JP2008293401A - Virtual space providing device, virtual space management method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a virtual society similar to the actual society with a virtual space supply device. <P>SOLUTION: This virtual space providing device 1 generates DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) (1B) to be set to an avater corresponding to a user based on information input by the user (1A). The virtual space providing device 1 generates the avater 4C (1D) from a priori part 4A and a posteriori part 4B selected according to the user's instruction and arranges it in a virtual space 1F (1E). If the existing user's avaters want to marry or bear a child, the DNA obtained from the DNA of each avater to be parents and the DNA created for a new user are compared. The avater of the new user who has DNA similar to one obtained from the parents' avaters appears in the virtual space 1F as a child of the parents' avaters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a virtual space providing device, a virtual space management method, 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 interact with each other by participating in a virtual space via an avatar and viewing the same video. However, in the prior art, since the user selects the appearance of the avatar according to his / her preference, the user in the real world and the avatar in the virtual space are easily separated. Since exchange is performed via an avatar that deviates from the actual user, there is a risk of misunderstandings and the like.

  Moreover, in the virtual space of the prior art, there is no relevance at first between the avatars of each user, and friendships and the like are gradually established through subsequent exchanges. Because the relationship between avatars is weak, it is not social. Therefore, it is difficult for the conventional technology to provide a virtual space similar to the real world.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space providing device, a virtual space management method, and a program that can suppress the separation of a user and a character. Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space providing device, a virtual space management method, and a program capable of suppressing a deviation between a user and a character and realizing a virtual society imitating a real society. 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 device for providing a virtual space to a user computer connected via a network according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of component data for configuring a character symbolizing a user. Is stored in advance, an information acquisition unit that acquires at least predetermined information about the user, and at least a part of a character symbolizing the user based on the acquired predetermined information A character is generated by selecting a part data corresponding to the generated appearance control information from among the part data stored in the part data storage unit and the appearance control information generating part for generating the appearance control information A character generation unit, a virtual space providing unit that generates a virtual space and provides the virtual space to a user computer, and a user computer Virtual space management that moves the generated character in the virtual space in response to operation instructions input from the network via the network and transmits the state of the virtual space reflecting the character's behavior to the user computer via the network A section.

  The embodiment of the present invention further includes a reflecting unit for reflecting at least part of the existing appearance control information set for the existing user in the new appearance control information set for the new user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the relationship in the virtual space is set between the character associated with the existing user and the character associated with the new user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the reflection unit includes (1) a first processing unit that determines whether or not reflection of existing appearance control information to new appearance control information is permitted, and (2) reflection is permitted. If the temporary appearance control information generated based on the predetermined information about the new user is compared with the existing appearance control information, whether the temporary appearance control information is similar to the existing appearance control information within a predetermined range. And (3) when it is determined that the temporary appearance control information and the existing appearance control information are similar within a predetermined range, the temporary appearance control information and the existing appearance control information are And a third processing unit for generating new appearance control information.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the appearance control information includes a plurality of determination elements indicating a determination result of the user's personality, and a time zone in which the user uses the virtual space, and the second processing unit includes: When reflection is permitted, each discriminating element and time zone included in the temporary appearance control information are compared with each discriminating element and time zone contained in the existing appearance control information, and the temporary appearance control information It is determined whether or not it is similar to the appearance control information within a predetermined range.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined information includes personality determination information indicating the result of determining the personality of the user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined information includes personality determination information indicating a result of determining the personality of the user and a selection instruction selected by the user, and the appearance control information generation unit performs the personality determination Appearance control information is generated based on the information, and the component data storage unit stores first component data selected based on the appearance control information and second component data selected based on the selection instruction. Are stored in advance, and the character generation unit generates a character by selecting first part data corresponding to the appearance control information and second part data corresponding to the selection instruction.

  The embodiment of the present invention further includes an activity analysis unit for analyzing the activity status of the character in the virtual space, and controls the range of the second part data that can be selected by the selection instruction according to the evaluation obtained from the activity status. To do.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for managing a virtual space provided to a user computer includes a first step of obtaining predetermined information about a user's personality, and a character symbolizing the user based on the predetermined information. A second step of generating appearance control information for controlling at least a part of the appearance, a third step of acquiring part data corresponding to the appearance control information, and a fourth step of generating a character based on the part data; The fifth step of causing the character to move in the virtual space is executed in accordance with an operation instruction input from the user computer.

  Subsequent to the fifth step, provisional appearance control information generated for a new user and inheritance appearance control information generated from a plurality of existing appearance control information set for a plurality of existing users are predetermined. Corresponding to the character associated with the new user and the existing user when it is determined that the sixth step for determining whether or not they are similar within the range and the temporary appearance control information and the appearance control information for inheritance are similar The seventh step of setting the relevance in the virtual space with the attached character can also be executed.

  A computer program according to yet another aspect of the present invention controls a server computer connected to a user computer via a network to control the appearance of at least a part of a character symbolizing the user based on information on the user's character. A function for generating the appearance control information, a function for selecting the part data corresponding to the appearance control information from a plurality of part data stored in advance in the storage unit, and generating a character corresponding to the user, The function of creating a virtual space and providing it to the user computer, and the state of the virtual space reflecting the character's behavior by moving the character in the virtual space according to the operation instruction input from the user computer via the network Multiple functions to send to the user computer over the network, The appearance control information obtained existing appearance control information set to the presence user combination to a function to be inherited as at least a part of the appearance control information on a character corresponding to a new user, the realizing respectively.

  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. As will be described in detail later, the virtual space providing device 1 forms a virtual space 1F in the memory of the computer and provides it to the user computer 2. In the virtual space 1F, an avatar 4C symbolizing a user who uses the user computer 2 can perform various activities.

  A virtual space providing system including a virtual space providing device 1 connects a user computer 2 and a virtual space providing device 1 via a communication path 3 so that bidirectional communication is possible. The user computer 2 is a computer used by a user, such as a desktop or notebook personal computer, a portable information terminal, a mobile phone, or the like. For the communication path 3, for example, a communication network such as the Internet can be used.

  The virtual space providing device 1 is configured as a computer such as a server computer, for example. The virtual space providing device 1 can also generate a plurality of server computers by virtualizing them as if they were one server computer.

  The virtual space providing device 1 includes, for example, a user information input unit 1A, a DNA generation unit 1B, an avatar DNA management unit 1C, an avatar management unit 1D, a virtual space management unit 1E, a virtual space 1F, and an activity analysis unit. 1G and a descendant management unit 1H can be provided.

  Here, an example of the correspondence between the claims and the present embodiment will be described. For example, the communication network 3 corresponds to “network”, the user computer 2 corresponds to “user computer”, the virtual space providing device 1 corresponds to “virtual space providing device”, and the virtual space 1F corresponds to “virtual space”. Further, for example, the avatar 4C is “character symbolizing the user”, the innate parts storage unit 4A and the acquired parts storage unit 4B are “parts data storage unit”, and the user information input unit 1A is “information acquisition unit”. The avatar DNA is “appearance control information”, the DNA generator 1B is “appearance control information generator”, the avatar manager 1D is “character generator”, and the virtual space manager 1E is “virtual space manager”. Respectively. In addition, for example, the descendant management unit 1H becomes the “reflection part”, the activity analysis part 1G becomes the “activity analysis part”, the innate parts become “first part data”, and the acquired parts become “second part data”. , Respectively.

  The user information input unit 1A includes, for example, information necessary for user authentication (user ID, password, etc.), personality determination information indicating a result of user psychological analysis, information for selecting a part desired by the user, and the like. Receive from computer 2.

  The personality discrimination information is information for discriminating the personality of the user, such as a result of a psychological test or a result of a personality analysis test. A new user who wants to log in to the virtual space providing device 1 for the first time answers a prepared psychological test or the like. The psychological test or the like may be provided from the virtual space providing apparatus 1 to the user computer 2 or may be provided from the psychological analysis computer formed separately from the virtual space providing apparatus 1 to the user computer 2. .

