JP7265085B1 - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reduce the processing load associated with chat-type communication between users.
The method includes an acquisition unit that acquires transmission content transmitted from a transmission side, and an option generation unit that generates a plurality of options regarding content of a reply from the reception side to the transmission content, and the plurality of options are provided by the electronic device. The transmission content and the reply content relate to chat-style communication between a plurality of users, and in one chat, the destination corresponds to the transmission content An information processing system is disclosed that is determined based on:
[Selection drawing] Fig. 13

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

The sending side of the mobile terminal generates and transmits a text message containing information that can be displayed as a character image. Techniques for visually displaying messages are known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-196780

However, it is difficult to support chat-type communication between users with a relatively low processing load with the conventional technology described above.

Accordingly, in one aspect, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the processing load associated with chat-style communication between users.

In one aspect, an information processing system that performs information processing related to chat-style communication between a plurality of users,
an acquisition unit that acquires transmission content transmitted from a transmission side;
an option generating unit that generates a plurality of options regarding content of a reply from the receiving side to the content of transmission, wherein the plurality of options are first associated with destinations of movement in a virtual space that are visible via an electronic device; including choices
An information processing system is provided in which the destination in one chat is determined based on the transmission content.

In one aspect, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the processing load associated with chat-type communication between users.

1 is a block diagram of a chat-related support system according to this embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of processing circuitry for performing computer-based operations according to the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a terminal image that can be viewed through a head-mounted display; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a terminal image that can be visually recognized via a smartphone; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of various access methods to the Metaverse space; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time series of devices used from 0:00 to 24:00 for a certain user. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time series of user states and devices in use; FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) conceptually showing a state in which a plurality of options regarding the contents of replies from other users to the contents of transmission from one user are presented. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 2) conceptually showing how a plurality of options regarding the contents of replies from other users to the contents of transmission from one user are presented; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of movement-related processing, and is an explanatory diagram (part 1) related to a plurality of options; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of movement-related processing, and is an explanatory diagram (part 2) related to a plurality of options; It is an example of a functional block diagram of a server device related to option-related functions. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in a user information storage unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in an avatar information storage unit; FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram of one terminal device related to option-related functions;

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, there are cases where only a part of a plurality of parts having the same attribute are given reference numerals.

An overview of a chat-related support system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a chat-related support system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a terminal image that can be viewed through the head-mounted display. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a terminal image that can be viewed through a smartphone.

A chat-related support system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 . Although three terminal devices 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity, the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

The server device 10 is, for example, an information processing system such as a server managed by an operator who provides one or more virtual realities. The terminal device 20 is a device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a head mounted display, or a game device. A plurality of terminal devices 20 can be connected to the server device 10 via the network 3, typically in a different manner for each user.

The terminal device 20 can execute the virtual reality application according to this embodiment. The virtual reality application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. may be stored in advance in a storage medium such as The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicably connected via the network 3 . For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to virtual reality.

Each terminal device 20 is communicably connected to each other via the server device 10 . In the following description, "one terminal device 20 transmits information to another terminal device 20" means "one terminal device 20 transmits information to another terminal device 20 via the server device 10". means that Similarly, “one terminal device 20 receives information from another terminal device 20” means “one terminal device 20 receives information from another terminal device 20 via the server device 10”. means. However, in a modification, each terminal device 20 may be communicably connected without going through the server device 10 .

Note that the network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wired network, or any combination thereof.

In the following, the chat-related support system 1 implements an example of an information processing system. may be implemented, or a plurality of terminal devices 20 may cooperate to implement an example of an information processing system. Further, the server device 10 may implement an example of an information processing system by itself, or the server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to implement an example of an information processing system. .

Here, an overview of virtual reality according to the present embodiment will be described. The virtual reality according to the present embodiment is, for example, education, travel, role-playing, simulation, entertainment such as games and concerts, and the like. A virtual reality medium is used. For example, the virtual reality according to this embodiment may be realized by a three-dimensional virtual space, various virtual reality media appearing in the virtual space, and various contents provided in the virtual space.

Virtual reality media are electronic data used in virtual reality, such as cards, items, points, currency in service (or currency in virtual reality), tokens (eg Non-Fungible Token (NFT)), tickets, characters , avatars, parameters, etc., including any medium. Also, the virtual reality medium may be virtual reality related information such as level information, status, parameter information (physical strength, attack power, etc.) or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). In addition, virtual reality media are electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, combined, enhanced, sold, discarded, or gifted by users within virtual reality. It is not limited to what is specified in the specification.

Note that the avatar is typically in the form of a character having a frontal direction, and may be in the form of a person, an animal, or the like. Avatars can have various appearances (appearances when drawn) by being associated with various avatar items. Also, in the following, due to the nature of avatars, the user and the avatar may be treated as the same. Therefore, for example, "one avatar does XX" may be synonymous with "one user does XX".

Moreover, in this specification, the term "matching" includes not only direct matching but also indirect matching. For example, the state in which element B is associated with element A is not only the state in which element B is associated with element A, but also the state in which element C is associated with element A and element B is associated with element C. It is a concept that also includes the state where

The user may wear the wearable device on a part of the head or face and visually recognize the virtual space through the wearable device. Note that the wearable device may be a head-mounted display or a glasses-type device. The glasses-type device may be so-called AR (Augmented Reality) glasses or MR (Mixed Reality) glasses. In any case, the wearable device may be separate from the terminal device 20, or may implement some or all of the functions of the terminal device 20. FIG. The terminal device 20 may be realized by a head mounted display.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of processing circuitry 600 for performing computer-based operations according to the present disclosure. The processing circuit 600 described below is suitable as a hardware configuration for implementing the server communication unit 11 to the server control unit 13 of the server device 10 shown in FIG. Also, the processing circuit 600 described below is suitable as a hardware configuration for realizing the terminal communication unit 21, the terminal storage unit 22, and the terminal control unit 25 of the terminal device 20 shown in FIG.

The processing circuitry 600 can be used to control any computer-based and cloud-based control process, and the descriptions or blocks in the flowchart represent one or more executables for implementing particular logical functions or steps in the process. It can be understood as representing a module, segment or portion of code containing instructions, and alternative implementations shown or discussed substantially concurrently or in reverse order, etc., depending on the functionality involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is within the scope of example embodiments of this tip that functions may be performed in a different order than the order described. The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented in general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), conventional circuits and/or It can be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry that can include combinations thereof. A processor is a processing circuit or circuitry because it includes transistors and other circuits therein. The processor may be a programmed processor executing programs stored in memory 602 . In this disclosure, a processing circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the functions referred to. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the functions referred to.

