JPH11185053A - Cyberspace system and recording medium in which program to provide user terminal with cyberspace is stored - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely establish contact with a user of other terminal with whom the contact is previously established in a cyberspace. SOLUTION: An avatar A as the other self of a user of the user terminal on which the cyberspace is constructed and an avatar C as the other self of the user of the other terminal are displayed on the cyberspace which is constructed on the user terminal. When a 'house' of the avatar C is opened by the avatar C, a metaphor 31 corresponding to the avatar C' s house is displayed on the cyberspace of the user terminal. The metaphor 31 is capable of being arranged at a desired position on the cyberspace by drag and drop by the user. Afterward, the contact with the avatar C is established at any time by making access to the avatar C's 'house' in the cyberspace of the user terminal by the avatar A.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cyberspace system for providing a user with a virtual reality space.

2. Description of the Related Art Research and development of technology relating to a virtual reality space have been actively pursued. As an example of a virtual reality space, there is known a virtual reality space in which the real world is virtually reproduced on a computer screen so that a user can enter the world on the screen. When a city including roads, shops, parks, and the like is constructed as the virtual reality space, the user can freely walk in the city on the computer screen. Some systems have been proposed in which a user can enter a store and obtain information about a product handled by the store, or can actually purchase the product. Such a virtual reality space and a system may be called a cyberspace and a cyberspace system, respectively. There is known a system in which a cyberspace is constructed on a network and a plurality of users accommodated in the network can share the cyberspace. For example,
JP-A-7-134695, JP-A-8-77255
This type of system is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) Publication. In addition, the present applicant has proposed a system in which the user can freely set the configuration and arrangement of cyberspace in the above-described embodiment (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 9-184108). In such a cyberspace system, "encounter" between users occurs. For example, when the user A and the user B enter the park at the same time in the cyber space displayed on the respective user terminals, the user B appears on the screen of the user A terminal, and similarly, the screen of the user B terminal User A appears. The users who have met in this way can exchange information by conversation or the like via the network.

However, in a cyberspace system to which an unspecified number of users (subscribers) are connected, the above-mentioned encounter between users often occurs by chance. For this reason, it is generally difficult to reconnect with an avatar that you have encountered earlier in cyberspace. It is an object of the present invention to ensure reliable contact with other terminal users who have previously contacted in cyberspace.

According to the present invention, there is provided a cyberspace system comprising: a metaphor arranging means for arranging a metaphor corresponding to a user of a second user terminal in a cyberspace constructed in a first user terminal; When an avatar as an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal accesses the metaphor arranged by the metaphor arranging means, a cyberspace related to the user of the second user terminal is displayed on the first user terminal. Display means;
Having. According to the above configuration, in the cyberspace constructed in the first user terminal, when the avatar, which is an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal, accesses the metaphor corresponding to the user of the second user terminal, the avatar becomes , The user of the second user terminal can enter the cyber space, where he can meet the avatar that is the alter ego of the user of the second user terminal. A cyberspace system according to another aspect of the present invention includes, in addition to the metaphor arranging unit, a registration unit that associates and registers the metaphor arranged by the metaphor arranging unit with the data transfer address of the second user terminal, When an avatar as an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal accesses the metaphor arranged by the metaphor arrangement means, data transmission processing to the second user terminal or data from the second user terminal is performed. Activating means for activating the receiving process. According to the above configuration, data can be transmitted and received between the second user terminal and the cyberspace constructed in the first user terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. 1. FIG.
It is a conceptual diagram of an ever space system. Of this embodiment
In the cyberspace system, each user can
Each can build its own cyberspace.
Here, it is assumed that a virtual “town” is constructed. Ma
The server 1 is a computer and connects the network 2
Provide cyberspace to multiple users via Sa
Each element that composes the space (hereinafter, “metaphor”)
To the map server 1 or the service provider 3
Provided by As a metaphor, in this example,
Includes “roads”, “parks”, “shops: shops”, etc.
In this case, the service provider 3 receives a sales order here.
Companies that provide banking and banking services, etc.
