WO2024106051A1 - Avatar management device - Google Patents

Avatar management device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024106051A1
WO2024106051A1 PCT/JP2023/036109 JP2023036109W WO2024106051A1 WO 2024106051 A1 WO2024106051 A1 WO 2024106051A1 JP 2023036109 W JP2023036109 W JP 2023036109W WO 2024106051 A1 WO2024106051 A1 WO 2024106051A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
avatar
relationship
virtual space
image data
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2023/036109
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
千紗 山田
吉城 稲垣
久人 杉山
可奈子 ▲桑▼野
正太 島▲崎▼
康平 川▲瀬▼
Original Assignee
株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ
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Application filed by 株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ filed Critical 株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ
Publication of WO2024106051A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024106051A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T13/00—Animation
    • G06T13/20—3D [Three Dimensional] animation
    • G06T13/40—3D [Three Dimensional] animation of characters, e.g. humans, animals or virtual beings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T19/00—Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to an avatar management device.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that grasps the position information of nearby user terminals, displays the avatars of nearby users superimposed on a real space image, and provides message transfer and call functions using the displayed avatars.
  • a user who uses an avatar can freely change the appearance of the avatar.
  • Specific examples of changing the appearance of an avatar include changing the hairstyle or clothing of an avatar that is a characterized human avatar.
  • Another specific example of changing the appearance of an avatar is changing from a characterized human avatar to a characterized animal avatar.
  • An avatar management device in a virtual space includes a management unit, a generation unit, and a communication control unit.
  • the management unit manages relationships between a plurality of users, including a first user and a second user.
  • the generation unit generates image data showing a virtual space that enables the first user to distinguish a second avatar corresponding to the second user from other avatars.
  • the communication control unit transmits the image data to a user device used by the first user via a communication device.
  • a second avatar corresponding to a second user who has a specific relationship with the first user is displayed in a manner that allows the second avatar to be distinguished from other avatars. Because the second avatar is displayed so that the first user can distinguish the second avatar from other avatars, the first user can visually grasp that he or she has a specific relationship with the second user.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space system 1 including a virtual space server 10 which is an embodiment of an avatar management device according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of changes to the appearance of an avatar by a user U[2].
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space server 10.
  • 1 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a first table TBL1 stored in a storage device 120 of a virtual space server 10.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the storage contents of a second table TBL2 stored in a storage device 120 of a virtual space server 10.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image G1 represented by image data generated by a generation unit 130b for a user U[1].
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image G2 represented by image data generated by the generation unit 130b for a user U[3].
  • 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a display method executed by a processing device 130 of the virtual space server 10 according to a program PR1.
  • Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space system 1 including a virtual space server 10 which is an embodiment of an avatar management device of the present disclosure.
  • the virtual space system 1 includes the virtual space server 10 and user devices 20-1, 20-2, ..., ...20-j. j is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 2, and in this embodiment, j is 3.
  • the user devices 20-1, 20-2, ...20-j are used by users U[1], U[2], ...U[j].
  • the virtual space server 10 is connected to user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j via the communication network NW so that they can communicate with each other.
  • the user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j are referred to as user devices 20.
  • the users U[1], U[2], ... U[j] are referred to as users U.
  • the user device 20 is configured as an information processing device equipped with a function for displaying images, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a head-mounted display.
  • the user device 20 may be configured as a combination of a tablet terminal or a smartphone and a head-mounted display.
  • the user device 20-k provides the user U[k] with an image showing a portion of a three-dimensional virtual space.
  • k is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to j. If the user device 20 does not include a head-mounted display, the user device 20-k provides the user U[k] with an image showing a portion of a two-dimensional virtual space.
  • the virtual space server 10 provides a virtual space service.
  • a user U is subscribed to the virtual space service.
  • an avatar corresponding to a user U[k] acts in the virtual space in response to an operation of the user U[k] performed on the user device 20-k.
  • a message corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the user device 20-k to the virtual space server 10.
  • the virtual space server 10 moves the avatar corresponding to the user U[k] in the virtual space in response to the message.
  • the user U[k] can communicate, such as by conversation, with a user U[m] who uses another avatar through the avatar.
  • the virtual space means all spaces that can be provided by the virtual space service. In other words, the space that the user U can see is part of the virtual space.
  • An avatar is a character used as an alter ego of the user in the virtual space.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an avatar A[1] used by a user U[1] and an avatar A[2] used by a user U[2].
  • FIG. 2 shows a state in which a user U[1] and a user U[2] are conversing in a virtual space through an avatar A[1] and an avatar A[2].
  • an avatar A[2] is a ghost character
  • an avatar A[1] is a female wizard character.
  • a user U[2] may have a good impression or sympathy for a user U[1] through communication with the user U[1].
  • a specific relationship between users refers to a relationship in which one user shows favoritism or sympathy toward the other user.
  • user U can freely change the appearance of the avatar he or she uses. For example, after a specific relationship is formed between user U[1] and user U[2], as shown in FIG. 3, user U[2] changes the avatar he or she uses from avatar A[2] to avatar B[2], a human character wearing a hat.
  • avatar B[2] and avatar A[1] meet in the virtual space, if user U[1] does not know that avatar B[2] is the avatar of user U[2], user U[1] will not be able to recognize that there is a specific relationship between them and the user who uses avatar B[2].
  • the virtual space server 10 has a configuration for solving this problem.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the virtual space server 10.
  • the virtual space server 10 includes a communication device 110, a storage device 120, a processing device 130, and a bus 140.
  • the communication device 110 and the storage device 120 are connected to the processing device 130 by the bus 140 that mediates data transmission and reception.
  • the bus 140 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each element.
  • the communication device 110 is hardware (transmitting/receiving device) for communicating with other devices. Other devices that communicate with the virtual space server 10 are connected to the communication device 110 via wired or wireless connections. A specific example of another device that is connected to the communication device 110 is the user device 20.
  • the storage device 120 is a recording medium that can be read by the processing device 130.
  • the storage device 120 may be composed of at least one of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.
  • a first table TBL1, a second table TBL2, and a program PR1 are pre-stored in the storage device 120.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the first table TBL1.
  • the first table TBL1 stores, in association with a user identifier that uniquely identifies each of the users U[1] to U[j] in the virtual space, avatar information indicating the avatar used by the user U identified by the user identifier and location information indicating the location of the avatar in the virtual space.
  • NULL is set as the location information for a user U who is not in the virtual space.
  • the user identifier UID[k] is character string data representing the ID assigned to the user U[k], but it may also be character string data representing the handle name of the user U[k].
  • a specific example of avatar information is image data representing an image of an avatar.
  • the contents stored in the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 indicate that a user U[1] is using avatar A[1], and that avatar A[1] is located at position P[1] in the virtual space.
  • the contents stored in the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 indicate that a user U[2] is using avatar B[2], and that avatar B[2] is located at position P[2] in the virtual space.
  • the contents stored in the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 indicate that a user U[3] is using avatar A[3], and that avatar A[3] is located at position P[3] in the virtual space.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of avatar A[3]. As shown in FIG. 6, avatar A[3] is a robot that has been turned into a character.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the second table TBL2.
  • one or more relationship records are stored in association with a first user identifier UID[k].
  • Each of the one or more relationship records indicates a relationship between the user U[k] and a single other user.
  • each of user U[2] and user U[3] is the other user.
  • each of user U[1] and user U[3] is the other user.
  • each of user U[1] and user U[2] is the other user.
  • Each relationship record stored in the second table TBL2 in association with a first user identifier includes a second user identifier, which is a user identifier that uniquely identifies a single other user, and relationship information indicating whether the user identified by the first user identifier and the other user identified by the second user identifier are in a specific relationship. If the user identified by the first user identifier and the other user identified by the second user identifier included in the relationship record corresponding to the first user identifier are in a specific relationship, specifically if the other user identified by the second user identifier has a relationship in which the user identified by the first user identifier has shown liking or sympathy, the relationship information included in the relationship record is set to 1. If the user identified by the first user identifier and the other user identified by the second user identifier included in the relationship record corresponding to the first user identifier are not in a specific relationship, the relationship information included in the relationship record is set to 0.
  • the contents stored in the second table TBL2 shown in FIG. 7 indicate that user U[1] and user U[2] have a specific relationship with each other, and that user U[1] and user U[3] do not have a specific relationship, and user U[2] and user U[3] do not have a specific relationship.
  • User U[1] indicated by the first user identifier UID[1] is an example of a first user in the present disclosure
  • avatar A[1] is an example of a first avatar in the present disclosure.
  • User U[2] indicated by the second user identifier UID[2] included in the relationship record associated with the first user identifier UID[1] is an example of a second user in the present disclosure
  • avatar B[2] is an example of a second avatar in the present disclosure
  • User U[3] indicated by the second user identifier UID[3] included in another relationship record associated with the first user identifier UID[1] is an example of a third user in the present disclosure
  • avatar A[3] is an example of a third avatar in the present disclosure.
  • User U[1] to user U[j] are examples of multiple users including a first user and a second user.
  • the processing device 130 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). When the virtual space server 10 is powered on, the processing device 130 reads out the program PR1 from the storage device 120. The processing device 130 executes the read out program PR1. By executing the program PR1, the processing device 130 functions as the management unit 130a, generation unit 130b, and communication control unit 130c shown in FIG. 4.
  • the management unit 130a, generation unit 130b, and communication control unit 130c shown in FIG. 4 are software modules realized by operating a computer such as a CPU in accordance with software such as a program.
  • the functions performed by each of the management unit 130a, generation unit 130b, and communication control unit 130c are as follows:
  • the management unit 130a When the management unit 130a receives a message instructing the user to move the avatar, it updates the location information stored in the first table TBL1 according to the content of the message.
  • the management unit 130a also manages the relationships between users U[1] to U[j].
  • user U[k] When user U[k] performs an operation on user device 20-k to press a button corresponding to "Like" for user U[m], user device 20-k transmits a message corresponding to the operation to the virtual space server 10.
  • This message includes user identifier UID[m] as the first user identifier and user identifier UID[k] as the second user identifier.
  • the management unit 130a receives the message using the communication device 110, it updates the contents stored in the second table TBL2 according to the content of the message.
  • the management unit 130a generates a relationship record including the second user identifier included in the message and relationship information indicating 1, and writes the relationship record in the second table TBL2 in association with the first user identifier included in the message. This allows the relationship between user U[k] and user U[m] to be managed.
  • user device 20-k may send a message to virtual space server 10 that includes user identifier UID[m] as the first user identifier and user identifier UID[k] as the second user identifier, and instructs the updating of relationship information to 0.
  • management unit 130a may update the relevant relationship information to 0 upon receiving the message.