In FIG. 1A, processing circuit 600 is connected to display controller 606, storage controller 624, network controller 702, memory 602, I/O interface 612, etc., which are connected via bus 628. FIG. In this case, processing circuitry 600 is connected to display 609 via display controller 606 and to keyboard and mouse 614 , touch screen 616 , and peripherals 618 via I/O interface 612 . The processing circuitry 600 also accesses the network 3 via the network controller 702 .

In FIG. 1A, processing circuitry 600 includes a CPU 601 that executes one or more of the control processes discussed in this disclosure. Process data and instructions may be stored in memory 602 . These processes and instructions may also be stored on a storage medium disk 604 (labeled "disk" in FIG. 1A), such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or portable storage medium, or may be stored remotely. good. Moreover, any form of computer readable medium may be stored on which the instructions of the disclosed process may be stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on a CD, DVD, FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or other non-transitory computer readable medium of an information processing device with which processing circuitry 600 communicates, such as a server or computer. may The processes may also be stored in network-based storage, cloud-based storage, or other mobile-accessible storage and executable by processing circuitry 600 .

Furthermore, various processes etc. are implemented by the CPU 601, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), Solaris (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), Apple (registered trademark), MAC-OS (registered trademark), Apple It may be provided as a utility application, a background daemon, or a component of an operating system, or a combination thereof, that runs in conjunction with an operating system such as iOS and other systems known to those of skill in the art.

The hardware elements for implementing processing circuitry 600 may be implemented by various circuit elements. Furthermore, each function of the above-described embodiments may be implemented by circuitry including one or more processing circuitry. The processing circuitry includes a specially programmed processor, eg, processor (CPU) 601 as shown in FIG. 1A. Processing circuitry also includes devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the functions referred to.

In FIG. 1A, processing circuitry 600 may be a computer or some special purpose machine. The processing circuit 600 is programmed to execute processing for controlling the installed device (the server device 10 or the terminal device 20).

Alternatively or additionally, CPU 601 may be implemented on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an ASIC, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or discrete logic circuitry, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. may be implemented using Further, CPU 601 may be implemented as multiple processors working in parallel and cooperatively to execute the instructions of various processes.

Processing circuitry 600 of FIG. 1A also includes network controller 702 , such as an Ethernet PRO network interface card, for interfacing with network 3 . As can be appreciated, network 3 can be a public network such as the Internet, or a private network such as a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or any combination thereof, and can be a public switched telephone network. (PSTN) or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), sub-networks may also be included. Network 3 can also be a wired LAN network such as Ethernet, a wired network such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, or includes EDGE, 3G, 4G and 5G wireless cellular systems. It can be wireless, such as a cellular network. Also, the wireless network may be Wi-Fi®, wireless LAN, Bluetooth®, or other forms of wireless communication known in the art. In addition, network controller 702 may comply with other direct communication standards such as Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC), infrared, and the like.

(Configuration of server device)
Referring again to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is configured by a server computer. The server device 10 may be implemented in cooperation with a plurality of server computers. For example, the server device 10 may be implemented in cooperation with a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that implements various authentication servers, or the like. Also, the server device 10 may include a web server. In this case, some of the functions of the terminal device 20, which will be described later, may be realized by the browser processing the HTML document received from the web server and various programs (Javascript (registered trademark)) attached thereto.

The server device 10 includes a server communication section 11, a server storage section 12, and a server control section 13, as shown in FIG.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface that performs wireless or wired communication with an external device to transmit and receive information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3 .

The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs necessary for various processes related to virtual reality.

The server control unit 13 may include a dedicated microprocessor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that implements a specific function by reading a specific program, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. For example, the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to execute a virtual reality application according to user input.

The server control unit 13 (the same applies to the terminal control unit 25 below) includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), and one or more dedicated hardware that executes at least part of various processes. It may be configured as a circuit including circuits, or combinations thereof.

(Configuration of terminal device)
A functional configuration of the terminal device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. As shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication section 21 , a terminal storage section 22 , a display section 23 , an input section 24 and a terminal control section 25 .

The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or by wire to transmit and receive information. The terminal communication unit 21 is, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), fifth generation mobile communication system, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), etc. A communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, a wired LAN communication module, or the like may be included. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3 .

The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs received from the server device 10 and used for virtual reality processing. Information and programs used for virtual reality processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21 . For example, a virtual reality application program may be obtained from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program will also simply be referred to as an application.

The terminal storage unit 22 may also store data for drawing a virtual space, such as an image of an indoor space such as a building or an outdoor space. A plurality of types of data for drawing the virtual space may be prepared for each virtual space and used separately.

The terminal storage unit 22 may also store various images (texture images) for projection (texture mapping) onto various objects placed in the three-dimensional virtual space.

For example, the terminal storage unit 22 stores avatar drawing information related to an avatar as a virtual reality medium associated with each user. An avatar in the virtual space is drawn based on avatar drawing information relating to the avatar.

The terminal storage unit 22 also stores drawing information related to various objects (virtual reality media) different from avatars, such as various gift objects, buildings, walls, NPCs (Non Player Characters), and the like. Various objects in the virtual space are drawn based on such drawing information. Note that a gift object is an object corresponding to a gift from one user to another user, and is part of an item. Gift objects include things worn by avatars (clothes and accessories), decorations (fireworks, flowers, etc.), backgrounds (wallpapers) and the like, and tickets for turning gacha (lottery) or the like. you can The term "gift" used in this application means the same concept as the term "token". Therefore, it is also possible to replace the term "gift" with the term "token" to understand the technology described in this application.

The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various images. The display unit 23 is configured by, for example, a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects various user operations. In addition, the display unit 23 may be built in the head mounted display as described above.

The input unit 24 may include physical keys, and may further include any input interface including a pointing device such as a mouse. In addition, the input unit 24 may be capable of receiving non-contact user input such as voice input, gesture input, and line-of-sight input. For gesture input, there are sensors (image sensors, acceleration sensors, distance sensors, etc.) to detect various states of the user, dedicated motion capture that integrates sensor technology and cameras, controllers such as joypads, etc. may be used. Also, the line-of-sight detection camera may be arranged in the head-mounted display. As described above, the user's various states are, for example, the user's orientation, position, movement, or the like. It is a concept that includes not only the orientation, position, and movement of a part or the whole, but also the orientation, position, and movement of the user's line of sight, or the like.

Terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the terminal device 20 as a whole.

The terminal control section 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication section 21 . For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used for various processes related to virtual reality from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control section 25 stores the received information and program in the terminal storage section 22 . For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may store a browser (Internet browser) for connecting to a web server.

