the users having a relatively high degree of commonness in proximity to each other and places the characters in the virtual space, and the users having a relatively high degree of exchange Then, the character is generated using appearance data having a relatively high drawing level, and appearance data having a relatively low drawing level is used between the users having a relatively low degree of interaction. A virtual space providing system for generating the character. To a server computer connected to multiple client computers over a network,
The latest state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of each character by causing each character that symbolizes each user to operate in the virtual space in response to an operation instruction input from each client computer via the network. A virtual space management unit that transmits the client computer to each of the client computers via the network;
A video management unit for displaying received video data in the virtual space;
Performer position management unit for displaying the position of the performer regarding the video data in the virtual space in synchronization with the video data;
Analyzing each user's transmission information stored in the information transmission server used by each user, and comparing the relatively frequently used keywords with each other, the commonality between the users A commonality detection unit to detect;
And at least an AC degree detection unit that detects an AC degree between the users based on a conversation between the characters in the virtual space and a distance between the characters in the virtual space. ,And,
The virtual space management unit arranges the characters of the users having a relatively high degree of commonness in proximity to each other and places the characters in the virtual space, and the users having a relatively high degree of exchange Then, the character is generated using appearance data having a relatively high drawing level, and appearance data having a relatively low drawing level is used between the users having a relatively low degree of interaction. A computer program for generating the character.

Images