  • generation unit 130b When user U[m] enters the virtual space, generation unit 130b generates image data representing an image of the virtual space to be displayed on user device 20-m, i.e., an image of the virtual space as seen from the position of the first avatar used by user U[m]. If a second avatar used by another user is located within the range visible from the position of the first avatar used by user U[m], generation unit 130b generates image data representing an image of the virtual space in which the second avatar used by the other user is placed at the position of the second avatar.
  • the generation unit 130b when the relationship between the user U[m] managed by the management unit 130a and the other user is a specific relationship, in the virtual space shown by the image data generated by the generation unit 130b, the second avatar corresponding to the other user is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from other avatars different from the second avatar.
  • the generation unit 130b generates image data showing a virtual space including the second avatar of the other user and arranging a mark indicating the specific relationship around the second avatar of the other user. In other words, in this embodiment, the generation unit 130b arranges the mark indicating the specific relationship around the second avatar used by the other user in the virtual space seen by the user U[m].
  • a specific relationship between user U[m] and another user refers to a relationship record that contains a user identifier indicating the other user as a second user identifier, among one or more relationship records stored in the second table TBL2 in association with a first user identifier that matches the user identifier UID[m] corresponding to user U[m], and has a value of 1 in the relationship information.
  • generation unit 130b In contrast, if the relationship between user U[m] and another user managed by management unit 130a is not a specific relationship, generation unit 130b generates image data showing a virtual space that includes a second avatar corresponding to the other user and does not place the above-mentioned mark around the second avatar.
  • a case in which the relationship between user U[m] and another user is not a specific relationship refers to a case in which the value of the relationship information included in a relationship record that includes a user identifier indicating the other user as a second user identifier, among one or more relationship records stored in second table TBL2 in association with a first user identifier that matches user identifier UID[m], is 0, or a case in which the corresponding relationship record is not stored in second table TBL2.
  • the generation unit 130b generates image data representing the image G1 of the virtual space shown in FIG. 8 as image data to be transmitted to the user device 20-1.
  • the image G1 includes the avatar B[2] and the avatar A[3].
  • the relationship between the user U[1] and the user U[2] is a specific relationship, so in the image G1, a mark M indicating the specific relationship is placed around the avatar B[2].
  • a mark M is not placed around the avatar A[3].
  • the mark indicating a specific relationship is a star-shaped mark, but it may also be a heart-shaped mark, a smiley face, or other mark.
  • the generation unit 130b generates image data representing image G2 of the virtual space shown in FIG. 9 as image data to be transmitted to the user device 20-3.
  • image G2 contains only avatar B[2].
  • mark M is not placed around avatar B[2] in image G2.
  • the communication control unit 130c transmits the image data generated by the generation unit 130b to the user device 20 via the communication device 110.
  • the user device 20 displays an image represented by the image data received from the virtual space server 10.
  • the user device 20-1 displays the image G1.
  • a user U[1] who has viewed the image G1 can understand that he has a specific relationship with the user using the avatar B[2], that is, that the user has shown favoritism or sympathy in the past, even if this is his first time seeing the avatar B[2], because the mark M is placed around the avatar B[2].
  • the user U[1] can understand that he does not have a specific relationship with the user using the avatar A[3], because the mark M is not placed around the avatar A[3].
  • the processing device 130 operating according to the program PR1 functions as a management unit 130a, and updates the first table TBL1 and the second table TBL2 in response to receiving a message sent from the user device 20.
  • the processing device 130 operating according to the program PR1 further executes the display method shown in FIG. 10.
  • the display method shown in FIG. 10 includes a generation process SA110, a communication control process SA120, and a determination process SA130.
  • the processing contents of each of the generation process SA110, the communication control process SA120, and the determination process SA130 are as follows.
  • the processing device 130 functions as a generation unit 130b.
  • the processing device 130 generates an image of the virtual space to be displayed on the user device 20-m, i.e., image data representing an image of the virtual space within the range visible from the position of the avatar used by the user U[m], when the user U[m] enters the virtual space.
  • the processing device 130 functions as a communication control unit 130c.
  • the processing device 130 transmits the image data generated in the generation process SA110 to the user device 20-m.
  • the processing device 130 determines whether or not a message instructing the user to exit the virtual space has been received from the user device 20-m. If the message has been received, the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "Yes", and if the message has not been received, the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "No". If the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "No", the processing device 130 executes the generation process SA110 again. On the other hand, if the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "Yes", the processing device 130 ends the execution of this display method.
  • avatar B[2] is displayed so as to be distinguishable from avatar A[3]. Because avatar B[2] is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other avatars, user U[1] can visually grasp that he or she has a specific relationship with the user corresponding to avatar B[2], even if this is his or her first time seeing avatar B[2].
  • B Modifications
  • the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specific modified aspects are as follows. Two or more aspects selected from the following examples may be combined.
  • B-1 Modification 1
  • the specific relationship between users is a relationship in which one user shows favoritism or sympathy to the other user.
  • the specific relationship between users in the present disclosure is not limited to a relationship in which the other user shows favoritism or sympathy, and may be a relationship in which there is a specific connection between users (unilateral or mutual action between users).
  • the specific relationship between users in the present disclosure may be both a relationship in which favoritism or sympathy is shown and a relationship in which there is a specific connection.
  • connections between users include a relationship in which another user has viewed a video or still image uploaded by a certain user to a posting site, a relationship in which the other user has posted a comment on the video or still image, or a relationship in which communication such as a conversation has been performed.
  • the user U[k] performs an operation on the user device 20-k to instruct playback of a video or the like uploaded by the user U[m]
  • the user device 20-k may send a message to the virtual space server 10 instructing the update of the stored contents of the second table TBL2.
  • connections between users are not limited to connections based on hobbies or interests, such as watching videos, but may also be business connections, such as connections based on commercial transactions, business negotiations, or exchanging business cards.
  • the generation unit 130b may vary at least one of the display color, shape, and size of the mark M according to the index value indicated by the relationship information, and may also arrange the number of marks M according to the index value indicated by the relationship information around the corresponding avatar.
  • the program PR1 is stored in the storage device 120 of the virtual space server 10, but the program PR1 may be manufactured or sold separately.
  • the program PR1 may be provided to a purchaser by writing the program PR1 onto a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash ROM and distributing it thereto, or by downloading the program PR1 via a telecommunications line.
  • the management unit 130a, the generation unit 130b, and the communication control unit 130c are all software modules. However, any one, any two, or all of the management unit 130a, the generation unit 130b, and the communication control unit 130c may be hardware modules. Specific examples of hardware modules include DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Even if any one, any two, or all of the management unit 130a, the generation unit 130b, and the communication control unit 130c are hardware modules, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.
  • DSPs Digital Signal Processors
  • ASICs Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • PLDs Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • FPGAs Field Programmable Gate Arrays
  • ROM, RAM, etc. are given as examples of storage device 120, but storage device 120 may also be a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), a register, a removable disk, a hard disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, a database, a server, or any other suitable storage medium.
  • a magneto-optical disk e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk
  • a smart card e.g., a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), a register, a removable disk,
  • the information, signals, etc. described may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies.
  • data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.
  • the input and output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a management table.
  • the input and output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added to.
  • the output information, etc. may be deleted.
  • the input information, etc. may be transmitted to another device.
  • the determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a comparison of numerical values (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value).
  • each function illustrated in FIG. 4 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the method of realizing each functional block. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and connected directly or indirectly (e.g., using wires, wirelessly, etc.). A functional block may be realized by combining software with the one device or the multiple devices.
  • the programs exemplified in the above embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.
  • software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium.
  • a transmission medium For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and/or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave, etc.), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of a transmission medium.
  • wired technologies such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
  • wireless technologies such as infrared, microwave, etc.
  • the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.
  • the mobile device may be a mobile station (MS).
  • MS mobile station
  • a mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.
  • the terms "mobile station,” “user terminal,” “user equipment (UE),” “terminal,” etc. may be used interchangeably.
  • connection refers to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” to each other.
  • the coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof.
  • “connected” may be read as "access”.
  • two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and light (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.
  • the phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase “based on” means both “based only on” and “based at least on.”
  • determining and “determining” as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” and “determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, search, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and considering ascertaining as “judging” or “determining”. Also, “determining” and “determining” may include considering receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory) as “judging” or “determining”.
  • judgment and “decision” can include considering resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc., to have been “judged” or “decided.” In other words, “judgment” and “decision” can include considering some action to have been “judged” or “decided.” Additionally, “judgment (decision)” can be interpreted as “assuming,” “expecting,” “considering,” etc.
  • the avatar management device includes a management unit, a generation unit, and a communication control unit.
  • the management unit manages relationships between multiple users, including a first user and a second user.
  • the generation unit generates image data showing a virtual space that makes a second avatar corresponding to the second user distinguishable from other avatars.
  • the communication control unit transmits the image data to a user device used by the first user via a communication device.
  • a second avatar corresponding to a second user who is managed in a state of being in a specific relationship with a first user is displayed to the first user in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other avatars. Because the second avatar is displayed to the first user in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other avatars, the first user can visually grasp that he or she is in a specific relationship with the second user corresponding to the second avatar.
  • the specific relationship in the second aspect of the present disclosure may be at least one of a relationship in which the second user has shown sympathy or favoritism toward the first user and a relationship in which the first user and the second user have had a connection.
  • the first user can visually grasp that the relationship is one in which the first user and the second user have had a past connection, or a relationship in which the second user has shown sympathy or favoritism, or both.
  • the generation unit in the avatar management device may generate the image data showing the virtual space including the second avatar and with a mark indicating the specific relationship placed around the second avatar.
  • the first user can understand that he or she has a specific relationship with the second user corresponding to the second avatar through the mark displayed around the second avatar.
  • the generation unit in the avatar management device may generate the image data showing the virtual space including a third avatar corresponding to the third user and not including the mark around the third avatar, when a third user included in the plurality of users is managed by the management unit in a state where the third user does not have the specific relationship with the first user.
  • the first user can visually understand that the first user does not have a specific relationship with the third user because no mark is displayed around the third avatar.

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Abstract

A virtual space server according to the present invention comprises a management unit, a generation unit, and a communication control unit. The management unit manages the relationship between a plurality of users including a first and a second user. In cases where the relationship between the first and second users managed by the management unit is a specific relationship, the generation unit generates image data showing a virtual space that enables the first user to discriminate a second avatar that corresponds to the second user from other avatars. The communication control unit transmits the image data generated by the generation unit via a communication device to a user device used by the first user.

Description

アバター管理装置Avatar Management Device
　本開示は、アバター管理装置に関する。 This disclosure relates to an avatar management device.