It simply includes those that provide information. information
For example, you can browse the homepage
Shall be included. The user terminals 4 to 6 are, for example,
Sonal computers, each with a different user (user
Operated by the user A to C). User terminals 4-6
To the map server 1 via the network 2
Information that is connected and provided by the map server 1
To build cyberspace and display it on the screen
Show. Users A to C are connected to user terminals 4 to 6, respectively.
In their own cyberspace (each cyberspace
Paces A to C) are constructed and displayed on the screens of the user terminals 4 to 6.
Can be shown. That is, each user terminal 4-6 has a map
Server 1 provides a metaphor, and users A to C
Select the desired metaphor from the provided metaphors
And place it anywhere. Users A to C
When building cyberspaces A to C, each user
The terminals 4 to 6 notify the map server 1 of the arrangement information.
You. The arrangement information indicates which metaphor each of the users A to C has.
Was selected, and the selected metaphor
Information that indicates where in the space
You. By this notification, the map server 1 allows each user terminal
Cyberspace constructed independently of each other in 4-6
Recognize the configuration of the software. Users A to C build on their own terminals
(Actually displayed on the screen of your terminal)
Appear in your own alter ego (hereinafter referred to as "avatar")
Letting you get inside cyberspace
it can. In the example shown in FIG. 1, avatars A to C
Alternates of users A to C, each in cyberspace
AC. Users A to C can use a mouse or keyboard
Avatar corresponding to yourself via an input device such as
It can be moved freely within the cyberspace built at the end.
Can be. At this time, the map is sent from each user terminal 4-6.
To server 1 of each avatar in each cyberspace
Avatar position information indicating the position is notified. For example,
A cyber space is sent from the user terminal 4 to the map server 1.
Avatar position information indicating the position of avatar A in
Is notified. By this notification, the map server 1
Where each avatar exists in cyberspace
Recognize whether or not. Further, the map server 1 stores the above-mentioned arrangement information.
Information and avatar location information, each avatar
Recognize which metaphor is located in the vicinity.
The avatar position information indicates the trajectory of each avatar.
Notification, or each
Each avatar approaches a specific metaphor at the user terminal
It may be something that notifies you when you have
No. In the present embodiment, each of the user terminals 4 to 6 and the map server
In order to reduce the amount of information transferred to and from
The system shall be adopted. Avatar, cyberspace
You can access the metaphor provided in the.
For example, the “shop” provided by the service provider 3
When placed in the space, the avatar
I got information from the store by accessing it
Or buy products sold there
Wear. Information about access to such metaphors
Is notified to the map server 1. In this case,
The server 1 provides this access information as a service, for example.
Writes in the mailbox of the third party, the service provider 3
Make that access detectable. Or simply
Metaphors that provide information (for example, homepage
If you access the metaphor corresponding to
The user terminal where the information was found to the site that provides the information.
Can be linked. Map server 1 is for each user
Cyber terminals independently constructed in terminals 4 to 6
-Links can be established between spaces. example
For example, in cyberspaces A and B,
Avatar A is a cyberspace
Go to the park in A, Avatar B in Cyberspace B
If you go to a park, the map server 1
Location information and avatar location information notified from
According to reports, avatars A and B are both located in the "park"
Recognize that In this case, the map server 1
Tar A and Avatar B are considered "meet" in the park
Link between cyberspace A and cyberspace B
Attach. Specifically, an avatar is placed in cyberspace A
B appears, and similarly, avatars in cyberspace B
Make A appear. It should be noted that the encounters described above did not occur.
At least, one user terminal's cyberspace
It is also possible to display the avatar of the terminal. And
For example, cyberspace where parks and shops are located
When Avatar A was in front of a store in A
When Tar B goes to the park in Cyberspace B, the map
Server 1 places avatar B in a park in cyberspace A
Is displayed. Avatar met as described above
You can "talk" with other avatars. here,
“Conversation” refers to, for example, the transmission of information via the network 2.
Transmission and reception, usually text data, image data, sound
Transfer of voice data. At this time, the user terminals
Connection via the backup server 1 or
Or to establish a path that does not go through the map server 1.
May be. Thus, the cyber space of the present embodiment is
System, each user is free and independent.
