JP4368388B2 - Virtual space excursion system with avatar product try-on function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a virtual space excursion system for providing a user with a virtual space including a plurality of virtual stores and allowing a user's avatar to freely travel around the plurality of virtual stores.

  Conventionally, a method for constructing a virtual cityscape has been proposed in which a user's avatar (alternate) can freely walk around a virtual cityscape and further enjoy shopping at a department store on the Internet (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

On the other hand, conventionally, in a virtual store on the net, a virtual try-on state is displayed by synthesizing clothes on an image imitating the user, thereby assisting the user in selecting clothes when purchasing. Such a virtual try-on system has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2005-316586 A JP-A-11-203347

  However, the virtual cityscape construction method proposed in Patent Document 1 merely provides a user with the ability to shop while an avatar walks around the virtual cityscape. Further, the virtual try-on system proposed in Patent Document 2 simply allows the user to easily determine whether the shape and color of the clothes sold in the virtual store are suitable for the user's body shape or the like. It is only for doing.

  That is, in the methods and systems proposed in the cited document 1 and the cited document 2, when there are a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space, the user can purchase products from one virtual store and products from another virtual store. In order to directly compare and examine the color, shape, etc. of the virtual space in a state where a user's avatar is still trying on a product of a certain virtual store (and has not yet been purchased) You can't walk across multiple virtual stores.

  In addition, in the methods and systems proposed in the cited document 1 and the cited document 2, when a user has a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space, the user can wear a certain kind of product (attached to the user's body). In order to accurately compare and examine which virtual store product among a plurality of virtual stores is suitable for oneself with respect to a product used for contact), a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space It is not possible to repeat the try-on for the certain kind of product sold and provided by each of the plurality of virtual stores.

  In addition, in the methods and systems proposed in the cited document 1 and the cited document 2, when there are a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space, the user can wear a plurality of types of products (weared on the user's body). (Or products that are used in contact with each other), while considering the mutual coordination of multiple types of products sold and provided by multiple virtual stores, the products of multiple virtual stores (multiple types of virtual stores) In order to accurately compare and examine whether the product is suitable for you, the virtual avatar of the user walks through the virtual stores in the virtual space, and each virtual store sells and provides It is not possible to repeat the try-on on multiple types of products.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems of the prior art. When a user has a plurality of virtual stores in a virtual space, the product of a certain virtual store is displayed on the user's avatar. While walking around a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space, the products of one virtual store and the products of another virtual store can be directly compared and examined with respect to their colors, shapes, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space excursion system having avatar product try-on function.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a user has a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space, the user's avatar is caused to walk the plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space for a certain type of product. And, by repeatedly trying on the one kind of product sold and provided by each of the plurality of virtual stores, it is possible to accurately determine which virtual store product among the plurality of virtual stores is suitable for me. An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual space excursion system equipped with avatar product fitting function that can be compared.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a user has a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space, the user's avatar is caused to walk the plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space for a plurality of types of products. And, while trying on multiple types of products that are sold and provided by multiple virtual stores, it is possible to coordinate the multiple types of products that are sold and provided by those multiple virtual stores. A virtual space excursion system with an avatar product try-on function that allows you to accurately compare and examine which virtual store products (multiple types of products) among multiple virtual stores are suitable for you. The purpose is to provide.

  The virtual space excursion system provided with the avatar product try-on function according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems can be obtained by transmitting and receiving necessary data via a network to and from a user-side communication terminal. A virtual space excursion system for providing a user with a virtual space in which a user's avatar can freely travel around a plurality of virtual stores, including virtual stores, based on a request from the user In order to display the pre-fitting avatar data for displaying the three-dimensional image of the avatar before fitting that the virtual store has not yet tried on, and the three-dimensional image of the virtual space around the avatar. Before-fitting avatar data generation and transmission means for generating data and transmitting it to the user side, before the avatar before fitting from the user side When the position movement information related to the movement of the position in the virtual space is received, based on the position movement information, a three-dimensional image of the pre-fitting avatar after the movement when moving to the position corresponding to the position movement information is displayed. A data for generating avatar data before fitting for after-moving to generate data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the virtual space around the avatar after moving and for transmitting to the user, A certain virtual store in the virtual space sells and provides products that are used on or in close proximity to the user's body, and the user's avatar exists in or inside the virtual store. The purchase review information receiving means for receiving purchase review information related to the product from the user side, and the purchase review information received from the user side. Generating data for a try-on avatar for displaying a three-dimensional image of a try-on avatar indicating a state where the avatar is trying on the product, and data for displaying a three-dimensional image of a virtual space around the avatar. A means for generating and transmitting data for try-on avatars to be transmitted to the user side, and position movement information relating to the movement of the position inside the virtual store that provided the try-on product that the try-on avatar is trying on are received from the user side. Then, after-in-store try-on avatar data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the try-on avatar at the post-movement position in the virtual store corresponding to the position movement information based on the position movement information; Try-on avatar after moving in the store to generate data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the virtual space around the avatar and send it to the user Data and transmission means, and information on the current latest try-on state of the try-on avatar, for each user or its avatar, the product ID related to one or a plurality of products that the avatar is currently trying on Information on the virtual store that provided the try-on product and the try-on status storage means for storing the information in association with the virtual store ID, and the try-on product that the try-on avatar is trying on from the user side. When receiving the position movement information related to the movement of the position from the inside or the storefront of the provided virtual store to another location outside the virtual store (including other virtual stores), the information from the fitting state storage means and the information Based on the position movement information, the three-dimensional image of the try-on avatar at the position after movement to another place outside the virtual store corresponding to the position movement information Data for trying on avatars after moving outside the store for displaying data, data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the virtual space around the avatar, and data for trying on avatars after moving outside the store for transmitting to the user side, etc. Generating and transmitting means, and the user can try on the avatar from the inside of the virtual store or from the storefront while the product is being tried on and the purchase procedure for the product is not performed. It is possible to compare and examine which virtual store products among multiple virtual stores are suitable for you while moving to other places outside and moving in and out of other virtual stores. It is characterized by that.

