JP7469415B2 - Information processing device and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method.

A service system for providing users with services (virtual space services) in a virtual reality (VR) space (virtual space) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a virtual space management server that manages multiple virtual space services converts the corresponding virtual space configuration information based on user configuration information and virtual space configuration information acquired in response to an inquiry from a virtual space server, and generates user deployment information to be sent to the virtual space server that made the inquiry. This ensures the uniformity of users and characters for multiple different virtual space services.

JP 2000-285064 A

However, the technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 did not always provide sufficient eligibility for the services that users received in the virtual space. For example, there were cases where a user was able to provide or receive services using an avatar with a profile that was different from the user's own profile in the real world.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to improve the suitability of user services in virtual space.

One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a credential information storage unit that stores credential information relating to a main service that is a specified service received by a user in a real space and is different from a payment service associated with the service, in association with identification information of a qualification holder; a confirmation request receiving unit that receives a confirmation request for credential information relating to the requested service from a device that confirmed the credential information for the requested service when the user requests the provision of a requested service different from the payment service in a virtual space; a credential information confirmation unit that, in response to the confirmation request, confirms the credential information relating to the main service that corresponds to the requested service from the credential information stored in the credential information storage unit; and a confirmation request response unit that responds to the device that confirmed the result of the confirmation of the credential information, wherein the credential information stored in the credential information storage unit is information on qualifications defined in the real space and intended to be used in the real space, and the requested service is a service used in the virtual space by an avatar associated with the user identification information of the user .
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the qualification information is information indicating a qualification granted by a person other than the qualification holder.
One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which, in the above-mentioned information processing device, the credential information storage unit stores credential information for a user to receive the main service in real space in association with identification information of the user, the confirmation request includes the identification information of the user and credential information identification information that identifies the credential information for providing the requested service, and the credential information confirmation unit confirms credential information related to the main service stored in the credential information storage unit in association with the user's identification information that matches the credential information identification information.
One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described above, wherein the confirmation source device is a service providing device that provides the requested service in a virtual space to the user in response to a service provision request for the requested service that the user requests to be provided in the virtual space.
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the confirmation source device is a virtual space server that executes information processing for providing the virtual space to a user.
One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described above, in which the credential information confirmation unit confirms two or more pieces of credential information related to the main service stored in the credential information storage unit in association with the user's identification information, which match the credential information identification information.
One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described above, further comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires qualification information relating to the main service that the user receives in the real space and identification information of the qualification holder from a device in the real space related to the service.
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires qualification information that the qualification holder has consented to be provided and identification information of the qualification holder.
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the qualification information relating to the main service that the user receives in real space is qualification information granted by a predetermined institution relating to the main service.
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the main service that the user receives in real space is a service provided by the specified institution related to the main service.
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the main service that the user receives in the real space is a service provided in a facility that actually exists in the real space.
One aspect of the present invention is the information processing device described above, wherein the requested service in the virtual space is a service provided to the user via an avatar of the user in the virtual space.

One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device, the information processing method including: a credential information storage step of associating credential information relating to a main service that is a predetermined service received by a user in a real space and that is different from a payment service associated with the service with identification information of a qualification holder and storing the credential information in a credential information storage step; a confirmation request receiving step of receiving a confirmation request for credential information relating to the requested service from a device that confirmed the credential information for the requested service when the user requests the provision of a requested service that is different from the payment service in a virtual space; a credential information confirmation step of confirming, in response to the confirmation request , the credential information relating to the main service that corresponds to the requested service among the credentials stored in the credential information storage step; and a confirmation request response step of responding to the device that confirmed the result of the credential confirmation, wherein the credential information stored in the credential information storage step is information on a qualification defined in the real space and intended to be used in the real space, and the requested service is a service used in the virtual space by an avatar associated with the user identification information of the user .

