JP7460922B2 - Information processing system and program - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique for controlling the placement of an avatar corresponding to a user in a virtual space. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a virtual space including a virtual room is provided to each user, and the user can operate an avatar to visit the virtual rooms of other users.

JP2018-097427A

By the way, in a virtual space, it may be desirable to display the avatar in an appropriate manner depending on the area where the avatar is placed.

In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a technology for executing a game that can improve user convenience.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to execute the following steps: In the management step, a plurality of areas in a virtual space and area attributes associated with each of the areas are managed. In the avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user is controlled to be placed in a specific area that is one of the areas. In the determination step, a display mode for the first avatar in the specific area is determined according to the area attributes associated with the specific area.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a game that can improve user convenience.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an area management table T1 that manages information for each area R. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of an item management table T2 that manages items owned by each user for each user. It is an image diagram showing an example of a visual field 5a corresponding to the first user and a coordination selection screen 6 that is visually recognized by the first user. It is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 5b and a field of view 5c corresponding to the first user. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a field of view 7a and a field of view 7b corresponding to a second user. FIG. It is an image diagram showing an example of a visual field 5d corresponding to a first user and a visual field 8 corresponding to a third user. FIG. 13 is an image diagram for explaining a modified example.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

By the way, the program for implementing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be downloaded from an external server. The program may be provided in a manner that allows the program to be started on an external computer and the function thereof is realized on the client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, a "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In this embodiment, various information is handled, and this information is represented, for example, by physical values of signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

In the broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, and memory. In other words, it includes application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)).

1. Description of the Game Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 3 causes one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and causes the player characters to fight against enemy characters, which are non-player characters. Furthermore, a character is an example of an object.

The above-mentioned games are played using a game device 3, which is a home game console such as PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), a virtual reality (VR) game console such as Oculus VR (registered trademark) equipped with a VR (Virtual Reality) headset, or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game device 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is configured by, for example, a server. Each of the plurality of game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, the system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, even a single information processing device 2 or game device 3, which will be described later, can be an example of the information processing system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on a user's operation. For this purpose, the game device 3 receives (specifically downloads and installs) the game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communication network 11. Account information including identification information and a password is assigned to each user in association with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at the time of login, and is used for user authentication in the information processing device 2.

After user authentication, the information processing device 2 and the game device 3 are able to communicate with each other. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on the user's operations.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware component of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Information processing device 2>
1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet and a LAN. Main information that the information processing device 2 receives via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, a gacha lottery request in response to a user's operation, a quest execution request, a request to execute/end autoplay, account information, game data, etc. Main information that the information processing device 2 transmits via the communication unit 21 includes information for confirming that the game device 3 has received the game program, information about the game media obtained by gacha, etc.

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, including a part of the game program according to this embodiment, and various data related to the game.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB and a lottery list. In the user DB, for each identification number of a user playing the game, information such as the user name, user rank, status of the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, information on parameters, etc. are stored in association with each other. The lottery list is used for a lottery process generally called gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information on the game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information on the game media (name, ability parameters, rarity, level, etc.) with the selection rate by lottery. Furthermore, the ability parameters include, for example, fighting power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, speed, etc., when the game medium is a player character.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the information processing device 2, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2, which is its own device, by reading out a specific program stored in the storage unit 22. That is, information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented with multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

Examples of the information processing executed by the control unit 23 include billing settlement processing, user account authentication processing, gacha lottery selection processing, and the like. The billing settlement process is executed, for example, based on a billing request necessary to recover a predetermined amount of parameters during the game. The user account authentication process is executed using user identification information received from the game device 3, for example. The gacha lottery selection process is a process in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection process, the information regarding the selected game medium and the identification information of the user who performed the operation to send the lottery request are associated in the user DB, so that the user can: You will receive the winning game content as a result of drawing the gacha yourself.

To further supplement the above, "game media" is electronic data representing elements related to the game, including the name of the character used as the player character, and the items used by the player character in the virtual game space. Includes weapons, armor, tools, etc. Users can obtain game media through a lottery method called gacha, in addition to direct purchase through payment and quest clearing. The obtained game content is stored and managed in the user DB in association with the identification information of the user who owns the game content. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in which the information processing device 2 selects an arbitrary game medium from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection ratio. The selected arbitrary game content is provided to the user's game device 3. "The game content selected in the gacha is given to the user/owned by the user" is synonymous with "the game content selected in the lottery process is/is associated with identification information indicating the user". be.

<Game Device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to transmit and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information that the game device 3 receives via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information that the game device 3 transmits via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to download request information, information on the game medium selected by the lottery process, etc.

The storage unit 32 includes an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, and the like. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including a part of the game program, account information of the game device 3, which is the own device, user information, and the like. Note that the user information is at least part of information in the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 receives at least part of the information of this master from the information processing device 2 and stores it.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3, which is its own device. In particular, the control section 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3, which is the own device, by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage section 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically implemented by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit described below can be executed. Note that the control section 33 is not limited to a single control section, and may be implemented so as to have a plurality of control sections 33 for each function. It may also be a combination thereof.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game according to the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3, which is the own device. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or uses data received from the information processing device 2 to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional Generates game image information. As the game image information is processed by the graphic processing unit 34a, the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to perform display control on the display 4a and audio output control on the speaker 4b in response to operations by the user of the game device 3, which is the own device, when executing the game.