  Further, in the virtual space excursion system having an avatar product try-on function according to the present invention, the try-on avatar already trying on a certain product is different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. When the purchase consideration information from the user is received about the product used in or near the user's body that is sold / provided by other virtual stores A determination unit for determining whether the new product corresponding to the purchase review information is the same type of product as a try-on product and transmitting a signal indicating the determination result to the outside; and a signal from the determination unit If the new product corresponding to the purchase review information is a product of the same type as the product already tried on, the new product is replaced with the already tried-on product. Switching try-on avatar data generation / transmission means for generating a switch-try-on avatar data for displaying a three-dimensional image of a switching try-on avatar indicating a newly tried-on condition of the product, and the determination means If the product corresponding to the purchase review information is not the same type of product as the already tried-on product, the new product is tried on in addition to the already tried-on product. An additional try-on avatar data generation / transmission means for generating additional try-on avatar data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the additional try-on avatar to be displayed and transmitting the data to the user side. The try-on avatar that tried on a certain kind of product provided by is sold and provided in another virtual store different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product By allowing a product of the same type as the product to be tried on instead of the same type of product already tried on, the user can select which of the virtual stores Whether or not the products in the virtual store are suitable for the user can be compared and examined while allowing the try-on avatar to walk through a plurality of virtual stores and repeat the try-on in each virtual store, and (b) Another type of try-on avatar that tried on a certain type of product provided from a certain virtual store is sold and provided in another virtual store different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. By allowing a product to be added to a certain type of product that has already been tried on, the user can store a plurality of different types of products in a plurality of virtual stores. Each virtual store provides the virtual avatar of which virtual store is suitable for them while allowing the try-on avatar to walk across the virtual stores and repeating the try-on at each virtual store. It is desirable to be able to compare and examine while coordinating the coordination of multiple types of products.

  Further, in the virtual space excursion system having an avatar product try-on function according to the present invention, all or one of the products being tried on from the user side while the try-on avatar is traveling in the virtual space. A purchase settlement means for performing a purchase and settlement procedure with a user for one or a plurality of products corresponding to the purchase request information, and the try-on avatar is the virtual One or a plurality of products corresponding to the purchase review cancellation information when receiving the purchase review cancellation information about all or a part of the try-on products from the user side while traveling in the space , Based on the purchase review cancellation means for performing the procedure for canceling the purchase review by the user, and the purchase review cancellation information or the signal from the purchase review cancellation means Creates affixing-removed avatar data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the avatar after removal of the try-on after removing the image of one or a plurality of products for which the purchase review has been canceled from the image of the try-on avatar. It is desirable to provide data generation and transmission means for avatars after a try-on removal for transmission.

  In addition, the virtual space excursion system having the avatar product try-on function according to the present invention includes a plurality of virtual stores by transmitting / receiving necessary data to / from a server via a network. A virtual space excursion system for displaying to the user a virtual space that can be freely moved around as if walking around the store, and 3 avatars before try-on that have not yet tried on the products sold and provided by the virtual store Pre-fitting avatar data for displaying a three-dimensional image and data for displaying a three-dimensional image of a virtual space around the avatar, such as data for avatar before fitting for receiving from the server side, and Position movement information transmitter for transmitting position movement information regarding movement of the position of the avatar before fitting in the virtual space to the server side And data generated on the server side corresponding to the position movement information, and movement for displaying a three-dimensional image of the avatar before fitting after movement when moving to the position corresponding to the position movement information Receiving means such as post-moving avatar data after moving for receiving from the server side data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the virtual space around the avatar and the post-fitting avatar, and in the virtual space When one of the virtual stores sells / provides a product to be worn or used in close proximity to the user's body, and the user's avatar is present in or inside the virtual store, the product Purchase review information transmitting means for transmitting purchase review information to the server side, and data generated on the server side corresponding to the purchase review information, the avatar Receives from the server the data for a try-on avatar for displaying a three-dimensional image of a try-on avatar indicating that the product is trying on the product, and data for displaying a three-dimensional image of a virtual space around the avatar To generate data on the server side corresponding to the position movement information regarding the movement of the position in the virtual store that provided the fitting product of the fitting avatar transmitted from the user to the server side Data for the after-moving try-on avatar for displaying a three-dimensional image of the try-on avatar at the moved position in the virtual store corresponding to the position movement information, and the data of the avatar Data for trying on avatar after moving in the store to receive data for displaying 3D image of surrounding virtual space from the server side To the other location outside the virtual store (including other virtual stores) from the inside or the store of the virtual store that provided the try-on product of the try-on avatar transmitted from the user side to the server side Corresponding to the position movement information related to the movement of the position, on the server side, information on the current latest try-on state of the try-on avatar, and one or a plurality of the avatar currently try-on for each user or its avatar Based on information from the try-on state storage means for storing information such as a product ID related to the product and information such as a virtual store ID related to the virtual store that provided the try-on product, and the position movement information. It is generated data, and the try-on avatar of the try-on avatar at the position after moving to another place outside the virtual store corresponding to the position movement information Data for a try-on avatar after moving outside the store for displaying a three-dimensional image and data for a try-on avatar after moving outside the store for receiving data for displaying a three-dimensional image of a virtual space around the avatar from the server side And the like, the user can try on the avatar from the inside or the front of the virtual store while trying on the product and without performing the purchase procedure for the product. It was possible to compare and examine which virtual store products among multiple virtual stores are suitable for you while moving to other locations outside and moving in and out of other multiple virtual stores. It is a feature.