The present invention has the effect of improving the suitability of user services in virtual space.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space service system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a qualification information comprehensive management device (information processing device) according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a qualification information database according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space service system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, a credential information comprehensive management device 1 executes information processing for comprehensively managing credential information related to a specific service that a user (hereinafter simply referred to as a user) U of a virtual space service receives in a real space (real space). The credential information is information indicating the type of qualification and the expiration date. The credential information related to a specific service includes credential information that a user U who receives the service in the real space needs to have, and credential information that a service provider who provides the service in the real space needs to have. For example, when a user U receives insurance medical treatment at a medical institution in the real space, the user U needs to have a health insurance certificate as a qualification, and a person who performs medical treatment as a doctor at a medical institution in the real space (service provider) needs to have a medical license as a qualification. Furthermore, the user U may need to have a patient card of the medical institution as a qualification.

The types of qualifications indicated by the qualification information in this embodiment can be broadly divided into user-specific qualifications and qualifications other than user-specific qualifications.

User-specific qualifications are qualifications unique to user U that user U originally possesses. Specific examples of user-specific qualifications include age, sex, height, weight, eyesight, hearing, blood type, and race. These user-specific qualifications are not qualifications that have been granted to user U by someone other than user U (the qualification holder), but are qualifications that user U originally possesses.

Qualifications other than user-specific qualifications are qualifications that have been granted to the qualification holder by someone other than the qualification holder. Examples of qualifications other than user-specific qualifications include public qualifications such as national qualifications, various private qualifications, certificates issued by public institutions such as local governments, and certificates issued by private institutions. Specific examples of qualifications other than user-specific qualifications include health insurance certificates, driver's licenses (Type 1 (driver's license for private cars only), Type 2 (license required to drive passenger vehicles such as buses and taxis)), resident's registration cards, membership cards for various membership services, and medical licenses.

The credential information comprehensive management device 1 transmits and receives data between external devices such as the virtual space server 3, the mth credential information management device 7 (m is a positive integer from 1 to n, n is a positive integer equal to or greater than 1), and the service providing device 9 via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

The virtual space server 3 executes information processing to provide a virtual space service. The virtual space server 3 executes virtual space processing to generate virtual space data by computer graphics for showing the virtual facility VSO to the user U. The virtual space data is data that can be displayed, for example, on a head-mounted display, to make the virtual space VS created by computer graphics appear as if it were real space to the wearer.

In this embodiment, the virtual space service provides a service that displays, in the virtual space VS, an avatar AVA associated with the user's user identification information (user ID) and a virtual facility VSO for providing a service (requested service) requested by the user U in the virtual space. The avatar AVA is a character that is displayed in the virtual space VS as an avatar of the user U. The virtual space service allows the user U to perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of his or her avatar AVA in the virtual space VS.

A virtual facility VSO is a facility established in a virtual space VS to provide services to a user U via an avatar AVA. One example of a virtual facility VSO is a virtual clinic established in a virtual space VS to provide health insurance medical services in the virtual space VS. A user U can receive health insurance medical services in the virtual space VS by having his/her avatar AVA visit the virtual facility VSO "clinic."

The virtual space server 3 transmits and receives data between the devices (user devices) UE and VR used by the user U via the communication network NW.

The first user device UE is a device that does not perform operations that control the virtual space VS. Operations performed by the first user device UE are operations that do not control the virtual space VS. Therefore, the user U does not perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of his/her avatar AVA in the virtual space VS on the first user device UE. The first user device UE is, for example, a smartphone.

The second user device VR is a device that performs operations to control the virtual space VS. The second user device VR transmits and receives data to and from the virtual space server 3 via the communication network NW. The second user device VR is registered in the virtual space server 3 in association with the user ID of the user U. The virtual space data is transmitted from the virtual space server 3 to the second user device VR of the user U.

The user U receives the provision of the virtual space service using the second user device VR. The user U uses the second user device VR to perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the orientation of his/her avatar AVA in the virtual space VS.

The second user device VR is, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD). The head-mounted display can make a virtual space created by computer graphics (CG) look like a real space (actual space) to the wearer. In addition, various sensors equipped in the head-mounted display detect movement and tilt, making it look like the wearer is moving in the virtual space and can change the direction in which objects in the virtual space are viewed. The user can use the operation unit equipped in the head-mounted display to perform predetermined operations such as moving or changing the direction of their avatar in the virtual space. The operation unit equipped in the head-mounted display is, for example, configured as a device separate from the head-mounted display main body, and performs short-range wireless communication with the head-mounted display main body.