The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space in a moving image format according to the game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which is, for example, a liquid crystal type, and the game images rendered in a moving image format are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b, and reproduces and synthesizes game sounds according to the instructions of the control unit 33, and outputs them from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c, and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game device 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse or keyboard, a microphone for inputting voice, an imaging device for tracking facial expressions or body movements, a motion capture device for tracking body movements, etc.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 22, thereby functioning as a management unit 230, an avatar control unit 231, a determination unit 232, a communication control unit 233, a notification unit 234, a change unit 235, an area generation unit 236, a reception unit 237, and a display control unit 238. In other words, information processing by the software stored in the memory unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

The management unit 230 is configured to manage various information as a management step. As an example, the management unit 230 manages a specific region R1 that is one of the regions R, another region R2, and an area attribute AT1 associated therewith. In particular, the management unit 230 manages the area management table T1 and item management table T2 stored in the storage unit 22. The region R, region attribute AT1, region management table T1, and item management table T2 will be described in detail later.

The avatar control unit 231 is configured to control an avatar in a virtual space as an avatar control step. As an example, the avatar control unit 231 controls the avatar to be placed in a specific region R1 or another region R2. An avatar is an object that is operated by a user as an avatar of the user in a virtual space.

As a determination step, the determination unit 232 is configured to determine the display mode of the avatar in the virtual space. As an example, the determination unit 232 determines the display mode of the avatar in the specific region R1 or another region R2.

The communication control unit 233 is configured to control the interaction between users as a communication control step. As an example, the communication control unit 233 controls the interaction between a first user and a second user via a first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user and a second avatar AV2 corresponding to the second user.

The notification unit 234 is configured to execute various notifications to the user as a notification step. The notification method is not particularly limited, and for example, the notification unit 234 may display a notification on the display 4a of the game device 3 via the display control unit 238, may output a sound from the speaker 4b, or may vibrate the input device 4c. The notification by the notification unit 234 may be continuously performed for some users, or may be canceled by an input from the user via the input device 4c.

As a changing step, the change unit 235 is configured to change the area attribute AT1 of the area R in the virtual space. As an example, the change unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 to another area attribute AT1.

The region generation unit 236 is configured to generate the region R based on various information as a region generation step. As an example, the region generation unit 236 generates a new region R, a new region R3, based on the plurality of regions R.

The reception unit 237 is configured to receive various information as a reception step. As an example, the reception unit 237 receives user account information, game data, input from the user, etc. from the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, the game device 3, or other external device. In this embodiment, various information received by the reception unit 237 will be described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

As a display step, the display control unit 238 causes the display 4a of the game device 3 to display various information stored in the storage unit 32 or a screen including the information in a visually recognizable manner. As an example, the display control unit 238 may generate visual information itself in a form that is visible to humans, such as a screen, an image (for example, a still image or a moving image), an icon, text, etc.; Rendering information for displaying visual information on 4a may be generated and transmitted.

3. Operational Flow of Information Processing System 1 In this section, the operational flow of the information processing system 1 described above will be described.

3.1 Overview of Information Processing FIG. 3 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. The flow of information processing will be outlined below according to this activity diagram.

First, the management unit 230 manages multiple regions R in the virtual space and the region attributes AT1 associated with each of the regions R (activity A001). Specifically, the management unit 230 manages multiple regions R stored in the storage unit 22, and manages the region attributes AT1 associated with each of the regions R.

Region R is a section in the virtual space. The region R refers to, for example, a continuous range of virtual space in which the user can move via the avatar. Specifically, for example, it is a virtual room surrounded by walls, a ceiling, and a floor, or a virtual town or field surrounded by boundaries that may or may not be visible to the user. In this embodiment, for example, the management unit 230 sets the area R to include the first user's own room, the office of department A (an example of a specific area R1), a playground (an example of an area R2 different from the specific area R1), etc. to manage.

The area attribute AT1 is an attribute set for each area R. The area attribute AT1 is, for example, an attribute representing an impression of the area R, and is used to unify the atmosphere of the area R, to convey to the user the purpose of use of the area R, or to limit the impression that the user can recall from the area R. is set to In this embodiment, the management unit 230 manages the area attribute AT1 of the first user's own room as "casual," the area attribute AT1 of the office of department A as "formal," and the area attribute AT1 of the playground as "sports."

Next, the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user to be placed in the first user's room (activity A002).

Next, the reception unit 237 receives from the first user the settings for the coordination of the first avatar AV1 via input from the input device 4c (activity A003). Specifically, the reception unit 237 receives from the first user a selection input of a combination of items for each of one or more area attributes AT1. The items are, for example, clothing, accessories, hairstyles, makeup, facial expressions, pets, etc. that the display control unit 238 displays in association with the avatar.

Next, the reception unit 237 receives an input from the first user via the input device 4c to move the first avatar AV1 from the first user's own room to the department A office (activity A004).

Next, the determination unit 232 determines the display mode for the first avatar AV1 in the department A office according to the area attribute AT1 associated with the department A office (activity A005). Specifically, for example, the determination unit 232 determines a combination of items that is preset for the area attribute AT1 of "formal" as the coordination of the first avatar AV1 in the department A office.

Next, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the coordination of the first avatar AV1 determined in activity A005 (activity A006). Specifically, the notification unit 234 transmits a signal to the game device 3 via the communication unit 21 to display a notification on the display 4a. The notification includes, for example, content to confirm with the first user whether or not the first avatar AV1 may be displayed in the determined manner.

If the first user rejects the notified coordinates of the first avatar AV1 in activity A006, the process returns to activity A005. Specifically, the determination unit 232 re-determines the coordinates of the first avatar AV1 in response to the selection input of the first user via the input device 4c.

On the other hand, if approval of the first user for the coordination of the first avatar AV1 is received in activity A006, the process proceeds to the next step. That is, the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user to be placed in the department A office, which is one of the areas R (activity A007).

Next, the avatar control unit 231 further controls the placement of a second avatar AV2 corresponding to a second user other than the first user in the department A office (activity A008). That is, at this point, both the first avatar AV1 and the second avatar AV2 are placed in the department A office.