The terminal control unit 25 activates the virtual reality application according to the user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute various processes related to virtual reality. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display an image of the virtual space. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) that detects user operations, for example, may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect user operations via the input unit 24 . For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect various operations (operations corresponding to tap operations, long tap operations, flick operations, swipe operations, etc.) by gestures of the user. The terminal control unit 25 transmits operation information to the server device 10 .

The terminal control unit 25 draws an avatar or the like together with the virtual space (image), and causes the display unit 23 to display the terminal image. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a stereoscopic image for a head-mounted display may be generated by generating images G200 and G201 that are viewed with the left and right eyes, respectively. FIG. 2 schematically shows images G200 and G201 visually recognized by the left and right eyes, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the virtual space image refers to the entire image represented by the images G200 and G201. In addition, the terminal control unit 25 realizes various movements of the avatar in the virtual space, for example, according to various operations by the user. Alternatively, as schematically shown in FIG. 3, the user may view the virtual space through a terminal device 20 in the form of a smartphone.

Note that the virtual space described below is an immersive space that can be visually recognized using a head-mounted display or the like, and a continuity in which the user can move around freely (similar to reality) via an avatar. The concept includes not only a certain three-dimensional space, but also non-immersive spaces that are visible using a smartphone or the like as described above with reference to FIG. In addition, the non-immersive space that can be visually recognized using a smartphone or the like may be a continuous three-dimensional space in which one can freely move around via an avatar, or a two-dimensional space. It may be a discontinuous space. Hereinafter, when making a distinction, a continuous three-dimensional space in which a user can freely move around via an avatar will also be referred to as a "metaverse space."

Also, various objects and facilities (for example, movie theaters) that appear in the following description are objects in virtual space and are different from real objects unless otherwise specified. Also, various events in the following description are various events in virtual space (for example, screening of movies, etc.), and are different from events in reality.

Further, hereinafter, an object corresponding to any virtual reality medium (for example, a building, a wall, a tree, an NPC, or the like) different from an avatar and drawn in the virtual space will also be referred to as a second object M3. Note that in the present embodiment, the second object M3 may include an object that is fixed within the virtual space, an object that is movable within the virtual space, and the like. Also, the second object M3 may include an object that is always placed in the virtual space, an object that is placed only when a predetermined placement condition is satisfied, or the like.

The types and number of contents provided in the virtual space (contents provided in virtual reality) are arbitrary. In this embodiment, as an example, the content provided within the virtual space includes digital content such as various videos. The video may be real-time video or non-real-time video. Also, the video may be a video based on a real image, or may be a video based on CG (Computer Graphics). The video may be a video for providing information. In this case, the video is related to information provision services of a specific genre (information provision services related to travel, housing, food, fashion, health, beauty, etc.), broadcast services by specific users (for example, YouTube (registered trademark)), etc. It's okay.

By the way, there are various methods for users to access the Metaverse space. For example, regarding the terminal device 20, as conceptually shown in FIG. Access is possible from various types of terminal devices 20 (an example of electronic devices) such as personal computers, AR (Augmented Reality) glasses (including so-called smart glasses, etc.).

In addition, the status of users in reality is diverse, such as working, sleeping, eating, traveling, and staying in the Metaverse space. Note that the status is a concept that includes the environment. For example, one user's status may include the surrounding environment surrounding the one user.

Each user has various statuses that can be different from each other, and can interact with each other through various terminal devices 20 .

In this way, each user can communicate with a plurality of users in a chat format while using various terminal devices 20 while changing their status in reality. Thus, for example, each user can spend more than one day in a constantly connected state (that is, a state of being connected between users). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 20 used from 0:00 to 24:00 for a certain user (hereinafter also simply referred to as "used device") is used for constant connection. An example of the time series of the terminal device 20 is shown. In addition, each user (for example, users who are friends) decides a meeting place or the like through chat-style communication, and moves to a predetermined place in the Metaverse space (for example, a usual meeting place) as appropriate. , meet, play, talk, and more.
In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the horizontal axis represents time (or time), and user status (User Status) and time series of used devices are shown. Note that FIG. 5A shows a pattern for one day, but the pattern may differ depending on the day of the week, season, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, simultaneous access (or interlocking) with a smartphone is realized in conjunction with AR glasses while the user is moving. In this case, the operation on the smartphone and the display function on the AR glasses may be coordinated. Also, when the user returns home, the user activates the PC and realizes switching from the smart phone to the PC. In this way, the PC and the smartphone may be mutually exclusive (they cannot be used at the same time). The user may associate the head mounted display with the PC while using the PC. However, the user may use the head-mounted display as a stand-alone.

Various types of information processing that can effectively support chat-type communication as described above will be described below. However, although the following various types of information processing are suitable for chat-style communication, they can also be applied to other applications. Note that the chat format refers to a format different from a call, such as messages, characters (pictograms, etc.), symbols, images (stamps, etc.), or the like. Note that the chat format does not exclude voice, and may include, for example, a format in which stamps with voice can be used.

Below, each user refers to each user connected for chat-style communication and within one chat group, unless otherwise specified. “Connected” refers to a state in which mutual communication is possible via the terminal device 20 connected to the network 3 described above. Also, the chat group may be a pre-registered group or a group formed on the spot. Also, users participating in one chat group may be fixed or may change dynamically.

In this embodiment, first, when one user transmits something, a plurality of options regarding the content of the reply from the receiving side to the transmission content is generated. In this case, if the user on the receiving side has a desired option among a plurality of options, he or she simply selects it to complete the reply, which increases convenience.

6 and 7 are diagrams conceptually showing how a plurality of options regarding the content of replies from other users to the content of transmission from one user are presented. Note that the conversations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 relate to chat-type communication. Also, in the following description, terms representing places such as banks represent places in the Metaverse space unless otherwise specified.

In FIG. 6, when user A receives "Question A" from each of the other users (only three users B, C, and D are shown), each user is presented with a plurality of options. Each option may include a message, text (such as pictograms), symbols, images (such as stamps), or the like. For example, user B is presented with reply candidates B1, B2, and the like. Similarly, user C is presented with reply candidates C1, C2, etc., and user D is presented with reply candidates D1, D2, etc. FIG. In this case, for example, if user B has a desired option among a plurality of options B1, B2, etc., the reply is completed only by selecting it, which enhances convenience. For example, FIG. 7 shows a state in which user B is presented with four options STM1 to STM4 for "question A". In FIG. 7, the four options STM1 to STM4 are displayed together with the transmission content (“Question A”), but they may be displayed (presented) separately from the transmission content. In either case, if user B has a desired option among the four options STM1 to STM4, he can reply by simply selecting it.