  Further, in the virtual space excursion system having an avatar product try-on function according to the present invention, the try-on avatar already trying on a certain product is different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. The server has received purchase review information from the user for products used in or near the user's body that are sold or provided by other virtual stores At the server side, it is determined whether the new product corresponding to the purchase review information is the same type of product as already tried on, and based on the determination result, the new product corresponding to the purchase review information is determined. Data generated when the product is the same type of product that has already been tried on, and the new product is replaced with the new product that has already been tried on. On the basis of the determination result, on the server side, data receiving means for switching try-on avatar for receiving from the server side data for switching try-on avatar for displaying a three-dimensional image of the switching try-on avatar indicating the state of being tried on Data generated when the product corresponding to the purchase review information is not the same type of product as the already tried-on product, and the new product is tried on in addition to the already tried-on product. Additional try-on avatar data generation / reception means for receiving, from the server side, additional try-on avatar data for displaying a three-dimensional image of the additional try-on avatar indicating the state, (a) A try-on avatar that tried on a certain type of product provided by a virtual store is sold / stored in a different virtual store from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. By allowing the same type of product to be tried on instead of the same type of product already tried on, the user can It is possible to compare and examine which virtual store products among the virtual stores are suitable for you while letting the try-on avatar walk through multiple virtual stores and repeat the try-on at each virtual store. (B) A try-on avatar that tried on a certain type of product provided from the virtual store is sold at a different virtual store from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. By allowing other types of products offered to be tried on in addition to a certain type of product already tried on, the user can select a plurality of different types of products. As to which virtual store product among a plurality of virtual stores is suitable for oneself, while allowing the try-on avatar to walk across a plurality of virtual stores and repeatedly trying on each virtual store, It is desirable to be able to compare and study while coordinating the mutual coordination of multiple types of products offered at virtual stores.

  Furthermore, in the virtual space excursion system having the avatar product try-on function according to the present invention, all or one of the products being tried on from the user side while the try-on avatar is traveling in the virtual space. Purchase settlement information receiving means for receiving, from the server side, information relating to purchase and settlement of one or a plurality of products corresponding to the purchase request information, which is generated on the server side in response to purchase request information relating to a section And while the try-on avatar is traveling around in the virtual space, is generated on the server side in response to purchase review cancellation information regarding all or part of the product being tried on from the user side, Receives information from the server indicating that the procedure for canceling the purchase review for one or more products corresponding to the purchase review cancellation information has been performed. Purchase review cancellation information receiving means for performing the purchase review on the server side, when the image of one or more products for which the purchase review was canceled is removed from the image of the try-on avatar in the procedure of canceling the purchase review on the server side A trial-removal avatar data generation / reception means for receiving, from the server side, the data for after-fitting removal avatar generated on the server side in order to display a three-dimensional image of the subsequent avatar after removal of the try-on It is desirable.

  In addition, in the present invention described above, “a product to be worn or used in close proximity to the user's body (body-worn product)” includes clothes, belts, footwear, accessories (such as necklaces, wigs, mufflers, Including gloves, hats, ties, etc.), bags, etc. In addition, in the present invention, “try-on” of a product is a try-on performed by a user (or an avatar thereof) for examining the suitability of purchase of the product. In addition, in the present invention, the term “try-on” of a product means that a product such as a bag is used close to the body of a user (or its avatar) in order to examine whether or not the purchase is appropriate (“trial” of the product). ) Is also used to mean.

  In the present invention, after the avatar tries on a product that is a certain virtual store, the position of the try-on avatar from the user side to another place (including other virtual stores) from the virtual store to the server side. When the position movement information related to the movement of the product is transmitted, the try-on avatar data etc. after the store-out-going data generation and transmission means performs the purchase procedure for the product while the try-on avatar is still trying on the product. Without moving, it is possible to move from the inside of the virtual store or from the storefront to another place outside the virtual store, and then enter / exit into other virtual stores. That is, in the present invention, it is possible for a user's avatar to walk around a plurality of other virtual stores while trying on a product of a certain virtual store and without performing a purchase procedure for the product. (Such things are impossible in real stores in the first place). Even if the avatar is made to travel while trying on in this way, the image of the avatar only changes in clothes, bags, etc., so that it seems that the appearance is uncomfortable because it went to another virtual store while trying on There are no problems such as inconvenience. As described above, according to the present invention, a user can try on a product at a virtual store (an avatar is already tried on) while watching his / her avatar move around other virtual stores while trying on a product at the virtual store. Product) and other virtual store products (the product of the virtual store that the avatar is currently visiting) by directly comparing the color, shape, etc. This makes it possible to more accurately examine which virtual store product in the store is suitable for you.

  In particular, in the present invention, information on the current try-on state of the avatar is always stored by the try-on state storage means (providing the ID of one or more products that each avatar is trying on and the try-on products) Since the ID of the given virtual store is recorded and managed in association with each other, the avatar goes out of the virtual store that provided the tried-on product and enters another virtual store. Even in such a case, it is possible to always manage and grasp a plurality of virtual stores in the virtual space as to which virtual store provides the product that the avatar is trying on. Therefore, in the present invention, as described above, an avatar who tried on a product provided in a certain virtual store goes out of the virtual store as it is (without purchasing the tried-on product) and enters or exits another virtual store. Even if it does in this way, since it can always manage across a plurality of virtual stores which virtual store each commodity which the avatar is currently trying on is provided, there is no particular inconvenience.