Next, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the visual field corresponding to the second user (activity A009). Specifically, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 placed in the office of department A on the display 4a of the second user's game device 3 in a manner that associates it with the item determined in activity A005. display. Here, to describe the processing of activities A006 to A009 from another perspective, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user before displaying the first avatar AV1 in the field of view of the second user other than the first user. do.

Next, the communication control unit 233 controls the interaction between the first user and the second user via the first avatar AV1 and the second avatar AV2. Specifically, for example, the communication control unit 233 controls a call between the game device 3 of the first user and the game device 3 of the second user via the communication unit 21. For example, a sound input via the input device 4c in the game device 3 of the first user is played back via the speaker 4b in the game device 3 of the second user. The same is true in the reverse direction.

Next, when it is determined that a specific time has arrived (activity A011), the changing unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1 of the office of department A (activity A012). Specifically, the changing unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1 from "formal" to "casual" in accordance with the time set for the department A office. Subsequently, the management unit 230 manages the area attribute AT1 associated with the department A office as "casual." The time set for the office of department A is, for example, the time at any real location, the standard time set in virtual space, or the like. Note that if it is not determined that a specific time has arrived, the processes from activity A011 to activity A015, which will be described later, are omitted.

Next, when the area attribute AT1 is changed while the first avatar AV1 is placed in the office room of the department A, the determining unit 232 changes the area attribute AT1 to another area attribute AT1 without depending on the input by the first user. The mode is determined accordingly (activity A013). Specifically, the determining unit 232 determines the coordination of the first avatar AV1 according to the changed area attribute AT1 of "casual". For example, the determining unit 232 determines a combination of items preset for the area attribute AT1 of "casual" as the coordination of the first avatar AV1.

Next, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the coordination of the first avatar AV1 determined in activity A013 (activity A014). The content of the processing in activity A014 is the same as that described in activity A006, so a description thereof will be omitted.

If approval of the first user's coordination of the first avatar AV1 is received in activity A014, the process proceeds to the next step. That is, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the second user (activity A015). Specifically, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 located in the office of department A on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second user in a manner associated with the item determined in activity A013.

Next, the reception unit 237 receives an input from the first user via the input device 4c to move the first avatar AV1 from the department A office to the playground (activity A016). If the above input is not received, the processing from activity A017 onwards, which will be described later, is omitted.

Next, the determination unit 232 determines the display mode of the first avatar AV1 in the playground according to the area attribute AT1 associated with the playground, without relying on input from the first user (activity A017). Specifically, for example, the determination unit 232 determines a combination of items that is preset for the area attribute AT1 of "sports" as the coordination of the first avatar AV1 in the playground.

Next, the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the coordination of the first avatar AV1 determined in activity A017 (activity A018). The content of the processing in activity A018 is the same as that described in activity A006, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In activity A018, if the first user's approval for the coordination of the first avatar AV1 is accepted, the process proceeds to the next step. That is, the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 placed in the office of department A to be placed in the playground (activity A019).

Next, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the visual field corresponding to the third user placed in the playground (activity A020). Specifically, the display control unit 238 displays the first avatar AV1 placed in the playground on the display 4a of the third user's game device 3 in a manner that corresponds to the item determined in the activity A017. .

In summary, the information processing system 1 includes a control unit 23. The control unit 23 includes the following units: The management unit 230 manages multiple regions R in the virtual space and region attributes AT1 associated with each of the regions R. The avatar control unit 231 controls the placement of the first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user within a specific region R1, which is one of the regions R. The determination unit 232 determines the display mode of the first avatar AV1 within the specific region R1 according to the region attribute AT1 associated with the specific region R1.

According to this, it is possible to realize a game that can improve user convenience. In particular, since the display mode regarding the avatar is automatically determined according to the impression of the specific region R1, the user does not need to set the display mode each time, which is user-friendly.

In addition, by displaying the first avatar AV1 in the determined manner in the field of view corresponding to the second user, the first user can cause the second user to view the first avatar AV1 in a manner that matches the impression of the specific area R1. This makes it possible to realize an information processing system 1 that can encourage communication between users.

Furthermore, by performing interactions between users via avatars that are displayed in a manner that matches the impression of the specific area R1, it is possible to realize the information processing system 1 that allows smoother communication between users. .

In addition, when an avatar moves from a specific region R1 to another region R2, the display mode of the avatar is determined without user input, which further improves user convenience. Since the user no longer needs to determine the display mode of the avatar each time the region R moves, the stress felt by the user when operating the avatar in the virtual space can be reduced.

In addition, by notifying the first user before displaying the first avatar AV1 in the field of view of the second user, it is possible to prevent the first avatar AV1 from being viewed by the second user in a display manner that the first user does not desire. This makes it more user-friendly and further reduces the stress that the user feels when operating an avatar in a virtual space.

Further, when the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 changes, the display mode regarding the avatar is determined without depending on the user's input, thereby further improving user convenience. By automatically determining the display mode regarding the avatar according to the situation in the region R, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort that the user feels in the virtual space, and it is possible to provide the user with an experience closer to reality.

Furthermore, by changing the area attribute AT1 according to the time set for the specific area R1, it is possible to impress on the user that the situation in the area R has changed due to a change in time. For example, it is possible to make the user aware that it is time for a break at the workplace or school, that the working hours at the workplace have ended, etc., and it is possible to give a sense of pace to life in the virtual space. In addition, by changing the display mode of the avatar depending on the time, conversation between users is encouraged, and smoother communication between users is possible.

3.2 Details of Information Processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using the drawings.

<Area management table T1>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the area management table T1 that manages information for each area R. The area management table T1 has, as information, an identifier T11, an area name T12, an administrator user T13, an area attribute T14 (AT1), attribute control information T15, and a disclosure range T16.

The identifier T11 is unique information assigned to each region R on a one-to-one basis in order to identify the region R.

The area name T12 is information about the name of each area R. In FIG. 4, examples include Daiki's room, Department A's office, and the playground.