The second user device VR may be any device having information processing functions, display functions, operation functions, etc., for using the virtual space service. For example, the second user device VR may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC). For example, the second user device VR may be a stationary personal computer.

Furthermore, the functions of the first user device UE and the functions of the second user device VR may be realized by the same device. For example, the functions of the first user device UE and the functions of the second user device VR may be realized by a head-mounted display. For example, the functions of the first user device UE and the functions of the second user device VR may be realized by a smartphone. For example, the functions of the first user device UE and the functions of the second user device VR may be realized by a stationary personal computer.

The mth credential information management device 7 (first credential information management device 7, second credential information management device 7, ..., nth credential information management device 7) is a device that manages specific credential information (mth credential information). For example, the first credential information management device 7 is a management device of a personal information service provider that manages user-specific qualifications (first credential information). For example, the second credential information management device 7 is a management device of a public institution that manages a health insurance certificate (second credential information). For example, the third credential information management device 7 is a management device of a public institution that manages a driver's license (third credential information). For example, the fourth credential information management device 7 is a management device of a public institution that manages a resident's card (fourth credential information). For example, the fifth credential information management device 7 is a management device of a membership service provider that manages a membership card (fifth credential information) for a specific membership service. Examples of membership service providers include a clinic (the fifth credential information is a patient registration card), a membership fitness club (the fifth credential information is a membership card), and a membership resort facility (the fifth credential information is a membership card). For example, the sixth credential information management device 7 is a management device of a public institution that manages medical licenses (sixth credential information).

The mth credential information management device 7 transmits and receives data between the first user device UE and external devices such as the credential information comprehensive management device 1 via the communication network NW.

The service providing device 9 provides the requested service to the user U in the virtual space VS in response to a service provision request for the requested service that the user U requests to be provided in the virtual space VS. The service providing device 9 transmits and receives data between external devices such as the credential information comprehensive management device 1 and the virtual space server 3 via the communication network NW. The service providing device 9 transmits and receives data for providing the requested service to the user U in the virtual space VS between the user U's second user device VR and the virtual space server 3 via the virtual space server 3.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a credential information comprehensive management device 1 (information processing device) according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the credential information comprehensive management device 1 includes an information acquisition unit 101, a confirmation request receiving unit 102, a credential information confirmation unit 103, a confirmation request response unit 104, and a credential information database 210.

Each function of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 is realized by the credential information comprehensive management device 1 having computer hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and the CPU executing a computer program stored in the memory. The credential information comprehensive management device 1 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the credential information comprehensive management device 1 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, each function of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 may be realized by cloud computing. Furthermore, the credential information comprehensive management device 1 may be realized by a single computer, or may be realized by distributing the functions of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 to multiple computers. Furthermore, the credential information comprehensive management device 1 may be configured to set up a website, for example, using a WWW system or the like.

The information acquisition unit 101 acquires qualification information related to a specific service that the user U receives in the real space and identification information of the qualification holder (qualification holder ID) from a device in the real space related to the service. The information acquisition unit 101 acquires the mth qualification information held by the user U and the user ID of the user U from the mth qualification information management device 7. The information acquisition unit 101 acquires the mth qualification information held by the service provider and identification information of the service provider (service provider ID) from the mth qualification information management device 7. The qualification information and qualification holder ID acquired by the information acquisition unit 101 are associated with each other and stored in the qualification information database 210.

The credential information database 210 stores credential information related to a specific service that a user U receives in the real world in association with a credential holder ID.

The confirmation request receiving unit 102 receives a confirmation request for the credential information for the requested service from the device that confirmed the credential information for the requested service when the user U requests the provision of a requested service in the virtual space VS. In response to the confirmation request, the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms the credential information for a specific service that corresponds to the requested service from the credential information stored in the credential information database 210. The confirmation request response unit 104 responds with the confirmation result of the credential information to the device that confirmed the credential information.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the qualification information database 210 according to this embodiment. In the example of Figure 3, for each qualification holder, a qualification holder ID and the qualification information held by the qualification holder are stored in the qualification information database 210.

Certification holders include user U, who receives services in the real world, and service providers, who provide services in the real world. The certification holder ID of user U is the user ID. The certification holder ID of the service provider is the service provider ID.