  The DNA generator 1B generates avatar DNA based on the personality discrimination information. Avatar DNA is information for defining (controlling) the characteristics of an avatar. The avatar feature means, for example, a feature on the form of the avatar. The morphological feature means, for example, a difference in appearance that distinguishes one avatar from another. Avatar DNA is inherited from one avatar to another with a slight change in composition. That is, the virtual space providing device 1 of the present embodiment realizes the concept of inheritance called “inheritance of traits” with a new configuration of avatar DNA. Although details will be described later, by using avatar DNA, it is possible to set a blood relationship between avatars associated with completely different users and convey the characteristics of the avatar.

  The avatar DNA management unit 1C manages each avatar DNA. The avatar management unit 1D selects a constituent element (part) of the avatar according to the avatar DNA and a selection instruction from the user, and generates an avatar 4C symbolizing the user.

  The avatar management unit 1D selects an innate part from the innate part storage unit 4A based on the avatar DNA, and selects an acquired part from the acquired part storage unit 4B based on a selection instruction from the user. The avatar management unit 1D generates the user's avatar 4C using the selected innate part and acquired part.

  An innate part is component data of an avatar that is automatically selected by the avatar DNA. The innate part cannot be changed by a user's selection instruction. As described above, the avatar DNA is determined by the result of the computer objectively discriminating the user's personality.

  Therefore, among the elements constituting the avatar such as the face, the body shape, the hairstyle, and the clothes, elements that are relatively easy for the user to appear are set in advance as innate parts. In this embodiment, attention is paid to the avatar's face as an element in which the user's personality is likely to appear. Therefore, in the present embodiment, various parts data representing each element constituting the avatar's face, for example, the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, are stored in advance in the innate part storage unit 4A as innate parts. The Moreover, not only each element which comprises a face but the arrangement | positioning relationship between each element can also be used as some innate parts.

  An acquired part is a part that can be selected according to the user's intention. The acquired part can be changed by a selection instruction input from the user computer 2 to the virtual space providing device 1. Acquired and innate parts are independent and do not affect each other. Among the elements constituting the avatar, elements other than the elements selected as innate parts are set as acquired parts. For example, various parts data representing hairstyles, clothes, belongings (such as bags and watches), shoes, and the like are stored in advance in the acquired parts storage unit 4B as acquired parts.

The user can select acquired parts according to his / her wishes. The range in which acquired parts can be selected can be dynamically changed according to the activity status in the virtual space of the avatar associated with the user. For example, when selecting part data representing at least a part of the body shape of an avatar, the activity status of the avatar in the virtual space can be reflected. Specifically, an avatar who lives lazy in a virtual space fattenes its basic figure.
Basic body types cannot basically be selected by the user. The basic body type associated with the user's avatar is determined according to the height and weight values (or height category and weight category) that the user first inputs. Accordingly, the user cannot select the basic body shape as desired, unless the user falsely inputs his / her height and weight. However, since the basic body type set for the avatar changes according to the activity status of the avatar, it can be changed later. It can be changed later, and it is determined at the time of participation in the virtual space, and is distinguished from innate parts that are basically unchanged.

  In this way, the avatar management unit 1D generates the user's avatar 4C. The personality (congenital parts) and preferences (acquired parts) of the user are reflected in the appearance of the avatar 4C. The avatar 4C is arranged in the virtual space 1F. The user can operate the avatar 4C in the virtual space 1F by transmitting commands and data from the user computer 2 to the virtual space providing device 1.

  The virtual space management unit 1E generates a virtual space 1F in the memory space of the virtual space providing device 1 based on map data and object data prepared in advance, and changes the data generated in the virtual space 1F to the user computer 2 To send to. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the virtual space management unit 1 </ b> E and the virtual space 1 </ b> F are not connected to the user computer 2, but as described above, the avatar is based on information (commands and data) transmitted from the user computer 2. 4C operates in the virtual space 1F, and changes in the virtual space 1F due to the activity of the avatar or other avatars are transmitted to the user computer 2.

  The activity analysis unit 1G detects and analyzes various activities in the avatar virtual space 1F, and reflects the analysis results in the avatar management unit 1D. Depending on the activity status of the avatar, the selectable range of the acquired part changes, and a part of the social attribute in the virtual society of the avatar also changes.

  The user can input commands and data to the user computer 2 using an input device such as a keyboard switch, a pointing device, or a microphone. Thereby, the user can make his or her avatar have a conversation with another user's avatar or move his or her avatar. The user can perform social activities by the behavior of the avatar.

  The activity analysis unit 1G monitors the state of social activities set in advance and analyzes the monitoring result. Examples of social activities include charitable activities, social contributions, community formation, answers to questions placed in question boxes, creation of objects, marriage, and the like.

  The charitable activity is, for example, cleaning work for a town formed in a virtual space. The social contribution is, for example, city guidance to a new user's avatar. The formation of a community is, for example, participation or management of a group whose hobbies and purposes are the same. The answer to the question box is an answer to a question issued from another avatar. The creation of an object means, for example, generating data and programs used in a virtual space such as buildings, vehicles, furniture, paintings, music, games, and the like. Marriage is the marriage of one avatar and another avatar in a virtual society. Whether or not avatars can marry and give birth is determined according to other activities than marriage. In this embodiment, since the avatar DNA (hereinafter also simply referred to as DNA) is inherited from the existing avatar to the new avatar, the activity of marriage is treated as a special activity.

  The offspring management unit 1H determines whether or not the avatars can marry or give birth according to the activity status of the avatars, and determines the DNA inherited from the parent avatar to the child avatar. The descendant management unit 1H associates an avatar (child avatar) of a new user having DNA similar to inherited DNA as a child of an avatar (parent avatar) of an existing user.

  When a new user receives a psychological test, DNA set for the new user's avatar is generated. The new user's DNA is put on standby (5C). The offspring management unit 1H detects the DNA inherited by the child by recombining the DNAs of the two parent avatars (5A), and detects the DNA similar to the inherited DNA in the waiting new DNA. (5B).

  A new user having DNA similar to the DNA to be passed from the parent avatar to the child avatar appears in the virtual space as a child of the parent avatar. That is, after the virtual society starts its activities, a new user who wants to participate in the virtual society joins the virtual society as a child of the avatar of the existing user. The new user cannot use an independent avatar unrelated to the existing avatar, and operates the avatar in which the relationship (parent-child relationship here) with the existing avatar is set from the beginning.

  In addition, the user (primitive user) at the time of the first construction of a virtual society operates in a virtual space using an avatar unrelated to each other user. Primitive users build a virtual society through activities via avatars and deepen mutual interaction. Thereafter, the new user who wishes to participate participates in the virtual society as a child of an existing user including the original user (as a child of an avatar operated by the existing user).

  In this embodiment, the user's avatar can be generated using parts according to the user's personality and preferences. Therefore, it can suppress that a user and an avatar separate. Thereby, the exchange closer to the real world can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, a part of the appearance of the avatar is controlled according to the activity state of the avatar in the virtual space. For example, the user can expand the range of selectable acquired parts by accumulating correct actions in a virtual society. As a result, the user can experience the effect of good deeds on himself / herself in a virtual society.

  In the present embodiment, the DNA set in the avatar associated with the existing user can be passed on to the new user's avatar, and a relationship can be established between the existing user and the new user. Thereby, compared with the case where each user operates the independent unrelated avatar, the exchange of the form close | similar to a real society can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to examine whether or not to inherit DNA based on the social status of an existing user. Therefore, the user can experience and learn in a pseudo manner how a human being as a social animal is naturally deceived by the activity content in society. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the virtual space providing system including the virtual space providing server 10 according to the present embodiment. In the virtual space providing system, for example, the virtual space providing server 10 and the user computer 20 are connected via a communication path 30 so that bidirectional communication is possible.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the virtual space providing server 10 corresponds to the virtual space providing device 1, the user computer 20 corresponds to the user computer 2, and the communication path 30 corresponds to the communication path 3.