  Further, in the present invention, when a try-on avatar that has already tried on a certain product is present in another virtual store or in a store different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product, the user From, when purchasing consideration information is received for a product of the same type as the product sold / provided by other virtual stores (for example, the try-on area in the avatar of a new product corresponding to the purchase consideration information is If it is the same as the try-on area in the avatar of a product already tried on, the data generation / transmission means for switching try-on avatar replaces the already-fitted product with the new product A switching try-on avatar that indicates a state of newly trying on a product of the same type as a product already tried on) can be displayed. Therefore, according to the present invention, a try-on avatar that has already tried on a certain type of product provided from the certain virtual store is different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. It is possible to try on a new product of the same type as the try-on product sold / provided at a store instead of the already-fitted product. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user repeats trying on the same type of product at each virtual store while watching the user's avatar move across the plurality of virtual stores for the same type of product. It is possible to accurately compare and examine which virtual store product among a plurality of virtual stores is suitable for oneself while viewing the screen.

  Further, in the present invention, when a try-on avatar that has already tried on a certain product is present in another virtual store or in a store different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product, the user From, when purchase consideration information is received for a different type of product from the product sold / provided by other virtual stores (for example, the try-on area in the avatar of a new product corresponding to the purchase consideration information is When the try-on area is not the same as the try-on area of the product already tried on, the additional try-on avatar data generation and transmission means try on the new product in addition to the already tried-on product An additional try-on avatar showing can be displayed. Therefore, according to the present invention, a try-on avatar that tried on a certain type of product provided from the certain virtual store is sold in another virtual store different from the virtual store that provided the try-on product. It is possible to try on another type of product (a type different from the try-on product) that is provided in addition to the certain type of product already tried on. Therefore, according to the present invention, for a plurality of types of products, the user repeats trying on the plurality of types of products at each virtual store while watching the user's avatar move across the plurality of virtual stores. While examining the mutual coordination of multiple types of products provided by multiple virtual stores, it is possible to find all products that match the target coordination with only one virtual store. Because there are few), it becomes possible to accurately compare and examine which virtual store product among multiple virtual stores is suitable for you.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention is a mode as described in Example 1 below.

  Next, FIG. 1 is a conceptual block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a virtual space excursion system with a function for trying on an avatar according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a network composed of the Internet and a public mobile phone network, and 2 denotes a user terminal connectable to the network 1, such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (portable information terminal). Reference numeral 3 denotes a server system that can be connected to the network 1. For example, a web server and a database server that also have an application server function are connected to the network 1 via a router.

  Next, functions of the server system 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 11 is (a) data for generating a three-dimensional image of a virtual space including various elements for constructing a virtual city such as a plurality of virtual stores, buildings, roads and passages, and (b). Data for generating a three-dimensional image of the appearance, storefront, and interior space of each virtual store, (c) data for generating a three-dimensional image of a user's avatar or another person's avatar, and (d) each virtual store Data for generating a three-dimensional image of each product to be sold / provided, (e) ID, product name, model number, product type (or the product on the avatar surface) that each virtual store sells / provides Occupied display area = display area where the product is displayed overlaid on the surface of the avatar) Product detail data (text data) such as price, size, material, and color pattern, and (f) selling and providing each product Each virtual store Of ID · name and business principal name detailed data, such as (person responsible name) (text data), is a virtual space, virtual stores and butter and product database for recording and the like. In the database 11, data for generating a three-dimensional image of each product, product detailed data (text data) of each product, and detailed data (text data) of each virtual store are a product ID or virtual They are recorded in association with each other by a store ID or the like.

  Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 denotes each virtual store, each product handled by each virtual store, or each product using the image generation data from the database 11 corresponding to request (instruction) information from the user terminal 2. An image generation unit for generating a three-dimensional image of a virtual space including avatars and the like for shopping in substantially real time. The image generation unit 12 extracts predetermined image generation data from the database 11 based on request information from the user terminal 2, and performs various geometry processing and rendering (drawing) in substantially real time based on the extracted data. Processing is performed to generate a three-dimensional image. The specific configuration of the image generation unit 12 is well known in the art and will not be described. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 13 denotes an image transmission unit for transmitting the data of the three-dimensional image of the virtual space generated by the image generation unit 12 to the user terminal 2 via the network 1. In the first embodiment, each product image generated by the image generation unit 12 (a three-dimensional image of each product displayed (sold / provided) by each virtual store in the virtual space) The position information of each product image in the virtual space is recorded in the database 11 in association with information such as the ID of each product and the ID of each virtual store displaying the product. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the virtual space image generated by the image generation unit 12 is displayed on the user terminal 2, a certain product displayed in a virtual store in the virtual space is displayed. When the user performs an operation such as selection or designation of income regarding the image, the server system 3 displays the product ID or the product based on the position information in the virtual space of the product for which the operation has been performed. The virtual store ID and other detailed information can be acquired from the database 11 (in the first embodiment, not only the position information in each product image, The ID of the product, the ID of the virtual store that provides the product, and the like may be embedded and recorded, and displayed on the user terminal 2 side. When a user clicks on a certain item in the virtual space, the user terminal 2 can acquire not only the location information of the item but also the ID of the item and the ID of the virtual store providing the item. These information can also be included in the request information transmitted to the server system 3 side).