Administrator user T13 is information that identifies the user who manages area R. For example, administrator user T13 is information about a user who can set area name T12, area attribute T14 (AT1), attribute control information T15, and disclosure range T16.

The area attribute T14 (AT1) is information about the attributes set for each area R. The area attribute T14 (AT1) is an attribute that represents an impression, such as formal, casual, urban, modern, cool, stylish, classic, elegant, traditional, bohemian, chic, antique, vintage, retro, industrial, natural, country, simple, pop, cute, minimal, sports, rock, etc. The area attribute AT1 is an attribute that represents a style of a real region, era, or culture, such as Nordic, Asian, Japanese, mid-century, etc.

The attribute control information T15 is information related to the control of the area attribute AT1. Specifically, for example, it is information related to the conditions under which the change unit 235 changes the area attribute AT1. In the example of FIG. 4, the area attribute AT1 of the department A office is controlled to switch at a specific time. For example, the area attribute T14 (AT1) of the department A office is controlled to be set as "formal" from 9:00 to 18:00, and as "casual" from 18:00 to 9:00 the following morning.

The disclosure range T16 is information regarding the disclosure range of the area R. Specifically, the disclosure range T16 can be set to, for example, private, disclosure only to some members of a specific group, disclosure to all users who use the information processing system 1, etc.

<Item management table T2>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an item management table T2 that manages items owned by each user for each user. The item management table T2 has, as information, an identifier T21, an item name T22, an item attribute T23 (AT2), a large category T24, and a medium category T25. The example in FIG. 5 shows an item management table T2 that manages items owned by the first user.

The identifier T21 is unique information that is assigned to each item on a one-to-one basis to identify the item.

The item name T22 is information about the name of the item. In FIG. 5, examples include a house T-shirt, a star T-shirt, and a cat sweatshirt.

Item attribute T23 (AT2) is information that is associated with an item and managed. Specifically, for example, item attribute T23 (AT2) is information that is managed in correspondence with area attribute T14 (AT1). As shown in the example of Figure 5, the management unit 230 can associate two or more item attributes AT2 with one item and manage them.

The display mode for the avatar is determined by identifying items to be displayed in association with the first avatar AV1 from among the items owned by the first user, based on the relationship between the area attribute AT1 and the item attribute AT2 associated with the specific area R1. To explain using the examples of Figures 4 and 5, in Daiki's room (an example of area R), items having an item attribute AT2 that matches the area attribute AT1 of "casual" are identified. For example, items having the item attribute AT2 of "casual" such as a house T-shirt, a star T-shirt, and a cat sweatshirt are identified. This automatically identifies a combination of items that matches the impression of area R, further improving user convenience.

The large category T24 and the medium category T25 are information regarding categories into which items are classified. The medium category T25 is a category that further subdivides the large category T24. For example, if the large category is "clothing", the medium categories are tops, bottoms, sets, etc. Although not shown, tops can be referred to as ``dress shirts,'' ``blouses,'' ``jackets,'' etc., bottoms can be ``pants,'' ``skirts,'' and set clothing can be further referred to as ``dresses,'' ``dresses,'' etc. It can also be subdivided.

<Coordination settings>
FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of the visual field 5a corresponding to the first user and the coordination selection screen 6 that is visible to the first user.

The field of view 5a is the field of view of the first avatar AV1 (i.e., the field of view corresponding to the first user) virtually arranged in the area 50 (the first user's room). Specifically, the field of view 5a is, for example, a screen displayed on the display 4a of the first user's game device 3. The field of view 5a includes a display window 51, an area name 501, a setting content display 502, a virtual object 503, etc., which are virtually arranged in the area 50 (the first user's room).

The area name 501 displays the name of the area 50. The setting content display 502 displays, for example, information corresponding to the area attribute T14 (AT1) in the area management table T1. In the example of FIG. 6, it is displayed that the area attribute AT1 of the area 50 (the first user's room) is set to "casual."

The virtual object 503 is a virtual object virtually placed within the area 50 (the first user's own room). The virtual objects 503 are, for example, furniture, home appliances, interior decoration, food and drink, buildings, vehicles, animals and plants, objects caused by weather phenomena, characters other than avatars, and the like. In the example of FIG. 6, the virtual object 503 is a full-length mirror placed in the area 50 (the first user's room), and shows the current display mode of the first avatar AV1 corresponding to the first user.

For example, virtual objects 503 may be controlled to have functionality associated with each virtual object 503. In the example of FIG. 6, a display window 51 for setting the coordination of the first avatar AV1 in response to an operation by the first user to move the first avatar AV1 in front of the virtual object 503 (in this example, a full-length mirror) is displayed.

The display window 51 is a virtual screen displayed within the area 50 (the first user's room). In the example of FIG. 6, the display window 51 includes a tab 511, an operation button 512, and an avatar preview 513. The receiving unit 237 receives coordination settings for the first avatar AV1 through selection input using the tab 511 and the operation button 512 by the first user. The first user can set coordination for each area attribute AT1 by switching the tabs 511. In the avatar preview 513, the display mode related to the first avatar AV1, which is set for each area attribute AT1, is displayed in a mode that is visible to the first user.

The coordination selection screen 6 is a screen that receives an input from the first user to select a combination of items to be displayed in association with the first avatar AV1. In the example of FIG. 6, the coordination selection screen 6 is a screen displayed when the first user selects the "Clothing" operation button 512 while the "Casual" tab 511 is selected.

The outfit selection screen 6 includes an avatar preview 60, operation buttons 61, an item display area 62, and items 63. Items 63 owned by the first user are displayed in the item display area 62. In the example of FIG. 6, items owned by the first user that have an area attribute AT1 of "casual" and whose major category is "clothing" and whose medium category is "tops" are displayed. The avatar preview 60 displays the items 63 selected by the first user in a manner associated with the first avatar AV1.