In this embodiment, a plurality of options presented to each user on the receiving side are generated based on the content of the transmission ("question A" in this example). For example, the multiple options may include options that are responses to the content of the transmission. In this example, some or all of the multiple choices may be meaningful choices in response to question A. A meaningful choice as a response to question A is, for example, question A = Would you like to go to place A now? messages such as "I'm going now", "I can't do it today", "I'm going to bed soon", "I like place B", "I don't have money", or pictograms that directly or indirectly express these contents. Each option including , and stamps can be a meaningful option as a response to question A.

The multiple options may include options that do not make sense as a response to what was sent. Options that do not make sense as a response to the transmission may be options that include messages that have little or no relevance to the transmission, or the like. For example, a meaningless option as a response to question A may be an option including a message or the like that does not answer the question. For example, question A = Would you like to go to place A now? For each option, including pictograms and stamps that directly or indirectly express these contents, such as messages such as "This side dish is delicious", "The dog is cute", and mysterious pictograms, as a response to question A can be a nonsensical option.

For example, in one embodiment, the options presented to the user are a type of option that directly represents a certain thing (hereinafter also referred to as a "direct response type option"), an option that indirectly represents the same item (hereinafter, Also referred to as "indirect response type options"), options unrelated to the same item (hereinafter also referred to as "first unrelated response type options"), options related to topics different from the same item (hereinafter referred to as "second (also referred to as "non-relevant response type options"). It should be noted that the first non-related response type options may include, for example, options including stamps whose meaning is unknown to the other party. Also, a second non-relevant response type option is like the example above, eg, question A=would you like to go to place A now? may include options including messages such as "this side dish is delicious" and "the dog is cute".

Here, whether or not it makes sense as a response to the content of transmission can be a relative concept. For example, in this case, an option may also be a direct response option, an indirect response option, or a first unrelated response option. In consideration of this point, information for distinguishing the attributes of options such as the four types of options described above may be given to each option. For example, each option may be associated in advance with a predetermined flag (an example of a second parameter). For example, an option (an example of a third option) associated with the predetermined flag value "1" (an example of the first value) is treated as a meaningful option as a response to the content of transmission, and the predetermined flag value " An option associated with 0" (an example of the second value) (an example of the fourth option) may be treated as an option that does not make sense as a response to the content of transmission.

Also, the predetermined flag may have a flag function for distinguishing acceptance/rejection with respect to a meaningful option instead of or in addition to the flag function for distinguishing meaningful/non-significant. For example, an option associated with a predetermined flag value of "1" is treated as an option indicating acceptance of the transmission content, and an option associated with a predetermined flag value of "0" is an option indicating refusal of the transmission content. can be treated as For example, when one user selects an option indicating consent to the contents of transmission inviting to some kind of gathering, the user is sent a link for realizing movement to the place related to the gathering, or may be managed as prospective attendees for Further, the predetermined flag may be made capable of distinguishing more meanings such as approval/rejection/suspension/other than the flag function for distinguishing approval/rejection. In this case, four types of options corresponding to the four types of acceptance/rejection/suspension/other may be presented, and the user's schedule management is reflected (updated) according to the type of option selected by the user. ) may be It should be noted that, in this case, it may be classified as meaningless in the distinction of pending/otherwise meaning/not making sense.

In this embodiment, even if the content of the transmission is the same (in this example, "Question A"), it can be different. For example, reply candidates C1, C2, etc. presented to user C and reply candidates D1, D2, etc. presented to user D may be partially or wholly different. In this case, for example, a plurality of options may be generated based on arbitrary parameters (an example of first parameters) associated with each user. For example, a plurality of options presented to one user include the type of terminal device 20 possessed by the user, items in the Metaverse space possessed by the user, status of the user, and the user and the sender user ( For example, in FIG. 6, at least one of the relationships with user A) may be included.

It should be noted that different reply candidates is a concept that includes aspects in which expressions are different even if the content is the same. For example, even if the content is the same, the dialect or language may differ. For example, a user from Osaka may be presented with an option including a message in Kansai dialect. Also, different reply candidates may mean different forms of avatars that may be used as stamps, for example. For example, the avatar may be a unique avatar for each user, and differences such as different poses depending on the type of avatar (male/female/other) may be implemented.

In this manner, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present, for each user, options that can respond to diversity such as the diversity of users themselves, the diversity related to users, the diversity of user statuses, and the like. As a result, the possibility of presenting desired options to each user is increased, convenience is improved, and the processing load when the terminal device 20 responds to retyping messages, etc., by the user can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of options are options associated with destinations in the Metaverse space visible via the terminal device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "moving options" when distinguished from other options). ) (an example of the first option). It should be noted that the mobile option may be presented at each reply timing in a conversation in which a plurality of conversations are exchanged, or may be presented only at some reply timings. For example, if the content of the transmission is content that suggests movement within the Metaverse space, a plurality of options generated based on the content of the transmission may include mobile options. Alternatively, as described above, mobile options may be included as options that do not make sense in response to the transmission.

The destination in the Metaverse space associated with the mobile option may be any place in the Metaverse space. For example, question A = Would you like to go to place A now? On the other hand, the destination in the Metaverse space associated with the mobile option may be the place A in the Metaverse space or the entrance of the place A. The latter is preferred if location A is a relatively large facility with an entrance. Also, if Place A is a facility or the like that only users (avatars) who have authority such as tickets can enter, the destination in the Metaverse space associated with the mobile option is a place where authority is obtained, such as a ticket sales office. may

Mobile options may also be generated in a manner that may vary from user to user based on arbitrary parameters associated with each presented user. For example, question A = Would you like to go to place A now? On the other hand, if location A is a paid facility or the like and the corresponding user does not have enough money, the destination in the Metaverse space associated with the mobile option presented to the user is , a bank, an ATM, or the like. In this case, a new option may be generated when the shortage of money is resolved at a bank, ATM, or the like. In this case, the place A may be the destination in the Metaverse space associated with the mobile option presented to the user. On the other hand, if the corresponding user does not have enough money, the place A may be the destination in the Metaverse space associated with the mobile option presented to the user.

Travel options may include links to destinations. In this case, the user who desires to move to the destination can use the link to move to the destination, thereby improving convenience. The link to the destination may differ depending on the terminal device 20 used for access (that is, the device used) even if the destination itself is the same. For example, the link may differ between when the device used is a head-mounted display and when the device used is a smartphone. In addition, various deep links may be used as the link, which may vary depending on the OS (Operating System), platform, and the like.

Note that mobile options may be associated with links that may be included in corresponding transmission content. For example, if the corresponding content of transmission includes a message "Would you like to go to place A now?" together with a URL indication for that location, the mobile option may be associated with a link associated with the URL indication.

When such a mobile option is selected by the user, that is, when a response based on the mobile option (an example of the first response) is made), to the destination associated with the mobile option for which the response is made movement-related processing may be performed.