  The user computer 20 includes a personal computer, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, and the like, and includes a communication unit 21 and client software 22, for example. The communication unit 21 is for performing bidirectional communication with the virtual space providing server 10 via a communication path 30 such as the Internet. The client software 22 is for displaying the virtual space provided from the virtual space providing server 10 on the screen and operating the user's avatar in the virtual space.

  The virtual space providing server 10 includes, for example, a control unit 100, a storage unit 101, and a communication unit 102. The communication unit 102 performs bidirectional communication with the communication unit 21 of the user computer 20 via the communication path 30.

  The control unit 100 controls the operation of the virtual space providing server 10. The control unit 100 implements the following functions by causing the microprocessor to read and execute a program stored in advance in a flash memory or the like.

  The control unit 100 realizes three functions of a virtual space providing unit 110, a virtual space management unit 120, and a user management unit 130. The virtual space providing unit 110 generates a virtual space in the memory of the virtual space providing server 10 and provides it to the user computer 20. The virtual space management unit 120 manages the state of the virtual space. The user management unit 130 manages various information regarding each user who participates in the virtual space.

  The user management unit 130 includes, for example, a user information management unit 131, a DNA generation unit 132, a basic body type determination unit 133, an innate part determination unit 134, an acquired part selection unit 135, an avatar generation unit 136, An activity analysis unit 137 and a descendant management unit 138 are provided.

  The user information management unit 131 manages various information related to the user, such as information input from the user computer 20 via the communication path 30 and information detected from the virtual space. The user information management unit 131 uses the user information DB 152 to manage information about users.

  The DNA generation unit 132 corresponds to a “appearance control information generation unit”. The DNA generation unit 132 generates DNA set as an avatar that represents the user based on information (for example, a result of a psychological test) for determining the personality of the user. The generated DNA is stored in the DNA-DB 151. The basic body type determination unit 133 searches the basic body type DB 153 in accordance with the height and body values input from the user, and selects the basic body part corresponding to the height and weight of the user. The selected basic figure is associated with the user and stored in the avatar management DB 156.

  The innate part determination unit 134 searches the innate part DB 154 based on the DNA associated with the user, and selects the innate part corresponding to the DNA. The acquired parts selection unit 135 searches the acquired parts DB 155 based on a selection instruction from the user, and selects an acquired part corresponding to the selection instruction. The selected congenital parts and acquired parts are stored in the avatar management DB 156 in association with the user.

  The avatar generation unit 136 corresponds to a “character generation unit”. By using the avatar management DB 156, the avatar generation unit 136 reads basic body type, innate parts, and acquired parts data, and generates an avatar associated with the user.

  The activity analysis unit 137 detects the activity status of the avatar in the virtual space based on a preset viewpoint, analyzes it, and quantifies it. Pre-set viewpoints include, for example, the degree of social contribution, the frequency of charitable activities, the number of responses to questions and evaluations from other users, the frequency of creation of objects and the evaluation of other users with respect to creation, parenting Can be mentioned.

  The descendant management unit 138 corresponds to a “reflection unit”. The descendant management unit 138 examines whether the avatars of the existing users are married according to the activity status in the virtual space. Then, the offspring management unit 138 mixes the DNAs of a plurality of avatars serving as parents, and determines the DNA to be inherited by the avatar serving as a child. The descendant management unit 138 sets the avatar of the new user having DNA similar to the inherited DNA as a child of the avatar to be the parent. The relationship between avatars by the descendant management unit 138 is managed by the user information management unit 131.

  The storage unit 101 is composed of a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk device, for example. In this embodiment, the database is abbreviated as “DB”. The storage unit 101 includes, for example, a DNA-DB 151, a user information DB 152, a basic body type DB 153, an innate part DB 154, an acquired part DB 155, an avatar management DB 156, a virtual space management DB 157, and a standby user DB 158. Prepare.

  As will be described in detail later, DNA set in each user's avatar is stored in the DNA-DB 151. The user information DB 152 stores information about each user. The basic body type DB 153 stores the basic body type of the avatar. Innate parts DB154 stores innate parts determined by DNA. The acquired parts DB 155 stores acquired parts selected in accordance with a user's selection instruction. The avatar management DB 156 stores information for configuring each user's avatar. The virtual space management DB 157 stores information for controlling the virtual space. The standby user DB 158 stores DNA set for new users who wish to participate in the virtual space.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the operation of the control unit 100. In FIG. 3, some connections between components are omitted for the sake of space.

  The user uses the user computer 20 to input information such as age, gender, height, weight, login time zone, psychological test results, and the like into the virtual space providing server 10. Among these pieces of information, information related to the result of the psychological test is sent from the user information management unit 131 to the DNA generation unit 132. Other information regarding gender, age, and the like is stored in the user information DB 152 by the user information management unit 131.

  The DNA generation unit 132 generates DNA set for the user's avatar based on the result of the psychological test performed on the user. The basic body type determination unit 133 searches the basic body type DB 153 based on the height and weight input from the user, and determines the basic body type of the avatar. The determined basic figure is registered in the avatar management DB 156.

  On the other hand, the innate parts determination unit 134 searches the innate parts DB 154 based on the DNA generated by the DNA generation unit 132 and determines innate parts according to the avatar DNA. The determined innate part is registered in the avatar management DB 156.

  The acquired parts selection unit 135 searches the acquired parts DB 155 according to the selection instruction from the user and the information stored in the user information DB 152, and selects an acquired part to be associated with the user's avatar. The selected acquired part is registered in the avatar management DB 156.

  The avatar production | generation part 136 produces | generates a user's avatar based on the content registered into the avatar management DB156. The generated avatar is arranged in the virtual space provided by the virtual space providing unit 110.

  The virtual space management unit 120 manages various states of the virtual space using the virtual space management DB 157. The activity analysis unit 137 uses the virtual space management unit 120 to monitor the activity status of each avatar in the virtual space, and analyzes and digitizes the monitoring result. The evaluation regarding the activity status of the avatar is stored in the user information DB 152.

  Each user can participate in a virtual society formed in a virtual space and perform various activities using an avatar reflecting his personality, height, and weight. Among various activities that can be performed by the avatar, predetermined activities are set in advance as targets for monitoring and analysis by the activity analysis unit 137. The activity status of the avatar affects the status and assets in the virtual society of the avatar, and further affects the selection of acquired parts and the screening of marriage.

  The offspring management unit 138 examines whether avatars can marry or give birth. When permitting childbirth, the offspring management unit 138 generates DNA to be inherited by the child by rearranging the DNA of the parent avatar, and a new user having DNA similar to the inherited DNA is assigned to the parents. Make it appear in the virtual society as a child.

  At the first construction of the virtual space, for example, hundreds to tens of thousands of users take a psychological test and participate in the virtual society. A user who participates from the beginning of the construction of the virtual space is the first resident of the virtual society and can be called a primitive user or an indigenous user. The native user's avatar joins the virtual society using an independent avatar that is unrelated to other users. An avatar that has no relationship with another avatar can be called a free avatar. Indigenous users interact with each other through free avatars. Indigenous users who have deepened exchanges wish to marry and give birth in a virtual society. A family relationship of a couple is set between the avatars allowed to marry, and they are not free avatars.

  On the other hand, a new user who wants to join the virtual society after the indigenous user appears in the virtual society through a route different from that of the indigenous user. The virtual space providing server 10 can determine when to distinguish between the indigenous user and the new user. For example, on the basis of a specific point in time such as when an open service is started, a user who wants to participate thereafter can be a new user. Alternatively, when the number of users registered in the virtual space providing server 10 reaches a predetermined value, a subsequent user who wishes to participate can be set as a new user.

  The new user is also the same as the indigenous user in that DNA corresponding to the result of the psychological test is generated. However, indigenous users can freely participate in the virtual society according to their own wishes after generating the DNA, whereas new users can freely participate in the virtual society even after the DNA is generated. I can't.