When the first user selects the "OK" operation button 61 or operation button 512 on the coordination selection screen 6 or display window 51, the coordination of the first avatar AV1 is set. Also, for example, when the first user selects the "Shop" operation button 61, a screen is displayed that allows the first user to purchase items.

<Move to specific area R1>
FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of the visual field 5b and the visual field 5c corresponding to the first user. The description of the visual field 5b and the visual field 5c is the same as the description of the visual field 5a above, and will therefore be omitted. The field of view 5b and the field of view 5c include a display window 52, a region name 501, a setting content display 502, and a virtual object 503, which are virtually arranged within the region 50 (the first user's own room).

In the example of FIG. 7, the virtual object 503 is a door that connects the area 50 (the first user's room) to another area R. In the example of the visual field 5b, the display window 52 is displayed in response to the first user's operation of moving the first avatar AV1 in front of the virtual object 503 (in this example, a door).

The display window 52 is a virtual screen displayed within the area 50 (the first user's room). In the example of the field of view 5b, the display window 52 includes operation buttons 521. The receiving unit 237 receives the designation of the region R as the movement destination through the selection input using the operation button 512 by the first user. For example, the display control unit 238 displays the area R that is often used by the first user as a movement destination candidate. Further, for example, in response to the first user's selection of the “move destination list” operation button 521, the display control unit 238 displays a search screen for the movable region R.

The determination unit 232 determines the coordination of the first avatar AV1 in response to the first user selecting the operation button 521 for "Department A Office" and selecting Department A Office as the destination. The notification unit 234 then notifies the first user of the determined coordination, for example, in the form of a display window 52 in the field of view 5c. In the example of the field of view 5c, the display window 52 includes the operation button 521, an avatar preview 522, and a display name preview 523.

Avatar preview 522 displays the appearance of first avatar AV1 in department A's office in a manner that is visible to the first user. In the example of field of view 5c, the coordination of first avatar AV1 is displayed in association with "formal," which is the area attribute AT1 of department A's office.

For example, when approval from the first user is received via selection of the "OK" operation button 521, the avatar control unit 231 controls the first avatar AV1 to be placed in the department A office. On the other hand, when denial from the first user is received via selection of the "reselect" operation button 521, movement of the first avatar AV1 is not executed. Instead, the display control unit 238 displays the outfit selection screen 6, and then the reception unit 237 receives a selection of an outfit corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "formal" from the first user.

The display name preview 523 displays the display form of the first user's name, which is displayed in the department A office in correspondence with the first avatar AV1, in a form that is visible to the first user. In the example of the visual field 5c, the display name preview 523 indicates that the first user's name is displayed as "Daiki Sato." For example, when the first user selects the "display name setting" operation button 521, the reception unit 237 can accept the setting of the name display mode.

<Display of first avatar AV1 in specific region R1>
8 is an image diagram showing an example of the field of view 7a and the field of view 7b corresponding to the second user. The second user is a user other than the first user. For example, the second avatar AV2 (not shown) corresponding to the second user is virtually placed in the area 70 (Department A's office). Specifically, the field of view 7a and the field of view 7b are, for example, a screen displayed on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the second user. The field of view 7a and the field of view 7b include an area name 701, a setting content display 702, a virtual object 703, and a first avatar AV1 that are virtually placed in the area 70 (Department A's office).

The name of the area 70 is displayed in the area name 701. The setting content display 702 displays, for example, information corresponding to the area attribute T14 (AT1) and attribute control information T15 of the area management table T1. In the example of the visual field 7a, the virtual object 703 of a clock represents 9:00 a.m., and the area attribute AT1 of the area 70 (department A office) is set to "formal". On the other hand, in the example of the visual field 7b, the virtual object 703 of a clock represents the time past 18:00, and the area attribute AT1 of the area 70 (department A office) is set to "casual". For example, in the visual field 7a and the visual field 7b, the virtual object 703 is furniture such as a desk, a chair, a clock, etc. that is virtually arranged in the area 70 (department A office).

In the field of view 7a and the field of view 7b, the first avatar AV1 includes an item AV1a and a display name AV1b. Specifically, the item AV1a and the display name AV1b are displayed in association with each other on the first avatar AV1. In the example of visual field 7a and visual field 7b, item AV1a is the hairstyle and clothing of first avatar AV1. Item AV1a and display name AV1b are displayed in a manner set by the first user in advance. In the visual field 7a, an item AV1a corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "formal" is displayed as a part of the first avatar AV1. In the visual field 7b, an item AV1a corresponding to the area attribute AT1 of "casual" is displayed as a part of the first avatar AV1.

The output sound 71 indicates what the first user said through the first avatar AV1. In the example of FIG. 8, the output sound 71 is sound output from the speaker 4b in the game device 3 of the second user, and is not included in the field of view 7a. As shown in this example, the communication control unit 233 controls interactions between multiple users through avatars. The interactions are, for example, communication between users through phone calls, text chats, reactions through images (e.g., still images or videos), avatar gestures, avatar facial expressions, etc.

<Move to another area R2>
FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing an example of the visual field 5d corresponding to the first user and the visual field 8 corresponding to the third user.

The field of view 5d is, for example, a screen displayed on the display 4a of the game device 3 of the first user in response to an input by the first user to move the first avatar AV1 to the playground. The explanation of the field of view 5d is the same as that of the field of view 5c described above, and will not be explained here. In the example of the field of view 5d, the avatar preview 522 displays the coordinates of the first avatar AV1, which is set in association with the area attribute AT1 of the playground, "sports". In the example of the field of view 5d, the display name preview 523 shows that the name of the first user is displayed as "Daiki".