The movement-related processing may include at least one of the processing of moving to the destination and the processing of outputting a display enabling movement to the destination. The process of moving to the destination may be an automatic process that is unconditionally executed when the move option is selected by the user, or a process that is executed under additional conditions. The same applies to the process of outputting a display enabling movement to the destination. The display that enables movement to the destination may be the link itself or a user interface for receiving a predetermined input for executing the link. Note that in the case of processing for outputting a display (user interface) that enables movement to the destination, the user can realize movement to the destination by viewing the display and performing a predetermined input. good.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of movement-related processing, and is an explanatory diagram related to a plurality of options.

FIG. 8 shows four options STM1 to STM4 for "question A" as shown in FIG. Here, question A = do you want to go to place A now? Suppose that

Option STM1 is a mobile option that includes a message meaning a response because it includes characters such as "Hi!", which means "OK". When such option STM1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 8, the link corresponding to location A (here, "https://aaaa") is executed (that is, the link https://aaaa is by stepping on it), movement to location A may be implemented as movement-related processing (step S800). Note that the link may be a link whose processing changes depending on the user's terminal device 20 or application. In this case, the terminal device 20 of the user who stepped on the link becomes the terminal device 20 used by the user when the option STM1 is selected. Also, the link associated with option STM1 may be accessible only by users participating in the chat in which the link is described. Also, the link associated with option STM1 may be activated subject to the entry of a password, such as a password between friends. In this case, it is possible to prevent unintended participation by a third party. Also, the link associated with the option STM1 may be set with an expiration date according to the meeting time or the like.

Since the option STM2 includes characters such as "Bye!" meaning "no", it is an option including a message meaning a response. It is an option that cannot be added. In this case, movement-related processing may be prohibited. Note that when such a reply indicating "refusal" is made, a link to a place where user B can leave a message or the like may be presented. In this case, when User B leaves a message or video (for example, a message or video of refusal), the link may be sent to User A (the user who made "Question A").

Option STM3 is a mobile option that contains a meaningful message in response because it contains a picture of a hand pointing a goomark (OK sign) that means "OK". In addition, since option STM3 includes a picture of a head-mounted display, it includes information suggesting the device to be used. When such an option STM3 is selected, as shown in FIG. 8, if the conditions related to the device to be used are satisfied (“YES” in step S801), then as shown in FIG. A link (here, "https://aaaa") may be executed. In this case, the condition related to the device in use may be satisfied when the corresponding device in use is used. That is, in the case of this example, when the user B wears the head-mounted display, the link corresponding to the location A (here, "https://aaaa") is executed, thereby moving to the location A. , may be implemented as movement-related processing (step S802).

Option STM4 includes characters such as "good night" which means "no", so it is an option including a message meaning a response. It is an option that cannot be In this case, movement-related processing may be prohibited. Note that when the user B is sleeping, the option STM4 may be automatically selected. Whether or not the user B is sleeping may be determined based on sensor information or the like from a biosensor that can be worn by the user B, for example.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of movement-related processing, and is an explanatory diagram related to a plurality of options.

FIG. 9 shows four options STM1 to STM4 for "question A1". Here, it is assumed that the question A1=“Would you like to go to place A now? The dress code is red clothes”. The options STM2 and STM4 may be the same as the example described above with reference to FIG. 8, and description thereof will be omitted.

Option STM1 is a mobile option that includes a message meaning a response because it includes characters such as "Hi!", which means "OK". When such option STM1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 8, the link corresponding to location A may be immediately executed, but it is determined whether item procurement corresponding to "dress code is red" is required. (step S900). That is, it may be determined whether user B has red clothes (red clothes to be worn by the corresponding avatar). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that item procurement is unnecessary, the link corresponding to location A may be directly executed (step S902). However, if there are multiple red clothes, user B may select which clothes to wear. Also, if user B has red clothes but wants to procure new red clothes, the process may proceed to step S901 according to an instruction from the user. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, for example, if it is determined that user B does not have red clothes and needs item procurement, a link (here, , “https://bbbb”) may be executed (step S901). Note that if there are multiple other places where red clothes can be procured, user B may be able to select one. Although red clothes have been described here, other items such as red shoes and red hats may be considered. Also, another place where red clothes can be procured is not limited to a shop (for example, a clothing store), and is arbitrary. For example, moving to another place where red clothes can be procured may be realized by executing a lottery game (gacha) where red clothes can be procured. Another place where red clothes can be procured may be a place where red clothes can be rented or where items can be exchanged. Moving to a place where items can be exchanged may be realized by transitioning to a bulletin board for exchanging items or a chat screen with a user who owns red clothes.

Option STM3, like option STM1, is a mobile option that contains a meaningful message in response. Also in this case, similarly to the example described above with reference to FIG. , and as shown in FIG. 9, it may be determined whether item procurement is necessary (step S911). Steps S912 and S913 below are the same as steps S901 and S902, respectively, in the case of option STM1.

In this way, in this embodiment, when a response is made based on a mobile option, the process related to moving to the destination associated with the mobile option is executed. This eliminates the trouble of searching for a link for and improves convenience. In addition, if the selected mobile option includes a message or the like indicating the device to be used, the conditions related to the device to be used are determined, so that the user is not able to move to the destination based on the unintended use of the terminal device 20. It is possible to prevent access from being realized. In addition, when information about items is included in the transmission content corresponding to the moving option, it is determined whether or not item procurement is necessary. can be prevented from being realized. By preventing such user's unwanted access, the processing load can be reduced.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of options are options other than the options (example of the first option) that change the status of the selected user when selected, such as the above-described options STM1 and STM3. Options such as STM2 and STM4 that do not change the selected user's status even when selected (an example of a second option) may be included. As a result, it is possible to present options to the user that are suitable for various timings, such as the timing at which an option accompanied by a change in status is not desired, or the timing at which an option accompanied by a change in status is desired.

Note that, in the present embodiment, when one user is located in the Metaverse space, even if new transmission content is transmitted from another user to the one user, the above-described plurality of options are available for the user. It may be presented to one user.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10 and subsequent figures, functions related to the above options (hereinafter also referred to as "option-related functions") will be further described.

Hereinafter, each element of the terminal device 20 (see the terminal communication unit 21 to the terminal control unit 25 in FIG. 1) that performs processing related to the option-related function realizes an example of an information processing system, but the server device 10 An example of an information processing system may be implemented, and a plurality of terminal devices 20 may cooperate to implement an example of an information processing system. Also, the server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to implement an example of an information processing system.

FIG. 10 is an example of a functional block diagram of the server device 10 related to option-related functions. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of data in the user information storage unit 142. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of data in the avatar information storage unit 144. As shown in FIG.