  The DNA generated for the new user is stored in the standby user DB 158 in association with the temporary user ID issued to the new user. When there is a married couple avatar who desires to give birth, the offspring management unit 138 generates another DNA by rearranging the DNA of the married couple's avatar. Another DNA generated from the DNA of the couple's avatar is DNA that should be included in the avatar that is a child of the couple's avatar. That is, the DNA is predicted to be inherited from the couple's avatar (parent's avatar) to the child's avatar.

  The offspring management unit 138 selects one or a plurality of new users having DNA similar to the DNA to be inherited from the married avatar to the child from the new user's DNA registered in the standby user DB 158. For the selected new user, an official ID is issued, and an attribute of being a couple's avatar child is set.

  For new users, DNA can be set by the following methods. The first method is a method of using the DNA generated first for a new user as it is. The second method is to generate new DNA by mixing the DNA obtained by rearranging the parents' DNA (DNA to be inherited) with the DNA initially generated for the new user. This is a method of using the generated DNA. The first method requires less labor for DNA generation and can reduce the load of computer processing. In the second method, even when the DNA obtained from the parents 'DNA is not close to the DNA of the new user, the parents' DNA can be reflected in the child avatar's DNA. Any method may be adopted.

  Thus, the new user does not appear in the virtual society by the free avatar but appears in the virtual society as a child of the avatar of the existing user. That is, the family relationship is set from the beginning for the avatar of the new user.

  For example, a new user is required to interact with a parent avatar for a certain period of time or a certain number of times. Existing users who are parents are required to raise their child's avatar for a certain period of time. The activity status as a family in the virtual space can be monitored by the activity analysis unit 137. If the degree of activity is lower than a preset value, the social status of the parent or child avatar can be reduced.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of avatar activities in a virtual society. As described above, the avatars 200 (A) and 200 (B) of the users U1A and U1B are generated by the innate part 210 determined according to the DNA and the acquired part 220 selected by the user's selection instruction, respectively. Is done.

  Each user U1A and U1B performs AC 310 via their respective avatars 200 (A) and 200 (B). Examples of the contents of the AC 310 include conversation in the virtual space 111, exchange of e-mails, participation in a common community, and the like.

  Each avatar 200 (A), 200 (B) can perform various activities 301 to 305 in the virtual space 111. That is, each avatar 200 (A), 200 (B) performs various activities such as community participation 301, charitable activity 302, marriage 303, answer to question 304, creative activity 305, etc. in the virtual space 111. It can be carried out. However, regarding the marriage 303, whether or not it is possible is judged by the descendant management unit 138. The specific activities 301 to 305 are monitored by the activity analysis unit 137, and the activity status is digitized and reflected in the social status of the avatars 200 (A) and 200 (B).

  When the marriage of each user U1A, U1B is examined and marriage is permitted, the offspring management unit 138 resembles the DNA obtained from the DNA of the parents avatars 200 (A), 200 (B) from the new user U2. A new user U2C having the DNA to be selected is selected. A user ID is officially issued to the selected new user U2C.

  When the new user U2C logs in to the virtual space providing server 10, the avatar 200 (C) corresponding to the new user U2C is generated by the innate part 210 and the acquired part 220. Avatars 200 (A) and 200 (B) are associated with the avatar 200 (C) as parents. Each avatar 200 (A), 200 (B) is associated with an avatar 200 (C) as a child.

  Note that the avatar 200 (C) of the user U2C may be generated using the initial part 230 within a certain period. In other words, the avatar 200 (C) of the new user U2C can be configured from the initial part 230 such as a baby until the time in the virtual space elapses for a certain period. In the virtual space, the time is set so as to elapse earlier than the actual time. For example, one year in the virtual space can be set to one month of real time.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the status of the avatar in the virtual space. FIG. 5A shows a change in social status obtained by an avatar of an existing user. Social status refers to the status in a virtual society formed in a virtual space. The social status is calculated and updated every time the user logs in based on the monitoring results of the specific activities 301 to 305, for example.

  The social status of the existing user's avatar starts from an initial value of zero. As the avatar performs specific activities 301 to 305 in the virtual space 111, the social status of the avatar gradually increases. In the case of a configuration in which a lifetime is set for an avatar, the avatar disappears when the lifetime of the virtual space 111 has elapsed. Let R1 be the social status when the child avatar was born. The threshold value Th1 is a value necessary for the avatar to marry and have the right to raise a child. For example, when the social status of the parents' avatars exceeds the threshold value Th1, marriage and childbirth can be permitted.

  FIG. 5B shows a change in the social status of the new user's avatar. The new user's avatar (child avatar) operates in the virtual space 111 as a child of the existing user's avatar (parent avatar). The social status of the parent avatar can be reflected in the social status of the child avatar. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the social status of the child avatar starts from an initial value R2 (R2> 0) calculated from the social status R1 of the parent avatar. In addition, it can also comprise so that at least one part of the asset which a parent avatar has may be given to a child avatar. Examples of the asset include virtual currency that can be used in a virtual society, virtual real estate set in the virtual space 111, and the like.

  The configuration of various DBs will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of the user information DB 152. The user information DB 152 includes, for example, a user registration information DB 152A, a user activity information DB 152B, and an action history information DB 152C.

  The user registration information DB 152A stores information registered in the virtual space providing server 10 when the user uses the virtual space 111. The user registration information DB 152A manages, for example, a user ID, password (PW in the figure), handle name (HN in the figure), gender, actual age, initial height classification, initial weight classification, login time zone, and the like.

  Here, the user ID and the password are authentication information for the user to log in to the virtual space providing server 10. The handle name is the name of the user's avatar. The gender indicates the gender of the user, and either male or female is set. The actual age indicates the actual age of the user.

  The initial height category indicates the category to which the user's height belongs, and the initial weight category indicates the category to which the user's weight belongs. For example, “Category 1” if the height is less than 150 cm, “Category 2” if it is 150 cm or more and less than 160 cm, “Category 3” if it is 160 cm or more and less than 170 cm, “Category 4” if it is 170 cm or more and less than 180 cm, etc. As described above, the division is set in advance according to the height value. Similarly, for example, the weight of less than 40 kg is “Category 1”, 40 kg or more and less than 50 kg is “Category 2”, 50 kg or more and less than 60 kg is “Category 3”, 60 kg or more and less than 70 kg is “Category 4”, and 70 kg or more is “Category 5”. ”Or the like, the classification is set in advance according to the weight value. The user selects and registers a category to which his height and weight belong. Thus, subsequent processing can be simplified by managing the height and weight separately for each category. However, instead of this, it is possible to directly register the user's actual height and weight values.

  The login time zone is information indicating a time zone during which the user logs into the virtual space providing server 10. The time zone can include, for example, days of the week and months. Since each user has different circumstances in the real world, the day of the week and the time when the user can log in to the virtual space providing server 10 are different.

  For example, one user logs in to the virtual space providing server 10 around nighttime on weekdays, and the other user logs into the virtual space providing server 10 around daytime on holidays. In such an environment, even if one user's avatar and the other user's avatar have a parent-child relationship, it is difficult for both to interact in the virtual space 111.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a new user is registered, an input of a time zone during which login is possible is requested. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described later, the parent / child relationship is set only for avatars that can interact in the virtual space 111 by handling the login time zone as a part of the avatar DNA.

  The user activity information DB 152B manages the activity status of the user's avatar in the virtual space 111. The user activity information DB 152B includes, for example, user ID, level, evaluation value in specific activities such as charitable activities, marriage status, family structure, height division and weight division in virtual space, age in virtual space (virtual age), and the like. Remembered.

