JP2001283024A - Device, method and system for managing virtual store and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device/method/system for managing a virtual store and an information recording medium by which a person to open a shop can select a store opening charge more related with the sales condition of merchandise. SOLUTION: The virtual store managing device for managing a shopping world provided with virtual stores for users to do business is provided with an easily gathering place specifying means for specifying an easily gathering place where user characters operated by the users easily gather in the shopping world, a store opening charge setting means 14 for setting the store opening charge in accordance with the easiness of gathering the user characters in the easily gathering place and a store opening display processing means 34 for performing store opening display processing to the shopping world after receiving a store opening application from the store opening person who opens the virtual store in the virtual store managing device, the virtual store managing method for the device, virtual store management system including the device and the information recording medium in which the operation of the device is programmed and stored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a virtual shop management apparatus, a virtual shop management method, a virtual shop management system, and a virtual shop management system for managing a shopping world where shopping can be performed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, various commercial transactions via a communication network such as the Internet have become active. In particular, shopping malls represented by "Rakuten Ichiba" (URL: http://www.rakuten.co.jp) have a wide variety of stores and are places where active product transactions can be realized. Commerce through online shopping malls is becoming more active because of its many advantages, including:

[0003] There is no need for a space for displaying products. In addition, it is possible to operate 24 hours unattended. further,
Does not require personnel to take orders. If you have a terminal such as a computer, you can do business anywhere. Due to such superiority, each maker or store has entered a commercial transaction via the Internet by opening a store in a shopping mall or opening its own homepage.

[0004] This conventional shopping mall is configured such that by selecting a desired product from a top page or inputting a desired product in a search area, the user jumps to a homepage of a store handling the desired product. On the other hand, the store opening fee paid by the side listing the store to the shopping mall manager is set according to the store opening period, the number of stores, and the store area on the screen.

[0005] Further, as a conventional invention relating to a virtual store, for example, an invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-296584 (hereinafter referred to as a conventional invention) is also known. In this conventional invention, the ratio of the cost burden among a plurality of stores is determined in consideration of the sales data of each store and the occupied area on the screen of each store.

[0006] Recently, a website has been operated in which users of respective terminals can chat with each other (= chat). Such websites, for example,
3 operated by Active World.com in the United States
Dimension (= 3D) website (URL: h
ttp: //www.activeworlds.com) is known (hereafter,
Conventional 3D world).

In the conventional 3D world, a plurality of users can perform shopping, chatting, learning, and the like in a three-dimensional space. If the user registers his / her name, the user can take a walk in the conventional 3D world or watch another user's chat. In addition, the user can acquire citizenship after paying a certain cost. A user who has acquired citizenship can shop in a three-dimensional space, set up a store as a store owner, or enjoy chatting with other users.

[0008]

However, the conventional shopping mall, the conventional invention, and the conventional 3D world have the following problems.

In the case of a conventional shopping mall,
When the user inputs and searches for a desired product, a page listing stores handling the desired product is displayed. However, when a store is narrowed down by such a search method, the relevance between the place where the store is located and the sales of the product is low. Therefore, in the case of a conventional shopping mall, it is not possible to set a store opening fee that is highly related to the sale of a product.

[0010] Further, in the case of a conventional shopping mall, while a user can quickly and easily purchase a desired product, he cannot enjoy shopping around the store while having a relationship with others. Originally, the real pleasure of shopping is that you can look at products from various stores with your close friends. However, in the case of a conventional shopping mall via a communication network such as the Internet, only lonely and busy shopping around each store can be performed.

Also, in the conventional invention, the cost of the store is related to the occupied area of the virtual store. However, similar to the conventional shopping mall, there is a problem that the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee is low. Thus, there is a problem that it is not possible to enjoy shopping around stores while having a relationship with others.

On the other hand, the conventional 3D world enables chat display within the world, but displays chats of all users present in the user's field of view. For this reason, there is a problem that the display on the screen becomes difficult to see. In addition, there is a problem that the contents of the chat can be understood by a person who is not related to the user, and a highly confidential conversation cannot be performed.

Further, there is a problem that the conventional shopping mall, the conventional invention, and the conventional 3D world are far from real shopping and lack reality.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, that is, a virtual store management apparatus, a virtual store management method, a virtual store management system, and information that enable a store entrant to select a store charge that is more relevant to the sale of a product. It is intended to provide a recording medium. According to another aspect of the present invention, a virtual store management device, a virtual store management method, a virtual store management system, and an information recording device that can enjoy shopping while having a relationship with another person and can have a highly confidential conversation between users. The purpose is to provide a medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual shop management device, a virtual shop management method, a virtual shop management system, and an information recording medium that enable shopping with a high degree of reality close to actual shopping.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a virtual store management apparatus for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction. Easy-to-assemble place specifying means for specifying an easy-to-collect place where user characters to easily gather, store-price setting means to set a store fee according to the ease of gathering of the user characters at the easy-to-meet place, and a store operator to open a virtual store The virtual store management device is provided with store display processing means for performing store display processing in a shopping world in response to a store application from the store. As a result, the higher the location in the shopping world that is more noticeable to the user, the higher the store opening fee is set. For this reason, the store clerk can select a store fee and a place that are more relevant to the sales of the product.

In another aspect of the invention, a virtual store management device further includes a store opening procedure receiving means for receiving a store opening procedure for selecting at least a store opening location from a store opener. For this reason, it is possible to accept a store application from a store entrant without manual intervention. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the store opening cost and to promptly display the store opening.

Further, another invention further comprises a bulletin board display processing means for displaying a bulletin board for transmitting predetermined information to a user in a shopping world, and a predetermined information writing means for writing the predetermined information on the bulletin board. The easy-to-assemble location specifying means is a virtual shop management device that includes the installation location of the bulletin board in the easy-to-assemble location. This allows the user to
Frequent visits to bulletin board locations. For this reason, the store opening fee near the installation location of the bulletin board can be increased, and the relevance between the sales of the product and the store opening fee can be further increased.

In another invention, an easy-to-collect location specifying means calculates the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in a shopping world and specifies an easy-to-collect location based on the calculation result. Management device. For this reason, it is possible to set an accurate store opening fee according to the actual distribution of the user characters. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee.

[0019] In another invention, the easy set place specifying means calculates the number of user characters every predetermined time,
The store opening fee setting means is a virtual store management device that sets a store opening fee based on the calculation result. Therefore, the setting of the store opening fee changes from moment to moment. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual store management apparatus for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the user selects another user character operated by another user other than the user. The virtual shop management device is provided with selection receiving means for receiving the information and conversation output means for outputting only a conversation with another user character selected by the user. For this reason, users can enjoy shopping while talking with each other. Also, the display of the chat can be restricted, and the screen can be easily viewed. Further, since only the chat with the selected character is displayed, a highly confidential conversation can be performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a distance between a user character operated by the user and a character other than the user character is determined. An approaching state recognizing means for recognizing that the user has approached the predetermined distance; and recognizing that the user has approached the predetermined distance, a non-output state in which a conversation of a character other than the user character is not output until before the recognition is performed. The virtual shop management device is provided with output possible state changing means for changing a character conversation into an output possible state capable of outputting. Therefore, only conversations of nearby characters are displayed. Therefore, users can enjoy shopping while chatting with each other. Further, the conversation in the shopping world is displayed such that it can be heard after the distance is reduced to some extent, like a real conversation. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy more realistic shopping.