　ＶＲ（Virtual Reality）空間又はＭＲ（Mixed Reality）空間等の仮想空間では、アバターを用いてユーザ間のコミュニケーションが実現される。ユーザ間のコミュニケーションの具体例としては会話が挙げられる。アバターは、仮想空間においてユーザの分身として使用されるキャラクターである。特許文献１には、周辺のユーザ端末の位置情報を把握して周辺のユーザのアバターを現実空間イメージに重畳して表示し、表示されたアバターを用いてメッセージ転送及び通話の機能を提供する技術が開示されている。 In virtual spaces such as VR (Virtual Reality) space or MR (Mixed Reality) space, communication between users is achieved using avatars. A specific example of communication between users is conversation. An avatar is a character used as a user's alter ego in the virtual space. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that grasps the position information of nearby user terminals, displays the avatars of nearby users superimposed on a real space image, and provides message transfer and call functions using the displayed avatars.
特開２０２２-０６５６５５号公報JP 2022-065655 A
　アバターを使用するユーザは、アバターの外観を自由に変更できる。アバターの外観の変更の具体例としては、キャラクター化された人のアバターである場合には、髪型を変更すること、又は服装を変更することが挙げられる。また、アバターの外観の変更の他の具体例としては、キャラクター化された人のアバターからキャラクター化された動物のアバターに変更することが挙げられる。過去にコミュニケーションを行った際に共感又は好感を示された等の特定の関係にある他のユーザと仮想空間において再会したときに、当該他のユーザのアバターの外観が変更されていると、特定の関係にあることを認識できない場合がある。 　A user who uses an avatar can freely change the appearance of the avatar. Specific examples of changing the appearance of an avatar include changing the hairstyle or clothing of an avatar that is a characterized human avatar. Another specific example of changing the appearance of an avatar is changing from a characterized human avatar to a characterized animal avatar. When reunited in a virtual space with another user with whom you have a specific relationship, such as one who showed sympathy or liking during past communication, if the appearance of the other user's avatar has been changed, you may not be able to recognize that you have a specific relationship.
　本開示の好適な態様に係る仮想空間におけるアバター管理装置は、管理部と、生成部と、通信制御部と、を備える。管理部は、第１のユーザと第２のユーザとを含む複数のユーザ間の関係性を管理する。生成部は、管理部において管理されている前記第１のユーザと前記第２のユーザとの関係性が特定の関係である場合、前記第１のユーザが、前記第２のユーザに対応する第２のアバターを他のアバターと区別することを可能とする仮想空間を示す画像データを生成する。通信制御部は、前記画像データを、通信装置を介して、前記第１のユーザが使用するユーザ装置へ送信する。 An avatar management device in a virtual space according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure includes a management unit, a generation unit, and a communication control unit. The management unit manages relationships between a plurality of users, including a first user and a second user. When the relationship between the first user and the second user managed in the management unit is a specific relationship, the generation unit generates image data showing a virtual space that enables the first user to distinguish a second avatar corresponding to the second user from other avatars. The communication control unit transmits the image data to a user device used by the first user via a communication device.
　本開示のアバター管理装置によれば、第１のユーザのユーザ装置において、第１のユーザと特定の関係にある第２のユーザに対応する第２のアバターが他のアバターと区別可能に表示される。第１のユーザが第２のアバターを他のアバターと区別できるように第２のアバターが表示されるので、第１のユーザは、第２のユーザと特定の関係にあることを、視覚を通じて把握できる。 According to the avatar management device disclosed herein, on the user device of a first user, a second avatar corresponding to a second user who has a specific relationship with the first user is displayed in a manner that allows the second avatar to be distinguished from other avatars. Because the second avatar is displayed so that the first user can distinguish the second avatar from other avatars, the first user can visually grasp that he or she has a specific relationship with the second user.
本開示のアバター管理装置の一実施形態である仮想空間サーバ１０を含む仮想空間システム１の構成例を示す図である。1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space system 1 including a virtual space server 10 which is an embodiment of an avatar management device according to the present disclosure. アバターＡ［１］及びアバターＡ［２］の一例を示す図である。A figure showing examples of avatar A[1] and avatar A[2]. ユーザＵ［２］によるアバターの外観の変更例を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of changes to the appearance of an avatar by a user U[2]. 仮想空間サーバ１０の構成例を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space server 10. 仮想空間サーバ１０の記憶装置１２０に記憶される第１テーブルＴＢＬ１の格納内容の一例を示す図である。1 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a first table TBL1 stored in a storage device 120 of a virtual space server 10. FIG. ユーザＵ［３］が使用するアバターＡ［３］の一例を示す図である。A figure showing an example of an avatar A[3] used by a user U[3]. 仮想空間サーバ１０の記憶装置１２０に記憶される第２テーブルＴＢＬ２の格納内容の一例を示す図である。13 is a diagram showing an example of the storage contents of a second table TBL2 stored in a storage device 120 of a virtual space server 10. FIG. ユーザＵ［１］に対して生成部１３０ｂが生成する画像データの表す画像Ｇ１の一例を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image G1 represented by image data generated by a generation unit 130b for a user U[1]. ユーザＵ［３］に対して生成部１３０ｂが生成する画像データの表す画像Ｇ２の一例を示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image G2 represented by image data generated by the generation unit 130b for a user U[3]. 仮想空間サーバ１０の処理装置１３０がプログラムＰＲ１に従って実行する表示方法における処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a display method executed by a processing device 130 of the virtual space server 10 according to a program PR1.
Ａ．実施形態
　図１は、本開示のアバター管理装置の一実施形態である仮想空間サーバ１０を含む仮想空間システム１の構成例を示す図である。図１に示されるように、仮想空間システム１は、仮想空間サーバ１０及びユーザ装置２０－１、２０－２、…、…２０－ｊを含む。ｊは２以上の任意の整数であり、本実施形態ではｊは３である。ユーザ装置２０－１、２０－２、…２０－ｊは、ユーザＵ[１]、Ｕ[２]、…Ｕ[ｊ]によって使用される。 A. Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space system 1 including a virtual space server 10 which is an embodiment of an avatar management device of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the virtual space system 1 includes the virtual space server 10 and user devices 20-1, 20-2, ..., ...20-j. j is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 2, and in this embodiment, j is 3. The user devices 20-1, 20-2, ...20-j are used by users U[1], U[2], ...U[j].
　仮想空間サーバ１０は、通信網ＮＷを介して、ユーザ装置２０－１、２０－２、…２０－ｊと互いに通信可能に接続される。以下では、ユーザ装置２０－１、２０－２、…２０－ｊの各々を区別する必要が無い場合、ユーザ装置２０－１、２０－２、…２０－ｊはユーザ装置２０と表記される。同様に、ユーザＵ[１]、Ｕ[２]、…Ｕ[ｊ]の各々を区別する必要が無い場合、ユーザＵ[１]、Ｕ[２]、…Ｕ[ｊ]は、ユーザＵと表記される。 The virtual space server 10 is connected to user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j via the communication network NW so that they can communicate with each other. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j, the user devices 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-j are referred to as user devices 20. Similarly, when there is no need to distinguish between the users U[1], U[2], ... U[j], the users U[1], U[2], ... U[j] are referred to as users U.
　ユーザ装置２０は、パーソナルコンピュータ、タブレット端末、スマートフォン、又はヘッドマウントディスプレイ等の画像を表示する機能を備えた情報処理装置によって構成される。ユーザ装置２０は、タブレット端末又はスマートフォンとヘッドマウントディスプレイとを組み合わせて構成されてもよい。 The user device 20 is configured as an information processing device equipped with a function for displaying images, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a head-mounted display. The user device 20 may be configured as a combination of a tablet terminal or a smartphone and a head-mounted display.
　ユーザ装置２０がヘッドマウントディスプレイを含む場合、ユーザ装置２０－ｋは３次元の仮想空間の一部を示す画像をユーザＵ[ｋ]に提供する。なお、ｋは１以上且つｊ以下の整数の何れかである。ユーザ装置２０がヘッドマウントディスプレイを含まない場合、ユーザ装置２０－ｋは２次元の仮想空間の一部を示す画像をユーザＵ[ｋ]に提供する。 If the user device 20 includes a head-mounted display, the user device 20-k provides the user U[k] with an image showing a portion of a three-dimensional virtual space. Here, k is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to j. If the user device 20 does not include a head-mounted display, the user device 20-k provides the user U[k] with an image showing a portion of a two-dimensional virtual space.
　仮想空間サーバ１０は、仮想空間サービスを提供する。ユーザＵは仮想空間サービスに加入している。仮想空間サービスにおいて、ユーザＵ[ｋ]に対応するアバターは、ユーザ装置２０－ｋに対して為されるユーザＵ[ｋ]の操作に応じて仮想空間内において活動する。例えば、アバターの移動を指示する操作がユーザ装置２０－ｋに対して為されると、当該操作に応じたメッセージがユーザ装置２０－ｋから仮想空間サーバ１０へ送信される。仮想空間サーバ１０は、ユーザＵ[ｋ]に対応するアバターを当該メッセージに応じて仮想空間内で移動させる。また、ユーザＵ[ｋ]は、アバターを介して、他のアバターを使用するユーザＵ［ｍ］と会話等のコミュニケーションをとることができる。なお、ｍは、ｋとは異なる１以上且つｊ以下の整数である。仮想空間とは、仮想空間サービスによって提供可能な全ての空間の意味である。即ちユーザＵが視認可能な空間は、仮想空間の一部である。アバターとは、仮想空間においてユーザの分身として使用されるキャラクターである。 The virtual space server 10 provides a virtual space service. A user U is subscribed to the virtual space service. In the virtual space service, an avatar corresponding to a user U[k] acts in the virtual space in response to an operation of the user U[k] performed on the user device 20-k. For example, when an operation instructing the user U[k] to move the avatar is performed on the user device 20-k, a message corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the user device 20-k to the virtual space server 10. The virtual space server 10 moves the avatar corresponding to the user U[k] in the virtual space in response to the message. In addition, the user U[k] can communicate, such as by conversation, with a user U[m] who uses another avatar through the avatar. Note that m is an integer not less than k and not more than 1 and not more than j. The virtual space means all spaces that can be provided by the virtual space service. In other words, the space that the user U can see is part of the virtual space. An avatar is a character used as an alter ego of the user in the virtual space.