The server device 10 includes a user information storage unit 142 and an avatar information storage unit 144, as shown in FIG. Note that the user information storage unit 142 and the avatar information storage unit 144 can be realized by the server storage unit 12 shown in FIG.

The server device 10 also includes a user input acquisition unit 150, an avatar processing unit 152, and a drawing processing unit 156, as shown in FIG. The user input acquisition unit 150 to the drawing processing unit 156 can be realized by the server control unit 13 shown in FIG.

Some or all of the functions of the server device 10 described below may be realized by the terminal device 20 as appropriate. For example, part or all of the functions of the avatar processing unit 152 and the drawing processing unit 156 may be implemented by the terminal device 20 . Also, the division of the user information storage unit 142 and the avatar information storage unit 144 and the division of the drawing processing unit 156 from the user input acquisition unit 150 are for convenience of explanation, and some functional units are different from other functional units. function may be realized. For example, part or all of the data in the user information storage unit 142 may be integrated with the data in the avatar information storage unit 144, or may be stored in another database.

The user information storage unit 142 stores information about each user. Information about each user may be generated, for example, at the time of user registration, and then updated as appropriate. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the user information storage unit 142 stores user names, avatar IDs, profile information, possessed device information, status information, etc. in association with user IDs.

A user ID is an ID that is automatically generated at the time of user registration.

The user name is a name registered by each user and is arbitrary.

The avatar ID is an ID representing the avatar used by the user. The avatar ID may be associated with avatar drawing information (see FIG. 12) for drawing the corresponding avatar. It should be noted that the avatar drawing information associated with one avatar ID may be able to be added or edited based on input from the corresponding user.

Profile information is information representing a user profile (or avatar profile), and is generated based on information input by the user. For example, profile information may be generated based on information entered by a user. Also, the profile information may be selected via a user interface generated on the terminal device 20 and provided to the server device 10 as a JSON (Javascript Object Notation) request or the like.

The owned device information includes information about the terminal device 20 owned by the user. For a user who has multiple types of terminal devices 20, information that can identify the corresponding multiple types of terminal devices 20 is stored as possessed device information.

Status information includes information representing the user's current status.

Avatar drawing information for drawing each user's avatar is stored in the avatar information storage unit 144 . In the example shown in FIG. 12, in the avatar drawing information, each avatar ID is associated with a face part ID, a hairstyle part ID, a clothing part ID, and the like. Appearance-related parts information such as face part IDs, hairstyle part IDs, and clothing part IDs are parameters that characterize avatars, and may be selected by each user. For example, a plurality of types of information related to appearance such as a face part ID, a hairstyle part ID, and a clothing part ID for an avatar are prepared. As for face part IDs, part IDs are prepared for each type of face shape, eyes, mouth, nose, etc., and information related to face part IDs is managed by combining the IDs of the parts that make up the face. may be In this case, it is possible to draw each avatar not only on the server device 10 but also on the terminal device 20 side based on each ID related to the appearance linked to each avatar ID.

The user input acquisition unit 150 acquires various user inputs from each user through communication with the terminal device 20 of the corresponding user. Various inputs are as described above. Note that the status and devices used by each user may be determined based on user input acquired by the user input acquisition unit 150 (and terminal information that may be transmitted together with the user input). The user input acquisition unit 150 may also acquire information for updating owned device information (described later), status information (described later), and the like of the user.

For each avatar, the avatar processing unit 152 determines the action of the avatar (change in position, movement of each part, etc.) based on various inputs by corresponding users. Also, the avatar processing unit 152 may realize a chat (conversation) between avatars in the Metaverse space.

The drawing processing unit 156 generates an image for viewing on the terminal device 20 (terminal image), which is an image of the virtual space including the avatar. The drawing processing unit 156 generates an image for each avatar (an image for the terminal device 20) based on the virtual camera associated with each avatar.

FIG. 13 is an example of a functional block diagram of one terminal device 20 related to option-related functions. In the following, it is assumed that the own user is a user who possesses one corresponding terminal device 20 . Note that one user can have various types of terminal devices 20 . Therefore, the own user associated with one terminal device 20 and the own user associated with another terminal device 20 can be the same.

Some or all of the functions of the terminal device 20 described below may be realized by the server device 10 as appropriate. For example, part or all of the functions of the option generation unit 262 and the item determination unit 264 may be implemented by the server device 10 . In addition, the division of the self-user information storage unit 270 and the possessed item storage unit 272 and the division of the operation input acquisition unit 260 to the support processing unit 268 are for convenience of explanation, and some functional units may implement the function of

The terminal device 20 includes an operation input acquisition unit 260, a transmission content acquisition unit 261 (an example of an acquisition unit), an option generation unit 262, an item determination unit 264 (an example of a determination unit), a response processing unit 266, a support It includes a processing unit 268 , a self-user information storage unit 270 , and a possessed item storage unit 272 . The operation input acquisition unit 260 to the support processing unit 268 can be realized by the terminal control unit 25 shown in FIG. The self-user information storage unit 270 and possessed item storage unit 272 can be realized by the terminal storage unit 22 shown in FIG.

The operation input acquisition unit 260 acquires various user inputs by the own user input via the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20 . Various inputs are as described above.

The transmission content acquisition unit 261 receives transmission content from other users as described above. As described above, the transmission content relates to chat-style communication between a plurality of users including the user.

The option generation unit 262 generates the plurality of options described above with reference to FIG. 6 and the like based on the transmission contents from other users as described above, and presents them to the own user. The option generation unit 262 may present the generated options to the user by displaying the generated options on the display unit 23 . For example, the option generation unit 262 may position and superimpose a plurality of options near the latest position in chronological order on the chat screen.

The option generation unit 262 generates mobile options based on the content of transmission, as described above. For example, as in the above example, if the content of the transmission is "Would you like to go to place A now?" A mobile option may include a link that allows travel to location A, for example. In this case, if a link that allows movement to location A is included in the transmission content, the link may be used. On the other hand, if a link that allows movement to location A is not included in the content of transmission, a link that allows movement to location A may be generated by option generating section 262 . In this case, the link may be generated for each type of terminal device 20 owned by the user.

The option generation unit 262 may generate a plurality of options based on arbitrary parameters associated with the own user, as described above. That is, the option generation unit 262 generates the type of the terminal device 20 possessed by the user, the items in the Metaverse space possessed by the user, the status of the user, and the user on the sending side (transmission related to this option). It may include at least one of the relationships with other users who sent the content.