The qualification information is information that indicates the type of qualification and the expiration date. For example, a user U with a user ID "UID_1" has qualifications such as a user-specific qualification (no expiration date), a health insurance certificate (expiration date: XX year XX month XX day), and a XX clinic appointment card (no expiration date). For example, a user U with a user ID "UID_2" has qualifications such as a user-specific qualification (no expiration date), a first-class driver's license (expiration date: YY year YY month YY day), and a XX fitness club membership card (expiration date: XY year XY month XY day). For example, a service provider with a service provider ID "SID_1" has a medical license (no expiration date). For example, a service provider with a service provider ID "SID_2" has a △XX national qualification (expiration date: ZX year ZX month ZX day).

Next, the information processing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

(Qualifications acquisition stage)
The qualification information acquisition stage of the information processing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the qualification information acquisition stage of the information processing method according to this embodiment. Here, the case where the qualification information comprehensive management device 1 acquires the qualification information of the user U will be described as an example, but the same applies to the case where the qualification information of the service provider is acquired.

(Step S101) When user U acquires the mth credential information, the mth credential information acquired by user U is associated with the user ID of user U and the communication address (e.g., email address) of the first user device UE and registered in the mth credential information management device 7. The mth credential information management device 7 uses the communication address of user U to transmit a credential information provision confirmation request to the first user device UE of user U. The credential information provision confirmation request is a request to user U to confirm whether or not user U's mth credential information may be provided to the credential information comprehensive management device 1.

(Step S102) In response to the credential information provision confirmation request received by the first user device UE, the user U responds to the mth credential information management device 7 via the first user device UE as to whether the mth credential information may be provided to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 (provision permitted) or not (provision denied) (credential information provision confirmation response).

(Step S103) If the credential information provision confirmation response received from the first user device UE is "provision permitted", the mth credential information management device 7 transmits the mth credential information and user ID of user U to the credential information comprehensive management device 1. On the other hand, if the credential information provision confirmation response received from the first user device UE is "provision denied", the mth credential information management device 7 does not transmit the mth credential information and user ID of user U to the credential information comprehensive management device 1.

(Step S104) The information acquisition unit 101 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 receives the mth credential information and user ID of user U transmitted from the mth credential information management device 7. The information acquisition unit 101 associates the mth credential information and user ID of user U and stores them in the credential information database 210.

(Example 1 of a service provision stage in virtual space)
An example 1 of the service provision stage in the virtual space of the information processing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the service provision stage in the virtual space of the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

(Step S201) The user U uses the second user device VR to use the virtual space service provided by the virtual space server 3. The user U uses the second user device VR to perform a request (service provision request) to receive a desired service (requested service) in the virtual space VS.

For example, the user U uses the second user device VR to make a service provision request to receive an insured medical service in the virtual space VS by having his/her avatar AVA visit the virtual facility VSO "XX Clinic" and selecting the "Insured Medical Service Provision Request Button" displayed in the virtual space VS. In response to the operation of the service provision request, the second user device VR transmits the service provision request and the user ID of the user U to the service provision device 9 corresponding to the requested service via the virtual space server 3.

(Step S202) Based on the service provision request and user ID of user U received from the second user device VR via the virtual space server 3, the service providing device 9 transmits a credential information confirmation request together with the user ID and credential information identification information of user U to the credential information comprehensive management device 1. The credential information confirmation request is a request to confirm whether user U has the credential information necessary for the service requested by user U. The credential information identification information is information that identifies the credential information necessary for the service requested by user U. For example, if the service requested by user U is an "insured medical service", the credential information identification information is information indicating the "health insurance insured card" necessary for the insured medical service. Furthermore, if the service requested by user U is an "insured medical service" at the virtual facility VSO "XX Clinic", the credential information identification information is information indicating the "health insurance insured card" necessary for the insured medical service and the "XX Clinic patient card" necessary for medical treatment at XX Clinic.
The confirmation request receiving unit 102 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 receives the credential information confirmation request together with the user ID of the user U and the credential information identification information transmitted from the service providing device 9 .