　仮想空間では、多数のアバターが活動する。図２は、ユーザＵ［１］の使用するアバターＡ［１］とユーザＵ［２］の使用するアバターＡ［２］の一例を示す図である。図２には、アバターＡ［１］とアバターＡ［２］とを介してユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［２］とが仮想空間において会話している様子が示されている。図２に示されるように、アバターＡ［２］はお化けのキャラクターであり、アバターＡ［１］は魔法使いの女性のキャラクターである。仮想空間サービスでは、例えばユーザＵ［２］は、ユーザＵ［１］とのコミュニケーションを通じてユーザＵ［１］に対して好感又は共感を抱く場合がある。ユーザＵ［２］は、ユーザＵ［１］に対して好感又は共感を抱いた場合、「いいね」に対応するボタンを押下する等の所定の操作をユーザ装置２０－２に対して行うことにより、その感情をユーザＵ［１］に伝えることができ、これによりユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［２］との間に特定の関係が形成される。本実施形態におけるユーザ間の特定の関係とは、一方のユーザに対して他方のユーザが好感又は共感を示した関係のことである。 In the virtual space, many avatars are active. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an avatar A[1] used by a user U[1] and an avatar A[2] used by a user U[2]. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a user U[1] and a user U[2] are conversing in a virtual space through an avatar A[1] and an avatar A[2]. As shown in FIG. 2, an avatar A[2] is a ghost character, and an avatar A[1] is a female wizard character. In the virtual space service, for example, a user U[2] may have a good impression or sympathy for a user U[1] through communication with the user U[1]. When a user U[2] has a good impression or sympathy for a user U[1], the user U[2] can convey the feeling to the user U[1] by performing a predetermined operation on the user device 20-2, such as pressing a button corresponding to "Like", thereby forming a specific relationship between the user U[1] and the user U[2]. In this embodiment, a specific relationship between users refers to a relationship in which one user shows favoritism or sympathy toward the other user.
　前述したように、仮想空間では、ユーザＵは自身の使用するアバターの外観を自由に変更できる。例えば、ユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［２］との間に特定の関係が形成された後に、図３に示されるように、ユーザＵ［２］が自身の使用するアバターをアバターＡ［２］から、帽子をかぶった人のキャラクターのアバターＢ［２］に変更したとする。仮想空間においてアバターＢ［２］とアバターＡ［１］とが出会ったときに、アバターＢ［２］がユーザＵ［２］のアバターであることをユーザＵ［１］が知らないと、ユーザＵ［１］はアバターＢ［２］を使用するユーザとの間に特定の関係があることを認識できない。仮想空間サーバ１０は、この問題を解決するための構成を備える。 As mentioned above, in the virtual space, user U can freely change the appearance of the avatar he or she uses. For example, after a specific relationship is formed between user U[1] and user U[2], as shown in FIG. 3, user U[2] changes the avatar he or she uses from avatar A[2] to avatar B[2], a human character wearing a hat. When avatar B[2] and avatar A[1] meet in the virtual space, if user U[1] does not know that avatar B[2] is the avatar of user U[2], user U[1] will not be able to recognize that there is a specific relationship between them and the user who uses avatar B[2]. The virtual space server 10 has a configuration for solving this problem.
　図４は、仮想空間サーバ１０の構成例を示すブロック図である。図４に示されるように、仮想空間サーバ１０は、通信装置１１０と、記憶装置１２０と、処理装置１３０と、バス１４０と、を含む。通信装置１１０及び記憶装置１２０の各々と、処理装置１３０とは、データ授受を仲介するバス１４０によって相互に接続される。バス１４０は、単一のバスを用いて構成されてもよいし、要素間毎に異なるバスを用いて構成されてもよい。 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the virtual space server 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the virtual space server 10 includes a communication device 110, a storage device 120, a processing device 130, and a bus 140. The communication device 110 and the storage device 120 are connected to the processing device 130 by the bus 140 that mediates data transmission and reception. The bus 140 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each element.
　通信装置１１０は、他の装置と通信するためのハードウェア（送受信デバイス）である。通信装置１１０には、仮想空間サーバ１０と通信する他の装置が有線又は無線により接続される。通信装置１１０に接続される他の装置の具体例としては、ユーザ装置２０が挙げられる。 The communication device 110 is hardware (transmitting/receiving device) for communicating with other devices. Other devices that communicate with the virtual space server 10 are connected to the communication device 110 via wired or wireless connections. A specific example of another device that is connected to the communication device 110 is the user device 20.
　記憶装置１２０は、処理装置１３０が読み取り可能な記録媒体である。記憶装置１２０は、例えば、ＲＯＭ（Read　Only　Memory）、ＥＰＲＯＭ（Erasable　Programmable　ＲＯＭ）、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ（Electrically　Erasable　Programmable　ＲＯＭ）、ＲＡＭ（Random　Access　Memory）等の少なくとも１つによって構成されてもよい。記憶装置１２０には、第１テーブルＴＢＬ１、第２テーブルＴＢＬ２、及びプログラムＰＲ１が予め記憶されている。 The storage device 120 is a recording medium that can be read by the processing device 130. The storage device 120 may be composed of at least one of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. A first table TBL1, a second table TBL2, and a program PR1 are pre-stored in the storage device 120.
　図５は、第１テーブルＴＢＬ１の格納内容の一例を示す図である。図５に示されるように、第１テーブルＴＢＬ１には、仮想空間においてユーザＵ［１］～Ｕ［ｊ］の各々を一意に示すユーザ識別子に対応付けて、当該ユーザ識別子の示すユーザＵの使用するアバターを示すアバター情報と当該アバターの仮想空間における位置を示す位置情報とが格納される。なお、仮想空間に入場していないユーザＵについては位置情報にＮＵＬＬが設定される。本実施形態におけるユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｋ］はユーザＵ［ｋ］に割り当てられたＩＤを表す文字列データであるが、ユーザＵ［ｋ］のハンドルネームを表す文字列データであってもよい。また、アバター情報の具体例としては、アバターの画像を表す画像データが挙げられる。 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the first table TBL1. As shown in FIG. 5, the first table TBL1 stores, in association with a user identifier that uniquely identifies each of the users U[1] to U[j] in the virtual space, avatar information indicating the avatar used by the user U identified by the user identifier and location information indicating the location of the avatar in the virtual space. Note that NULL is set as the location information for a user U who is not in the virtual space. In this embodiment, the user identifier UID[k] is character string data representing the ID assigned to the user U[k], but it may also be character string data representing the handle name of the user U[k]. A specific example of avatar information is image data representing an image of an avatar.
　図５に示される第１テーブルＴＢＬ１の格納内容は、ユーザＵ［１］がアバターＡ［１］を使用していること、及びアバターＡ［１］が仮想空間内の位置Ｐ［１］に位置していることを表している。また、図５に示される第１テーブルＴＢＬ１の格納内容は、ユーザＵ［２］がアバターＢ［２］を使用していること、及びアバターＢ［２］が仮想空間内の位置Ｐ［２］に位置していることを表している。また、図５に示される第１テーブルＴＢＬ１の格納内容は、ユーザＵ［３］がアバターＡ［３］を使用していること、及びアバターＡ［３］が仮想空間内の位置Ｐ［３］に位置していることを表している。図６は、アバターＡ［３］の一例を示す図である。図６に示されるように、アバターＡ［３］は、キャラクター化されたロボットである。 The contents stored in the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 indicate that a user U[1] is using avatar A[1], and that avatar A[1] is located at position P[1] in the virtual space. The contents stored in the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 indicate that a user U[2] is using avatar B[2], and that avatar B[2] is located at position P[2] in the virtual space. The contents stored in the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 indicate that a user U[3] is using avatar A[3], and that avatar A[3] is located at position P[3] in the virtual space. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of avatar A[3]. As shown in FIG. 6, avatar A[3] is a robot that has been turned into a character.
　図７は、第２テーブルＴＢＬ２の格納内容の一例を示す図である。第２テーブルＴＢＬ２には、第１ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｋ］に対応付けて、１または複数の関係性レコードが格納される。当該１または複数の関係性レコードの各々は、ユーザＵ［ｋ］と他の単数のユーザとの関係性を示す。図示の例では、ユーザＵ［１］にとってはユーザＵ［２］及びユーザＵ［３］の各々が他のユーザとなる。ユーザＵ［２］にとってはユーザＵ［１］及びユーザＵ［３］の各々が他のユーザとなる。ユーザＵ［３］にとってはユーザＵ［１］及びユーザＵ［２］の各々が他のユーザとなる。 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the second table TBL2. In the second table TBL2, one or more relationship records are stored in association with a first user identifier UID[k]. Each of the one or more relationship records indicates a relationship between the user U[k] and a single other user. In the example shown, for user U[1], each of user U[2] and user U[3] is the other user. For user U[2], each of user U[1] and user U[3] is the other user. For user U[3], each of user U[1] and user U[2] is the other user.
　第１ユーザ識別子に対応付けて第２テーブルＴＢＬ２に格納される各関係性レコードには、他の単数のユーザを一意に示すユーザ識別子である第２ユーザ識別子と、当該第１ユーザ識別子の示すユーザと当該第２ユーザ識別子の示す他のユーザとが特定の関係にあるか否かを示す関係情報が含まれる。第１ユーザ識別子の示すユーザと当該第１ユーザ識別子に対応する関係性レコードに含まれる第２ユーザ識別子の示す他のユーザとが特定の関係にある場合、具体的には第１ユーザ識別子の示すユーザに対して第２ユーザ識別子の示す他のユーザが好感又は共感を示した関係にある場合、当該関係性レコードに含まれる関係情報には１が設定される。第１ユーザ識別子の示すユーザと当該第１ユーザ識別子に対応する関係性レコードに含まれる第２ユーザ識別子の示す他のユーザとが特定の関係にない場合、当該関係性レコードに含まれる関係情報には０が設定される。 Each relationship record stored in the second table TBL2 in association with a first user identifier includes a second user identifier, which is a user identifier that uniquely identifies a single other user, and relationship information indicating whether the user identified by the first user identifier and the other user identified by the second user identifier are in a specific relationship. If the user identified by the first user identifier and the other user identified by the second user identifier included in the relationship record corresponding to the first user identifier are in a specific relationship, specifically if the other user identified by the second user identifier has a relationship in which the user identified by the first user identifier has shown liking or sympathy, the relationship information included in the relationship record is set to 1. If the user identified by the first user identifier and the other user identified by the second user identifier included in the relationship record corresponding to the first user identifier are not in a specific relationship, the relationship information included in the relationship record is set to 0.