For example, when including the terminal device 20 to be used in the options, the option generating unit 262 may determine the terminal device 20 to be used based on the type of the terminal device 20 possessed by the user. For example, as in the example above, if the content of the transmission is "Would you like to go to place A now?" may be determined according to the type of terminal device 20 possessed by the user. For example, when the types of the terminal device 20 owned by the user are a smart phone and a head-mounted display, two types of "Let's go with a smartphone!" and "Let's go with an HMD!" may be generated. In this case, for example, an option including a message related to a type of terminal device 20 that the user does not own, such as a message such as "Let's go with a tablet!", is not generated. As a result, the accuracy of a plurality of options (the possibility of being selected by the own user) can be increased. Furthermore, from a similar point of view, it is also possible to analyze trends in usage time zones of devices used in the past by the own user, and preferentially display options indicating devices with high availability according to the meeting time.
In addition, the option generating unit 262 may further determine the terminal device 20 to be used according to whether the smartphone and another terminal device 20 are linked by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. This is because even if a person owns a head-mounted display, he/she cannot use the head-mounted display unless he/she has it at that time (for example, if he/she is not at home). Also, in a situation where the head-mounted display cannot be worn immediately, such as when the user is out of the house, for example, when the user is already wearing the AR glasses, the AR glasses are determined as the terminal device 20 to be used. good too.
In addition, the option generation unit 262 may further determine the terminal device 20 to be used based on the user's current location information, depending on whether the user's current location is at home, at work, or elsewhere (while moving). This is because, as described above, even if the user owns the head-mounted display, he/she cannot use the head-mounted display unless he/she has it at that time (for example, if he/she is not at home). For example, if the user's current location is a company, the smartphone that can respond only with text or voice is determined as the terminal device 20 to be used. If the terminal device 20 is determined and the current location of the user is changing (that is, moving), the combination of the AR glasses and the smartphone may be determined as the terminal device 20 to be used. Note that the combination of AR glasses and a smartphone is suitable for situations in which only text or voice can be heard but not spoken, such as when moving. Note that the user's current location information may be acquired by the user input acquisition unit 150 as part of the user's status information.

Further, for example, the option generation unit 262 may determine the item name that may be included in the option according to the item in the Metaverse space owned by the user. For example, as in the above example, if the content of the transmission is "Would you like to go to place A now? The dress code is red clothes", and if the multiple options include the message "Let's go by △△!" △△ included in may be determined according to the item owned by the user. For example, if the types of items owned by the user are a red one-piece dress and a red Chinese dress, two types of "Let's go in one-piece!" and "Let's go in dress!" may be generated. In this case, for example, an option including a message related to a type of item that the user does not possess, such as a message such as "Let's go in a red suit!", is not generated. As a result, the accuracy of a plurality of options (the possibility of being selected by the own user) can be increased. If the user does not have a red item, an option such as "I'll buy red clothes first!" may be generated accordingly.

Further, for example, the option generation unit 262 may generate options for transmitting the status according to the user's own status. For example, when the user is before going to bed, the option generation unit 262 may generate options including the message "good night". Further, when the own user is moving, the option generation unit 262 may generate options including the message "I'll contact you when I get home." Whether or not the terminal device 20 is moving may be determined based on sensor information from an acceleration sensor or a position sensor (for example, a position sensor based on a GPS receiver) that may be built in the terminal device 20 .

In addition, for example, the option generating unit 262 selects an expression method (wording, etc.) of the message included in the option according to the relationship between the own user and the transmitting user (another user who has sent the transmission content related to the current option). may be changed. For example, if the sending user is a client at work, a choice containing a politely worded message is generated, and if the sending user is synchronous, a choice containing a frank message is generated. good too.

In addition, the option generation unit 262 may change the option itself, the expression method (wording, etc.) of the message included in the option, etc. according to the theme of the ongoing chat, the members of the chat, and the like.

The option generation unit 262 may perform machine learning based on option information (performance data) selected by the user from among the presented options. At this time, machine learning may be performed on the relationship between the option selected by the user and the value of each parameter associated with the user when selected. In this case, it is possible to present options that match the user's preferences and selection tendencies. Also, by learning the trend of devices used for each time period, the accuracy of a plurality of options (the possibility of being selected by the user) can be increased.

Alternatively, the option generation unit 262 may generate a stamp associated with an option using an avatar associated with the user. At this time, even if the stamps have the same content, avatars with different clothes may be represented according to the clothes of the avatar of the user.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, the option generator 262 can generate options that are highly likely to be selected by the user. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the user's load of searching for a desired option via the terminal device 20 . For example, in a situation where the user is using a smartphone, by providing options, the user is relieved of the burden of searching for a desired stamp or entering text on a relatively small screen such as that of a smartphone. be done. As a result, the user can quickly give a desired reply during the chat. In addition, for example, when the user is using a head-mounted display, the user is relieved of the burden of typing on a virtual keyboard using a controller. As a result, the user can quickly give a desired reply during the chat. In this embodiment, the number of options generated at one time by the option generation unit 262 may be changed according to the type of terminal device 20 that outputs. For example, when the user is using a terminal device 20 having a relatively small screen, such as a smartphone, the number of options generated at one time by the option generation unit 262 may be relatively small.

The item determination unit 264 determines whether or not the user owns a predetermined item when the user makes a response based on the mobile option. The predetermined item may be an item that satisfies a predetermined condition among the items that can be attached to the avatar. The predetermined condition may be set based on the transmission content acquired by the transmission content acquisition section 261 . For example, as in the above example, if the content of the transmission is "Would you like to go to place A now? The dress code is red clothes", the item that satisfies the predetermined condition is set to "red clothes" or the like. good. Also, if the content of the transmission is "Would you like to go to place A now? The color of the day is red", the item that satisfies the predetermined condition may be set to "any item having red color" or the like.

In addition, when the own user makes a response based on the mobile option and the mobile option includes the device to be used, the item determination unit 264 determines whether the user selects the terminal device 20 corresponding to the device to be used. Determine whether or not use has started. For example, when the mobile option related to the response includes "Let's go with an HMD!", the item determination unit 264 determines whether the user is using a head-mounted display. Note that in this case, the item determination unit 264 may determine the device to be used based on information from the server device 10 .

Response processing unit 266, when one of the plurality of options described above is selected based on the input by the user, responds based on the one option, and responds according to the one option Subsequent processing may be performed. Subsequent processing may be determined according to the one option, depending on the attributes of the one option (for example, the above-mentioned direct response type, indirect response type, etc.). For example, if the one option is associated with the predetermined flag value "0" and is associated with the predetermined flag value "1", different subsequent processes may be performed. In the case of an option associated with the value "1" of the predetermined flag (an option that makes sense as a response to the transmission content), some subsequent processing (for example, processing to transition the avatar related to the user, or change the avatar related to the user) addition to the list of chat participants) may be performed. On the other hand, in the case of an option associated with a predetermined flag value of "0" (an option that does not make sense as a response to the content of transmission), no subsequent processing need be executed.