(Step S203) The credential information confirmation unit 103 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 refers to the credential information database 210 based on the user ID and credential information identification information of user U received by the confirmation request receiving unit 102 together with the credential information confirmation request, and confirms whether user U has the credential information identified by the credential information identification information. Furthermore, the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the credential information identified by the credential information identification information has expired.

If the relevant credentials exist in the credentials database 210 and have not expired, then user U has the credentials necessary for the service requested by user U (qualified). On the other hand, if the relevant credentials do not exist in the credentials database 210 or if the relevant credentials exist but have expired, then user U does not have the credentials necessary for the service requested by user U (unqualified).

For example, if the credential information identification information indicates a "health insurance insured card", the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the credential information "health insurance insured card" associated with the user ID of user U exists in the credential information database 210. Furthermore, the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the credential information "health insurance insured card" associated with the user ID of user U has expired. If the result of this confirmation is that the credential information "health insurance insured card" associated with the user ID of user U exists in the credential information database 210 and the credential information "health insurance insured card" has not expired, then user U has the credential information "health insurance insured card" required for the service "insured medical treatment service" requested by user U (qualified). On the other hand, if the credential information database 210 does not contain the credential information "health insurance card" associated with the user ID of user U, or if the credential information "health insurance card" exists but has expired, then user U does not have the credential information "health insurance card" required for the service "insured medical treatment service" requested by user U (no credential).

For example, when the credential information identification information indicates "health insurance certificate" and "xx clinic appointment card", the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the credential information "health insurance certificate" and "xx clinic appointment card" associated with the user ID of the user U exist in the credential information database 210. Furthermore, the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the respective expiration dates of the credential information "health insurance certificate" and "xx clinic appointment card" associated with the user ID of the user U have expired. If the result of this confirmation is that the credential information "health insurance certificate" and "xx clinic appointment card" associated with the user ID of the user U exist in the credential information database 210 and the respective expiration dates of the credential information "health insurance certificate" and "xx clinic appointment card" have not expired, the credential information "health insurance certificate" and "xx clinic appointment card" required for the requested service "Insured medical service at virtual facility VSO "xx clinic"" of the user U are possessed by the user U (qualified). On the other hand, if at least one of the qualification information "Health Insurance Certificate" or "XX Clinic Appointment Card" associated with the user ID of user U does not exist in the qualification information database 210, or if the qualification information "Health Insurance Certificate" and "XX Clinic Appointment Card" exist but at least one of the qualification information "Health Insurance Certificate" or "XX Clinic Appointment Card" has expired, then user U does not have the qualification information "Health Insurance Certificate" and "XX Clinic Appointment Card" required for the requested service "Insured Medical Service at Virtual Facility VSO "XX Clinic"" (no qualification).

(Step S204) The confirmation request response unit 104 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 responds to the service providing device 9 with the result of the credential information confirmation by the credential information confirmation unit 103 (credential information confirmation response). The credential information confirmation response is information indicating whether the user U has the credential information required for the service requested by the user U (qualified) or not (not qualified).

The result of the credential information check may be information indicating the presence or absence of credential information and the expiration date of the credential information. For example, the result of the credential information check may be the credential information itself stored in the credential information database 210.

(Step S205) If the credential information confirmation response received from the credential information comprehensive management device 1 indicates "qualified," the service providing device 9 transmits and receives data for providing the requested service to the user U in the virtual space VS between the second user device VR of the user U and the virtual space server 3. This allows the user U to receive the requested service in the virtual space VS.

On the other hand, if the credential information confirmation response received from the credential information comprehensive management device 1 indicates "not qualified," the service providing device 9 notifies the second user device VR of the user U via the virtual space server 3 that the requested service cannot be provided. In this case, the user U cannot receive the requested service in the virtual space VS.

In the above-mentioned example 1 of the service provision stage in the virtual space, an "insured medical treatment service" was given as an example of the service requested by user U, but the same applies to various types of requested services.

For example, if user U requests participation in an age-restricted event held in virtual space VS as a requested service, the service providing device 9 providing the event requests the credential information comprehensive management device 1 to confirm user U's age, and if user U's age meets the age limit, user U's participation in the event is permitted, but if user U's age does not meet the age limit, user U's participation in the event is not permitted.