　図７に示される第２テーブルＴＢＬ２の格納内容は、ユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［２］とが互いに特定の関係にあること、及び、ユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［３］とは特定の関係にはなく、ユーザＵ［２］とユーザＵ［３］も特定の関係にないこと、を表している。第１ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［１］の示すユーザＵ［１］は本開示における第１のユーザの一例であり、アバターＡ［１］は本開示における第１のアバターの一例である。第１ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［１］に対応付けられた関係性レコードに含まれる第２ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［２］の示すユーザＵ［２］は本開示における第２のユーザの一例であり、アバターＢ［２］は本開示における第２のアバターの一例である。第１ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［１］に対応付けられた他の関係性レコードに含まれる第２ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［３］の示すユーザＵ［３］は本開示における第３のユーザの一例であり、アバターＡ［３］は本開示における第３のアバターの一例である。ユーザＵ［１］～ユーザＵ［ｊ］は、第１のユーザと第２のユーザとを含む複数のユーザの一例である。 The contents stored in the second table TBL2 shown in FIG. 7 indicate that user U[1] and user U[2] have a specific relationship with each other, and that user U[1] and user U[3] do not have a specific relationship, and user U[2] and user U[3] do not have a specific relationship. User U[1] indicated by the first user identifier UID[1] is an example of a first user in the present disclosure, and avatar A[1] is an example of a first avatar in the present disclosure. User U[2] indicated by the second user identifier UID[2] included in the relationship record associated with the first user identifier UID[1] is an example of a second user in the present disclosure, and avatar B[2] is an example of a second avatar in the present disclosure. User U[3] indicated by the second user identifier UID[3] included in another relationship record associated with the first user identifier UID[1] is an example of a third user in the present disclosure, and avatar A[3] is an example of a third avatar in the present disclosure. User U[1] to user U[j] are examples of multiple users including a first user and a second user.
　処理装置１３０は、１又は複数のＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）を含む。処理装置１３０は、仮想空間サーバ１０の電源投入を契機として、記憶装置１２０からプログラムＰＲ１を読み出す。処理装置１３０は、読み出したプログラムＰＲ１を実行する。処理装置１３０は、プログラムＰＲ１を実行することによって、図４に示される管理部１３０ａ、生成部１３０ｂ、及び通信制御部１３０ｃとして機能する。つまり、図４に示される管理部１３０ａ、生成部１３０ｂ、及び通信制御部１３０ｃは、ＣＰＵ等のコンピュータをプログラム等のソフトウェアに従って作動させることにより実現されるソフトウェアモジュールである。管理部１３０ａ、生成部１３０ｂ、及び通信制御部１３０ｃの各々が担う機能は次の通りである。 The processing device 130 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). When the virtual space server 10 is powered on, the processing device 130 reads out the program PR1 from the storage device 120. The processing device 130 executes the read out program PR1. By executing the program PR1, the processing device 130 functions as the management unit 130a, generation unit 130b, and communication control unit 130c shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the management unit 130a, generation unit 130b, and communication control unit 130c shown in FIG. 4 are software modules realized by operating a computer such as a CPU in accordance with software such as a program. The functions performed by each of the management unit 130a, generation unit 130b, and communication control unit 130c are as follows:
　管理部１３０ａは、アバターの移動を指示するメッセージを受信した場合、当該メッセージの内容に応じて、第１テーブルＴＢＬ１に格納されている位置情報を更新する。また、管理部１３０ａは、ユーザＵ［１］～Ｕ［ｊ］間の関係性を管理する。ユーザＵ［ｋ］がユーザＵ［ｍ］に対して「いいね」に対応するボタンを押下する操作をユーザ装置２０－ｋに対して行うと、ユーザ装置２０－ｋは当該操作に応じたメッセージを仮想空間サーバ１０へ送信する。このメッセージには、第１ユーザ識別子としてユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｍ］が含まれており、第２ユーザ識別子としてユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｋ］が含まれている。管理部１３０ａは、通信装置１１０を用いて上記メッセージを受信すると、当該メッセージの内容に応じて第２テーブルＴＢＬ２の格納内容を更新する。具体的には、管理部１３０ａは、上記メッセージに含まれる第２ユーザ識別子と、１を示す関係情報とを含む関係性レコードを生成し、当該関係性レコードに上記メッセージに含まれる第１ユーザ識別子を対応付けて第２テーブルＴＢＬ２に書き込む。これにより、ユーザＵ［ｋ］とユーザＵ［ｍ］との関係性が管理される。なお、ユーザＵ［ｍ］に対する「いいね」の取り消しを指示する操作がユーザ装置２０－ｋに対して為された場合には、ユーザ装置２０－ｋは、第１ユーザ識別子としてユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｍ］を含むとともに第２ユーザ識別子としてユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｋ］を含み、且つ関係情報を０に更新することを指示するメッセージを仮想空間サーバ１０へ送信してもよい。この場合、管理部１３０ａは当該メッセージの受信を契機として該当する関係情報を０に更新してもよい。 When the management unit 130a receives a message instructing the user to move the avatar, it updates the location information stored in the first table TBL1 according to the content of the message. The management unit 130a also manages the relationships between users U[1] to U[j]. When user U[k] performs an operation on user device 20-k to press a button corresponding to "Like" for user U[m], user device 20-k transmits a message corresponding to the operation to the virtual space server 10. This message includes user identifier UID[m] as the first user identifier and user identifier UID[k] as the second user identifier. When the management unit 130a receives the message using the communication device 110, it updates the contents stored in the second table TBL2 according to the content of the message. Specifically, the management unit 130a generates a relationship record including the second user identifier included in the message and relationship information indicating 1, and writes the relationship record in the second table TBL2 in association with the first user identifier included in the message. This allows the relationship between user U[k] and user U[m] to be managed. When an operation is performed on user device 20-k to instruct the cancellation of a "like" for user U[m], user device 20-k may send a message to virtual space server 10 that includes user identifier UID[m] as the first user identifier and user identifier UID[k] as the second user identifier, and instructs the updating of relationship information to 0. In this case, management unit 130a may update the relevant relationship information to 0 upon receiving the message.
　生成部１３０ｂは、仮想空間へのユーザＵ［ｍ］の入場を契機として、ユーザ装置２０－ｍに表示させる仮想空間の画像、即ちユーザＵ［ｍ］の使用する第１のアバターの位置から見える仮想空間の画像を表す画像データを生成する。ユーザＵ［ｍ］の使用する第１のアバターの位置から見える範囲に他のユーザの使用する第２のアバターが位置している場合、生成部１３０ｂは、当該他のユーザの使用する第２のアバターを当該第２のアバターの位置に配置した仮想空間の画像を表す画像データを生成する。 When user U[m] enters the virtual space, generation unit 130b generates image data representing an image of the virtual space to be displayed on user device 20-m, i.e., an image of the virtual space as seen from the position of the first avatar used by user U[m]. If a second avatar used by another user is located within the range visible from the position of the first avatar used by user U[m], generation unit 130b generates image data representing an image of the virtual space in which the second avatar used by the other user is placed at the position of the second avatar.
　より詳細に説明すると、管理部１３０ａにおいて管理されているユーザＵ［ｍ］と上記他のユーザとの関係性が特定の関係である場合、生成部１３０ｂが生成する画像データが示す仮想空間においては、当該他のユーザに対応する第２のアバターが、当該第２のアバターとは異なるその他のアバターと区別可能に表示されている。具体的には、本実施形態では、生成部１３０ｂは、上記他のユーザの第２のアバターを含み、当該他のユーザの第２のアバターの周囲に上記特定の関係を示すマークを配置した仮想空間を示す画像データを生成する。つまり、本実施形態では、生成部１３０ｂは、ユーザＵ［ｍ］が見る仮想空間において、上記特定の関係を示すマークを他のユーザの使用する第２のアバターの周囲に配置する。よって、ユーザＵ［ｍ］は、第２のアバターを、当該第２のアバターとは異なるその他のアバターと区別可能となる。なお、ユーザＵ［ｍ］と他のユーザとの関係が特定の関係である場合とは、ユーザＵ［ｍ］に対応するユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｍ］と一致する第１ユーザ識別子に対応付けて第２テーブルＴＢＬ２に格納されている１または複数の関係性レコードのうち、上記他のユーザを示すユーザ識別子を第２ユーザ識別子として含む関係性レコードに含まれる関係情報の値が１である場合のことである。 To explain in more detail, when the relationship between the user U[m] managed by the management unit 130a and the other user is a specific relationship, in the virtual space shown by the image data generated by the generation unit 130b, the second avatar corresponding to the other user is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from other avatars different from the second avatar. Specifically, in this embodiment, the generation unit 130b generates image data showing a virtual space including the second avatar of the other user and arranging a mark indicating the specific relationship around the second avatar of the other user. In other words, in this embodiment, the generation unit 130b arranges the mark indicating the specific relationship around the second avatar used by the other user in the virtual space seen by the user U[m]. Thus, the user U[m] can distinguish the second avatar from other avatars different from the second avatar. A specific relationship between user U[m] and another user refers to a relationship record that contains a user identifier indicating the other user as a second user identifier, among one or more relationship records stored in the second table TBL2 in association with a first user identifier that matches the user identifier UID[m] corresponding to user U[m], and has a value of 1 in the relationship information.
　これに対して、管理部１３０ａにおいて管理されているユーザＵ［ｍ］と他のユーザとの関係性が特定の関係でない場合、生成部１３０ｂは、当該他のユーザに対応する第２のアバターを含み、且つ当該第２のアバターの周囲に上記マークを配置しない仮想空間を示す画像データを生成する。ユーザＵ［ｍ］と他のユーザとの関係性が特定の関係でない場合とは、ユーザ識別子ＵＩＤ［ｍ］と一致する第１ユーザ識別子に対応付けて第２テーブルＴＢＬ２に格納されている１または複数の関係性レコードのうち、上記他のユーザを示すユーザ識別子を第２ユーザ識別子として含む関係性レコードに含まれる関係情報の値が０である場合、又は該当する関係性レコードが第２テーブルＴＢＬ２に格納されていない場合のことである。 In contrast, if the relationship between user U[m] and another user managed by management unit 130a is not a specific relationship, generation unit 130b generates image data showing a virtual space that includes a second avatar corresponding to the other user and does not place the above-mentioned mark around the second avatar. A case in which the relationship between user U[m] and another user is not a specific relationship refers to a case in which the value of the relationship information included in a relationship record that includes a user identifier indicating the other user as a second user identifier, among one or more relationship records stored in second table TBL2 in association with a first user identifier that matches user identifier UID[m], is 0, or a case in which the corresponding relationship record is not stored in second table TBL2.