  The level is a value indicating the social status of the avatar. The higher the level, the higher the social status. Activities related to specific activities, such as charitable activities and answering questions, are evaluated numerically. The higher the number, the higher the evaluation. In the activity status related to the community, for example, a numerical value corresponding to the presence or absence of participation in the community and the role in the community is set. For example, “0” if not participating in the community, “1” if participating in the community as a general member, and “2” if participating in the community as an administrative member. And a value corresponding to the role is set.

  In the family structure, information indicating the family structure of the avatar is set. For example, a user ID for specifying an avatar that is related to the avatar is set in association with information indicating the relationship with the avatar.

  The height division and the weight division are information indicating the height division and the weight division used in the virtual space 111, and are different from the initial height division and the initial weight division registered by the user. In this embodiment, the initial values set in the initial height category and the initial weight category are changed in accordance with the activity status of the avatar in the virtual space 111. For example, for an avatar with a low evaluation value for a specific activity, the value can be controlled to reduce height and increase weight.

  The virtual age is a value indicating the age in the virtual space 111. For example, when one year in the virtual space 111 corresponds to one month in the real world, when three months have elapsed in the real world, three years are added to the initial value of the age of the avatar.

  The action history information DB 152C manages an avatar action history. The behavior history information DB 152C can manage, for example, user IDs, behavior analysis results, conversation analysis results, preference analysis results, and the like. The behavior analysis result records, for example, where the avatar stayed in the virtual space 111 from what time to what time, and what kind of behavior the user took. In the conversation analysis result, for example, the text of the avatar's utterance is analyzed, and the tendency of whether the utterance is positive is recorded. In the preference analysis result, for example, information about a favorite color or shape of the avatar in the virtual space 111 is recorded. A part of the preference of the avatar can be detected by, for example, analyzing a change in the line of sight of the avatar in the virtual space 111. Alternatively, a desired color or shape can be estimated and recorded from the tendency of acquired parts selected by the user.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the DNA-DB 151. In the DNA-DB 151, DNA set for each avatar is stored. In the DNA-DB 151, user IDs and DNA are managed. DNA is, for example, a personality discriminating element for classifying the personality from a plurality of viewpoints, such as sex, initial height classification, initial weight classification, eye part number, nose part number, mouth part number, ear part number (CP, NP, A, FC, AC) and a total of 13 pieces of data in the log-in time zone.

  The initial height category and the initial weight category are a height category and a weight category input at the time of user registration. The eye, nose, mouth, and ear parts are innate parts that are automatically determined by a combination of personality discrimination elements, as will be described later.

  In this embodiment, ecogram theory is applied to analyze a user's personality using five personality discriminating elements (CP, NP, A, FC, AC). CP (Critical Parent) is a critical parent's mind, NP = (Nurturl Parent) is a parental parent's mind, A (Adult) is an adult mind, FC = (Free Child) is an index for analyzing the personality of a user from the viewpoint of the mind of a free child, and AC (Adapted Child) is from the viewpoint of the mind of an adapted child. Depending on the quality of each of these indicators, for example, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of responsibility, the depth of compassion for others, the degree of calmness, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the degree of quality of each index is managed in five stages, “1” to “5”. The smaller the number, the better. The larger the number, the worse. For example, “1” indicates best, “2” indicates good, “3” indicates normal, “4” indicates bad, and “5” indicates worst. Each index has a good side and a bad side. The smaller the numerical value, the better the side of the indicator appears in the personality. For example, when the value of NP is “1”, it is determined that the character is deeply considerate of others. On the contrary, when the value of NP is “5”, it is determined that the personality of the person is pampered.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a combination of personality discrimination elements (CP, NP, A, FC, AC) among the elements constituting the avatar DNA may be referred to as psychological DNA. In this embodiment, the evaluation is made in five stages by applying the ecogram theory. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which evaluation is performed in four stages or evaluation is performed in seven stages may be employed. Further, another psychological analysis theory may be adopted instead of the ecogram theory.

  The log-in time zone (abbreviated as “log-in time zone” in the figure) is also information indicating one feature of the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, the time zone when login is possible is adopted as one of the constituent elements of the avatar DNA. Thereby, the new user who becomes a child of the existing user in virtual society can be selected from the new users with high possibility of encountering in the virtual space 111.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the basic body type DB 153. The basic body type DB 153 stores part data constituting the basic body type of the avatar. The basic body shape DB 153 can include, for example, a female head shape DB 153A, a male head shape DB 153B, a female torso shape DB 153C, and a male torso shape DB 153D. That is, head-shaped part data and body-shaped part data are prepared in advance for each gender.

  The head shape ("head type" in the figure) and the trunk shape ("torso type" in the figure) are prepared in advance according to the combination pattern of the height division and the weight division. For example, when the height and weight are each divided into five, there are 25 combinations.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the innate parts DB 154. The innate part is data constituting the face of the avatar that is automatically determined by the psychological DNA (CP, NP, A, FC, AC) included in the avatar DNA.

  As innate parts, for example, a plurality of pieces of data on eyes, nose, mouth and ears are prepared in advance. Each innate part is prepared in advance for each combination pattern of personality discrimination elements (CP, NP, A, FC, AC). As described above, when the five personality determination elements are evaluated in five stages “1” to “5”, there are 3125 combinations. That is, 3125 types of data representing eyes, nose, mouth and ear are prepared.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the acquired parts DB 155. Acquired parts are data constituting clothing, accessories, etc., selected by the user. The acquired parts DB 155 includes, for example, a basic clothing DB 155A and an accessory DB 155B.

  The basic clothing DB 155A manages data for each element constituting the clothing of the avatar, such as a hairstyle, clothing (top), clothing (bottom), shoes, etc., according to each level.

  Level means the division of social status in a virtual society. The avatar in the initial state starts from level “0”. When the social status rises to the judgment threshold for level up by performing specific activities actively, it goes up one level. If the social status falls to the threshold for determining the level down due to a decrease in the frequency of the specific activity or a prohibited act, the level goes down one level.

  The user appropriately selects a hairstyle, clothes top and bottom, shoes, and the like within a selectable level at a level to which his / her avatar belongs and a level below that level. “Clothes (upper)” is data on the clothing of the upper body, and examples thereof include shirts and blazers. Clothes (lower) is data on clothes of the lower body, for example, pants and skirts.

  The higher the avatar level, the better the parts that can be selected. The user can improve the appearance of the avatar by actively performing specific activities to improve the social status.

  The accessory DB 155B manages, for each level, accessory data to be attached to the avatar, such as a head accessory, an ear accessory, a right hand accessory, a left hand accessory, and the like. The head accessory is, for example, a hair ornament or a hat. The ear accessory is, for example, a piercing or the like. Examples of the right hand accessory or the left hand accessory include a ring, a bracelet, a watch, a watch, and the like.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the avatar management DB 156. The avatar management DB 156 manages part data for configuring each avatar. The avatar management DB 156 manages, for example, a user ID, a handle name, basic body part data, congenital parts data such as eyes and nose, and acquired parts data such as clothes and accessories.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the virtual space management DB 157. The virtual space management DB 157 manages the basic configuration of the virtual space 111. The virtual space management DB 157 includes, for example, virtual space configuration information 157A and world management information 157B.

  The virtual space configuration information 157A manages, for example, a space ID, a space name, a configuration file name, a community 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 111. The virtual space providing server 10 can provide a plurality of virtual spaces 111 according to the target user's layer, for example. 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 community ID is information for identifying a community operated in the virtual space. The advertisement ID is information for specifying advertisement data displayed in the virtual space. In the present embodiment, an advertisement can be displayed in the virtual space 111 by text or an image. 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. 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 user's avatar operation cannot be performed smoothly.

  The world management information 157B manages the state of each world. For example, the world management information 157B manages a world ID, a world name, a server ID, the number of connected users, a load, and the like. 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. 13 shows an example of the standby user DB 158. The standby user DB 158 manages new users for whom a formal user ID has not been issued. The standby user DB 158 includes, for example, a temporary user ID, a temporary PW, a handle name, a sex, an actual age, an initial height classification, an initial weight classification, a log-in time zone, and psychological DNA (CP, NP, A, FC, AC). Is managing.