Service space,
Service provided by the service provider,
With other avatars in other cyberspace
Contact can be obtained. Figure 2 is a map server
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a user terminal 1 or user terminals 4 to 6, showing a basic configuration.
The result is the same. The storage device 11 is a semiconductor memory,
It consists of an optical recording medium or an optical recording medium.
Gram and data are stored. Storage device 11
Is fixed to the map server 1 or the user terminals 4 to 6
May be provided or detachably mounted
It may be. The recording medium driver 12 is a portable recording device.
Medium (semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical
Read the data stored in the
Or write data to the portable recording medium 13.
It is a device to drive. The communication control unit 14 controls the network 2
This is a unit that controls the transmission and reception of data between and. C
The PU 15 is a storage device 11 or a portable recording medium 13.
Then, a program or the like is loaded into the memory 16 and executed.
In addition, the process described in each flowchart illustrated in this embodiment is performed.
Grams and various tables are recorded in the storage device 11.
However, the one stored in the portable recording medium 13 is
It may be written, and communication lines etc.
Received from another device on the network 2 via the
Configuration. Further, the CPU 15
Stored in another storage device provided on the network 2.
Use programs and data via communication lines, etc.
You may make it. Fig. 3 is displayed on the screen of the user terminal
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cyberspace that is being used. Rhinoceros
When building a bar space, the user's instructions (cyber
Menu request on the screen.
call. The menu 21 is provided by the map server 1.
This is a list of all metaphors. In FIG. 3, four metaphors
Only buttons corresponding to are displayed.
Also provides many metaphors, scroll buttons
Displayed by the Provided by map server 1
When placing metaphors in cyberspace,
For example, the menu 21 corresponds to the desired metaphor
Button to be specified using a mouse, etc.
Drop the specified metaphor to the desired position
To place. In the example shown in FIG. 3, “park” and “shoppi”
"Mall" and "Hall" are selected and placed
I have. In cyberspace, the cyberspace
The avatar that is the alter ego of the user who constructed is displayed. You
The user responds to instructions using a mouse or keyboard.
Move avatars freely in cyberspace
Can be done. The construction of the above cyberspace
Regarding the method and operation, the applicant filed an application first (Japanese Patent Application
No. 9-184108).
You. In the cyberspace system of this embodiment,
Avatars (users) of other terminals that contacted the service
Meeting between avatars to be able to contact
If consent is obtained in the story, each avatar's
Home '' metaphors can be placed on each other's cyberspace
It was to so. In the following, other
"Home" of avatar of user terminal is called "Friend's home"
Sometimes. In this embodiment, the avatar is
Approach the `` friend's house '' provided in the ibar space or
Can access that "friends house"
So we talked with the avatar who was the "resident of a friend's house"
You can enjoy. Or visit a friend's house
Alternatively, you can exchange emails. Below, this
To realize such a cyberspace system
The operation and the operation will be described in detail. FIG. 4 (a) shows each user.
6 is an example of a metaphor table provided in a user terminal. Me
A toffee table can be provided in cyberspace
Which metaphor the user can select from the metaphors
Stores the location of each selected metaphor
I do. In the example shown in FIG.
Indicates that “Mall” and “Hall” are selected.
ing. The position of the metaphor can be
May be represented using ray dot data, or
Configures a screen for each display of each user terminal
Considering that the number of dots to be printed may differ,
Data may be converted to other parameters and represented. Figure
In the state shown in Fig. 4 (a), the user
If you enter an instruction to set up a “bookstore” above,
"1" is set in the record of "ya", and the "book"
The position where “ya” is placed is set in the metaphor table
You. In addition, the metaphor table contains information of other user terminals.
You can register "home" for butter. Other users
The record corresponding to the device avatar "Home"
When placing metaphors in your own cyberspace,
Be added. Cyberspace built on each user terminal
Each metaphor is arranged according to this metaphor table.
It is. The metaphor table is, for example,
Stored in the hard disk (storage device 11)
When bar space is activated, the state at the end of the previous
To be able to manifest. Or in cyberspace
Transfer the contents of the metaphor table to map server 1 at the end
The information is downloaded from the map server 1 at startup.
Download the previous state by downloading
You may make it. Fig. 4 (b) shows the configuration of the user terminal.