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 14 denotes a request receiving unit for receiving user request information transmitted from the user terminal 2. The request information received by the request reception unit 14 includes, for example, (a) an operation in which the user moves the position of the user's avatar using a mouse or a controller in a virtual space provided to the user side. (B) A certain virtual store in the virtual space provided to the user side is a certain product (“product” in the first embodiment is attached to the body by the user or When selling products that are used in close proximity, the same shall apply hereinafter, try-on instruction information to the user's avatar for the product (= purchase consideration information. This information is the virtual space of the product that the user wants to try on. And the information may include information on the ID of the product for which the user wants to try on and the ID of the virtual store that sells the product), (c) When the user's avatar is trying on a product, purchase application information for applying for the purchase of the product (= purchase request information. This information includes location information in the virtual space of the product that the user wants to try on. Further, this information may include information on the ID of the product for which the purchase is applied and the ID of the virtual store that sells the product). As described above, the user performs an operation on the user side regarding the image of each product displayed (sold / provided) in each virtual store in the virtual space transmitted from the image transmission unit 13. The position information of the product in the virtual space is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the server system 3 (for example, in the first embodiment, the position information in the virtual space is also embedded in each product image. Therefore, the server system 3 side displays the ID of the product and each virtual product displaying the product from the database 11 or the like based on the location information of the product in the virtual space. Information such as the store ID can be acquired. Therefore, when the try-on instruction information (b) and the purchase application information (c) are transmitted from the user terminal 2 side to the server system 3 side, the server system 3 side (a try-on state management unit 17 described later). Etc.) immediately obtains information such as the ID of the product and the ID of each virtual store displaying the product based on the position information of the product, and stores the information as a try-on state storage unit 16 described later. Can be stored and managed. In the first embodiment, for example, in each product image transmitted from the image transmission unit 13 to the user side and displayed on the user terminal 2, each product ID and each virtual image providing the product ID are provided. By associating and recording information such as store IDs in association with the user, in the fitting instruction information of (b) and the purchase application information of (c) transmitted from the user side, the user May also include information such as the ID of each product desired to be tried on, the ID of each product desired to be purchased, and the ID of each virtual store providing it.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 15 denotes the request receiver when the request receiver 14 receives position movement information (including position information after movement) of the avatar in the virtual space from the user terminal 2. 14 is an avatar position storage unit for receiving the position movement information from 14 and storing (updating and recording) a current latest position after movement of the avatar.

  When the information (position movement information) instructing the movement of the avatar is transmitted from the user terminal 2, the image generation unit 12 accesses the avatar position storage unit 15 to update the latest avatar (after update). )), And based on this and each drawing data from the database 11, a three-dimensional image including the moved avatar corresponding to the position movement instruction and the surrounding virtual space is obtained in substantially real time. Generate.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 16 denotes information indicating the current latest try-on state of each avatar when each user's avatar travels in the virtual space so that the products sold by each virtual store can be tried-on. Each user ID (or avatar ID) includes detailed information such as the ID and name of each product that each avatar is trying on, and detailed information such as the ID of each virtual store that sells each product. It is a try-on state storage unit for storing in association with each other.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 17 denotes the try-on instruction information from the request receiver 14 when the request receiver 14 receives the try-on instruction information (purchase review information) for a certain product from the user terminal 2. Receiving position information (and information such as the ID of the product or ID of the virtual store providing the product) in the virtual space of the product desired to be tried on included in (purchase review information) , A try-on state management unit for updating the stored contents of the try-on state storage unit 16.

  When the request receiving unit 14 receives the try-on instruction information from the user side, the try-on state management unit 17 uses the database based on the position information of the try-on desired product included in the try-on instruction information and the position information. 11 and the like, information such as the ID of the desired product to be tried on and the ID of the virtual store that provided it is stored in the try-on state storage unit 16 in association with each user ID (or avatar ID). . Further, the try-on state management unit 17 uses the ID of the desired product as a search key as a search key to display detailed information (product name, model number, product type (or the product is superimposed on the avatar surface). Display area), price, size, material, etc.) are read from the database 11, and the read detailed information of the product is stored in the fitting state storage unit 16 in association with each user ID (or avatar ID). Let

  In addition, when the request receiving unit 14 receives the fitting instruction information from the user side, the try-on state management unit 17 uses the ID of the item to be tried on as a search key and details information (product name, type) (Or the display area where the product is displayed superimposed on the surface of the avatar), the model number, etc.) are read from the database 11 and the read information and the try-on state storage unit 16 have already been stored so far. Check the detailed information of each product you are trying on. And as a result of the collation, if the product names or types of the two (or the display area where the product is displayed on the surface of the avatar) do not match each other, they are different from each other (or the surface of the avatar) It is determined that the product is a product (for example, a hat and a jumper, a T-shirt and a tie). Therefore, in this case (since different types of products can be tried on by two avatars at the same time), the try-on state management unit 17 accesses the try-on state storage unit 16 and stores the latest try-on state. The new product to be tried on is additionally stored in an area (for example, a folder of product groups constituting the latest try-on state).

  On the other hand, as a result of the collation, if there is a product whose name or type (or display area where the product is displayed on the surface of the avatar) is identical, they are the same type (or avatar). It is determined that the product is the same) (for example, hats, jumpers, T-shirts, ties, etc.). Therefore, in this case (since the same type of product cannot be tried on by two avatars at the same time), the try-on state management unit 17 accesses the try-on state storage unit 16 and stores the latest try-on state. The product determined to be of the same kind that has already been tried on is excluded from the area (for example, the folder of the product group that constitutes the latest try-on state), and the new try-on instead. The desired product is newly stored as one of the product groups constituting the latest try-on state in an area for storing the latest try-on state (for example, the folder of the product group constituting the latest try-on state). Let It should be noted that the data of the product excluded from the product group constituting the latest try-on state is preferably deleted from the storage contents of the try-on state storage unit 16 as described above, but the try-on state storage unit 16 is moved to an area of “product group constituting previous (not up-to-date) try-on state” formed in 16 or given attribute information indicating that it is not currently tried on You may make it memorize | store in the said try-on state memory | storage part 16 as it is.