For example, the response processing unit 266 executes movement-related processing according to the response when a response based on the above-described movement type option is made based on the user's input. Movement-related processing is as described above. For example, when the movement-type option related to the response by the own user includes "Let's go with an HMD!" may be executed. This eliminates the need for selecting a destination after wearing the head-mounted display, and allows the user to smoothly move as desired. In addition, by automatically moving to the meeting place in the Metaverse space by selecting an option, movement with a head-mounted display is reduced, and the burden of VR sickness on the user can be reduced.

Further, in the constant connection mode, the response processing unit 266 may automatically determine an option regarding the content of the reply to the transmission content, and automatically make a response (an example of the second response) based on the option. The constant connection mode is a mode in which the constant connection state described above is formed. Note that the operation mode may be settable to a plurality of modes other than the constant connection mode. The constant connection mode may be formed according to an input from the own user, or may be automatically formed according to the own user's status. In the latter case, the always-connected mode may be automatically formed when the user is in a predefined status, such as when the user is sleeping or eating.

Also, the response processing unit 266 may realize a function of notifying other users of the status of the own user in the constant connection mode. For example, when there is a change in the user's status, the response processing unit 266 may automatically make a response to that effect. Specifically, when the self-user changes to wearing a head-mounted display, a message, a stamp, or the like indicating such change may be posted to the chat room associated with the constant connection mode. Such automatic responses to status changes may be performed when a mobile choice-based response is made. In this case, it is possible to automatically inform other users who care about their own status about their status (for example, various statuses related to whether they will soon arrive at the meeting place). As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of input and communication for each user's exchanges related to appointments, etc., and reduce the processing load.

The support processing unit 268 assists or realizes wearing or acquisition of a predetermined item related to the mobile option when the own user makes a response based on the mobile option. For example, when the item determination unit 264 determines that the user possesses the predetermined item, the support processing unit 268 may automatically equip the user's avatar with the predetermined item. Alternatively, a plurality of wearable predetermined items may be presented so that the user can select them. Further, when the item determination unit 264 determines that the user does not possess the predetermined item, the support processing unit 268 generates a link that enables movement to a location where the predetermined item can be procured (obtained). Alternatively, automatic movement to the location may be realized.

The self-user information storage unit 270 stores information on the self-user among the information on each user stored in the user information storage unit 142 of the server device 10 described above. It should be noted that the terminal device 20 may store, for example, part of the information related to other users in a friend relationship in addition to the own user.

The possessed item storage unit 272 stores information representing items possessed by the user. Items may include items that can be worn by the user's avatar (for example, clothes, shoes, etc.) and items that can change the appearance of the avatar.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. It is also possible to combine all or more of the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

1 chat-related support system 3 network 10 server device 11 server communication unit 12 server storage unit 13 server control unit 20 terminal device 21 terminal communication unit 22 terminal storage unit 23 display unit 24 input unit 25 terminal control unit 142 user information storage unit 144 avatar Information storage unit 150 User input acquisition unit 152 Avatar processing unit 156 Drawing processing unit 260 Operation input acquisition unit 261 Transmission content acquisition unit 262 Option generation unit 264 Item determination unit 266 Response processing unit 268 Support processing unit 270 Own user information storage unit 272 Possession Item memory

Claims (16)

An information processing system that performs information processing related to chat-style communication between a plurality of users,
an acquisition unit that acquires transmission content transmitted from a transmission side;
an option generating unit that generates a plurality of options regarding content of a reply from the receiving side to the content of transmission, wherein the plurality of options are first associated with destinations of movement in a virtual space that are visible via an electronic device; including choices
The information processing system, wherein the destination in one chat is determined based on the transmission content. further comprising a response processing unit that, when a first response based on one of the first options is made, executes movement-related processing to the destination associated with the first option to which the first response is made; ,
2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said movement-related processing includes at least one of processing for moving to said destination and processing for outputting a display enabling movement to said destination. . 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein said response processing unit generates a link to said destination. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein said response processing unit generates said link corresponding to a type of said electronic device used by said receiving-side user, among said plurality of types of said electronic devices. A plurality of the first options are generated for one transmission content,
At least one of the plurality of first options includes an electronic device possessed by the receiver, an item in the virtual space possessed by the receiver, a status of the receiver, and a relationship between the receiver and the transmitter. 2. The information processing system of claim 1, generated based on at least any one first parameter of the relationship. the first option includes a message or text, symbol or image representing or suggesting a network connectable electronic device;
further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the one electronic device has been used when the first response based on the first option is made,
3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein said response processing unit executes said movement-related processing when said determination unit determines that said one electronic device has been used. 7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein said images include chat stamps. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of options include said first option accompanied by a change in status of said receiver or a second option not accompanied by a change in said status of said receiver. With respect to the value of a second parameter related to whether or not a response is meaningful, the plurality of options includes a third option associated with a first value and a second value different from the first value. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth option associated with a value. further comprising a support processing unit that, when a first response based on one of the first options is made, supports or realizes wearing or acquisition of a predetermined item associated with the first option for which the first response is made. , The information processing system according to claim 1. When the first response based on one of the first options is made and the attachment or acquisition of the predetermined item is achieved, the destination associated with the first option to which the first response is made further comprising a response processing unit that performs movement-related processing to
11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein said movement-related processing includes at least one of processing of moving to said destination and processing of outputting a display enabling movement to said destination. . 11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein said predetermined item is determined based on said transmission content. The electronic device possessed by the receiving side has a constant connection mode that maintains a state of being connected to the network,
Claims 2, 3, and 4, wherein, in the always-connected mode, the response processing unit automatically determines an option regarding the content of the reply to the content of transmission, and automatically makes a second response based on the option. , 7, and 11. The information processing system according to claim 1. 14. The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein said response processing unit automatically performs said second response when said receiving-side user is in a predetermined state in said constant connection mode. A program for information processing related to chat-style communication between a plurality of users,
Acquisition processing for acquiring transmission content sent from the sender;
causing a computer to execute an option generation process for generating a plurality of options regarding the content of a reply from the receiving side to the content of transmission;
The plurality of options includes a first option associated with a destination in the virtual space that is visible through the electronic device,
A program, wherein the destination in one chat is determined based on the content of the transmission. An information processing method related to chat-style communication between a plurality of users,
Get the transmission content sent from the sender,
Generating a plurality of options regarding the content of a reply from the receiving side to the content of the transmission;
The plurality of options includes a first option associated with a destination in the virtual space that is visible through the electronic device,
The information processing method, wherein the destination in one chat is determined based on the transmission content.

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