  As described above, a new user joins a virtual society using an avatar associated with an existing user's avatar. Therefore, the new user waits until obtaining an avatar associated with the avatar of the existing user. When a new user is allowed to participate in the virtual society, a formal user ID is given. At least a part of each data registered in the standby user DB 158 is copied to the user registration information DB 152.

  The operation of the virtual space providing server 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Each flowchart described below shows an outline of processing within a range necessary for understanding and implementing the invention, and may differ from an actual computer program.

  FIG. 14 shows processes executed by the DNA generation unit 132 and the innate part determination unit 134, respectively. On the left side of FIG. 14, a DNA generation process executed by the DNA generation unit 132 is shown.

  A user who wishes to use the virtual space provided by the virtual space providing server 10 needs to first undergo a psychological test (S10). Psychological tests are used to obtain psychological DNA (CP, NP, A, FC, AC). The psychological test is provided from the virtual space providing server 10 to the user computer 20. The user answers the psychological test problem displayed on the computer screen of the user computer 20.

  When the DNA generation unit 132 obtains the answer result of the psychological test (S11), the answer result is analyzed and evaluated for each personality discrimination element (CP, NP, A, FC, AC) in five stages, The user's psychological DNA (CP, NP, A, FC, AC) is generated (S12).

  The innate parts determination unit 133 searches the innate parts DB 154 with the psychological DNA generated in S12 (S20), and selects innate parts associated with the psychological DNA (S21).

  The DNA generation unit 132 acquires the number of the innate part associated with the psychological DNA (which may be information for specifying the data of the innate part) (S13). Then, the DNA generation unit 132 generates the avatar DNA by associating the user ID, the gender, the height classification, the weight classification, the psychological DNA, the innate part, and the login time zone, and stores the avatar DNA in the DNA-DB 151. (S14).

  FIG. 15 shows processing executed by the basic body shape determination unit 133. First, the basic body shape determination unit 133 acquires the height category and the weight category of the user from the user information DB 152 (S30). The basic body type determination unit 133 searches the basic body type DB 153 using the combination pattern of the height category and the weight category (S31). Thereby, the basic body shape determination unit 133 acquires the number of the head shape data and the number of the body shape data according to the combination pattern of the height division and the weight division (S32). As described above, the activity status in the virtual society is reflected in the height category and the weight category. The user can first use a basic body type avatar corresponding to his / her actual height division (initial height division) and weight division (initial weight division). However, after that, either or both of the height category and the weight category are changed according to the activity status of the specific activity by the avatar. For example, an avatar that actively performs a specific activity acquires a well-balanced figure.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the overall operation when an existing user uses the virtual space 111. The virtual space providing server 10 generates the virtual space 111 using the virtual space management DB 157 (S40). A user who wishes to log in accesses the virtual space providing server 10 using the user computer 20 and inputs a user ID and a password to the virtual space providing server 10 (S41).

  The virtual space providing server 10 determines whether or not the user ID and password input from the user computer 20 of the existing user are registered in the user registration information DB 152A (S42). If the user authentication is successful, the virtual space providing server 10 uses the avatar management DB 156 to generate the avatar of the existing user (S43), and arranges the generated avatar in the virtual space 111 (S44).

  The virtual space providing server 10 transmits the latest state of the virtual space 111 to the user computer 20 of the existing user (S45). On the screen of the user computer 20, a part of the virtual space 111 in which the avatars of the existing users are arranged is displayed (S46).

  The existing user operates his / her avatar by a keyboard switch, a pointing device, or a voice instruction (S47). The existing user can change the avatar's clothes and hairstyle within the permitted range. The avatar can talk with other avatars, move in the virtual space 111, and perform specific activities.

  The operation content by the existing user is input from the user computer 20 to the virtual space providing server 10. The virtual space providing server 10 reflects the operation content received from the user computer 20 in the virtual space 111 (S48).

  That is, the virtual space providing server 10 updates the position and posture of the avatar and displays the avatar's remarks in the virtual space 111. The virtual space providing server 10 stores the operation content of the avatar (S49) and analyzes the operation content (S50). And the virtual space provision server 10 transmits the state of the virtual space 111 in which operation of the avatar by the existing user was reflected to the user computer 20 (S45).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the overall operation when a new user uses the virtual space 111. The virtual space providing server 10 generates a virtual space 111 (S60). The new user accesses the virtual space providing server 10 using the user computer 20 (S61), and inputs information necessary for user registration to the virtual space providing server 10.

  When the virtual space providing server 10 acquires information necessary for user registration from the user computer 20 (S62), the virtual space providing server 10 performs a psychological test (S63). The virtual space providing server 10 generates avatar DNA based on the result of the psychological test (S64) and registers it in the standby user DB 158 (S65). Then, the virtual space providing server 10 executes the descendant management process (S66) and notifies the new user of the process result (S67).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the descendant management process (S66) in FIG. The descendant management unit 138 can accept an application for marriage / childbirth from a couple of existing users (S70). Existing users can marry or give birth in the virtual space 111. A configuration in which a marriage application and a birth application are performed together may be employed, or a birth application may be performed after the marriage application. Here, a case where a marriage application and a birth application are integrated will be described as an example.

  The descendant management unit 138 acquires the activity status of the parent user (of the parent avatar) from the user activity information DB 152B (S71), and examines whether or not the application is permitted (S72). For example, the offspring management unit 138 can permit the application only when the social status of each parent avatar in the virtual space 111 has reached a predetermined reference value Th1. If the application is not permitted (S73: NO), the parent avatar is notified of the disapproval and the reason in the virtual space 111 (S74).

  When the application is permitted (S73: YES), the offspring management unit 138 acquires the psychological DNA associated with each parent avatar from the DNA-DB 151 (S75), and should be inherited by the child avatar. DNA is determined for each sex of the child (S76).

  The descendant management unit 138 searches the standby user DB 158 based on the psychological DNA and the log-in time zone, and extracts a new user who can be an operator of a child avatar similar to the parent avatar (S77).

  When the corresponding person exists (S78: YES), the offspring management unit 138 generates new psychological DNA based on the psychological DNA to be inherited from each parent avatar to the child avatar and the psychological DNA of the new user ( S79). Then, the offspring management unit 138 issues a formal user ID to the waiting new user and notifies that participation in the virtual society is permitted (S80).

  When there is no corresponding person among the waiting new users (S78: NO), the descendant management unit 138 notifies each parent avatar that there is no corresponding person in the virtual space 111 (S81).

  When there are a plurality of relevant persons, a new user registered in the standby user DB 158 can be selected. When a plurality of new users are detected within a predetermined range in which a parent-child relationship can be established, the previously registered new user is preferentially selected. This is to reduce the waiting time for new users and existing users and improve service quality. Instead of this, when a plurality of new users similar to the existing user of the parent avatar are detected within a predetermined range, the registration order may be ignored and the most similar new user may be selected.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the inherited DNA determination table 138A used in S76 in FIG. The inherited DNA determination table 138A is used to determine psychological DNA to be inherited from each parent avatar to the child avatar.

  Inheritance DNA determination table 138A indicates that for each personality discrimination element (CP, NP, A, FC, AC), a value inherited by a boy or girl for each combination of a value on the father side and a value on the mother side is previously determined. Is set. Explanation will be made by taking CP as an example. For example, when the CP value of the father is “1” and the CP value of the mother is “1”, the CP value inherited by boys and girls is “1”. When the CP value of the father is “1” and the CP value of the mother is “3”, the CP value inherited by the boy and girl is “2”. Thus, the average value of the father's CP value and the mother's CP value is set as the CP value to be inherited by boys and girls.

  On the other hand, for example, when the CP value of the father is “1” and the CP value of the mother is “4”, the CP value inherited by the boy is “2” and the CP value inherited by the girl is “3”. That is, the boy's CP value is affected by the father's CP value, and the girl's CP value is affected by the mother's CP value.