For example, when a user U requests the use of a rental car in the virtual space VS as a requested service, the service providing device 9 that provides the rental car service requests the credential information comprehensive management device 1 to confirm the user U's driver's license, and allows the user U to use the rental car if the user U has a valid driver's license, but does not allow the user U to use the rental car if the user U does not have a valid driver's license.

For example, when user U requests, as a requested service, participation in a vote limited to residents of a specific area in the virtual space VS, the service providing device 9 providing the voting service requests the credential information comprehensive management device 1 to confirm user U's resident card, and if user U's resident card corresponds to the area, user U's participation in the vote is permitted, but if user U's resident card does not correspond to the area, user U's participation in the vote is not permitted. For example, participation in a vote limited to residents of the virtual city "Shibuya Ward" in the virtual space VS is limited to only users U who have a resident card in "Shibuya Ward" in the real world.

In the procedure of FIG. 5, the service providing device 9 directly sends a credential information confirmation request to the credential information comprehensive management device 1, but this is not limited to this. The service providing device 9 may send the credential information confirmation request via the virtual space server 3. In this case, the service providing device 9 sends a credential information confirmation request to the virtual space server 3 together with the user ID and credential information identification information of the user U based on the service provision request and user ID of the user U received from the second user device VR via the virtual space server 3. Next, the virtual space server 3 sends a credential information confirmation request to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 together with the user ID and credential information identification information of the user U received from the service providing device 9. The confirmation request receiving unit 102 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 receives the credential information confirmation request together with the user ID and credential information identification information of the user U sent from the virtual space server 3. Similarly, the credential information confirmation response is sent from the credential information comprehensive management device 1 to the service providing device 9 via the virtual space server 3. In this way, the credential information confirmation request may be sent to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 via the virtual space server 3 in order to unify the destination of all requests for virtual space services from users and service providers to the virtual space server 3.

In addition, credential information specific information corresponding to each of the various requested services may be stored in advance in the virtual space server 3 in association with the service provider (service providing device), the requested service, and the virtual facility VSO that provides the requested service, and when the virtual space server 3 detects a request for provision of the requested service by the user U (for example, when it detects a visit of the avatar AVA of the user U to the "virtual facility VSO that provides the requested service"), it may automatically transmit a credential information confirmation request to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 together with the user ID of the user U and the credential information specific information corresponding to the requested service. The credential information confirmation response is transmitted from the credential information comprehensive management device 1 to the service providing device 9 via the virtual space server 3. This eliminates the need for the service provider (service providing device) to make a credential information confirmation request regarding the user U.

Furthermore, in the case where the virtual space server 3 automatically sends a credential information confirmation request to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 and receives a credential information confirmation response from the credential information comprehensive management device 1 as described above, when the virtual space server 3 confirms from the credential information confirmation response that the user U is "qualified" for the requested service, the requested service may be automatically provided to the user U. In this automatic provision of the requested service, for example, the requested service may be provided to the user U by the virtual space server 3 executing a preset requested service provision process corresponding to the requested service.

(Example 2 of service provision stage in virtual space)
An example 2 of the service provision stage in the virtual space of the information processing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the service provision stage in the virtual space of the information processing method according to this embodiment. In Fig. 6, the parts corresponding to the steps in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In example 2 of the service provision stage in the virtual space, when a user U requests the provision of a requested service in the virtual space VS, the user U requests confirmation of the credentials of the service provider of the requested service.

(Step S301) The user U uses the second user device VR to use the virtual space service provided by the virtual space server 3. When requesting the provision of a requested service in the virtual space VS, the user U uses the second user device VR to perform an operation to request confirmation of the qualifications of the service provider of the requested service (qualifications confirmation request). For example, the user U uses the second user device VR to have his/her avatar AVA visit the virtual facility VSO "XX Clinic" and select the "Service Provider Credentials Confirmation Request Button" displayed on the virtual space VS, thereby requesting confirmation of the "Doctor's License" of the service provider providing the insured medical service in the virtual space VS.

In response to the operation of the credential information confirmation request, the second user device VR sends the credential information confirmation request together with the service provider ID and credential information identification information corresponding to the requested service to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 via the virtual space server 3. The credential information confirmation request is a request to confirm whether the service provider has the credential information necessary to provide the requested service. The credential information identification information is information that identifies the credential information necessary to provide the requested service. For example, if the requested service is an "insured medical service," the credential information identification information is information that indicates a "medical license" that is necessary to provide the insured medical service.