6 is an example of an avatar management table to be used. Avatar management
Each record of the table is stored in the cyber space of its own terminal.
Each is set up corresponding to the avatar that has "Home"
You. Also, each record has its avatar "Home"
Cyber space to identify the cyber space
ID and email address of the avatar (user)
Is registered. In addition, the "home" of each avatar is the basic
That the user corresponding to the avatar creates
I do. Fig. 5 shows the general metaphor provided in the map server.
It is an example of a table. The supervising metaphor table is
Using the terminal ID of the user terminal as a key,
Stores the key table. In the overall metaphor table
The contents of the metaphor table for each user terminal
In real time according to the notification from the corresponding user terminal
Updated and always in the metaphor table for each user terminal
It is consistent with the contents. In addition, the general metaphor table
By using the near flag, each user terminal (ie, cyber
Which metaphor the avatar is approaching)
Management. Which metaphor each avatar connects to
Information indicating whether or not they are approaching
The time is notified, and the map server 1
Update the general map server according to the notification. Shown in FIG.
In the example, the cyber space built in the user terminal 4 is
Avatar is near a shopping mall
Which indicates that. Fig. 6 (a) shows a map server
An example of a user cyberspace management table
You. This table contains the cyber
Create a space and give it to other user terminal users
When opening, the created cyberspace
Registered as a system (a provider of cyberspace)
It is for doing. At the time of this registration, each user creates
Cyberspace ID is assigned to the cyberspace
Rara. And user cyberspace management table
Is the ID of each cyberspace and its cyberspace
The terminal ID of the user terminal of the creator is associated with each other.
Fig. 6 (b) shows the link management data provided in the map server.
This is an example of Bull. This table is established between user terminals.
Manage the state of the link being done. Where the link
For example, avatars in cyberspace
Obtained by contacting each other. Fig. 6 (b)
In the example shown in the figure, ABC427 is currently assigned as the terminal ID.
BBC52 as the assigned user terminal and terminal ID
1 link is established with the user terminal to which
It shows a standing state. It should be noted that here
Link) is basically via a map server
Is a cyber cyber network built on each user terminal.
Send and receive data between paces without going through a map server
Also includes the state of trust. Next, on your own cyber space
To place the "home" of the avatar of another user terminal in the
Will be described. Here, I understand in conversation between avatars
Is obtained, one avatar becomes the other avatar
A method of opening the "home" will be described. That is,
According to the method of, for example, avatar A sets its "home"
When released to avatar C, the user terminal of avatar C
Avatar A's "self"
The “home” metaphor is displayed. Figure 7 opens "home"
It is a flowchart of the process of the user terminal on the side which performs. This
Is performed by a user at a certain user terminal.
"Home" for the avatar currently in contact
Is triggered by input of an instruction to release
Of the user terminal. Note that this instruction
For example, a menu screen displayed on cyberspace
Input by selection or command input
You. In step S1, a message indicating that the home is to be opened.
Create a sage. In step S2, the own terminal
Check if you have the address. Where the email
An address is, for example, a URL (Internet
Rule address, WWW page address) or
Is a user ID for personal computer communication. mail address
If it has, in step S3, the address
Is obtained and added to the above message. Meanwhile, have
If not, the process of step S3 is skipped. Soshi
In step S4, the message is mapped
To the server. At this time, it represents the source user terminal
The terminal ID is also transmitted together. Figure 8 shows the avatar's
Server for placing "home" on cyberspace
It is a flowchart of a process of. This process is
The server has received a packet from the network.
Run as moth. In the step S11, the received
A message that the ket will open the avatar's "home"
Check if the message contains a message. If included,
Proceed to step S12, if not included, step S1
At step 9, another process is executed. In step S12
Is the terminal ID of the user terminal that sent the received packet
Is detected. In step S13, the terminal of the source terminal
The link management table shown in FIG.
Of the user terminal that sent the above message
Detect the user terminal of the link partner. And step
In S14, the user terminal of the link partner is
The user of the user terminal opens the "home"
Send a message indicating that This message
In the process of the flowchart of FIG.