Another aspect of the present invention is a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world provided with a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a store from a user character is stored in one or more places in the shopping world. Or, a guide character display processing means for displaying a guide character capable of responding to a product inquiry, an inquiry receiving means for receiving an inquiry from a user, and a response means for responding based on a reception command from the inquiry receiving means. Virtual store management device. For this reason, even if the user cannot talk with another user, the user can have a feeling of actually shopping through a conversation with the guide character. Further, even if the shopping world becomes large, shopping can be enjoyed without hesitation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual shop management apparatus for managing a shopping world having a virtual shop for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the business card providing means provides a business card to a user character other than the user character. And a business card description display means for displaying the description items of the assigned business card. For this reason, it is possible to have a stronger relationship with another person, and it is possible to re-establish the contact without asking the other user's identity through chat.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a business card description item recognizing means for recognizing business card description items including at least an e-mail address, and a business card description item transmitting means for transmitting the recognized business card description items to a user terminal are further provided. A virtual store management device is provided. Therefore, if the user terminal is associated with the mail software, the e-mail address of the business card received from the partner user character is automatically input to the mail software. Therefore,
The user can easily contact the other user.

Another aspect of the present invention is a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein time information receiving means for receiving time information of an area where the user exists is provided. The virtual shop management device is provided with atmosphere setting means for setting the atmosphere of the shopping world according to the time information. For this reason, the user can enjoy rich shopping and chat in an environment suitable for the time of the current location.

Another aspect of the present invention is a virtual store management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein an easy gathering place where user characters operated by the user are likely to gather in the shopping world. An easy set location specifying step to specify, a store charge setting step for setting a store charge according to the ease of gathering of user characters at the easy set place, and a shopping world in response to a store application from a store opening a virtual store. And a store display processing step of performing store display processing. As a result, the more the user can easily see the shopping world, the higher the store opening fee is set. For this reason, the store clerk can select a store fee and a place that are more relevant to the sales of the product.

According to another invention, a virtual store management method further includes a store opening procedure receiving step of receiving at least a store opening procedure for selecting a store opening location from a store opener. For this reason, it is possible to accept a store application from a store entrant without manual intervention. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the store opening cost and to promptly display the store opening.

Further, another invention further comprises a bulletin board display processing step of displaying a bulletin board for transmitting predetermined information to a user in the shopping world, and a predetermined information writing step of writing the predetermined information to the bulletin board. The easy-to-assemble location specifying step is a virtual shop management method that includes the installation location of the bulletin board in the easy-to-assemble location. As a result, the user often visits the installation location of the bulletin board. For this reason, the store opening fee near the installation location of the bulletin board can be increased, and the relevance between the sales of the product and the store opening fee can be further increased.

[0029] In another invention, the easy set place specifying step calculates the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in the shopping world, and specifies the easy set place based on the calculation result. It is a management method. For this reason, it is possible to set an accurate store opening fee according to the actual distribution of the user characters. Therefore,
It is possible to further increase the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee.

In another invention, the easy-to-assemble location specifying step calculates the number of user characters at predetermined time intervals, and the store opening fee setting step sets a store opening fee based on the calculation result. And Therefore, the setting of the store opening fee changes from moment to moment. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee.

Another invention is a virtual store management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the user selects another user character operated by another user other than the user. The virtual shop management method includes a selection receiving step of receiving a conversation and a conversation output step of outputting only a conversation with another user character selected by the user. For this reason, users can enjoy shopping while talking with each other. Also, the display of the chat can be restricted, and the screen can be easily viewed. Further, since only the chat with the selected character is displayed, a highly confidential conversation can be performed.

Another invention is a virtual store management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a distance between a user character operated by the user and a character other than the user character is reduced. An approach status recognition step of recognizing that the vehicle has approached the predetermined distance; and, when recognizing that the vehicle has approached the predetermined distance, a non-output state in which the conversation of the character other than the user character is not output until before the recognition, the non-output state of the user character other than the user character. And an output possible state changing step of changing a character conversation into an output possible state in which output is possible. For this reason, users can enjoy shopping while talking with each other. Further, the conversation in the shopping world is displayed such that it can be heard after the distance is reduced to some extent, like a real conversation. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy more realistic shopping.

Another aspect of the present invention is a virtual store management apparatus for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a store from a user character is stored in one or more places in the shopping world. Alternatively, a guidance character display processing step of displaying a guidance character capable of responding to a product inquiry,
The virtual store management method includes an inquiry receiving step of receiving an inquiry from a user and a response step of responding based on a reception command from the inquiry receiving step. For this reason, even if the user cannot talk with another user, the user can have a feeling of actually shopping through a conversation with the guide character. Further, even if the shopping world becomes large, shopping can be enjoyed without hesitation.

Another aspect of the present invention is a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, the business card providing step of providing a business card to a user character other than the user character. And a business card description display step of displaying the description items of the business card provided. For this reason, it is possible to have a stronger relationship with another person, and it is possible to re-establish the contact without asking the other user's identity through chat.

Further, another invention further includes a business card description item recognition step of recognizing business card description items including at least an e-mail address, and a business card description item transmission step of transmitting the recognized business card description items to a user terminal. Virtual store management method. Therefore, if the user terminal is associated with the mail software, the e-mail address of the business card received from the partner user character is automatically input to the mail software. Therefore, the user can easily contact the other user.

Another aspect of the present invention is a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, a time information receiving step of receiving time information of a region where the user exists, An atmosphere changing step of setting an atmosphere of the shopping world in accordance with the time information. For this reason, the user can enjoy rich shopping and chat in an environment suitable for the time of the current location.

According to another invention, a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, and a store opening procedure in which a store operator opening a virtual store selects at least a store opening location are performed. A virtual store management system including a store clerk terminal, wherein the virtual store management device includes an easy-to-assemble place specifying unit that specifies an easy-to-collect place where user characters operated by the user in the shopping world are likely to gather; Store opening fee setting means for setting a store opening fee in accordance with the ease of gathering of characters, store opening procedure receiving means for receiving a store opening procedure of a store enthusiast, and store opening display processing means for performing a store opening display process in a shopping world by the store opening procedure. The store operator terminal has a virtual store management system provided with a store operation procedure transmitting means for transmitting the store operation procedure. So that the Temu. As a result, the higher the location in the shopping world that is more noticeable to the user, the higher the store opening fee is set. For this reason, the store clerk can select a store fee and a place that are more relevant to the sales of the product. In addition, a store application from a store entrant can be accepted without manual intervention. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the store opening cost and to promptly display the store opening.

Further, another invention is a virtual store management system including a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, and a user terminal used by a user walking around the virtual store. Wherein the virtual shop management device includes a selection accepting unit that accepts selection of another user character operated by another user other than the user, and a conversation output unit that outputs only a conversation with the other user character selected by the user. And the user terminal is configured as a virtual store management system including a selection transmitting unit that transmits the selection. For this reason, users can enjoy shopping while talking with each other. Also, the display of the chat can be restricted, and the screen can be easily viewed. Further, since only the chat with the selected character is displayed, a highly confidential conversation can be performed.

Further, another invention is a virtual store management system including a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, and a user terminal used by a user walking around the virtual store. And the virtual shop management device is located at one of the shopping worlds.
At one or more locations, a guide character display processing means for displaying a guide character capable of responding to a store or product inquiry from the user character, an inquiry receiving means for receiving an inquiry from the user,
And a response unit that responds based on a reception command from the inquiry reception unit, and the user terminal is configured as a virtual store management system including an inquiry unit that makes an inquiry to the guide character. For this reason, even if the user cannot talk with another user, the user can have a feeling of actually shopping through a conversation with the guide character. Further, even if the shopping world becomes large, shopping can be enjoyed without hesitation.