  When the information (purchase consideration information) instructing the try-on of the product to the avatar is transmitted from the user terminal 2, the image generation unit 12 accesses the try-on state storage unit 16 to update the latest information of the avatar. Read the try-on state (after update), read the drawing data of each corresponding product from the database 11 using the ID of each product constituting the latest try-on state as a search key, and based on the data, A three-dimensional image including the avatar after fitting corresponding to the instruction and the surrounding virtual space is generated in substantially real time.

  Next, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 19 denotes purchase request information about the product that the avatar is trying on from the user side (the ID of the product and the virtual store that sells the product). A purchase / settlement unit that performs procedures for purchasing / settlement of the product. The purchase settlement unit 19, for example, based on the purchase application information from the request reception unit 14 (including information such as an ID of the product and an ID of a virtual store that sells the product). The storage unit 16 or the database 11 is accessed, and the price and model number of the product, the business entity name of the virtual store, etc. are extracted from the product ID, virtual store ID, etc., and billing information including these information is generated. . The generated billing information is transmitted from the settlement data transmitting / receiving unit 20 to the user side via the network 1.

  When payment data such as electronic money information for payment, credit card number information, or cash on delivery payment request information to a delivery company is transmitted from the user side to the payment request information, the payment data is: After being received by the payment data transmission / reception unit 20, it is transferred to the purchase payment unit 19. When the payment settlement unit 19 completes the settlement with the settlement data, the purchase settlement unit 19 generates a settlement end notification and transmits it to the user side via the settlement data transmission / reception unit 20.

  Further, the purchase settlement unit 19 operates information for instructing a procedure for delivering the settled product, for example, by a business entity (responsible person) of a virtual store that sells the product outside the server system 3. Transmit to a computer system (not shown). In addition, when the settlement with the settlement data is performed, the purchase settlement unit 19 uses the sales data of the settled product, for example, the business entity (responsibility of the virtual store that sells the product outside the server system 3) To a computer system (not shown) operated by a person.

  Next, the operation of generating and transmitting the avatar and virtual space images according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following description, for simplicity of explanation, the content of the request information from the user side is limited to either avatar movement or avatar try-on. When request information from the user is received (step S1), it is first determined whether it is position movement information for instructing movement of the position of the avatar or try-on instruction information for instructing fitting of the avatar (step S1). S2). When the received request information is position movement information, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the avatar position storage unit 15 receives information from the request reception unit 14 (including position information after movement of the avatar), stores it as the latest position information of the avatar, and the image. After the generation unit 12 moves based on the latest position information of the avatar from the avatar position storage unit 15 (or the position information after movement of the avatar included in the request information) and the drawing data from the database 11 Avatar images and surrounding virtual space images are generated and transmitted from the image transmission unit 13 to the user side (step S3). FIGS. 3 to 6 show examples of images obtained by the operations in steps S1 to S3, and are images showing a state where the user's avatar is freely moving and migrating in the virtual space.

  Further, when the request information received in step S1 is not the position movement information but try-on instruction information, the process proceeds to step S4 to determine whether the avatar has already tried on another product. If the avatar has not yet tried on another product and the determination in step S4 is NO, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the try-on state management unit 17 stores in the try-on state storage unit 16 the ID of the desired product for try-on acquired based on the try-on instruction information and the detailed product information extracted from the database using the ID as a search key. Remember me. In step S5, almost simultaneously with this, the image generation unit 12 obtains the latest avatar try-on information (or try-on instruction information included in the request information) stored in the try-on state storage unit 16, and Based on the drawing data of the desired product for try-on extracted from the database 11 as a key, an avatar image for trying on the product and a surrounding virtual space image are generated and transmitted from the image transmission unit 13 to the user side. To do.

  7 and 8 show examples of images obtained by the operations in steps S4 and S5. That is, in FIG. 7, the user's avatar (image of the wheelchair user) is located at the storefront of the virtual store, and other customers who are trying on hats are displayed at this storefront. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the avatar has not yet tried on a product (the determination in step S4 is NO). In this state, when the user performs a predetermined operation with a mouse or the like, for example, try-on instruction information (purchase review information) about a product (hat) closest to the avatar is generated on the user terminal 2, which is generated in the network. 1 is sent. The request receiving unit 14 receives this and transfers it to the fitting state management unit 17 and the image generation unit 12, so that the operations described in steps S <b> 4 and S <b> 5 are performed, and storage in the fitting state storage unit 16. As the contents are additionally updated, an image of the avatar in which the product (hat) is tried on and a virtual space image around it are generated, transmitted to the user side, and displayed on the user terminal 2 side ( (See FIG. 8).

  On the other hand, in step S4, when the avatar has already tried on another product and the determination in step S4 is YES, the process proceeds to the next step S6. In step S6, the try-on condition management unit 17 uses the ID of the new try-on product included in the try-on instruction information received by the request receiving unit 14 as a search key as detailed information on the try-on product (from the database 11). Product name, type (or display area in which the product is displayed on the surface of the avatar), model number, etc.) and details of each product already tried on by the avatar stored in the fitting state storage unit 16 Information is collated and whether or not the product for which try-on is instructed by the try-on instruction information is the same type of product as the product that the avatar has already tried on (or the display area displayed on the avatar is the same) Or not).