The confirmation request receiving unit 102 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 receives the credential information confirmation request together with the service provider ID and credential information identification information sent from the second user device VR of the user U.

(Step S302) The credential information confirmation unit 103 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 refers to the credential information database 210 based on the service provider ID and credential information identification information received by the confirmation request receiving unit 102 together with the credential information confirmation request, and confirms whether the service provider has the credential information identified by the credential information identification information. Furthermore, the credential information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the credential information identified by the credential information identification information has expired.

If the relevant credentials exist in the credentials database 210 and have not expired, the service provider has the necessary credentials to provide the requested service (qualified). On the other hand, if the relevant credentials do not exist in the credentials database 210 or if the relevant credentials exist but have expired, the service provider does not have the necessary credentials to provide the requested service (unqualified).

For example, if the qualification information identification information indicates "physician's license", the qualification information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the qualification information "physician's license" associated with the service provider ID exists in the qualification information database 210. Furthermore, the qualification information confirmation unit 103 confirms whether the qualification information "physician's license" associated with the service provider ID has expired. If the result of this confirmation is that the qualification information "physician's license" associated with the service provider ID exists in the qualification information database 210 and the qualification information "physician's license" has not expired, the service provider has the qualification information "physician's license" required to provide the requested service "insured medical service" (qualified). On the other hand, if the qualification information "physician's license" associated with the service provider ID does not exist in the qualification information database 210 or the qualification information "physician's license" exists but the qualification information "physician's license" has expired, the service provider does not have the qualification information "physician's license" required to provide the requested service "insured medical service" (unqualified).

(Step S303) The confirmation request response unit 104 of the credential information comprehensive management device 1 responds to the second user device VR of the user U with the result of the credential information confirmation by the credential information confirmation unit 103 via the virtual space server 3 (credential information confirmation response). The credential information confirmation response is information indicating whether the service provider has the credential information necessary to provide the requested service (qualified) or not (not qualified).

The second user device VR receives a credential information confirmation response from the credential information comprehensive management device 1 via the virtual space server 3. The user U checks the credential information confirmation response (qualified or not qualified) received by the second user device VR, and determines whether or not to request provision of the requested service in the virtual space VS based on the result of the check. If the user U requests provision of the requested service in the virtual space VS, the procedure from step S201 onwards is executed. The procedure from step S201 onwards is the same as in example 1 of the service provision stage in the virtual space described above.

If the credential information confirmation response received by the second user device VR is "not qualified," control may be performed so that the user U cannot use the second user device VR to operate the service provision request for the requested service. This control may be performed by the second user device VR or the virtual space server 3.

In addition, in the above-mentioned example 2 of the service provision stage in the virtual space, "insured medical treatment service" was given as an example of the service requested by user U, but the same applies to various types of requested services.

For example, when a user U requests to use a taxi in the virtual space VS as a requested service, the user U requests confirmation of the "Type 2 driver's license" of the service provider offering the taxi service.

In the procedure of FIG. 6, the credential information confirmation request is made to the credential information comprehensive management device 1 in response to the operation of the credential information confirmation request by the user U, but this is not limited to this. The credential information specific information corresponding to each of the various requested services is stored in advance in the virtual space server 3 in association with the service provider (service provider ID), the requested service, and the virtual facility VSO that provides the requested service, and when the virtual space server 3 detects a request for the requested service by the user U (for example, when it detects a visit of the avatar AVA of the user U to the "virtual facility VSO that provides the requested service"), it may automatically transmit a credential information confirmation request together with the service provider ID and credential information specific information corresponding to the requested service to the credential information comprehensive management device 1. In this case, based on the credential information confirmation response received from the credential information comprehensive management device 1, the virtual space server 3 notifies the second user device VR of the user U whether the service provider has the credential information required to provide the requested service (qualified) or not (not qualified). This can save the user U the trouble of performing the operation of the credential information confirmation request regarding the service provider that provides the requested service.