An email address has been assigned. Therefore, this
The message is sent to the destination user terminal via the link
Notify that the other party has opened "Home" and
Notify the email address of the user terminal of the link partner of
Also plays a role. Also, at this time, the data is received in step S11.
The terminal ID of the user terminal that transmitted the packet
The user cyberspace management data shown in Fig. 6 (a)
Search for the avatar of the source user terminal.
A cyberspace ID for identifying “home” is detected.
This cyberspace ID is transmitted in step S14.
User end attached to the message to be linked
Notified to the end. Steps S15 and S16 are steps
Response to the message sent in step S14
This is the waiting process. This response will be explained later,
At the other user's terminal, the user
`` Home '' is a cyber space built on the user terminal.
Returned when you order it to be placed in the
It includes information indicating the position where “home” is located. And the response
If there is, go to step S17 and touch
If an timeout occurs, the process ends. Step S
In the 17th, first, the general metaphor table shown in FIG.
And the user of the link partner detected in step S13
In the area allocated to the terminal,
Create the corresponding record. And that record
The location information contained in the response message
No. In this way, the map server is
Release the “home” of the avatar of the user terminal.
When receiving a message indicating
Notify the link partner of this fact and identify the `` home ''
Another cyberspace ID and the user terminal
Notification of the link address to the link partner. FIG. 9 shows another user.
User terminal avatar "home", that is, "friends house"
The user terminal when placing it in cyberspace
It is a flowchart of a process. This processing is performed by the user terminal
Triggers a packet from the map server
And executed. In step S21, the received packet
Message that the avatar will open his "home"
To see if it contains a page. If included,
Proceeding to step S22, if not included, step S28
Execute other processing. Please note that this message
Is a cyberspace I that identifies an open "home"
D and avatars that have opened their "home"
The mail address of the user terminal is given. Stay
In step S22, the metaphor of the “house” to be placed, and
Whether to place the “house” on your own cyberspace
A menu for instructing the user whether or not to display the menu is displayed.
FIG. 10 shows a display example by the process of step S22. Figure
10 is built in the user terminal corresponding to avatar A
This is an example of a cyberspace display that is currently
Contact the avatar C, the alter ego of the user of the terminal
It represents the state where it is. In this state, the avatar C
At the corresponding user terminal, the user
When an instruction to open “home” is input, metaphor 3
1 and a window 32 are displayed. Metaphor 31
Can be newly placed on cyberspace
"Home", in this case, "Home" of Avatar C
Corresponding to Also, the window 32 includes the metaphor 31
"Home" displayed in the cyber space of your terminal
Menu to let the user indicate whether to place
-It is a screen. In step S23, this menu screen
Is determined by the user. If the user
"Home" displayed as 31, ie, other users
The avatar “home” of the terminal is replaced by the cyber space of the terminal
If it is instructed to dispose it on the top, go to step S24
Proceed, otherwise terminate the process. In addition, you
The user replaces the "home" of the avatar of the other user terminal with the
When deploying in cyberspace, for example,
Drag the metaphor 31 using a tool such as
Drop. In step S24, first, as shown in FIG.
A new record is secured in the indicated metaphor table.
And a new “home” is placed on cyberspace
Assign that record to your avatar. And as mentioned above
Avatar "home" is placed by user's operation
Detected position and records it in the newly secured record.
Write the position information of. In step S25, first,
4 (b) The avatar management table shown in FIG.
And secure a new home in cyberspace.
Assign the record to the avatar being placed. Soshi
To be notified together with the message received in step S21.
Your cyberspace ID and email address
Write to record. In step S26, the user
The avatar of another user terminal at the specified location
The metaphor of "home" is displayed. Then, in step S27
The other avatar's "Home"
Notify the location information to represent to the map server. Note that this
Knowledge is determined in steps S15 and S15 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
And S16. This
As shown in FIG.
Place the “home” of the device on the cyber space of the terminal
Is associated with the metaphor of "home"
Cyberspace ID identifying “home” and its
Set the mail address of the user terminal corresponding to "Home"
Is done. In the above-described embodiment, the contacts are mutually connected.
One of your avatars opens their "home"
Along with the user terminal corresponding to the other avatar
"Home" cyberspace ID and email address
Is automatically set, but other
You may. For example, the email address of each user terminal or each
Enter the user's “home” cyberspace ID.