  Since the product instructed to try on according to the try-on instruction information is not the same type of product as the product already tried on by the avatar (or the product displayed in the same display area on the avatar), the step S6 When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the next step S7. In step S <b> 7, the try-on state management unit 17 additionally writes information such as the ID of a new product to be tried on included in the try-on instruction information in the try-on state storage unit 16. In step S7, almost simultaneously with this, the image generation unit 12 updates the latest avatar fitting information (or the request) from the fitting state storage unit 16 added by the fitting state management unit 17 as described above. A try-on instruction information included in the information) and a drawing data of the desired product to be extracted extracted from the database 11 using this as a key, and an avatar image on which the product is tried on and a virtual space image around it are generated. The image transmission unit 13 transmits the image to the user side.

  9 and 10 show an example of an image obtained by the operations in steps S4, S6 and S7. In FIG. 9, the user's avatar (wheelchair user's image) is located at the storefront of a virtual store different from that of FIGS. 7 and 8, but the hat tried on at the previous virtual store (the image tried on in step S5). No. 8 hat) is still being tried on (the determination in step S4 is YES). Then, in the storefront of the virtual store in FIG. 9, a clerk sells a jumper (the jumper is a different product from the hat that the avatar has already tried on, so the determination in step S6 is NO). In this state, when the user performs a predetermined operation with a mouse or the like, for example, try-on instruction information (purchase consideration information) for a product (jumper in FIG. 9) closest to the avatar is generated on the user terminal 2, It is transmitted via the network 1. The request receiving unit 14 receives this and transfers it to the fitting state management unit 17 and the image generation unit 12, whereby the operations described in steps S 4, S 6 and S 7 are performed, and the fitting state storage unit 16. The memory content of the avatar is additionally updated, and an image of an avatar and a virtual space image around the avatar showing a state in which the product (jumper) is added to the hat of FIG. It is transmitted and displayed on the user terminal 2 side (see FIG. 10).

  On the other hand, since the product instructed to try on by the try-on instruction information is the same type of product as the product already tried on by the avatar (or the product displayed in the same display area on the avatar) When the determination in S6 is YES, the process proceeds to the next step S8. In step S8, the try-on state management unit 17 stores in the try-on state storage unit 16 information such as the ID of a new product to be tried on included in the try-on instruction information, and the product that the avatar has already tried on. Write in exchange with information such as ID. That is, the try-on state management unit 17 stores information such as the ID of the product that the avatar has already tried on from the information on the product group that constitutes the latest try-on state of the avatar in the try-on state storage unit 16. (Excluded from the storage area or folder for storing the product group constituting the latest try-on state), and instead, information such as the ID of the product to be newly tried included in the try-on instruction information The information is added to the storage area or folder as information on the product group that constitutes the avatar try-on state. In step S8, almost simultaneously with this, the image generation unit 12 updates the latest avatar fitting information (or the request) from the fitting state storage unit 16 rewritten by the fitting state management unit 17 as described above. A try-on instruction information included in the information) and a drawing data of the desired product to be extracted extracted from the database 11 using this as a key, and an avatar image on which the product is tried on and a virtual space image around it are generated. The image transmission unit 13 transmits the image to the user side.

  The operations in steps S6 and S8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 as follows. In FIG. 9, the avatar (wheelchair user image) is actually trying on a hat, but in the description here, the avatar (wheelchair user image) is already trying on a jumper in FIG. Assume that Then, in FIG. 9, when the avatar sells a product (jumper) of the same type as the jumper that has already been tried on, when try-on instruction information is transmitted from the user side for this product, the determination in step S6 Becomes YES. At this time, the request receiving unit 14 receives this and transfers it to the fitting state management unit 17 and the image generation unit 12, whereby the operation described in step S <b> 8 is performed, and the fitting state storage unit 16. The stored contents of are updated interchangeably, and a new product (jumper) in the store of the virtual store in FIG. 9 is tried on in place of the same type of product (jumper) already tried on until then. The avatar image shown and the surrounding virtual space image are generated, transmitted to the user side, and displayed on the user terminal 2 side (see FIG. 10).

  11 to 14 are generated by the image generation unit 12 when the position movement information of the avatar is transmitted from the user side, as in FIGS. 3 to 6 described above, and the image transmission unit 13 It is a figure which shows the image which shows the state which a user's avatar is freely moving and migrating in the virtual space comprised by the avatar image after a movement and its surrounding virtual space image transmitted to the user side by FIG. .

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention and the constituent elements constituting the present invention are limited to those described as the respective embodiments and the respective elements constituting the respective embodiments, respectively. Various modifications and changes are possible. For example, in the first embodiment, a virtual commercial facility (shopping mall) in which a plurality of virtual stores exist as a virtual space is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various virtual spaces such as cities and virtual islands can be used. In the first embodiment, geometry processing and rendering processing are performed on the server side (see the description of the image generation unit 12 in FIG. 1). However, in the present invention, for example, geometry processing and rendering are performed from the server side. Data in the previous stage of processing may be transmitted to the user terminal 2, and geometry processing and rendering processing may be performed on the user terminal 2 side based on this data.