　例えば、図５に示される第１テーブルＴＢＬ１及び図７に示される第２テーブルＴＢＬ２が記憶装置１２０に記憶されている状態において、ユーザＵ［１］が仮想空間に入場し、アバターＡ［１］の位置Ｐ［１］から見える範囲にアバターＢ［２］及びアバターＡ［３］が位置していたとする。この場合、生成部１３０ｂは、図８に示される仮想空間の画像Ｇ１を表す画像データを、ユーザ装置２０－１へ送信する画像データとして生成する。図８に示されるように、画像Ｇ１には、アバターＢ［２］とアバターＡ［３］とが含まれている。図７に示されるように、ユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［２］との関係性は特定の関係であるため、画像Ｇ１ではアバターＢ［２］の周囲に、上記特定の関係を示すマークＭが配置される。一方、図７に示されるように、ユーザＵ［１］とユーザＵ［３］との関係性は特定の関係でないため、画像Ｇ１ではアバターＡ［３］の周囲にはマークＭは配置されない。なお、本実施形態において特定の関係を示すマークは星型のマークであるが、ハート型のマークであってもよく、また、スマイリーフェイス等のマークであってもよい。 For example, in a state where the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 and the second table TBL2 shown in FIG. 7 are stored in the storage device 120, the user U[1] enters the virtual space, and the avatar B[2] and the avatar A[3] are located within the range visible from the position P[1] of the avatar A[1]. In this case, the generation unit 130b generates image data representing the image G1 of the virtual space shown in FIG. 8 as image data to be transmitted to the user device 20-1. As shown in FIG. 8, the image G1 includes the avatar B[2] and the avatar A[3]. As shown in FIG. 7, the relationship between the user U[1] and the user U[2] is a specific relationship, so in the image G1, a mark M indicating the specific relationship is placed around the avatar B[2]. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the relationship between the user U[1] and the user U[3] is not a specific relationship, so in the image G1, a mark M is not placed around the avatar A[3]. In this embodiment, the mark indicating a specific relationship is a star-shaped mark, but it may also be a heart-shaped mark, a smiley face, or other mark.
　また、図５に示される第１テーブルＴＢＬ１及び図７に示される第２テーブルＴＢＬ２が記憶装置１２０に記憶されている状態において、ユーザＵ［３］が仮想空間に入場し、アバターＡ［３］の位置Ｐ［３］から見える範囲にアバターＢ［２］のみが位置していたとする。この場合、生成部１３０ｂは、図９に示される仮想空間の画像Ｇ２を表す画像データを、ユーザ装置２０－３へ送信する画像データとして生成する。図９に示されるように、画像Ｇ２には、アバターＢ［２］のみが含まれている。図７に示されるように、ユーザＵ［２］とユーザＵ［３］とは特定の関係にはないため、画像Ｇ２ではアバターＢ［２］の周囲にマークＭは配置されない。 Furthermore, in a state in which the first table TBL1 shown in FIG. 5 and the second table TBL2 shown in FIG. 7 are stored in the storage device 120, assume that user U[3] enters the virtual space and only avatar B[2] is located within the range visible from position P[3] of avatar A[3]. In this case, the generation unit 130b generates image data representing image G2 of the virtual space shown in FIG. 9 as image data to be transmitted to the user device 20-3. As shown in FIG. 9, image G2 contains only avatar B[2]. As shown in FIG. 7, since user U[2] and user U[3] do not have a specific relationship, mark M is not placed around avatar B[2] in image G2.
　通信制御部１３０ｃは、生成部１３０ｂにより生成された画像データを、通信装置１１０を介してユーザ装置２０へ送信する。ユーザ装置２０は、仮想空間サーバ１０から受信した画像データの表す画像を表示する。例えば、前述の画像Ｇ１を表す画像データが仮想空間サーバ１０からユーザ装置２０－１へ送信されると、ユーザ装置２０－１は画像Ｇ１を表示する。画像Ｇ１を視認したユーザＵ［１］は、アバターＢ［２］を初見であっても、アバターＢ［２］の周囲にマークＭが配置されていることから、アバターＢ［２］を使用しているユーザと特定の関係にあること、即ち過去に好感又は共感を示されたこと、を把握できる。また、ユーザＵ［１］は、アバターＡ［３］の周囲にマークＭが配置されていないことから、アバターＡ［３］を使用しているユーザと特定の関係にはないこと、を把握できる。 The communication control unit 130c transmits the image data generated by the generation unit 130b to the user device 20 via the communication device 110. The user device 20 displays an image represented by the image data received from the virtual space server 10. For example, when image data representing the above-mentioned image G1 is transmitted from the virtual space server 10 to the user device 20-1, the user device 20-1 displays the image G1. A user U[1] who has viewed the image G1 can understand that he has a specific relationship with the user using the avatar B[2], that is, that the user has shown favoritism or sympathy in the past, even if this is his first time seeing the avatar B[2], because the mark M is placed around the avatar B[2]. In addition, the user U[1] can understand that he does not have a specific relationship with the user using the avatar A[3], because the mark M is not placed around the avatar A[3].
　また、プログラムＰＲ１に従って作動している処理装置１３０は、管理部１３０ａとして機能し、ユーザ装置２０から送信されるメッセージの受信に応じて第１テーブルＴＢＬ１及び第２テーブルＴＢＬ２を更新する。プログラムＰＲ１に従って作動している処理装置１３０は、更に、図１０に示される表示方法を実行する。図１０に示される表示方法には、生成処理ＳＡ１１０、通信制御処理ＳＡ１２０、及び判定処理ＳＡ１３０が含まれる。生成処理ＳＡ１１０、通信制御処理ＳＡ１２０、及び判定処理ＳＡ１３０の各々の処理内容は次の通りである。 Furthermore, the processing device 130 operating according to the program PR1 functions as a management unit 130a, and updates the first table TBL1 and the second table TBL2 in response to receiving a message sent from the user device 20. The processing device 130 operating according to the program PR1 further executes the display method shown in FIG. 10. The display method shown in FIG. 10 includes a generation process SA110, a communication control process SA120, and a determination process SA130. The processing contents of each of the generation process SA110, the communication control process SA120, and the determination process SA130 are as follows.
　生成処理ＳＡ１１０では、処理装置１３０は生成部１３０ｂとして機能する。生成処理ＳＡ１１０では、処理装置１３０は、仮想空間へのユーザＵ［ｍ］の入場を契機として、ユーザ装置２０－ｍに表示させる仮想空間の画像、即ちユーザＵ［ｍ］の使用するアバターの位置から見える範囲の仮想空間の画像を表す画像データを生成する。 In the generation process SA110, the processing device 130 functions as a generation unit 130b. In the generation process SA110, the processing device 130 generates an image of the virtual space to be displayed on the user device 20-m, i.e., image data representing an image of the virtual space within the range visible from the position of the avatar used by the user U[m], when the user U[m] enters the virtual space.
　通信制御処理ＳＡ１２０では、処理装置１３０は通信制御部１３０ｃとして機能する。通信制御処理ＳＡ１２０では、処理装置１３０は、生成処理ＳＡ１１０にて生成した画像データをユーザ装置２０－ｍへ送信する。 In the communication control process SA120, the processing device 130 functions as a communication control unit 130c. In the communication control process SA120, the processing device 130 transmits the image data generated in the generation process SA110 to the user device 20-m.
　判定処理ＳＡ１３０では、処理装置１３０は、仮想空間からの退場を指示するメッセージをユーザ装置２０－ｍから受信したか否かを判定する。当該メッセージを受信した場合に判定処理ＳＡ１３０の判定結果は“Ｙｅｓ”となり、当該メッセージを受信しない場合判定処理ＳＡ１３０の判定結果は“Ｎｏ”となる。判定処理ＳＡ１３０の判定結果が“Ｎｏ”である場合、処理装置１３０は、生成処理ＳＡ１１０を再度実行する。これに対して、判定処理ＳＡ１３０の判定結果が“Ｙｅｓ”である場合、処理装置１３０は本表示方法の実行を終了する。 In the determination process SA130, the processing device 130 determines whether or not a message instructing the user to exit the virtual space has been received from the user device 20-m. If the message has been received, the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "Yes", and if the message has not been received, the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "No". If the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "No", the processing device 130 executes the generation process SA110 again. On the other hand, if the determination result of the determination process SA130 is "Yes", the processing device 130 ends the execution of this display method.
　以上説明したように、本実施形態によれば、ユーザＵ［１］のユーザ装置２０－１においては、ユーザＵ［１］と特定の関係にあるユーザＵ［２］に対応するアバターＢ［２］の周囲にマークＭを配置することにより、アバターＢ［２］がアバターＡ［３］と区別可能に表示される。アバターＢ［２］が他のアバターとは区別可能に表示されるので、ユーザＵ［１］は、アバターＢ［２］を初見であっても、アバターＢ［２］に対応するユーザと特定の関係にあることを、視覚を通じて把握できる。 As described above, according to this embodiment, in the user device 20-1 of user U[1], by placing a mark M around avatar B[2] corresponding to user U[2] who has a specific relationship with user U[1], avatar B[2] is displayed so as to be distinguishable from avatar A[3]. Because avatar B[2] is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other avatars, user U[1] can visually grasp that he or she has a specific relationship with the user corresponding to avatar B[2], even if this is his or her first time seeing avatar B[2].
Ｂ：変形
　本開示は、以上に例示した実施形態に限定されない。具体的な変形の態様は以下の通りである。以下の例示から任意に選択された２以上の態様が併合されてもよい。
Ｂ－１：変形例１
　上記実施形態におけるユーザ間の特定の関係は、一方のユーザに対して他方のユーザが好感又は共感を示した関係であった。しかし、本開示におけるユーザ間の特定の関係は、好感又は共感を示した関係には限定されず、ユーザ間に特定の繋がり(ユーザ間の一方的または相互的なアクション)があった関係であってもよい。また、本開示におけるユーザ間の特定の関係は、好感又は共感を示した関係と、特定の繋がりがあった関係と、の両方であってもよい。ユーザ間の繋がりの具体例としては、あるユーザが投稿サイト等にアップロードした動画又は静止画を他のユーザが見た関係、当該他のユーザが当該動画又は静止画に対してコメントを投稿した関係、又は会話等のコミュニケーションを行った関係が挙げられる。この場合、ユーザＵ［ｍ］のアップロードした動画等の再生を指示する操作、当該動画等に対するコメントを投稿する操作、又はユーザＵ［ｍ］との音声チャットの開始を指示する操作等をユーザＵ［ｋ］がユーザ装置２０―ｋに対して行ったことを契機として、ユーザ装置２０－ｋは第２テーブルＴＢＬ２の格納内容の更新を指示するメッセージを仮想空間サーバ１０へ送信すればよい。また、ユーザ間の繋がりは、動画を見た等の趣味又は趣向上の繋がりには限定されず、商取引を行った関係、商談を行った関係、又は名刺交換を行った関係等のビジネス上の繋がりであってもよい。 B: Modifications The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specific modified aspects are as follows. Two or more aspects selected from the following examples may be combined.
B-1: Modification 1
In the above embodiment, the specific relationship between users is a relationship in which one user shows favoritism or sympathy to the other user. However, the specific relationship between users in the present disclosure is not limited to a relationship in which the other user shows favoritism or sympathy, and may be a relationship in which there is a specific connection between users (unilateral or mutual action between users). In addition, the specific relationship between users in the present disclosure may be both a relationship in which favoritism or sympathy is shown and a relationship in which there is a specific connection. Specific examples of connections between users include a relationship in which another user has viewed a video or still image uploaded by a certain user to a posting site, a relationship in which the other user has posted a comment on the video or still image, or a relationship in which communication such as a conversation has been performed. In this case, when the user U[k] performs an operation on the user device 20-k to instruct playback of a video or the like uploaded by the user U[m], an operation to post a comment on the video or the like, or an operation to instruct the start of a voice chat with the user U[m], the user device 20-k may send a message to the virtual space server 10 instructing the update of the stored contents of the second table TBL2. Furthermore, connections between users are not limited to connections based on hobbies or interests, such as watching videos, but may also be business connections, such as connections based on commercial transactions, business negotiations, or exchanging business cards.