Further, another invention is a virtual store management system including a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, and a user terminal used by a user who walks the virtual store. The virtual shop management device includes a business card providing unit that provides a business card to a user character other than the user character, and a business card description display unit that displays a description item of the provided business card. A virtual store management system including a business card creating means for creating a business card on which a business card description item including an e-mail address is placed, and a business card providing signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal for providing a business card to another user character I have. For this reason, it is possible to have a stronger relationship with another person, and it is possible to re-establish the contact without asking the other user's identity through chat.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a virtual shop management device includes:
Business card description item recognizing means for recognizing business card description items, and business card description item transmitting means for transmitting the recognized business card description items to the user terminal, wherein the user terminal has a storage means for storing the business card description items in the mail software. A virtual store management system is provided. Therefore, if the user terminal is associated with the mail software, the e-mail address of the business card received from the partner user character is automatically input to the mail software. Therefore,
The user can easily contact the other user.

Further, another invention is a virtual store management system including a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, and a user terminal used by a user walking around the virtual store. The virtual shop management device includes a time information receiving unit that receives time information of a region where the user is present, and an atmosphere setting unit that sets an atmosphere of a shopping world according to the time information. The virtual shop management system is provided with a time information transmitting means for transmitting time information. For this reason, the user can enjoy rich shopping and chat in an environment suitable for the time of the current location.

Another aspect of the present invention is an information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world provided with a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, in which user characters operated by the user in the shopping world are likely to gather. An easy set place specifying step for specifying a set place, a store charge setting step for setting a store charge according to the ease of gathering of the user characters at the easy set place, and receiving a store application from a store operator opening a virtual store And a store display processing step of performing store display processing in a shopping world. By executing the program in the information recording medium, a store opening fee is set higher in a place where a user in the shopping world is more visible. For this reason, the store clerk can select a store fee and a place that are more relevant to the sales of the product.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an information recording medium storing a program further including a store opening procedure receiving step of receiving at least a store opening procedure for selecting a store opening location from a store opener. For this reason, by executing the program in this information recording medium, it is possible to accept a store opening application from a store entrant without manual intervention. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the store opening cost and to promptly display the store opening.

Further, in another invention, the easy set place specifying step calculates information on the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in the shopping world and specifies an easy set place based on the calculation result. Medium. For this reason, by executing the program in the information recording medium, it is possible to accurately set the store opening fee according to the actual distribution of the user characters. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee.

In another invention, the easy-to-assemble location specifying step calculates the number of user characters at predetermined time intervals, and the store opening fee setting step uses an information recording medium for setting a store opening fee based on the calculation result. I have. Therefore, by executing the program in this information recording medium, the setting of the store opening fee changes every moment. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the relationship between the sales of the product and the store opening fee.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the user operates another user other than the user. The information recording medium stores a program including a selection receiving step of receiving a character selection and a conversation output step of outputting only a conversation with another user character selected by the user. Therefore, by executing the program in the information recording medium, users can enjoy shopping while chatting with each other. Also, the display of the chat can be restricted, and the screen can be easily viewed. Further, since only the chat with the selected character is displayed, a highly confidential conversation can be performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a user character operated by the user and a character other than the user character are stored. And a non-output state in which a conversation of a character other than the user character is not output until the recognition of the approaching state recognition step of recognizing that the distance of the character has approached the predetermined distance. An output-capable state changing step of changing a conversation of a character other than the character into an output-capable state is provided. Therefore, by executing the program in the information recording medium, users can enjoy shopping while chatting with each other. Further, the conversation in the shopping world is displayed such that it can be heard after the distance is reduced to some extent, like a real conversation. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy more realistic shopping.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the business card assigns a business card to a user character other than the user character. An information recording medium storing a program including an assigning step and a business card description displaying step for displaying the attached business card description items is provided. Therefore, by executing the program in this information recording medium,
You can have a stronger relationship with others, and you can re-establish contact through chat without having to ask the identity of the other user.

Further, another invention further includes a business card description item recognition step of recognizing business card description items including at least an e-mail address, and a business card description item transmission step of transmitting the recognized business card description items to a user terminal. And an information recording medium storing the program including the program. For this reason, if the program in the information recording medium is executed to be associated with the mail software of the user terminal, the e-mail address of the business card received from the other user character is automatically converted to the mail software. Is input to Therefore, the user can easily contact the other user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the time information receiving section receives time information of an area where the user exists. An information recording medium storing a program including steps and an atmosphere setting step of setting an atmosphere of a shopping world in accordance with time information is provided. For this reason, by executing the program in the information recording medium, the user can enjoy rich shopping and chat in an environment corresponding to the time of the current location.

[0052]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a virtual store management device, a virtual store management method, a virtual store management system, and an information recording medium according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the virtual shop management system. The virtual store management device 1 is a device that receives a condition necessary for opening a store from the store terminal 2 owned by the store, sets a virtual store, and receives purchase from the user terminal 6 of the user who is the buyer.

The store clerk performs a store opening procedure from the store clerk terminal 2 to input data relating to a name, a store opening period, a store opening location, and at least a store opening fee depending on the store opening location. This store opening procedure is executed by the store opening procedure transmitting means in the store opening terminal. The store opening procedure transmitting means includes a transmission program included in a program downloaded in advance from the virtual store management device 1 and a data transmitting unit of the store terminal 2. The data of the store opening procedure is sent from the access point 3 to the server 4 of the provider. Then, the data of the store opening procedure is transmitted to the virtual store management device 1 via the Internet 5. Also, the user terminal does not go through the Internet 5,
User terminal 2 capable of transmitting data to virtual store management device 1
b may be used. Note that the store opening procedure may be performed by telephone or facsimile without performing from the store terminal 2.

The user who is a buyer uses the user terminal 6 to connect to the server 6 of the provider from the access point 7 and connects to the shopping world provided by the virtual shop management device 1 via the Internet 5. The user operates his / her character in the shopping world developed on the screen of the user terminal 6,
You can enjoy shopping and chatting like a game. Then, the user can stroll and purchase a store that handles favorite products.

The selection transmitting means for transmitting a signal by which the user has selected another user character operated by another user includes:
It comprises a selection transmission program in a program downloaded in advance from the virtual store management device 1 and a data transmission unit of the store terminal 2. The same applies to the inquiry means, the business card giving signal sending means and the time information sending means. The user terminal is connected to a local area network (LA).
The user terminals 4a connected by N) may be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the virtual shop management device 1. The virtual store management device 1 includes a data transmission / reception unit 11
An easy set place specifying unit 12, a first storage unit 13, a store charge setting unit 14, a predetermined information writing unit 15, a distance determination unit 16, an output display control unit 17, a response unit 18, Second storage unit 19, business card providing unit 20, business card description item recognition unit 2
1, an atmosphere determination unit 22, a third storage unit 23, a fourth storage unit 24, an internal clock 25, and a display processing unit 26.

The data transmitting / receiving section 11 is a store opening procedure receiving section 2
7, a predetermined information input unit 28, a selection reception unit 29, an inquiry reception unit 30, a business card data reception unit 31, a business card entry transmission unit 32, and a time information reception unit 33. The display processing unit 26 includes a store opening display processing unit 34,
A bulletin board display processing unit 35, a conversation output processing unit 36, a guidance character display processing unit 37, a business card display processing unit 38,
And an atmosphere display processing unit 39.

The easy-to-assemble place specifying section 12 is a component for specifying a place where users who enjoy shopping and chatting in the shopping world are likely to gather, and has a function as easy-to-meet place specifying means. Actually, the easy-to-assemble place specifying unit 12 specifies a place where a character operated by the user (hereinafter, referred to as a user character) is likely to gather instead of the user.

The method of specifying the easy-to-set place by the easy-to-set place specifying unit 12 can be roughly divided into two types. One is a method of specifying a place where user characters are likely to gather (fixed type specifying method). In the case of the fixed identification method, the easy-to-assemble location specifying unit 12 extracts the location information stored in the first storage unit 13 in advance, and ranks the ease of gathering at each location.