The third user is a user who is neither the first user nor the second user. For example, a third avatar AV3 (not shown) corresponding to the third user is virtually placed in the area 80 (playground). Specifically, the visual field 8 is, for example, a screen displayed on the display 4a of the third user's game device 3. The visual field 8 includes an area name 801, a setting content display 802, a virtual object 803, and a first avatar AV1, which are virtually arranged within the area 80 (playground).

The name of the area 80 is displayed in the area name 801. For example, the area attribute AT1 of the area 80 is displayed in the setting content display 702. In the example of the visual field 8, it is displayed that the area attribute AT1 of the area 80 (playground) is set to "sports". For example, in the field of view 8, the virtual object 803 is a building, such as a tennis court net, that is virtually placed within the area 80 (playground).

In the visual field 8, the first avatar AV1 includes an item AV1a and a display name AV1b. Specifically, the item AV1a and the display name AV1b are displayed in association with each other on the first avatar AV1. In the example of field of view 8, item AV1a is the hairstyle, clothing, and accessories of first avatar AV1. In the example of visual field 8, item AV1a corresponding to area attribute AT1 of "sports" is displayed as part of first avatar AV1.

[others]
The information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

In a modified example, a plurality of regions R may exist within the range of a continuous virtual space in which the user can move. For example, the region R may be an area that is identified based on the purpose set at that location, a virtual address, a difference in display mode, etc. Specifically, for example, within one continuous virtual space (for example, a city or a room), there may be areas set as event venues, areas that are only accessible to users with specific rights, areas that are different from others due to the color of the carpet, etc. It may be a distinct area or the like.

In one variation, the avatar's coordination does not have to be set by user selection. For example, the first user may select the "automatic" operation button 512 in the display window 51 of FIG. 6, and a recommended combination of items may be identified from among the items in hand.

In a modified example, the display regarding the avatar is not limited to the avatar's clothes, etc., and may be the following example. For example, displays related to avatars include the form of the display frame for displaying the avatar, special effects such as making the avatar shine, and the form of the display name that is displayed in association with the avatar (e.g., font, size, color, etc.) background color) etc. Depending on the user's selection, these display modes may be settable for each area attribute AT1. Further, the avatar does not need to be limited to humans, and may be, for example, animals, imaginary creatures, characters based on these motifs, or the like. In one example, the avatar's skin color, eye color, hair color, facial expression, etc. may be selectable by the user.

In one variant, a user may have multiple accounts in the information processing system 1. In this example, a setting that associates an area attribute AT1 with a specific account may be performed by the user. For example, in an area R where the area attribute AT1 is "formal", a "formal" coordination that is set in association with a work account may be displayed. Or, for example, in an area R of the user's workplace, coordination for each area attribute AT1 that is set in association with a work account may be displayed.

In a modified example, the display mode regarding the avatar may be determined according to the relationship between the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 and the area attribute AT1 associated with another area R2. Specifically, for example, if a user moves an avatar from a "casual" area R to a "formal" area R, the avatar after the move will shine for a certain period of time, or the avatar will wear special accessories. This may be done in a manner such as being attached. This can give the user a special feeling. Moreover, it is possible to create an opportunity for conversation between users, and smoother communication between users becomes possible.

In another variant, the display mode of the avatar is determined based on the relationship between the area attribute AT1 before and after the change. Specifically, for example, if the area attribute AT1 of area R is changed from "casual" to "formal," the changed avatar may shine for a certain period of time, or wear special accessories. This can give the user a sense of exclusivity. It can also be used to start a conversation between users, allowing for smoother communication between users.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the changing unit 235 modifies the area attribute AT1 associated with the specific area R1 when a specific time comes, but the following modified examples may also be used. For example, the changing unit 235 may change the area attribute AT1 based on the environment information IF set for the specific area R1. The environmental information IF is information for defining the environment within a region, and is information that can be recognized by the user using his or her five senses. For example, the environmental information IF may be the weather, temperature, auditory information, or tactile information set in the region R, or the type of virtual object installed in the region R. Here, the auditory information may be information regarding music or sound effects output from the speaker 4b of the game device 3 while the avatar is placed within the region R. Further, the tactile information may be information regarding vibrations or the like output from the input device 4c while the avatar is placed in the region R. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, Kana's room, which is one of the regions R, is controlled to change the region attribute AT1 according to the attribute of the furniture object set in the region R. Since the display mode regarding the avatar is automatically determined according to the situation in the region R, it is possible to provide the user with an experience closer to reality, and the user's experience in the virtual space becomes more enjoyable.

In a modified example, one or more of the determined coordination notifications (activity A006, activity A014, and activity A018 in FIG. 3) may be omitted. As in the example of FIG. 8, when the area attribute AT1 of the specific area R1 is changed according to a specific time, the first user may be notified of this before moving to the specific area R1. For example, even if the notification unit 234 notifies the first user of the time period in which the area attribute AT1 is to be changed and the area attribute AT1 after the change, the reception unit 237 subsequently receives coordination settings from the first user. good.

In a modified example, even if the area attribute AT1 of the area R is changed, the user may be able to select not to change the display mode regarding the avatar. For example, in the office of department A, if area attribute AT1 is set to "casual" only during the lunch break, the user may choose to continue displaying items with item attribute AT2 of "formal". . In one example, if the user does not have an item in hand that corresponds to the changed area attribute AT1, the user may be notified of this before moving to area R. In that case, the display control unit 238 may display a navigation line (for example, a button, a link, etc. that accepts movement) to a shop where the user can purchase the item. Here, the shop may be a screen where items can be purchased, or may be one of the areas R where the user can operate an avatar to look around at products.

In another modification, the notification unit 234 may later notify a user whose avatar-related display mode has not been changed in response to a change in the area attribute AT1. For example, the above notification may be made after the avatar moves to the user's own room. Furthermore, in another modification, if there is another user whose avatar-related display mode has not been changed, the notification unit 234 may notify the user that it is recommended to go shopping for items together with the other user. The user may be notified.