According to the above-described embodiment, in the virtual space VS, user services are provided based on the qualifications in the real world. This has the effect of improving the eligibility of user services in the virtual space.

Furthermore, this will make it possible to improve the overall service quality of virtual space service systems, for example, and contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and includes design modifications within the scope of the present invention.

Also, a computer program for implementing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Note that the "computer system" referred to here may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, if a WWW system is used, the "computer system" also includes the home page providing environment (or display environment).
In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage device such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a hard disk built into a computer system.

Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

1...Credentials comprehensive management device, 3...Virtual space server, 7...mth credential management device, 9...Service providing device, UE...First user device, VR...Second user device, AVA...Avatar, VSO...Virtual facility, 101...Information acquisition unit, 102...Confirmation request receiving unit, 103...Credentials confirmation unit, 104...Confirmation request response unit, 210...Credentials database, NW...Communication network

Claims (13)

a qualification information storage unit that stores qualification information relating to a main service, which is a predetermined service that the user receives in the real space and is different from a payment service associated with the service, in association with identification information of a qualification holder;
a confirmation request receiving unit that receives a confirmation request for the credential information related to the requested service from a device that has confirmed the credential information related to the requested service when the user requests the provision of a requested service other than a payment service in the virtual space;
a qualification information confirmation unit that confirms, in response to the confirmation request, qualification information related to the main service corresponding to the requested service among the qualification information stored in the qualification information storage unit;
a verification request response unit that responds to the device that originated the verification with a result of the verification of the qualification information;
Equipped with
The qualification information stored in the qualification information storage unit is information on a qualification defined in a real space and intended to be used in the real space,
The requested service is a service used in a virtual space by an avatar associated with the user identification information of the user.
Information processing device. The qualification information is information indicating a qualification granted by a person other than the qualification holder.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the qualification information storage unit stores qualification information for a user to receive the main service in a real space in association with identification information of the user;
the authentication request includes an identity of the user and a credential specification that specifies a credential for providing the requested service;
the qualification information confirmation unit confirms qualification information that matches the qualification information specification information among the qualification information related to the main service stored in the qualification information storage unit in association with the user's identification information;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the confirmation source device is a service providing device that provides the requested service to the user in the virtual space in response to a service provision request for the requested service that the user requests to be provided in the virtual space;
The information processing device according to claim 3 . the confirmation source device is a virtual space server that executes information processing for providing the virtual space to a user;
The information processing device according to claim 3 . the qualification information confirmation unit confirms two or more pieces of qualification information that match the qualification information specification information among the qualification information related to the main service stored in the qualification information storage unit in association with the user's identification information;
The information processing device according to claim 3 . An information acquisition unit that acquires qualification information and identification information of a qualification holder related to the main service that the user receives in the real space from a device in the real space related to the service.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The information acquisition unit acquires the qualification information that the qualification holder has consented to be provided and the identification information of the qualification holder.
The information processing device according to claim 7 . The credential information related to the main service that the user receives in the real space is credential information granted by a predetermined institution related to the main service.
The information processing device according to claim 2 . The main service that the user receives in the real space is a service provided by the predetermined institution related to the main service.
The information processing device according to claim 9 . The main service that the user receives in the real space is a service provided in a facility that actually exists in the real space.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The requested service in the virtual space is a service provided to the user via the user's avatar in the virtual space.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . An information processing method executed by an information processing device,
a qualification information storage step of storing, in a qualification information storage unit, qualification information relating to a main service, which is a predetermined service that the user receives in the real space and is different from a payment service associated with the service, in association with identification information of a qualification holder;
a confirmation request receiving step of receiving a confirmation request for the credential information related to the requested service from a device that has confirmed the credential information related to the requested service when the user requests the provision of a requested service other than a payment service in the virtual space;
a qualification information confirmation step of confirming, in response to the confirmation request, qualification information related to the main service corresponding to the requested service among the qualification information stored in the qualification information storage unit;
a confirmation request response step of responding to the confirmation source device with a result of the confirmation of the qualification information;
Including,
The qualification information stored in the qualification information storage unit is information on a qualification defined in a real space and intended to be used in the real space,
The requested service is a service used in a virtual space by an avatar associated with the user identification information of the user.
Information processing methods.

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