  In this way, the inherited DNA determination table 138A basically uses the average value of the father's value and the mother's value as a value that is inherited by the child avatar. If the average value of the father's value and the mother's value is not an integer, the boy's value is passed to the boy as it is or decreased, and the mother's value is passed to the girl as it is or decreased. The above is only an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above example.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a new DNA determination table 138B used in S79 in FIG. The new DNA determination table 138B is used to determine new psychological DNA associated with the new user's avatar.

  The new DNA determination table 138B includes, for each character discriminating element (CP, NP, A, FC, AC), for each combination of the value to be inherited by the child avatar and the value possessed by the new user. The value to have is preset. The new DNA determination table 138B is configured such that new DNA is determined for each gender.

  The new DNA is basically generated using the average value of the inheritance value and the value of the new user, as in the case of determining the DNA to be inherited from the parent avatar to the child avatar. If the average value does not become an integer, the value of the new user is left as it is or is decreased to obtain a new DNA value.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a state in which the height category and weight category, virtual age, and social status of an avatar are controlled according to the activity status of the avatar. This process is executed by the activity analysis unit 137, for example.

  The activity analysis unit 137 acquires the activity status of the avatar operated by the user using the user activity information DB 152B and the action history information DB 152C (S90). The activity analysis unit 137 digitizes and evaluates the activity status of the avatar (S91), and changes the value of one or both of the height category and the weight category of the avatar based on the evaluation value (S92).

  As described above, for example, the values of the height division and the weight division are set so that an avatar that actively performs a specific activity has a well-balanced body shape, and an avatar having a low specific activity has an uneven body shape.

  Further, the activity analysis unit 137 changes the value of the virtual age and the social status based on the evaluation value of the activity status (S93). The virtual age is an age in the virtual space 111. The activity analysis unit 137 can increase or decrease the virtual age of the avatar within a predetermined range according to the activity status of the avatar. For example, it is possible to control so that the virtual age of an avatar that actively performs a specific activity is decreased and the virtual age of an avatar having a low specific activity is increased. Similarly, the activity analysis unit 137 can increase or decrease the value of the social status of the avatar according to the activity status of the avatar.

  Since this embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained. In this embodiment, the avatar of the user can be generated using the innate part selected according to the DNA resulting from the user's personality and the acquired part selected according to the user's preference and activity status. it can. Therefore, the actual shape and personality of the user and the user's preference can be reflected in the avatar. Thereby, it can control that a user and an avatar diverge, and exchange nearer to the real world can be performed in virtual space 111.

  In this embodiment, a part of the avatar attributes (selectable range of body type, age, position, clothes, etc.) is controlled according to the activity status of the avatar in the virtual space 111. Therefore, for example, the user can expand the range of acquired parts that can be selected or obtain a well-balanced body shape or social status by actively performing specific activities. Thereby, the user can perform training for living in the real world in the virtual society.

  In this embodiment, the DNA of the existing user's parent avatar can be reflected in the child avatar of the new user. Therefore, a new user can appear in the virtual space 111 as a family of an existing user, and a virtual society can be constructed in a form close to the real society.

  Further, in this embodiment, marriage and childbirth are permitted by prior application, and marriage and childbirth are permitted only when a certain social status is provided. Therefore, an excellent avatar DNA having a high social status can be continued as a new user's avatar DNA, and an avatar DNA having a low social status can be deceived from the virtual space 111. Thereby, the user can experience a state in which a social presence is naturally deceived according to the activity status, and can be utilized in real life.

  Thus, in this embodiment, by setting inheritable control information called avatar DNA obtained from the user's personality or the like in the avatar, it is possible to set a family relationship between the avatars and bring the virtual society closer to the real world.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment corresponds to a modification of the first embodiment. This embodiment proposes another method for determining the psychological DNA to be inherited from each parent avatar to the child avatar. In the first embodiment, the example in which the average value of the father value and the mother value is inherited by the child avatar has been described. Instead, this embodiment proposes an improved method that can reflect the psychological DNA of the parent avatar more strongly in the child avatar and can give a change with less probability.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the psychological DNA according to this example. Table 401 shows a male psychological DNA management table, and table 402 shows a female psychological DNA management table. The management tables 401 and 402 are mainly used by the descendant management unit 138.

  In each management table 401, 402, a DNA value based on the result of the psychological test is set for each of the personality determination elements (CP, NP, A, FC, AC). A plurality of pieces of selection information are associated with the DNA value of each personality determination element. For example, looking at the management table 401, “m1, m2, m3” for the DNA value “1”, “m4, m5, m6” for the DNA value “2”, “m7, m8” for the DNA value “3”. , M9 ”, DNA value“ 4 ”, and“ m13, m14, m15 ”are associated with selection information“ m10, m11, m12 ”and DNA value“ 5 ”, respectively. The selection information is information used for selecting the DNA value.

  Similarly, in the management table 402, selection information such as “f1, f2, f3”, “f4, f5, f6” is associated with each DNA value of each personality determination element. Here, for convenience of explanation, “m” or “f” is provided at the top of the selection information according to the sex of the parent avatar, but information (m, f) indicating the sex of the parent avatar may be omitted. it can. When the selection information is not distinguished by gender, the table 401 and the table 402 have the same configuration and become one table. Further, it is only necessary that a plurality of selection information can be associated with each DNA value, and it is not always necessary to configure the tables 401 and 402.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a process for determining psychological DNA to be inherited by a child avatar. This process is executed for each personality determination element. The descendant management unit 138 acquires selection information associated with the DNA value of one parent avatar (for example, a father avatar) for the personality determination element to be processed (for example, “CP”) (S100). ). Subsequently, the offspring management unit 138 acquires selection information associated with the DNA value of the other parent avatar (for example, the avatar to be a mother) for the personality determination element to be processed (S101).

  The descendant management unit 138 selects any one of the selection information acquired from each parent avatar and the change occurrence information prepared in advance by using a random number, for example (S102). ). The change generation information is information for creating an opportunity for selecting a DNA value different from the DNA value of each parent avatar.

  The descendant management unit 138 determines whether the value selected in S102 is selection information acquired from each parent avatar or change occurrence information (S103). When the value selected in S102 is selection information, the offspring management unit 138 selects a DNA value corresponding to the selection information as a DNA value inherited by the offspring (S104). When the value selected in S102 is change occurrence information, an opportunity to select a DNA value different from the DNA value of each parent avatar is provided as follows.

  The descendant management unit 138 obtains each selection information corresponding to each DNA value other than the DNA value of one parent avatar (S105), and similarly corresponds to each DNA value other than the DNA value of the other parent avatar. Each selection information to be acquired is acquired (S106).

  Then, the descendant management unit 138 selects one of the selection information by using a random number or the like from the selection information acquired in S105 and the selection information acquired in S106 (S107). ). The descendant management unit 138 selects the DNA value corresponding to the selected selection information as the DNA value to be inherited by the offspring (S108).

  By performing the above-described processing, the DNA value inherited by the offspring is determined for one personality determination element. The descendant management unit 138 also executes the processing shown in FIG. 23 for all personality determination elements.

  FIG. 24 shows how DNA values are determined for one personality discriminating element. The character discrimination element to be processed is “CP”. Assume that a male parent avatar has a DNA value of CP = 1 and a female parent avatar has a DNA value of CP = 4.

  The descendant management unit 138 obtains selection information (m1, m2, m3) corresponding to CP = 1 and selection information (f11, f12, f13) corresponding to CP = 4, and selects them. The change generation information C is added to the information to generate a first set 403 for selection. The descendant management unit 138 selects any one piece of information from the first set 403 by using a random number or the like.

  When the information selected from the first set 403 is “m2”, “m2” is information corresponding to the DNA value “1”. Therefore, the offspring management unit 138 selects “1” as the DNA value of “CP” set as the offspring.