In a modified example, the region generation unit 236 may further generate a new region R3 based on the plurality of regions R. The area attribute AT1 of the new area R3 is determined based on the area attribute AT1 associated with at least one area R among the plurality of areas R. FIG. 10 is an image diagram for explaining a modification. The field of view 5e is the field of view of the first avatar AV1 (that is, the field of view corresponding to the first user) virtually placed in the region 55 (Kana's room), which is one of the regions R. In the area 55 (Kana's room), a second avatar AV2 corresponding to the second user and a third avatar AV3 corresponding to the third user are further arranged.

The output sound 54a indicates the content of the voice spoken by the second user that is output from the speaker 4b of the game device 3 of the first user, and the input sound 54b indicates the content of the voice spoken by the first user and input to the input device 4c. The example of the field of view 5e shows a scene in which it has been decided through a call between the first and second users to combine their rooms. The display window 9 is a window that is displayed in the field of view corresponding to the first user. The display window 9 displays a message indicating that the user will move to the new room that has been generated. Other explanations of the display window 9 are omitted, as they are the same as those of the display window 52 in FIG. 7.

The field of view 5f is the field of view of the first avatar AV1 virtually placed in the new area R3, which is the area 56 (new room) (i.e., the field of view corresponding to the first user). Information about the generated area 56 (new room) may be managed by the management unit 230. The area attribute AT1 of the area 56 (new room) may adopt any one of the area attributes AT1 of the original room, "casual" and "sports". As shown in the example of the field of view 5f, the area attribute AT1 of the area 56 (new room) may adopt "sports casual", which is a combination of "casual" and "sports". This makes it easier for users to gather together in the virtual space. It also makes the user's experience in the virtual space more enjoyable.

As in the above example, an area attribute AT1 generated by combining multiple area attributes AT1 may be set for the new area R3. If the area attribute AT1 of the new area R3 is "sports casual", items having item attributes AT2 of "sports", "casual", or "sports casual" may be displayed in association with the avatar. In one example, if a user sets an avatar's coordination to a combination of only "sports casual" items, the avatar may be displayed in a special manner in the new area R3. The special manner may be, for example, the avatar glowing for a certain period of time, a mark that is proof of being a fashion expert is displayed together with the avatar, or the logo of a sponsoring company is displayed on the clothing item. If a special item is displayed, the user may be able to own that item.

In a modified example, the display mode regarding the avatar may be further determined based on a history of actions performed by the first user via the first avatar. For example, if the user moves from his or her room to the work area R just before the start of work hours, the avatar's clothes and hairstyle may be disordered (for example, the avatar's clothes or hairstyle may be disordered (e.g., the shirt is sticking out of the suit jacket, The avatar may be displayed in such a manner that the shirt is sticking out of the avatar's pants, or the avatar is sweating and has stains on his clothes. In this case, the display mode of the avatar is based on the action schedule in the virtual space (for example, schedule information corresponding to the real time), which is managed in association with the user, and the time when the user actually takes the action. may be determined. Thereby, it is possible to intentionally leave some inconvenience in the experience in the virtual space, and it is possible to provide the user with an experience closer to reality. Moreover, it is possible to create an opportunity for communication between users.

As another example, the manner in which the avatar is displayed in the destination region R2 may be determined based on climate information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) associated with each of the specific region R1 and the other region R2. For example, if the temperature set in the specific region R1 is above a threshold and the temperature set in the other region R2 is below the threshold, the avatar may be displayed as if it is sweating and has stains on its clothes for a certain period of time after the avatar moves to the other region R2. In one example, the climate information associated with region R may be related to real-world climate information.

In a modified example, movement from the specific region R1 to another region R2 may be performed by the user operating an avatar. Specifically, an avatar operated by a user may perform actions such as walking in a city, riding a train, bus, etc. in a virtual space, and movement in the real world may be reproduced. As an example, when an avatar operated by a user moves from a specific area R1 to another area R2, it may pass through an area R that is a city. In this example, when the temperature set in area R, which is a city, is above the threshold and the user performs an operation to make the avatar run in area R, the avatar moves to another area R2 for a certain period of time. The avatar may be displayed sweating and having stains on its clothes.

One aspect of the embodiment may be an information processing method. The information processing method includes each step of the information processing system 1. Further, another aspect of the embodiment may be a program. The program causes the computer to execute each step in the information processing system 1.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects:
In the information processing system, the avatar control step further controls a second avatar corresponding to a second user other than the first user to be placed within the specific area, and the display step further causes the first avatar to be displayed in a determined manner in a field of view corresponding to the second user.
In the information processing system, the communication control step further includes controlling an interaction between the first user and the second user via the first avatar and the second avatar.
In the information processing system, in the avatar control step, a first avatar placed within the specific area is controlled to be placed in an area other than the specific area, and in the determination step, the aspect is determined according to area attributes associated with the other area, without input by the first user.
In the information processing system, the notification step further includes notifying the first user before the first avatar is displayed in the field of view of a second user other than the first user, wherein the notification includes content that confirms with the first user whether or not it is okay to display the first avatar in a determined manner.
In the information processing system, the aspect is determined according to a relationship between a region attribute associated with the specific region and a region attribute associated with the other region.
In the information processing system, further, in the change step, the area attribute associated with the specific area is changed to another area attribute, and in the determination step, when the area attribute is changed while the first avatar is placed within the specific area, the aspect is determined in accordance with the another area attribute without input by the first user.
In the information processing system, the changing step changes the area attribute in accordance with a time set for the specific area.
In the information processing system, the change step changes the area attributes based on environmental information set for the specific area, where the environmental information is information for defining the environment within the area and is information that a user can recognize through the user's own five senses.
In the information processing system, the aspect is determined based on a relationship between area attributes before and after the change.
In the information processing system, further, in the area generation step, a new area is generated based on a plurality of the areas, and an area attribute of the new area is determined based on an area attribute associated with at least one of the plurality of areas.
In the information processing system, the aspect is determined by identifying an item to be displayed in association with the first avatar from among items owned by the first user based on a relationship between an area attribute associated with the specific area and an item attribute, wherein the item attribute is information managed in association with the item.
A program that causes a computer to execute each step in the information processing system.
Of course, this is not the case.