Another method is a method of calculating the number of user characters for each place in the shopping world at predetermined time intervals and ranking each easy-to-assemble place (variable expression identification method). In the case of the variable expression specifying method, the easy-set place specifying unit 12 calculates the number of user characters at predetermined time intervals and determines the order of the easy-set place. Therefore, the rank of the easy-to-assemble place may change every predetermined time.

The process for calculating the number of user characters is as follows:
This is performed at an arbitrary time such as every hour or every 12 hours. However, this time is not limited to every hour or every 12 hours, and may be any time such as one day or one month. Further, the calculation of the number of characters for specifying the easy-to-set location is performed based on the internal clock 25.

In this embodiment, the easy-to-aggregate location is specified by combining two methods, the fixed type specification method and the variable type specification method. That is, when the shopping world is launched, the ranking set by the fixed identification method is adopted. However, every four months after the start-up, a cumulative expression of the user character is calculated, and a variable expression specifying method for specifying the easy-to-assemble location based on the calculation result is adopted. It should be noted that only the fixed type specifying method or only the variable type specifying method may be used.

The store opening fee setting unit 14 is a component for setting a store opening fee based on the specification of the easy-to-assemble location specifying unit 12 and has a function as a store opening fee setting means. A higher store opening fee is set for a place where user characters are more likely to gather. Specifically, the number of user characters is specified in a range, and a step-by-step store charge is set for each range specified. Note that the store opening fee may be set not by the absolute number of user characters but by a relative ratio to the total number of user characters in the shopping world.

The predetermined information writing unit 15 is a component for writing predetermined information such as new product information, plan information, bargain information, advertisements, etc. in accordance with the format of a bulletin board, and has a function as a predetermined information writing unit. Most of the predetermined information is information input by the administrator of the virtual shop management device 1. However, the information may include information input by the user. In addition,
A notification medium other than a bulletin board, for example, an advertising tower or an audio broadcast may be introduced in a shopping world to notify predetermined information.

The distance discriminating unit 16 determines whether the user character
This is a component that determines whether or not the distance between another user's character (hereinafter, referred to as another user's character) and a pre-set conversational character in the shopping world is a distance at which conversation can be heard. The distance determining unit 16 has a function as approach status recognition means. Distance discriminator 16
Has a function of determining a distance from another character for each user character.

The distance discriminating section 16 sends a signal for permitting conversation display to the output display control section 17 for a character located at a distance at which conversation can be heard. On the other hand, the signal is not sent to the output display control unit 17 for a character that is farther than the distance at which conversation can be heard.

The output display control unit 17 is a component for permitting the conversation display of the user character based on a signal from the distance discrimination unit 16, and is an output possible state changing means. However, not all conversations of other characters within a distance from which a conversation can be made with a certain user character are displayed.
When the user performs a selection operation such as clicking with the mouse from the user terminal 6, a conversation display is performed. The signal of the selection operation is sent to the output display control unit 17 via the selection reception unit 29.

Also, in the case of another user character, conversation display is possible only for a character that has previously indicated intention to chat. Therefore, the conversation of the other user character is displayed because the other user who wants the chat is operating and exists within a predetermined distance from the user character, and further, the user has a chat with the other user character. This is the case when a selection operation is performed.

The response unit 18 is a component that performs a process of responding to a query from a user by a guidance character that provides guidance to a store or the like, and has a function as a response unit. Specifically, when the user inputs an inquiry for the guidance character from the user terminal 6, the inquiry is transmitted to the response unit 1 through the inquiry reception unit 29.
8 The response unit 18 decodes the contents of the inquiry and derives an appropriate response stored in the second storage unit 19 in advance. Then, the appropriate response is sent to the response unit 18.
Is displayed on the user terminal 6 through

If the inquiry is complicated or has a meaningless sentence, the response unit 18 cannot elicit an appropriate response. In such a case, the response unit 18 extracts the character data “Please contact us again” from the second storage unit 19 and sends it to the user terminal 6.

The business card providing unit 20 is a component for exchanging business cards between user characters or between a user character and a clerk character at a store. Business card providing unit 2
0 has a function as a business card providing means. When the user specifies the character of the other party from the user terminal 6 and sends character data “Please let me exchange business cards”, the business card providing unit 20 adds the business card data of the specified character to the user character. Perform the following processing.
At this time, the business card providing unit 20 sends a signal to the display processing unit 26 so that character data or the like described on the business card is displayed on the screen.

The business card description item recognizing section 21 is a component for recognizing, from data of business cards received from another character, the name of a user or a store operator operating the character and an e-mail address. The business card description item recognition unit 21 has a function as a business card description item recognition unit. The name and the e-mail address on the business card are transmitted to the user terminal 6 of the user who has received the business card.

The atmosphere determination unit 22 is a component that performs processing for changing the atmosphere such as the brightness of the shopping world based on the time information from the user terminal 6, and has a function as atmosphere setting means. The third storage unit 23 stores the content according to the brightness of the shopping world and the time. The atmosphere determination unit 22 extracts brightness and content suitable for the time information from the third storage unit 23, and sends the content and the brightness to the display processing unit 26.

The fourth storage unit 24 stores the data transmitting / receiving unit 11,
The easy-to-assemble location specifying unit 12, the store charge setting unit 14, the predetermined information writing unit 15, the distance discriminating unit 16, the output display control unit 17, the response unit 18, the business card providing unit 20, the business card description item recognition unit 21,
This is a configuration unit that stores operation programs of the atmosphere determination unit 22 and the display processing unit 26. Further, the fourth storage unit 24 stores a format for receiving a store procedure, a format for inputting predetermined information, a format for receiving an inquiry, and a format for creating a business card. Further, the fourth storage unit 24
Stores a store display format, a bulletin board display format, a conversation output format, a guide character display format, and a business card display format.

The internal clock 25 is the virtual store management device 1
A clock provided in the inside, the easy set place specifying unit 1
2 and a clock which is used as a reference when the predetermined information writing unit 15 determines when information is updated.

The store opening procedure receiving unit 27 is a component that receives a store opening procedure from a store entrant and returns a response to the effect that the store opening procedure has been received, and has a function as a store opening procedure receiving unit. When the store clerk clicks the logo for the store opening procedure from the homepage provided by the virtual store management device 1, the store opening procedure accepting unit 27 extracts the input format of the store opening procedure from the fourth storage unit 24 and displays it on the store owner terminal 2. Let it. This input format includes a column for determining a store opening location and a store opening fee associated therewith. When the store clerk has completed and transmitted all the store opening procedures, the store opening procedure receiving unit 27 stores the contents of the store opening procedure in the fourth storage unit 24. When the store clerk applies for a store opening by telephone or facsimile, the virtual store management device 1 without the store opening procedure receiving section 27 may be used.

The predetermined information input unit 28 is a component that mainly receives predetermined information input by an administrator of the virtual shop management device 1. The predetermined information input unit 28 extracts a predetermined input format from the fourth storage unit 24. Administrators can enter new product information, planning information, bargain information,
Enter an advertisement or the like. Then, the input predetermined information is sent to the predetermined information writing unit 15 and is posted in a bulletin board format.

The selection accepting section 29 is a component for accepting a signal for selecting a user character of a partner with whom a conversation is desired from the user, and has a function as selection accepting means. When a signal is sent from the selection receiving unit 29 to the output display control unit 17,
Switching to a situation where conversation is possible is performed in consideration of other information such as the distance and whether or not conversation is permitted.

The inquiry receiving unit 30 receives an inquiry about the guide character from the user, and
8 and has a function as an inquiry receiving unit. Upon receiving a signal for making an inquiry from the user, the inquiry receiving unit 30 receives the signal for inquiring from the user.
From the input format. The user inputs the contents to be queried in this input format.