All are registered in the map server, and
One of the avatars who is interacting with the other
Notify that you want to place the device on cyberspace
With this, the map server transfers the information to each user terminal.
May be notified. Or between avatars
Each user in the conversation teaches that information
The user of the terminal inputs the information by key
There may be. A flowchart of this method is shown in FIG.
You. In this method, first, in step S31,
Enter the mail address of the user terminal corresponding to the hand avatar
Display a screen for user input. And to the user
When the input is detected, in step S32,
Register the input contents. And the user is connected to another user terminal
When you specify where your avatar "home" should be placed,
In step S33, the metaf
The key table is updated, and in step S34, the
Display "Home". Next, as described above,
Abroad of other user terminals placed in cyberspace
The process when accessing the “home” of the user will be described. Figure
12 accesses the “home” of the avatar of another user terminal.
Is a flowchart of processing in the user terminal when the
is there. This processing is based on the service built in a certain user terminal.
Friends who your avatar wants to access in Iverspace
When you are located in front of a person's "home" or have access
Will be executed. In step S41, first, the own terminal
Avatar approaches avatar "home" of another user terminal
Notify the map server of the action. In step S42
Wants to visit the friend's "home"
The user selects whether they want to exchange mail with friends.
Display a screen for In response to this screen display,
User selects either “visit” or “email”
Which is selected in step S43.
Judge whether it was done. If "Visit" is selected,
In step S44, a visit process is performed. "Baa
Is selected in step S45.
User can send or receive mail
Judge whether it has been instructed and send an e-mail according to the judgment result
Communication processing (step S46) or mail reception processing (step S46).
Step S47) is executed. When sending email
Or whether to receive it shall be specified by the user.
You. FIG. 13 shows the avatar “home” of another user terminal.
Flowchart of processing of the user terminal on the visitor side when visiting
It is. This processing corresponds to the flowchart shown in FIG.
User selects “visit” in response to step S44
It will be executed if you do. In step S51, first,
Avatars of other user terminals that have been approached or accessed by butter
When “home” of the avatar is detected, the avatar shown in FIG.
Refers to the management table and corresponds to the "Home" of the avatar
The cyber space ID to be extracted is extracted. And the extraction
Notify the issued cyberspace ID to the map server
You. Note that, as will be described later, the map server
Upon receiving the notice in S51, the cyberspace I
A user terminal corresponding to D is detected, and the detected user
Check if the terminal's cyberspace is running
You. If it is activated, the user terminal
With the notification that the
Cyber space specified by pace ID (this
The cyber space that represents the "home" of another user terminal.
Download the data related to (i). Meanwhile, start
If not, the avatar of the user terminal
Is returned. In step S52,
Avatars to visit based on notifications from the map server
Is "at home" or "absence".
If the avatar to be visited is “at home”, step S53
At the cyber space received from the map server.
Display the “home” of the visit according to the data
Show. FIG. 14 shows a display example of “home”. And
At step S54, the
In other words, in the "home" of the avatar of another user terminal,
Displays the avatar corresponding to your terminal,
Show avatar. Since then, on this cyberspace
The two avatars displayed are between the two user terminals
You can talk by sending and receiving data.
You. On the other hand, a notification that the avatar to be visited is "absent"
Is received from the map server, Step S55
Shows that the avatar to be visited is "absent"
And terminate the processing. In this way, a user terminal
In the cyberspace being built, its user end
The last avatar becomes the "home" of the avatar of another user terminal
When approaching or accessing and instructing a “visit”,
If your hand device is connected to the cyberspace system
Then, the avatar of this user terminal is
You can get inside the "Home" of the last avatar. Soshi
Avatars of other user terminals in the "home"
You can talk with others. FIG. 15 shows the visit process.
10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a map server. this
The process involves receiving a cyberspace ID from a certain user terminal.
Executed when trusted. In step S61, the cyber
-Space ID is detected. This cyber space
The process ID is obtained in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
1 sent. In step S62,
Figure 6 (a) shows the detected cyberspace ID as a key.