Ｂ－２：変形例２
　「いいね」に対応するボタンを複数回押下することにより、好感或いは共感の強さ、又は商取引の相手としての重要度等の特定の関係の程度を示す指標の値が入力可能であってもよく、特定の関係の程度を示す指標の値が関係情報に設定されてもよい。この場合、生成部１３０ｂは、関係情報の示す指標の値に応じてマークＭの表示色、形状、及び大きさのうちの少なくとも一つを異ならせてもよく、また、関係情報の示す指標の値に応じた個数のマークＭを該当するアバターの周囲に配置してもよい。 B-2: Modification 2
By pressing the button corresponding to "Like" multiple times, it may be possible to input an index value indicating the degree of a specific relationship, such as the strength of liking or sympathy, or the importance as a business partner, and the index value indicating the degree of the specific relationship may be set in the relationship information. In this case, the generation unit 130b may vary at least one of the display color, shape, and size of the mark M according to the index value indicated by the relationship information, and may also arrange the number of marks M according to the index value indicated by the relationship information around the corresponding avatar.
Ｂ－３：変形例３
　上記実施形態では、仮想空間サーバ１０の記憶装置１２０にプログラムＰＲ１が記憶されていたが、プログラムＰＲ１が単体で製造又は販売されてもよい。プログラムＰＲ１を販売する際の購入先へのプログラムＰＲ１の提供態様としては、フラッシュＲＯＭ等のコンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体にプログラムＰＲ１を書き込んで配布する態様、又は電気通信回線経由のダウンロードにより配布する態様が挙げられる。 B-3: Modification 3
In the above embodiment, the program PR1 is stored in the storage device 120 of the virtual space server 10, but the program PR1 may be manufactured or sold separately. When selling the program PR1, the program PR1 may be provided to a purchaser by writing the program PR1 onto a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash ROM and distributing it thereto, or by downloading the program PR1 via a telecommunications line.
Ｂ－４：変形例４
　上記実施形態における管理部１３０ａ、生成部１３０ｂ、及び通信制御部１３０ｃは何れもソフトウェアモジュールであった。しかし、管理部１３０ａ、生成部１３０ｂ、及び通信制御部１３０ｃのうちの何れか一つ、何れか二つ、又は全部がハードウェアモジュールであってもよい。ハードウェアモジュールの具体例としては、ＤＳＰ（Digital Signal Processor）、ＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）、ＰＬＤ（Programmable Logic Device）、ＦＰＧＡ（Field Programmable Gate Array）等が挙げられる。管理部１３０ａ、生成部１３０ｂ、及び通信制御部１３０ｃのうちの何れか一つ、何れか二つ、又は全部がハードウェアモジュールであっても、上記実施形態と同一の効果が奏される。 B-4: Modification 4
In the above embodiment, the management unit 130a, the generation unit 130b, and the communication control unit 130c are all software modules. However, any one, any two, or all of the management unit 130a, the generation unit 130b, and the communication control unit 130c may be hardware modules. Specific examples of hardware modules include DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Even if any one, any two, or all of the management unit 130a, the generation unit 130b, and the communication control unit 130c are hardware modules, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.
Ｃ：その他
（１）上述した実施形態では、記憶装置１２０としてＲＯＭ及びＲＡＭ等が例示されたが、記憶装置１２０は、フレキシブルディスク、光磁気ディスク(例えば、コンパクトディスク、デジタル多用途ディスク、Ｂｌｕ－ｒａｙ（登録商標）ディスク)、スマートカード、フラッシュメモリデバイス(例えば、カード、スティック、キードライブ)、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ（Compact　Disc－ＲＯＭ）、レジスタ、リムーバブルディスク、ハードディスク、フロッピー（登録商標）ディスク、磁気ストリップ、データベース、サーバその他の適切な記憶媒体であってもよい。 C: Others (1) In the above-described embodiment, ROM, RAM, etc. are given as examples of storage device 120, but storage device 120 may also be a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), a register, a removable disk, a hard disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, a database, a server, or any other suitable storage medium.
（２）上述した実施形態において、説明した情報、信号等は、様々な異なる技術の何れかを使用して表されてもよい。例えば、上記の説明全体に渡って言及され得るデータ、命令、コマンド、情報、信号、ビット、シンボル、チップ等は、電圧、電流、電磁波、磁界若しくは磁性粒子、光場若しくは光子、又はこれらの任意の組み合わせによって表されてもよい。 (2) In the above-described embodiments, the information, signals, etc. described may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.
（３）上述した実施形態において、入出力された情報等は特定の場所（例えば、メモリ）に保存されてもよいし、管理テーブルを用いて管理してもよい。入出力される情報等は、上書き、更新、又は追記され得る。出力された情報等は削除されてもよい。入力された情報等は他の装置へ送信されてもよい。 (3) In the above-described embodiment, the input and output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or may be managed using a management table. The input and output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added to. The output information, etc. may be deleted. The input information, etc. may be transmitted to another device.
（４）上述した実施形態において、判定は、１ビットで表される値（０か１か）によって行われてもよいし、真偽値（Boolean：true又はfalse）によって行われてもよいし、数値の比較（例えば、所定の値との比較）によって行われてもよい。 (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a comparison of numerical values (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value).
（５）上述した実施形態において例示した処理手順、シーケンス、フローチャート等は、矛盾の無い限り、順序が入れ替えられてもよい。例えば、本開示において説明した方法については、例示的な順序を用いて様々なステップの要素が提示されており、提示された特定の順序に限定されない。 (5) The order of the process steps, sequences, flow charts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be changed as long as it is not inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order and are not limited to the particular order presented.
（６）図４に例示された各機能は、ハードウェア及びソフトウェアの少なくとも一方の任意の組み合わせによって実現される。また、各機能ブロックの実現方法は特に限定されない。すなわち、各機能ブロックは、物理的又は論理的に結合した１つの装置を用いて実現されてもよいし、物理的又は論理的に分離した２つ以上の装置を直接的又は間接的に（例えば、有線、無線等を用いて）接続し、これら複数の装置を用いて実現されてもよい。機能ブロックは、上記１つの装置又は上記複数の装置にソフトウェアを組み合わせて実現されてもよい。 (6) Each function illustrated in FIG. 4 is realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the method of realizing each functional block. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and connected directly or indirectly (e.g., using wires, wirelessly, etc.). A functional block may be realized by combining software with the one device or the multiple devices.
（７）上述した実施形態で例示したプログラムは、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、ミドルウェア、マイクロコード、ハードウェア記述言語と呼ばれるか、他の名称で呼ばれるかを問わず、命令、命令セット、コード、コードセグメント、プログラムコード、プログラム、サブプログラム、ソフトウェアモジュール、アプリケーション、ソフトウェアアプリケーション、ソフトウェアパッケージ、ルーチン、サブルーチン、オブジェクト、実行可能ファイル、実行スレッド、手順、機能等を意味するよう広く解釈されるべきである。 (7) The programs exemplified in the above embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.
　また、ソフトウェア、命令、情報等は、伝送媒体を介して送受信されてもよい。例えば、ソフトウェアが、有線技術（同軸ケーブル、光ファイバケーブル、ツイストペア、デジタル加入者回線（ＤＳＬ：Digital　Subscriber　Line）等）及び無線技術（赤外線、マイクロ波等）の少なくとも一方を使用してウェブサイト、サーバ、又は他のリモートソースから送信される場合、これらの有線技術及び無線技術の少なくとも一方は、伝送媒体の定義内に含まれる。 In addition, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and/or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave, etc.), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of a transmission medium.
（８）前述の各形態において、「システム」及び「ネットワーク」という用語は、互換的に使用される。 (8) In each of the above embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.
（９）本開示において説明した情報、パラメータ等は、絶対値を用いて表されてもよいし、所定の値からの相対値を用いて表されてもよいし、対応する別の情報を用いて表されてもよい。 (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.
（１０）上述した実施形態において、携帯機器には、移動局（ＭＳ：Mobile　Station）である場合が含まれる。移動局は、当業者によって、加入者局、モバイルユニット、加入者ユニット、ワイヤレスユニット、リモートユニット、モバイルデバイス、ワイヤレスデバイス、ワイヤレス通信デバイス、リモートデバイス、モバイル加入者局、アクセス端末、モバイル端末、ワイヤレス端末、リモート端末、ハンドセット、ユーザエージェント、モバイルクライアント、クライアント、又はいくつかの他の適切な用語で呼ばれる場合もある。また、本開示においては、「移動局」、「ユーザ端末（user　terminal）」、「ユーザ装置（ＵＥ：User　Equipment）」、「端末」等の用語は、互換的に使用され得る。 (10) In the above-described embodiments, the mobile device may be a mobile station (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology. In addition, in this disclosure, the terms "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," "terminal," etc. may be used interchangeably.
（１１）上述した実施形態において、「接続された(connected)」、「結合された(coupled)」という用語、又はこれらのあらゆる変形は、２又はそれ以上の要素間の直接的又は間接的なあらゆる接続又は結合を意味し、互いに「接続」又は「結合」された２つの要素間に１又はそれ以上の中間要素が存在することを含むことができる。要素間の結合又は接続は、物理的なものであっても、論理的なものであっても、或いはこれらの組み合わせであってもよい。例えば、「接続」は、「アクセス」で読み替えられてもよい。本開示で使用する場合、２つの要素は、１又はそれ以上の電線、ケーブル及びプリント電気接続の少なくとも一つを用いて、並びにいくつかの非限定的かつ非包括的な例として、無線周波数領域、マイクロ波領域及び光（可視及び不可視の両方）領域の波長を有する電磁エネルギー等を用いて、互いに「接続」又は「結合」されると考えることができる。 (11) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the terms "connected" and "coupled" or any variation thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access". As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and light (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.
（１２）上述した実施形態において、「に基づいて」という記載は、別段に明記されていない限り、「のみに基づいて」を意味しない。言い換えれば、「に基づいて」という記載は、「のみに基づいて」と「に少なくとも基づいて」の両方を意味する。 (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."