Finally, although various embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure. The embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the disclosure described in the claims and its equivalents.

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Storage unit 23: Control unit 230: Management unit 231: Avatar control unit 232: Determination unit 233: Communication control unit 234: Notification unit 235: Change unit 236: Area generation unit 237: Reception unit 238: Display control unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Storage unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphic processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 5a: Field of view 5b: Field of view 5c: Field of view 5d: Field of view 5e: Field of view 5f: Field of view 50: Area 501: Area name 502: Setting content display 503: Virtual object 51: Display window 511: Tab 512 : Operation button 513 : Avatar preview 52 : Display window 521 : Operation button 522 : Avatar preview 523 : Display name preview 53 : Area 54a : Output sound 54b : Input sound 55 : Area 551 : Virtual object 56 : Area 6 : Coordinate selection screen 60 : Avatar preview 61 : Operation button 62 : Item display area 63 : Item 7a : Field of view 7b : Field of view 70 : Area 701 : Area name 702 : Setting content display 703 : Virtual object 71 : Output sound 8 : Field of view 80 : Area 801 : Area name 802 : Setting content display 803 : Virtual object 9 : Display window 91 : Operation button 92 : Avatar preview 93 : Display name preview AT1 : Area attribute AT2 : Item attribute AV1 : First avatar AV1a : Item AV1b : Display name AV2 : Second avatar AV2a : Item AV2b : Display name AV3 : Third avatar AV3a : Item AV3b : Display name IF : Environmental information R : Area R1 : Specific area R2 : Another area R3 : New area T1 : Area management table T11 : Identifier T12 : Area name T13 : Administrator user T14 : Area attribute T15 : Attribute control information T16 : Disclosure range T2 : Item management table T21 : Identifier T22 : Item name T23 : Item attribute T24 : Major category T25 : Medium category

Claims (8)

An information processing system,
A control unit is provided,
The control unit is configured to execute the following steps:
In the management step, a plurality of areas in the virtual space and area attributes associated with each of the areas are managed;
In the avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user is controlled to be placed in a specific area that is one of the areas;
In the determining step, a display mode of the first avatar in the specific region is determined in accordance with a region attribute associated with the specific region,
the aspect is determined by identifying an item to be displayed in association with the first avatar from among items owned by the first user, based on a relationship between an area attribute associated with the specific area and an item attribute associated with the item;
The item attribute is information associated with the item and managed,
In the notification step, if the display manner of the first avatar is not determined in accordance with the area attributes associated with the specific area, the system notifies the first user of a route to a shop where the item can be purchased. The information processing system according to claim 1,
In the determining step, if the item that satisfies the relationship is not included in the items held by the first user, the display mode regarding the first avatar is changed to an area attribute associated with the specific area. The system does not decide according to. The information processing system according to claim 2,
In the avatar control step, the first avatar placed in the specific area is controlled to be placed in the specific area from an area different from the specific area,
In the notification step, before placing the first avatar in the specific area, confirming that the items held by the first user do not include the item having the item attribute that satisfies the relationship; The system executes the notification to include an indication indicating a route to the shop. In the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Furthermore, in the changing step, changing the area attribute associated with the specific area to another area attribute,
In the determining step, when the area attribute is changed while the first avatar is placed in the specific area, and the aspect is not determined according to the another area attribute, The system performs the notification after the region attribute is changed to the another region attribute. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
In the determination step, if the area attribute is changed to another area attribute while a second avatar corresponding to a second user other than the first user is placed within the specific area, and the appearance of the avatar corresponding to the second user is not determined in accordance with the other area attribute, the system executes the notification to include a recommendation to the first user to move to the shop together with the second user. An information processing system,
A control unit is provided,
The control unit is configured to execute the following steps:
In the management step, a plurality of areas in the virtual space and area attributes associated with each of the areas are managed;
In the avatar control step, a first avatar corresponding to a first user is controlled to be placed in a specific area that is one of the areas;
In the determination step, a display mode of the first avatar in the specific area is determined according to an area attribute associated with the specific area, and the display mode is determined by identifying an item to be displayed in association with the first avatar from among items owned by the first user based on a relationship between an area attribute associated with the specific area and an item attribute associated with the item;
Furthermore, in the region generating step, a new region is generated based on the plurality of regions;
the region attributes of the new region include region attributes associated with at least two of the plurality of regions;
A system that determines, when the item attributes of the item to be displayed in association with the first avatar satisfy the relationship with both of the area attributes associated with the two areas, the appearance so that the appearance is a special appearance that is different from the case where only one of the area attributes associated with the two areas satisfies the relationship. An information processing system,
Equipped with a control unit,
The control unit is configured to execute the following steps,
In the management step, a plurality of areas in the virtual space and area attributes associated with each of the areas are managed,
In the avatar control step, the first avatar corresponding to the first user is controlled to be placed in a specific area that is one of the areas,
In the determining step, a display mode regarding the first avatar in the specific area is determined according to area attributes associated with the specific area,
In the display control step, when an operation for placing the first avatar placed in the specific area in another area is received from the user, the first avatar is specified according to area attributes associated with the other area. displaying the display mode in a manner visible to the first user;
In the avatar control step, the system further controls the first avatar to be placed in the other area in response to receiving approval regarding the display mode from the first user. A program,
An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a computer that executes each of the steps in the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.