Search the indicated user cyberspace management table
Then, the corresponding user terminal is detected. Detected here
The user terminal executes the flowchart shown in FIG.
From the avatar of the user terminal
Is equivalent to a user terminal that provides. In step S63
Indicates that the user terminal detected in step S62
Connected to the cyberspace system of
In other words, cyber space is established on the user terminal.
Check whether it is running. Detected in step S62
Cyber space has been activated on the user terminal
If the map server can access the user terminal
Therefore, the avatar of another user terminal is
Assuming you can visit the "home" of butter, step
Proceed to S64. In step S64, in step S61
To the user terminal that sent the detected cyberspace ID
Notifies the visiting avatar that he is at home,
In addition, data related to the "home" of the avatar at the visited location
To transfer. In addition, each user has the avatar of his alter ego.
Create "home" and register it on the map server
be able to. And at the time of this registration,
If the identification information given to “Home” is cyberspace
As described above, the correspondence is shown in FIG.
(a) is set in the user cyberspace management table.
You. Also, related to user created cyberspace
Data and the like (including programs) are as shown in FIG.
You can search using that cyberspace ID
Thus, it is stored in the storage device of the map server. Step
In step S65, the user terminal detected in step S62 is
On the other hand, the cyberspace I detected in step S61
The user terminal that sent D is notified. That is, "visit
A "visitor" is notified to the "destination" user terminal. So
To establish a link between these two user terminals,
The link management table shown in FIG. 6B is updated. one
On the other hand, in the user terminal detected in step S62,
If the bar space has not been activated (step S6)
3: No), the map server accesses the user terminal
Avatars of other user terminals cannot
Deemed to be unable to visit the "Home" device avatar
Then, in step S67, the user is notified of the absence.
You. In this way, the map server is able to access the address of a certain user terminal.
Butter visits the avatar “home” of another user terminal
When a request to the user terminal is received,
Link to the requesting user terminal.
Transfers data for displaying the "home" of the visited location
In addition, the user terminal of the visit has a visit request
Notify that. FIG. 17 shows an avatar of another user terminal.
When the user visits “home”,
It is a low chart. This processing is performed by the user terminal.
A notification that the butter has requested a visit to `` home ''
Is executed when received from the server. Step S71
Requests to visit the "home" of the avatar of the user terminal
When the notification of the presence is detected, the process proceeds to step S72.
Then, the "home" of the avatar of the user terminal is displayed.
The data etc. for displaying this "home" is
Is the same as the one stored in the
Or if it is stored in your terminal
May read and use it. And step
In S73, the displayed "home" cyberspace
To display your avatar,
Avatars of other user terminals corresponding to the "person" are displayed.
The cyberspace displayed by the above process is basically
Is displayed on another user terminal shown in FIG.
And, for example, as shown in FIG.
Become. Thus, the cyber space of other user terminals
, The avatar of the user terminal is
If you visit the “home” of
The terminal's avatar "Home" is displayed,
Avatar and avatar as a visitor
You will meet in the house. Next, a user terminal
Address of other user terminals located in cyberspace
Email by accessing the “home” of butter
The transmission / reception process will be described. FIG. 18 shows the mail transmission process.
It is a flowchart of FIG. This process is illustrated in FIG.
This corresponds to step S46. In step S81, the mail
Display the screen for creating a file. Steps S82 and S8
3 is a process for accepting a user input, and the creation is completed.
Is continued until the instruction is input. Then, step S
At 84, first, the metaphor table shown in FIG.
The avatar of the user terminal approaches.
Recognize avatar corresponding to "home" accessed
Then, refer to the avatar management table shown in FIG.
To obtain the email address corresponding to the avatar.
You. Then, in step S85, the created mail
Add the obtained email address to the
To the network. In this way, distribution on cyberspace
To the "Home" of the avatar of the other user terminal
If accessed, the email address of the user of the user terminal
Email to the user without having to type
Can be sent. FIG. 19 shows the mail reception process.
It is a flowchart. This process corresponds to the process shown in FIG.
This corresponds to step S47. In step S91, not shown
To access the mail server. In step S92,
As in the processing shown in FIG.