  On the other hand, when the information selected from the first set 403 is “C”, the descendant management unit 138 generates the second set 404. The second set 404 includes selection information corresponding to DNA values (CP = 2, 3, 4, 5) other than the DNA value (CP = 1) of the parent avatar serving as the father, and the parent avatar serving as the mother. Other DNA values (CP = 1, 2, 3, 5) other than the DNA value (CP = 4). The second set 404 does not include change occurrence information “C”.

  The descendant management unit 138 selects any one piece of information from the second set 404 by using a random number or the like. If the selection information “f13” is selected, “f13” is information corresponding to the DNA value “5”. Therefore, the offspring management unit 138 selects “5” as the DNA value of “CP” set as the offspring.

  Configuring this embodiment like this also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Further, in this embodiment, since the probability that the DNA value of the parent avatar serving as the parent is directly adopted as the DNA value inherited by the offspring is increased, a child avatar having psychological characteristics similar to that of the parent avatar is selected as the parent avatar. Can be associated with an avatar. Thereby, the parent-child relationship in a virtual society can be emphasized more. Further, in this embodiment, since a DNA value different from any of the parent avatars is selected with a relatively low probability, it is possible to obtain a change similar to the actual biological world, and to make a more realistic family relationship. It can be realized in a virtual society.

  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 the system containing a virtual space provision apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the relationship between each process part and DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that an avatar is comprised. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the social status in virtual society changes. It is explanatory drawing which shows user information DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows DNA-DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows basic body type DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows congenital parts DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows acquired parts DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows avatar management DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows virtual space management DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows standby user DB. It is a flowchart which shows the production | generation process of DNA, and the determination process of an innate part. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of a basic figure. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement when the existing user logs in to a virtual space provision server. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement when a new user desires to log in to a virtual space provision server. It is a flowchart which shows the process for managing the offspring. It is explanatory drawing which shows the table for determining DNA inherited to a child avatar. It is explanatory drawing which shows the table for determining the new DNA set to a child avatar. It is a flowchart which shows the process for controlling the appearance, social status, etc. of an avatar according to the activity state of an avatar. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the DNA table used by the virtual space provision apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows a DNA determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that DNA is determined typically.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Virtual space provision apparatus, 1A ... User information input part, 1B ... DNA production | generation part, 1C ... Avatar DNA management part, 1D ... Avatar management part, 1E ... Virtual space management part, 1F ... Virtual space, 1G ... Activity analysis part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1H ... Descendant management part, 2 ... User computer, 3 ... Communication path, 4A ... Innate parts storage part, 4B ... Acquired parts storage part, 4C ... Avatar, 10 ... Virtual space provision server, 20 ... User computer, 21 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Communication part, 22 ... Client software, 30 ... Communication path, 100 ... Control part, 101 ... Memory | storage part, 102 ... Communication part, 110 ... Virtual space provision part, 111 ... Virtual space, 120 ... Virtual space management part, 130 ... User management unit 131... User information management unit 132... DNA generation unit 133 133 Innate part determination unit 133 133 Basic body type determination unit 134 134 Innate part 135, acquired part selection unit, 136 ... avatar generation unit, 137 ... activity analysis unit, 138 ... offspring management unit, 138A ... inherited DNA determination table, 138B ... new DNA determination table, 151 ... DNA-DB, 152 ... user information DB, 153 ... basic body type DB, 154 ... congenital parts DB, 155 ... acquired parts DB, 156 ... avatar management DB, 157 ... virtual space management DB, 158 ... standby user DB, 210 ... congenital parts, 220 ... Acquired parts, 230 ... Initial parts, 301-305 ... Specific activities.

Claims (11)

A virtual space providing device that provides a virtual space to a user computer connected via a network,
A component data storage unit in which a plurality of component data for constituting a character symbolizing the user is stored in advance;
An information acquisition unit that acquires at least predetermined information about the user;
Based on the acquired predetermined information, a appearance control information generating unit that generates appearance control information for controlling the appearance of at least a part of the character symbolizing the user;
A character generation unit that generates the character by selecting component data corresponding to the generated appearance control information from the component data stored in the component data storage unit,
A virtual space providing unit that generates the virtual space and provides the virtual space to the user computer;
In response to an operation instruction input from the user computer via the network, the generated character is operated in the virtual space, and the state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of the character is transmitted via the network. A virtual space management unit that transmits to the user computer;
A virtual space providing device.   The virtual space providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reflection unit configured to reflect at least part of the existing appearance control information set for the existing user in the new appearance control information set for the new user.   The virtual space providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an association in the virtual space is set between a character associated with the existing user and a character associated with the new user. The reflection unit is
(1) a first processing unit that determines whether to permit reflection of the existing appearance control information into the new appearance control information;
(2) When the reflection is permitted, the temporary appearance control information generated based on the predetermined information about the new user is compared with the existing appearance control information, and the temporary appearance control information is A second processing unit for determining whether or not the appearance control information is similar within a predetermined range;
(3) When it is determined that the temporary appearance control information and the existing appearance control information are similar within the predetermined range, the new appearance control information is based on the temporary appearance control information and the existing appearance control information. A third processing unit for generating detailed appearance control information;
The virtual space providing device according to claim 2, comprising: The appearance control information includes a plurality of determination elements indicating a determination result of the user's personality, and a time zone in which the user uses the virtual space,
The second processing unit, when the reflection is permitted, the discriminating elements and the time zones included in the temporary appearance control information and the discriminating elements and the times included in the existing appearance control information. The virtual space providing device according to claim 4, wherein the virtual space providing device compares the tentative appearance control information with the belt and determines whether or not the existing appearance control information is similar within a predetermined range.   The virtual space providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information includes personality determination information indicating a result of determining the personality of the user. The predetermined information includes personality determination information indicating a result of determining the personality of the user and a selection instruction selected by the user,
The appearance control information generation unit is adapted to generate the appearance control information based on the personality determination information,
The component data storage unit stores in advance a plurality of first component data selected based on the appearance control information and a plurality of second component data selected based on the selection instruction.
2. The character generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the character generation unit generates the character by selecting the first part data corresponding to the appearance control information and the second part data corresponding to the selection instruction. Virtual space providing device. An activity analysis unit for analyzing the activity status of the character in the virtual space;
The virtual space providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a range of the second part data that can be selected by the selection instruction is controlled according to an evaluation obtained from the activity state. A method for managing a virtual space provided to a user computer, comprising:
A first step of obtaining predetermined information about the user's personality;
A second step of generating appearance control information for controlling the appearance of at least a part of the character symbolizing the user based on the predetermined information;
A third step of acquiring component data corresponding to the appearance control information;
A fourth step of generating the character based on the component data;
A fifth step of moving the character in the virtual space in response to an operation instruction input from the user computer;
A virtual space management method for executing each of the above. Following the fifth step,
Whether the temporary appearance control information generated for a new user is similar to the inherited appearance control information generated from a plurality of existing appearance control information set for a plurality of existing users within a predetermined range A sixth step for determining whether or not
In the virtual space between the character associated with the new user and the character associated with the existing user when it is determined that the temporary appearance control information and the inherited appearance control information are similar. A seventh step of setting relevance in
A virtual space management method for executing each of the above. To the server computer connected to the user computer via the network,
A function of generating appearance control information for controlling the appearance of at least a part of the character symbolizing the user, based on information on the personality of the user;
A function of selecting part data corresponding to the appearance control information from a plurality of part data stored in advance in the storage unit and generating the character corresponding to the user;
A function of generating a virtual space and providing it to the user computer;
In response to an operation instruction input from the user computer via the network, the character is moved in the virtual space, and the state of the virtual space reflecting the behavior of the character is reflected via the network. A function to send to a computer,
A function of causing the appearance control information obtained by combining the existing appearance control information set for each of a plurality of existing users to be inherited as at least part of the character's appearance control information corresponding to the new user;
A computer program for realizing each.

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