（１３）本開示で使用する「判断(determining)」、「決定(determining)」という用語は、多種多様な動作を包含する場合がある。「判断」、「決定」は、例えば、判定(judging)、計算(calculating)、算出(computing)、処理(processing)、導出(deriving)、調査(investigating)、探索(looking　up、search、inquiry)（例えば、テーブル、データベース又は別のデータ構造での探索）、確認(ascertaining)した事を「判断」「決定」したとみなす事等を含み得る。また、「判断」、「決定」は、受信(receiving)（例えば、情報を受信すること）、送信(transmitting)(例えば、情報を送信すること)、入力(input)、出力(output)、アクセス(accessing)（例えば、メモリ中のデータにアクセスすること）した事を「判断」「決定」したとみなす事等を含み得る。また、「判断」、「決定」は、解決(resolving)、選択(selecting)、選定(choosing)、確立(establishing)、比較(comparing)等した事を「判断」「決定」したとみなす事を含み得る。つまり、「判断」「決定」は、何らかの動作を「判断」「決定」したとみなす事を含み得る。また、「判断（決定）」は、「想定する（assuming）」、「期待する（expecting）」、「みなす（considering）」等で読み替えられてもよい。 (13) The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, search, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and considering ascertaining as "judging" or "determining". Also, "determining" and "determining" may include considering receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory) as "judging" or "determining". Additionally, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc., to have been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering some action to have been "judged" or "decided." Additionally, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.
（１４）上述した実施形態において、「含む（include）」、「含んでいる（including）」及びそれらの変形が使用されている場合、これらの用語は、用語「備える（comprising）」と同様に、包括的であることが意図される。更に、本開示において使用されている用語「又は（or）」は、排他的論理和ではないことが意図される。 (14) In the above embodiments, when the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or.
（１５）本開示において、例えば、英語でのa,　an及びtheのように、翻訳により冠詞が追加された場合、本開示は、これらの冠詞の後に続く名詞が複数形であることを含んでもよい。 (15) In this disclosure, where articles have been added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include that the noun following these articles is in the plural.
（１６）本開示において、「ＡとＢが異なる」という用語は、「ＡとＢが互いに異なる」ことを意味してもよい。なお、当該用語は、「ＡとＢが夫々Ｃと異なる」ことを意味してもよい。「離れる」、「結合される」等の用語も、「異なる」と同様に解釈されてもよい。 (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." In addition, the term may mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."
（１７）本開示において説明した各態様／実施形態は単独で用いてもよいし、組み合わせて用いてもよいし、実行に伴って切り替えて用いてもよい。また、所定の情報の通知（例えば、「Ｘであること」の通知）は、明示的に行うものに限られず、暗黙的（例えば、当該所定の情報の通知を行わない）ことによって行われてもよい。 (17) Each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the execution. In addition, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is the case") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., not notifying the specific information).
Ｄ：上述の形態又は変形例から把握される態様
　以上、本開示について詳細に説明したが、当業者にとっては、本開示が本開示中に説明した実施形態に限定されるものではないということは明らかである。本開示は、請求の範囲の記載により定まる本開示の趣旨及び範囲を逸脱することなく修正及び変更態様として実施することができる。従って、本開示の記載は、例示説明を目的とするものであり、本開示に対して何ら制限的な意味を有するものではない。上述の実施形態又は変形例の少なくとも１つから以下の態様が把握される。 D: Aspects Understood from the Above-mentioned Forms or Modifications Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented as modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended as an illustrative example and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure. The following aspects can be understood from at least one of the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications.
　本開示の第１の態様によるアバター管理装置は、管理部と、生成部と、通信制御部と、を備える。管理部は、第１のユーザと第２のユーザとを含む複数のユーザ間の関係性を管理する。生成部は、管理部において前記第１のユーザと前記第２のユーザとが特定の関係にある状態で管理されている場合、前記第２のユーザに対応する第２のアバターを他のアバターと識別可能とする仮想空間を示す画像データを生成する。通信制御部は、前記画像データを、通信装置を介して、前記第１のユーザが使用するユーザ装置へ送信する。 The avatar management device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a management unit, a generation unit, and a communication control unit. The management unit manages relationships between multiple users, including a first user and a second user. When the management unit manages the first user and the second user in a state where they have a specific relationship, the generation unit generates image data showing a virtual space that makes a second avatar corresponding to the second user distinguishable from other avatars. The communication control unit transmits the image data to a user device used by the first user via a communication device.
　第１の態様のアバター管理装置によれば、第１のユーザと特定の関係にある状態で管理されている第２のユーザに対応する第２のアバターは、第１のユーザに対して他のアバターとは識別可能に表示される。第１のユーザに対して第２のアバターが他のアバターとは識別可能に表示されるので、第１のユーザは、第２のアバターに対応する第２のユーザと特定の関係にあることを、視覚を通じて把握できる。 According to the avatar management device of the first aspect, a second avatar corresponding to a second user who is managed in a state of being in a specific relationship with a first user is displayed to the first user in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other avatars. Because the second avatar is displayed to the first user in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from other avatars, the first user can visually grasp that he or she is in a specific relationship with the second user corresponding to the second avatar.
　本開示の第２の態様（第１の態様の例）における前記特定の関係は、前記第２のユーザが前記第１のユーザに対して共感又は好感を示した関係と、前記第１のユーザと前記第２のユーザとの間に繋がりがあった関係と、の少なくとも一方であってもよい。第２の態様によれば、第１のユーザは、第２のユーザと過去に繋がりがあった関係であること、又は第２のユーザから共感或いは好感を示された関係であることの何れか、又は両方であることを、視覚を通じて把握できる。 The specific relationship in the second aspect of the present disclosure (an example of the first aspect) may be at least one of a relationship in which the second user has shown sympathy or favoritism toward the first user and a relationship in which the first user and the second user have had a connection. According to the second aspect, the first user can visually grasp that the relationship is one in which the first user and the second user have had a past connection, or a relationship in which the second user has shown sympathy or favoritism, or both.
　本開示の第３の態様（第１の態様の例）によるアバター管理装置における生成部は、前記第２のアバターを含み、前記第２のアバターの周囲に前記特定の関係を示すマークを配置した前記仮想空間を示す前記画像データを生成してもよい。第３の態様のアバター管理装置によれば、第１のユーザは、第２のアバターに対応する第２のユーザと特定の関係にあることを、第２のアバターの周囲に表示されるマークを通じて把握できる。 The generation unit in the avatar management device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure (an example of the first aspect) may generate the image data showing the virtual space including the second avatar and with a mark indicating the specific relationship placed around the second avatar. According to the avatar management device of the third aspect, the first user can understand that he or she has a specific relationship with the second user corresponding to the second avatar through the mark displayed around the second avatar.
　本開示の第４の態様（第３の態様の例）によるアバター管理装置における生成部は、前記複数のユーザに含まれる第３のユーザについて前記第１のユーザとは前記特定の関係にない状態で前記管理部において管理されている場合、前記第３のユーザに対応する第３のアバターを含み、且つ前記第３のアバターの周囲に前記マークを配置しない前記仮想空間を示す前記画像データを生成してもよい。第３の態様のアバター管理装置によれば、第１のユーザは、第３のアバターの周囲にマークが表示されていないことから、第３のユーザとは特定の関係にはないことを、視覚を通じて把握できる。 The generation unit in the avatar management device according to the fourth aspect (example of the third aspect) of the present disclosure may generate the image data showing the virtual space including a third avatar corresponding to the third user and not including the mark around the third avatar, when a third user included in the plurality of users is managed by the management unit in a state where the third user does not have the specific relationship with the first user. According to the avatar management device of the third aspect, the first user can visually understand that the first user does not have a specific relationship with the third user because no mark is displayed around the third avatar.
１…仮想空間システム、１０…仮想空間サーバ、１１０…通信装置、１２０…記憶装置、１３０…処理装置、１３０ａ…管理部、１３０ｂ…生成部、１３０ｃ…通信制御部、１４０…バス、ＰＲ１…プログラム、ＴＢＬ１…第１テーブル、ＴＢＬ２…第２テーブル、２０，２０－１～２０－ｊ…ユーザ装置。 1...Virtual space system, 10...Virtual space server, 110...Communication device, 120...Storage device, 130...Processing device, 130a...Management unit, 130b...Generation unit, 130c...Communication control unit, 140...Bus, PR1...Program, TBL1...First table, TBL2...Second table, 20, 20-1 to 20-j...User device.

Claims (4)

  1. 　第１のユーザと第２のユーザとを含む複数のユーザ間の関係性を管理する管理部と、
    　前記管理部において管理されている前記第１のユーザと前記第２のユーザとの関係性が特定の関係である場合、前記第１のユーザが、前記第２のユーザに対応する第２のアバターを他のアバターと区別することを可能とする仮想空間を示す画像データを生成する生成部と、
    　前記画像データを、通信装置を介して、前記第１のユーザが使用するユーザ装置へ送信する通信制御部と、
    　を備えるアバター管理装置。     A management unit that manages relationships between a plurality of users including a first user and a second user;
    a generation unit that generates image data showing a virtual space that enables the first user to distinguish a second avatar corresponding to the second user from other avatars when a relationship between the first user and the second user managed in the management unit is a specific relationship;
    a communication control unit that transmits the image data to a user device used by the first user via a communication device;
    An avatar management device comprising:
  2. 　前記特定の関係は、前記第２のユーザが前記第１のユーザに対して共感又は好感を示した第１の関係と、前記第１のユーザと前記第２のユーザとの間に繋がりがあった第２の関係と、の少なくとも一方である、
    　請求項１に記載のアバター管理装置。     The specific relationship is at least one of a first relationship in which the second user has sympathy or favoritism for the first user, and a second relationship in which there is a connection between the first user and the second user.
    The avatar management device according to claim 1 .
  3. 　前記生成部が生成する前記画像データが示す前記仮想空間は、前記第２のアバターを含み、当該仮想空間には、前記第２のアバターの周囲に前記特定の関係を示すマークが配置される、請求項１に記載のアバター管理装置。 The avatar management device according to claim 1, wherein the virtual space represented by the image data generated by the generation unit includes the second avatar, and a mark indicating the specific relationship is placed around the second avatar in the virtual space.
  4. 　前記複数のユーザは第３のユーザを含み、
    　前記生成部は、前記管理部において管理されている前記第１のユーザと前記第３のユーザとの関係性が前記特定の関係でない場合、前記第３のユーザに対応する第３のアバターを含み、且つ前記第３のアバターの周囲に前記マークを配置しない仮想空間を示す画像データを生成する、
    　請求項３に記載のアバター管理装置。     the plurality of users includes a third user;
    When the relationship between the first user and the third user managed in the management unit is not the specific relationship, the generation unit generates image data showing a virtual space including a third avatar corresponding to the third user and in which the mark is not arranged around the third avatar.
    The avatar management device according to claim 3 .
PCT/JP2023/036109 2022-11-18 2023-10-03 Avatar management device WO2024106051A1 (en)

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