The functional block diagram of the virtual space excursion system provided with the product try-on function of the avatar by Example 1 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a part of the operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network 2 User terminal 3 Server system 11 Database 12 Image generation part 13 Image transmission part 14 Request reception part 15 Avatar position storage part 16 Try-on state storage part 17 Try-on state management part 19 Purchase settlement part 20 Payment data transmission / reception part

Claims (1)

By transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication terminal on the user side via a network, each of the inside, outside, and products to be sold / provided includes a plurality of virtual stores indicated by a 3D image. A virtual space excursion system for providing a user with a virtual space represented by a three-dimensional image such that a user's avatar shown can travel while walking in and out of the plurality of virtual stores,
Avatar data before try-on for generating avatar data before fitting that shows a 3D image of the avatar before fitting that has not yet tried on the product and its surrounding space based on a request from the user side and transmitting it to the user side A transmission means;
From the user side, when receiving the position movement information regarding the movement of the position in the virtual space of the avatar before fitting (including the inside of a plurality of virtual stores, the same applies hereinafter), based on the received position movement information, After moving before fitting to generate and transmit to the user the pre-moving avatar data indicating the three-dimensional image of the avatar before fitting and its surrounding space after moving to the position corresponding to the position movement information. Avatar data generation and transmission means;
A virtual store in the virtual space that sells / provides products to be used by being attached to or close to the user's body, and the inside of the virtual store (including the storefront of the virtual store; the same applies hereinafter). ) Purchase review information receiving means for receiving purchase review information related to the product from the user side while displaying the user's avatar existing in the user side,
When the purchase review information from the user side is received, a try-on avatar that the avatar is trying on the product and a three-dimensional image of the surrounding space based on the avatar image and the product image Data generation and transmission means for try-on avatars for generating data for transmission to the user,
Information on the try-on avatar, and for each user or each avatar, at least a current position in the virtual space of the avatar, a product ID related to one or a plurality of products that the avatar is currently trying on, and the try-on product Try-on state storage means for storing virtual store IDs related to the provided virtual stores in association with each other;
Regarding the try-on avatar trying on a certain product a provided by the certain virtual store A, when the position movement information into the “other virtual store” B different from the virtual store A is received, Based on the received position movement information, after-moving try-on avatars after moving into the “other virtual store” B and the surrounding try-on avatar data for three-dimensional display are generated. The data generation and transmission means for after-moving try-on avatars to be transmitted to the user side , (a) after moving in the “other virtual store” B while trying on the product a of the virtual store A When position movement information for moving a try-on avatar to a position approaching the product b displayed in the “other virtual store” B is received from the user side, the received position movement information and the try-on state Is it a storage means? Based on the extracted virtual store ID and product ID related to the tried-on product a, the “other virtual store” while maintaining the state where the after-moving try-on avatar tried on the product a of the virtual store A. In B, the try-on avatar is moved to a position approaching the product b so that the purchase and try-on of the product b provided / sold by the “other virtual store” B can be easily performed, and after the movement A try-on avatar, a product a of the virtual store A that the try-on avatar is trying on after moving, and a product b of the “other virtual store” B displayed in the same one-dimensional space, Generate after-moving try-on avatars and their post-moving try-on avatar data to display them so that they are arranged in three-dimensional proximity to each other and send them to the user side And (b) the virtual store A where the after-moving try-on avatar that exists in the “other virtual store” B and the after-moving try-on avatar that exists in the “other virtual store” B are trying on. The product a and the product b in the “other virtual store” B are displayed on the user side so that they are arranged three-dimensionally close to each other in the same three-dimensional space. while, means for receiving the purchase review information related to the product b from the user side, the mobile after fitting avatar data generating transmission means including,
When a try-on avatar that has already tried on a certain product a exists in “another virtual store” B different from the virtual store A that provided the product a, the “other” The virtual store in which the try-on avatar has already tried on the product b of the “other virtual store” B when the purchase review information on the product b displayed in the virtual store “B” is received from the user side. A determination means for determining whether the product is the same type as the product a of A;
When the product b of the “other virtual store” B is a product of the same type as the product a of the virtual store A that has already been tried on, based on the signal from the determination means, the product a of the virtual store A Instead of this, data for a switching try-on avatar indicating a state in which the product b of the “other virtual store” B is newly switched on is generated and data for a switching try-on avatar indicating a three-dimensional image of the surrounding space are generated. Data generation and transmission means for switching try-on avatars for transmission;
Based on the signal from the determination means, when the product c of the “other virtual store” B is not the same type of product as the product a of the virtual store A that has already been tried on, the product a of the virtual store A In addition to this, data for additional try-on avatars indicating the state in which the product c of the “other virtual store” B is additionally tried on, and additional try-on avatar data indicating a three-dimensional image of the surrounding space are generated and transmitted to the user side Data generation and transmission means for additional try-on avatars,
With
(1) The after-moving try-on avatar that exists in the “other virtual store” B is maintained in the state of trying on the product a of the virtual store A, while the “other virtual store” B By moving to the position approaching the product b, the product a of the virtual store A and the product b of the “other virtual store” B are close to each other in the same three-dimensional space. Display, so that the user can consider purchasing and trying on both products a and b in a three-dimensional proximity to each other. (2) In the “other virtual store” B, It is easy to replace and try on the product b of the “other virtual store” B of the same type as the try-on product a provided by the virtual store A instead of the product a of the virtual store A. The user can make a plurality of the same type of products a , B, the virtual store A, B of the virtual stores A, B is used to determine which of the virtual stores A, B is suitable for itself, and the virtual avatars A, B (3) A try-on avatar that tried on a certain kind of product a provided from a certain virtual store A is “another virtual store”. "In B, it is possible to add another type of merchandise c displayed in" other virtual stores "B to the one kind of merchandise a already tried on and try it on. Thus, for the plurality of different types of products a and c, the user moves the plurality of virtual stores A and B to the try-on avatar and makes a try-on at each of the virtual stores A and B. A plurality of virtual shops A and B Virtual space migration system including the class of goods a, made it possible to compare and study while consider coordinating mutual c, characterized in that, the items fitting function avatar.

Images