The business card data receiving unit 31 receives business card data created by a user or a store clerk based on software downloaded in advance from the virtual store management device 1. The business card data receiving unit 31 extracts the input format of the business card creation procedure from the fourth storage unit 24 at the time of downloading. Input formats include name, company name,
There is a column for entering information such as an address, telephone number, and e-mail address. When the user or the store clerk writes and transmits at least the e-mail address, the business card data receiving unit 31 receives the data described in the business card and stores the data in the fourth storage unit 24.

The business card description item transmitting section 32 is a component for transmitting the name, e-mail address and the like recognized by the business card description item recognition section 21 to the user terminal 6, and has a function as a business card description item transmitting means. Have. In addition, the business card description item transmission unit 32 stores the name and e-mail address described in the business card received in the mail software of the user terminal 6. Note that items other than the e-mail address need not be stored.

The time information receiving unit 33 is a component that receives time information of the user's area from the user terminal 6 and has a function as time information receiving means. When the user terminal 6 accesses the virtual store management device 1, the user terminal 6 can transmit time information in response to a signal indicating that the access has been made. Further, the time information may be transmitted from the user terminal 6 when the user performs the procedure for transmitting the time information.

The time information is sent from the time information receiving unit 33 to the atmosphere determining unit 22. Then, the atmosphere determining unit 22 selects an atmosphere suitable for the time information. For example, when the time information “10:00 at night” is sent from a certain user terminal 6, a moon is displayed in the background of the night sky, and a shopping world in which the light leaks from the store is created.

The store display processing section 34 is a store charge setting section 1
This is a component for displaying a virtual store in a shopping world based on a store charge selected by the store entrant from among the store charges set in Step 4, and a store location. The store display processing unit 34 has a function as a store display processing unit.

In the store opening procedure, the user may decide the design of the virtual store from a group of fixed designs, or may transmit the design of the virtual store of his or her own. The store display processing unit 34 posts the virtual store at a predetermined location in the shopping world based on the design of the virtual store.

[0086] The bulletin board display processing section 35 is a component that performs processing for posting predetermined information such as new product information, plan information, bargain information, and advertisements in the form of a bulletin board in the shopping world. The bulletin board display processing unit 35 has a function as a bulletin board display processing unit.

The conversation output unit 36 is a component that performs a process of displaying a conversation of the user character under the control of the output display control unit 17. The conversation output unit 36 has a function as a conversation output unit. Note that the conversation can be displayed on the screen displaying the shopping world so that a part of the screen is completely hidden or a part of the screen is transparent. These two types of display can be selected or fixed to one of them.

The guide character display processing section 37 is a component for controlling conversation of a guide character for guiding a store or the like, and has a function as guide character display processing means. The guidance character display processing unit 37 displays a response from the response unit 18 and performs a nodding operation or the like in response to an inquiry signal from the user.

The business card display section 38 is a component for performing processing for displaying the description items of the business card when the business card is received from the other party, and has a function as a business card description display means. Specifically, upon receiving data indicating that a business card has been received from the business card providing unit 20, the business card display unit 38 works on the data transmission / reception unit 11 to display the description items of the business card on the screen of the user terminal 6.

The atmosphere display section 39 is a component for converting the shopping world into a display form based on the atmosphere data from the atmosphere determination section 22. The display mode of the shopping world differs for each user terminal 6. However, some atmosphere data may be divided according to the time zone, and a user who is in substantially the same time zone may be able to shop in a shopping world having the same atmosphere.

The bus 40 is connected to the data transmitting / receiving unit 11.
An easy set place specifying unit 12, a first storage unit 13, a store charge setting unit 14, a predetermined information writing unit 15, a distance determination unit 16, an output display control unit 17, a response unit 18, Second storage unit 19, business card providing unit 20, business card description item recognition unit 2
1, an atmosphere determination unit 22, a third storage unit 23, a fourth storage unit 24, an internal clock 25, and a display processing unit 26.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a top page of a home page displayed on the screen of the user terminal 6 by the virtual shop management device 1. The top page 41 is a screen for determining whether to download the shopping world software. If the user clicks the "YES" button 42 on the screen of the user terminal 6, the download of the software starts. On the other hand, if the “NO” button 43 is clicked, the software is not downloaded.
On the top page 41, a shopping world 44 of a 3D image is displayed. The shopping world 44 changes with the expansion of a town, the building of a building, and the like. The shopping world is not a 3D image, but a 2D
It may be an image. However, a shopping world full of reality can be achieved by using a shopping world of 3D images.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the shopping world 44 by rank of the easy-to-assemble locations. In the figure, S indicated by S
The area 51 is an area where the store opening fee is highest. In the figure,
The A area 52 indicated by A is an area where the store opening fee is the second highest after S. In the figure, a B area 53 indicated by B is an area where the store opening fee is the highest after A. In this embodiment, S
Although only three types of easy gathering locations of the area 51, the A area 52, and the B area 53 are set, they may be divided into four or more stages, or only two stages.

The S area 51 is an area having an entrance 54 of the shopping world 44, an area having a fountain 55, and an area having a bulletin board 56. This is because these three types of areas are considered to be most likely to collect user characters. However, if the bulletin board 56 is located far from the entrance 54 instead of uniformly setting the area where the bulletin board 56 is located as the S area 51, the area may be the A area 52.

The ranks shown in FIG. 4 are merely initial settings, and the subsequent ranks are changed depending on the number of user characters calculated at a predetermined time. Therefore, at first, even in the S area 51, there are some areas that are downgraded to the A area, while the B areas are initially
Even in the area, there is an area that is upgraded to the S area. Hereinafter, the symbols of the shopping world will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a store opening fee in the S area, the A area, and the B area shown in FIG. Even in the same area, different store opening fees are set for each floor of the building. In the case of an actual store opening fee, the first floor is not necessarily set to be high because the first floor is easy for customers to enter, but the probability of being stolen or being affected by flood damage is high.

However, in the case of a shopping world deployed on the Internet, there is no need to consider the effects of theft and flood damage. Therefore, in this embodiment,
The store opening fee on the first floor is set highest, and the store opening fee is reduced as the floor becomes higher. This is because it is necessary to consider the accessibility of the user character. However, the store opening fee for each floor can be determined according to the existence of other stores and the structure of the building, as well as up and down the floor.

Also, in order to make a difference in the store opening fee depending on the store opening period, the column 5 of the period S for the short-term store opening
8 and a column 59 of a period L for a long-term store opening are provided. In FIG. 5, the opening fee for a short period (= period S) is two thirds of the opening fee for a long period (= period L). However, since the period S is a half period of the period L, the store opening fee in the period S is higher when converted into the store opening fee per unit period. In this way, a long-term store opening is encouraged.

The virtual store may be a store prepared by the administrator of the virtual store management device 1 in advance, or a store drawn by the store entrepreneur. In the former case, the user selects from a list of listings of virtual stores at the time of the store opening procedure. On the other hand, in the latter case, the original shop drawn using the illustration software is transmitted to the virtual shop management device 1. Then, the virtual shop management device 1 draws the transmitted original shop at the designated location.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state where a part of the shopping world is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 6. In FIG. 6, the user character 61 of the user who is paying attention is replaced with another user character 62 of another user.
The state of talking to is displayed. Conversations 63, 64 between user character 61 and other user characters 62
Are displayed only on the screens of the user terminals 6 of the two users and the user terminal 6 of the user who handles characters at a certain distance from the two users. The mechanism for displaying the conversation content on the screen is as follows.