-The email corresponding to the "home" that the person approached or accessed
Get the address and address it to yourself who has arrived at the mail server
Of the obtained e-mail address in the e-mail
Download only those emails. And step
In step S93, the downloaded mail or
Displays a list of downloaded emails. This
Other users located in cyberspace
By accessing the "home" of the terminal, the user
E-mail from terminal users can be easily retrieved
You. Note that the processes shown in FIG. 18 and FIG.
Have the application software for sending and receiving mail execute
You may do so. In this case, your device's avatar
Approaching or accessing the "home" of the avatar of the user terminal
Application software for sending and receiving mail
Launch and email the application software
Pass the address. Also, shown in FIGS.
In the embodiment, the mail is sent to another user terminal.
Has been shown, but other data transfer may be used.
For example, a fax may be sent to another user terminal.

According to the present invention, a metaphor for accessing a user of another user terminal is arranged on a cyberspace constructed in a user terminal, and the metaphor is associated with the cyberspace of the user or the mail address of the user. As a result, it is possible to reliably contact a user of another terminal that has previously contacted the cyber space.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a cyberspace system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a map server or a user terminal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of cyberspace displayed on a screen of a user terminal.

FIG. 4A is an example of a metaphor table provided in a user terminal, and FIG. 4B is an example of an avatar management table.

FIG. 5 is an example of a general metaphor table provided in a map server.

FIG. 6A is an example of a user cyberspace management table, and FIG. 6B is an example of a link management table.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process of a user terminal that opens a house.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process performed by a map server when placing an avatar's home in cyberspace.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of processing of a user terminal when arranging “home” of an avatar of another user terminal in its own cyberspace.

FIG. 10 is a display example when an “avatar” of an avatar of another user terminal is arranged in the cyber space of the own terminal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process of key-inputting information relating to “home” of an avatar of another user terminal.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of processing in a user terminal when accessing an avatar of another user terminal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process of the user terminal on the visitor side when visiting the “home” of the avatar of another user terminal.

FIG. 14 is an example of “home” of another user terminal displayed on the own terminal.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process of a map server in a visiting process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing storage of cyberspace.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process performed by a user terminal when an avatar of another user terminal has visited “home”.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a mail transmission process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a mail receiving process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Map server 2 Network 3 Service provider 4-6 User terminal 11 Storage device 12 Recording medium driver 13 Portable recording medium 14 Communication control unit 15 CPU 16 Memory

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A metaphor arranging means for arranging a metaphor corresponding to a user of a second user terminal in a cyberspace constructed in a first user terminal, and an avatar which is an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal. And a display means for displaying, on the first user terminal, a cyberspace related to the user of the second user terminal when accessing the metaphor arranged by the metaphor arrangement means. 2. An arrangement means for arranging an avatar, which is an alter ego of each user of the first and second user terminals, in the cyber space displayed on the first user terminal by the display means. The cyberspace system according to claim 1. 3. A metaphor arranging means for arranging a metaphor corresponding to a user of the second user terminal in a cyberspace constructed in the first user terminal; a metaphor arranged by the metaphor arranging means; Registration means for registering the data transfer address of the user terminal in association with the user terminal; and when the avatar, which is an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal, accesses the metaphor arranged by the metaphor arrangement means, Activating means for activating data transmission processing to the user terminal or data reception processing from the second user terminal. 4. When a program for providing cyberspace is stored in the first and second user terminals and the program is executed by a computer, (a) the cyberspace built in the first user terminal A function of arranging a metaphor corresponding to the user of the second user terminal; (b) when an avatar, which is an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal, accesses the metaphor arranged by the above function, A function of displaying a cyberspace related to the user of the second user terminal on the user terminal. 5. When a program for providing cyberspace is stored in the first and second user terminals, and the program is executed by a computer, (a) the cyberspace built in the first user terminal A function for arranging a metaphor corresponding to the user of the second user terminal, (b) a function for associating the metaphor arranged by the above function with the data transfer address of the second user terminal, and (c) A process of transmitting data to the second user terminal or a process of receiving data from the second user terminal when an avatar as an alter ego of the user of the first user terminal accesses a metaphor arranged by the function A recording medium that realizes the function of starting up.