When the user character 61 clicks the other user character 62, the chat from the other user character 62 can be displayed. The other user character 62 has a “C mark” on its chest. this is,
This mark indicates that chat is possible. The “C mark” indicates the character 65 in addition to the user character 61.
Also attached to. When each user enters a shopping world when entering the shopping world, a "C mark" is given. If the user does not want to have a conversation with another user, if he or she selects to disable chatting when entering the shopping world, the "C mark" is not attached to the user character.

Therefore, the user character 61
With the “C mark” as a mark, a chat partner can be selected. The conversation of the other user character 62 is displayed because the user clicks on the other user character 62 and the "C mark" is attached to the other user character 62.

Further, at the right end of FIG. 6, a guide character 67 with an “I mark” is also displayed. The guide character 67 is a guide character that tells the directions to the store and the location of each area other than the store in response to the inquiry. The guide character 67 is the virtual shop management device 1
Is a character prepared by the user and is not a character operated by a user operation.

The user can talk with the guide character 67 by clicking on the guide character 67. That is, by the click operation, the guide character 67 is changed to a state in which it can talk. When the user makes an inquiry, the response unit 18 shown in FIG. 2 determines the inquiry, and searches the second storage unit 19 for a reply to the inquiry. Then, the conversation output unit 35 outputs the guidance character 6
As a reply to 7, a process that can be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 6 is performed.

In order for the user character 61 to have a conversation with another character 65 or a guide character 67,
There are conditions other than the presence of the "C mark" and "I mark" and the click of the other party's characters 65 and 67. That is, the distance between the user character 61 and the opponent characters 65 and 67 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. Next, the determination of the distance will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 shows conversations 70 and 71 of another user character 68 at a position P away from the position O of the user character 61 by a distance L1 and another user character 69 at a position Q a distance L2 from the position O. It is a figure showing a mode that is displayed. The range in which the user character 61 can hear the conversation is a range indicated by a circle having a radius R. Distance L
1 and L2 are shorter than radius R. Therefore, when the user clicks on the other user characters 68, 69, conversations 70, 71 of the other user characters 68, 69 are displayed on the screen. It should be noted that the “C mark” 74 is also attached to the other user characters 68 and 69, which is a requirement for displaying a conversation. If the user character 61 starts talking, the contents of the clicked other user characters 68 and 69 are automatically displayed on the user terminal 6.

On the other hand, the other user character 72 is at the position S which is L3 away from the position O where the user character 61 is. In addition, the other user character 73 is located at a position T that is L4 away from the position O where the user character 61 is located.
I'm in The distances L3 and L4 are both longer than the radius R. Therefore, the "C mark" is displayed on the other user characters 72 and 73.
And the user is the other user character 72,
Clicking on 73 causes other user characters 72, 7
Conversation 3 is not displayed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing characters that can be selected as the user character 61 and the types of clothes thereof. When entering the shopping world, the user changes the character operated by the user to characters 81, 82, 8
3, 84, 85, and 86 can be selected. In addition, when entering the shopping world, the user can select from clothing images 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, and 92 as clothing images. Further, the user can also select the color of the clothes. In addition, the clothing is, like the clothing image 91, the upper clothing 91a.
And the lower garment 91b.

[0109] Instead of selecting from the characters shown in FIG. 8, the user can draw the original character or transmit image data such as a photograph to be the user character 61. Specifically, the user draws using the illustration software together with the identification of the user, or transmits an original character which is an image of the user captured by a digital camera or the like to the virtual shop management apparatus 1. Then, the user is associated with the original character. Next, when entering the shopping world, the user selects the original character drawn earlier. Thus, shopping by the original character can be enjoyed.

FIG. 9 shows that a user character 95 corresponding to the above-mentioned user character 61 is replaced with another user character 9.
6 is a diagram showing a scene in which a business card is exchanged with the business card No. 6; FIG. When the user character 95 receives the business card 98 from another user character 96, the items described in the business card 98 are displayed on the screen. On the other hand, when the other user character 96 receives the business card 99 from the user character 95, the items described in the business card 99 are displayed on the screen. Note that, at the time of business card exchange, first, one's own business card may be displayed on one's own side, and the display may be moved to the other party's side by exchange.

When the user character 95 receives the business card 98, the name 98a and the e-mail address 98b described on the business card 98 are recognized. Then, the name 98a and the e-mail address 98b are transmitted to the user terminal 6 and stored in the mail software 100 installed on the user terminal 6. Thus, the mail software 100
In the address column 101, the name 98a and the e-mail address 98b of the partner who exchanged the business card are described. In addition, business card 98
If the URL is described in the mail software 100, the URL may be stored in the mail software 100 or the like.

Next, the flow of shopping at a virtual store will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 shows the user character 61 described above.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a scene in which a user character 105 corresponding to is entering an electric store. In the store, salesperson character 1
06 will respond. Also, goods 107 are displayed in the store. When the user character 105 enters the store, the virtual store management device 1 recognizes that the store has entered, and starts controlling the clerk character 106. The clerk character 1
The control of 06 is performed based on the control of a control unit (not shown) according to a program stored in the fourth storage unit 24 shown in FIG.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
The clerk character 106 asks the user character 105 "Welcome. What are you looking for?" In addition to the conversation display of the clerk character 106, the product list 1 in the store is displayed.
11 is displayed. When the user selects a desired product (telephone in the example shown in the figure) 111a from the product list 111,
A detailed list 112 of products equipped with a telephone function or the like is displayed.

Next, when the user selects the item 112a of "answering machine" in the example shown in the figure, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 11B. The virtual shop management device 1 recognizes that the item 112a of “answering message” has been selected,
Ask the clerk character 106 to ask "Do you want to hear a detailed explanation of the telephone with answering machine?" At the same time, the response selection column 11 of “YES” or “NO”
3 is displayed.

When the user enters the item 113a of "YES"
When is selected, the display switches to the product listing page 120 shown in FIG. On this page 120, only four types of telephone information are posted, but the number of postings is not limited.
On the product listing page 120, a picture 121 of each phone,
Price 122 of each telephone and function description 123 of each telephone
, Each comment 124 from the store, and each purchase button 12
5 and so on.

The user's favorite telephone purchase button 125
When is selected, the screen switches to the scene shown in FIG. The virtual shop management device 1 recognizes the selection of the purchase button 125 and displays a display that causes the clerk character 106 to say, "Payment method includes card or cash on delivery." Along with this display, a payment method posting column 131 is displayed.

When the user selects the "card" item 131a, an input screen (not shown) for a card number or the like appears. Then, when the input of the items proving the user's identity such as the card number is completed, the screen is switched to the scene shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the user selects the item 131b of “COD”, a screen for inputting a matter for proving the identity of the user is displayed. When the user inputs an item for certifying his / her own identity, the virtual shop management device 1 searches for a user who has been registered in advance, and checks whether the input item is his / her own. Then, if the correct input is made after confirmation,
The scene is switched to the scene shown in FIG.

[0119] Next, the virtual shop management device 1 displays a display that causes the clerk character 106 to say, "The method of receiving the merchandise is at a nearby convenience store or at the lid of your home." Along with this display, a receiving method posting column 132 is displayed. When the user selects the item 132a “convenience store” and specifies the receiving method,
The process proceeds to selection of the location and date and time of the convenience store, and the purchase procedure is completed. On the other hand, when the user enters the item 132b
If you select,
Enter the procedure to deliver the goods.

The above-described shopping flow is an example in the case where the merchandise data of each store is stored in the virtual store management device 1. However, only the product data of some products (for example, new products) may be stored in the virtual store management device 1, and the remaining product data may be stored in each store's server. In such a case, when the user selects the product data stored in each store's server, the user can be directed to a homepage on each store's server.

Further, the merchandise data of all merchandise may be stored in each store's server. In such a case, no matter what product the user selects, it is only necessary to always go to the homepage on the server of each store clerk. Also, a voice of a clerk or a conversation in a chat may be output from a speaker connected to the user terminal 6.

Next, facilities and events in the shopping world will be described.

In the shopping world, a lottery is held at regular intervals every day. When entering the shopping world, the user describes necessary items such as address, name, age, occupation, telephone number, e-mail address, answer to a simple questionnaire, and the like. In addition, the user inputs a desired four-digit number along with the description of the necessary items. This four-digit number is the lottery number assigned to oneself.

[0124] A lottery hall is provided in the shopping world. Here, the winning numbers are announced by roulette. The user confirms whether or not the winning number displayed on the screen matches his / her lottery number. If a winner is selected, a staff member at the winning venue will be identified and a statement to the effect that the winner has been won will be transmitted. In addition, the user character can know whether or not the winning has been achieved by the lottery number displayed on the screen without going to the lottery hall.

In this case, the intention of the winning user from the user character is forcibly displayed on the user terminals 6 of all the users who are in the shopping world. As a result, the winner is notified to other users who have come to the winning venue. If there is no winner, the prize will be carried over to the next day's lottery. In addition, this lottery may be performed only for those who have purchased the predetermined amount or more or those who have come to the shopping world more than a predetermined number of times.

In the shopping world, a game center is installed. The user can enjoy the game at this game center for free or for a fee.
Then, the user can earn points by giving a high score in a racing game or winning in a battle game. This point can be used for discounts when shopping.

That is, when points are presented by the user character during shopping, the virtual shop management device 1 checks the number of points possessed by the user character, and discounts the points according to the number of points. It is up to the user to use all points or only some points.

The discount according to the number of points is as follows:
Before FIG. 13A is displayed, the clerk character 106 is displayed.
Is asked whether there is a point number, whether or not all points are to be used, and the like, and the user character 105 answers the questions.

When entering the shopping world,
When the user registers his / her own feature, the virtual shop management device 1 searches for a lover that meets the user's conditions. Whether or not the condition of the user is met is determined in advance by storing a pattern of a couple having good compatibility and comparing it with the stored pattern. The lover selection may be performed only when the user desires the lover selection. In addition to searching for a lover, a search for friends having the same surname or a search for siblings may be performed.

In the shopping world, it is possible to walk with a pet such as a dog. Pets can be purchased from special pet shops. At the time of purchase, it is necessary to input the identification of the user and the payment method as in the case of purchasing a product at the virtual store. However, there is no need to enter the method of receiving the goods. This is because pets are displayed only in the shopping world. Similar to the user character, this pet may be one that the user independently draws with an illustration, or one that uses an image from a digital camera or the like.

When the pet walks for a while, the pet learns the user's words. The pet is provided with a learning function by associating the movement of the pet with the conversation display from the user character. In addition, if the pet is not fed for a predetermined time, the pet indicates that the pet is hungry. Pet food can be purchased at specified pet food stores. In addition, it can also be purchased at the above points. The virtual store management device 1 controls the pet to perform an operation of asking for food according to the time since the last time the food was given.

The pet is controlled so as to die unless the pet is taken care of by the user character. For example,
If you don't speak, don't feed, or throw away, Pet will die. When leaving the shopping world, the pet can be kept at a predetermined depository. However, if you do not go for more than two weeks, the pet is controlled to disappear. The pet may have a conversation similar to that of a human, between the pet and the owner or between pets of the same kind.

An event venue is set in the shopping world. At the event venue, a project will be held in which a talented character operated by a real celebrity comes. The talent character is set to always have a conversation unlike a normal user character. Therefore, at a certain time, the user character can gather at the event venue, ask a question to the talent character, or hear the story of the talent character. Note that restrictions may be provided, such as limiting users who can ask questions to purchasers of a predetermined amount or more. Further, the talent character itself or the user terminal on which the conversation of the talent character is displayed may be restricted so that users other than the purchaser who is equal to or more than a predetermined amount cannot participate in the event.

Also, there are a plurality of elder characters in the shopping world. Each elder character has a keyword. The user character searches around each of the elder characters and asks them for their keywords. Then, the user creates a certain word by combining the keywords. If the word matches the word determined by the manager in advance, the user can earn points. The acquired points can be used for purchasing goods at the virtual store or for purchasing pets and pet food as described above. Note that the elder character may be displayed only on the user terminal of a user who satisfies predetermined conditions, for example, age, gender, region, past purchase amount and the like of 25 years or older. Further, different elder characters may appear depending on the level of the various conditions, and the difficulty level of acquiring points may be set.

The shopping world can be expanded not only by the manager of the virtual store management apparatus 1 but also by adding an area created by a store entrant or a user. Normally,
The administrator expands or changes the shopping world in consideration of the number of stores, the number of event venues, and the like. However, if the creation or extension of the shopping world is left only to the administrator, the burden on the administrator is large. Also, if a third party considers a good design area,
It may be desirable to employ this.

Therefore, a part of the shopping world is applied to the store entrant or the user, and if there is an area with a good design, the area is adopted. However, the work of expanding or changing the shopping world is left only to the administrator. This is to prevent the shopping world from being altered without permission against the intention of the administrator.

Next, the flow of the virtual store management method by the virtual store management device 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The description will be made based on each flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the store opening procedure. The first half of the flowchart shows processing for setting a store opening fee for each area of the shopping world.
The second half of the flowchart shows the flow of the procedure after receiving a store opening intention from a store entrant.

[0139] When starting up the virtual shop management device 1,
Divide the shopping world into several areas,
Initial setting for ranking the easy-to-assemble locations for each area is performed (step S201). However, the location of the bulletin board is located at a higher rank. 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the initial setting based on the internal clock 25 (step S202). If the specified time has not passed,
Keep the default settings.

On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the easy set place specifying unit 12 calculates the total number of user characters (step S203). Here, the reason why the total is used is that the number of user characters from the initial setting to the lapse of the predetermined time is summed up, rather than calculating the user character at the lapse of the predetermined time.

Next, the store opening fee setting unit 14 ranks the easy-to-collect locations in each area according to the number of user characters, and performs update setting of the store opening fee (step S20).
4). In this state, when the store opening procedure receiving unit 27 receives an input of the store name, the store opening, and the like from the store owner (step S205), the store display processing unit 34 displays the virtual store at the desired place (step S205). S206).
With such a series of flow, the store opening procedure is completed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of information posting on a bulletin board. The administrator sets the predetermined information input unit 2
8 to input an advertisement, new product information, and the like (step S3).
01). Then, the predetermined information writing unit 15 determines the type of the received information, and determines the type of the bulletin board to be posted and the location on the bulletin board (step S302). Next, the bulletin board display processing unit 35 updates the bulletin board based on the above determination (step S303). The information posting procedure on the bulletin board ends with this series of flows.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for conducting a conversation between a user character and another user character. First, the user specifies another user character on the screen and speaks (step S401). Then, the distance determination unit 16 determines whether or not the distance between the user character and the other user character is shorter than a predetermined talkable distance (Step S402).

If the result of determination in step S402 is that the distance is shorter than the distance at which conversation can be performed in advance, the distance determination unit 16
Sends a signal to the output control display unit 17 to change to a state in which conversation output is possible (step S403). Next, the output control display unit 17 determines whether or not the “C mark”, which is a mark indicating that the character is a talkable character, is attached to another user character (step S404). As a result,
If there is a “C mark”, the conversation output unit 36 displays a conversation input by another user (step S405).

On the other hand, in step S402, if the distance is longer than the distance that can be specified in advance,
In step 4, if the "C mark" is not attached, the conversation input by another user is not displayed (step S40).
6). With such a series of flows, the process of conducting the conversation ends.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the response process of the guidance character 67. First, the user
The guidance character 67 is specified on the screen and spoke (step S501). Then, the distance determination unit 16 determines whether or not the distance between the user character and the guidance character 67 is shorter than a predetermined talkable distance (Step S502).

If the result of determination in step S502 is that the distance is shorter than the distance at which conversation is possible, the distance determination unit 16
Sends a signal to the output control display unit 17 to change to a state in which conversation output is possible (step S503). Next, the response unit 1
8 judges the contents of the inquiry from the user character (step S504). Then, the response unit 18 retrieves an answer corresponding to the question from the second storage unit 19 (Step S505). Next, the conversation output unit 36 displays the guidance character 67 as a response (step S50).
6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the distance is longer than the distance at which the conversation can be performed, the response of the guidance character 67 is not displayed (step S50).
7). With such a series of flows, the guide character 67
Is completed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow from receiving a business card from the other user character 96 or the clerk character 106 to transmitting items described on the business card to the user terminal 6. When the user character 95 receives a business card from the other user character 96 or the clerk character 106, the business card providing unit 20 sends a signal indicating that the business card has been received to the business card display unit 38 (step S60).
1). The business card display unit 38 performs a process of displaying the description items of the business card on the screen (Step S602).

The business card description item recognition unit 21 recognizes predetermined items of the business card, for example, an e-mail address and a name (step S603). In the step of creating a business card, since the identification tag is given to the name and the e-mail address, this recognition is possible. Next, the business card description item transmitting unit 32 transmits the data of the name and the e-mail address,
The message is transmitted to the user terminal 6 (step S604).
In the user terminal 6, the transmitted data is stored in the mail software. With this series of flows, the process of transmitting the predetermined data to the user terminal 6 after receiving the business card is completed. In addition, when URL is also targeted,
A similar process is performed by attaching an identification tag to the URL.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for changing the atmosphere of the shopping world based on time information. When the time information receiving unit 33 receives time information from the user terminal 6 (Step S701),
The atmosphere determining unit 22 determines an image part corresponding to the time information from the third storage unit 23, and changes the atmosphere (step S702). The atmosphere display section 39 displays the shopping world based on the processing of the atmosphere determination section 22 (step S703). The processing for changing the atmosphere of the shopping world is completed by such a series of flows.

Even if an apparatus reading an information recording medium storing a program having the following steps is used instead of the virtual shop management apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the same function as the virtual shop management apparatus 1 is provided. Can be.

That is, the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in the shopping world is calculated every predetermined time, and based on the calculation result, an easy-to-assemble place specifying step for specifying an easy-to-collect place where user characters are likely to gather. And a store opening fee setting step of setting a store opening fee for opening a virtual store at an easy-to-assemble location to a higher store opening fee compared to other locations, and a store opening for a store operator opening a virtual store to select at least a store opening location The virtual store management device 1 reads the information recording medium storing a program including a store opening procedure receiving step for receiving a procedure and a store display processing step of performing a store opening display process in a shopping world by the store opening procedure. The same function as can be provided.

An information recording medium storing a program including a selection receiving step for receiving a selection operation for the user to select another user character and a conversation output step for outputting only a conversation with the other user character selected by the user is provided. The information may be read by a predetermined device.

Also, an approach status recognition step for recognizing that the distance between the user character and the character other than the user character has approached a predetermined distance, and recognizing that the distance has approached the predetermined distance. An information recording medium storing a program including an output-enabled state changing step of changing a non-output state in which a character conversation is not output to an output-enabled state in which a conversation can be output may be read into a predetermined device.

A business card providing step for providing a business card to a user character other than the user character, a business card description displaying step for displaying the content of the business card provided, and a business card for recognizing business card description items including an e-mail address. An information recording medium storing a program including a description item recognition step and a business card description item transmission step of transmitting the recognized business card description item to the user terminal 6 may be read by a predetermined device.

[0157] Also, an information recording medium storing a program including a time information receiving step of receiving time information of an area where the user is present and an atmosphere setting step of changing the atmosphere of the shopping world in accordance with the time information is stored in a predetermined location. May be read by the device.

As described above, the virtual shop management device 1 according to the present invention
Although the embodiments of the virtual store management method, the virtual store management system, and the information recording medium have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in a conversation between a user character and another user character, the other character is selected and displayed. However, regardless of the distance to the other user character or the presence or absence of the “C mark”, all the conversations of the character seen on the screen may be displayed.

However, in such a case, there is a problem that secret conversation cannot be performed between the user characters. Therefore, it is possible to provide a private chat room in some of the shopping worlds and prevent other user characters from entering the chat room. In that case, it is also important to prevent other users from seeing the conversation in the chat room.

In addition to the setting place of the bulletin board, the entrance to the shopping world, the fountain, the event venue, the amusement park,
A place where user characters are likely to gather, such as a movie theater, may be designated as an easy gathering place. In addition, the easy set place specifying unit 1
In No. 2, the easy gathering place is specified based on the number of user characters every predetermined time, but it is not necessary to count all the user characters during the predetermined time. For example, the user characters may be counted using a part of the predetermined time.

Although the guide character 67 makes a response stored in advance, a special guide character operated by the operator is installed, and the guide character 67 has the same mechanism as the other user characters to talk to the user character. Is also good. The conversation with the guide character 67 may be possible regardless of the position of the user character.

The name and the e-mail address described on the business card do not always need to be transmitted to the user terminal 6. In such a case, the user who operates the user character that has received the business card can select the items described on the business card and save it in another file of the user terminal 6.

The items to be stored in the mail software or stored in another file are not limited to names and e-mail addresses. For example, an address, a telephone number, and a homepage address (URL) may be included. Alternatively, only the e-mail address may be used. Further, the items described on the business card may be simply displayed in the shopping world without being transmitted to the user terminal.

[0165] The atmosphere setting function based on the time information is not always necessary. Further, if users who participate from two regions having greatly different time information have different dates, the conversation may be inconsistent and may not be enjoyed. Therefore, it is desirable that the atmosphere setting function can be set by the user's selection.
Instead of operating the shopping world via the Internet 5, the shopping world may be operated within a closed communication network such as a LAN.

[0166]

According to the present invention, a store clerk can select a store charge that is more relevant to the sale of a product. Also,
According to another invention, shopping can be enjoyed while having a relationship with another person, and a highly confidential conversation can be performed between users. Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform shopping with a high degree of reality close to actual shopping.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a virtual store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a virtual shop management device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a top page of a home page displayed on a screen of a user terminal by the virtual store management device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the shopping world shown on the top page of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store opening fee in the S area, the A area, and the B area illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state where a part of the shopping world in FIG. 3 is displayed on a screen of a user terminal.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a conversation between other user characters at positions separated by distances L1 and L2 from the position of the user character is displayed in the shopping world provided by the virtual store management device in FIG. 2; is there.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing types of user characters and their clothes in a shopping world provided by the virtual store management device in FIG. 2;

9 is a diagram showing a scene where a user character exchanges business cards with another user character in a shopping world provided by the virtual store management device in FIG. 2;

10 is a diagram showing a scene in which a user character enters an electric store in a shopping world provided by the virtual store management device in FIG. 2;

11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the clerk character talks to the user character and options of the user, following the scene illustrated in FIG. 10; FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating products and functions of each product; (B) is a diagram showing options of the response of the user character.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a product posting screen that is continuously displayed in the scene of FIG. 11 (B).

13A and 13B are diagrams showing, after the scene shown in FIG. 12, a clerk character talking to the user character and options of the user, and FIG. 13A is a diagram showing options of a payment method, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing options of a method of receiving a product.

14 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for performing a store opening procedure for the virtual store management device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of posting information on a bulletin board for the virtual shop management device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process in which a user character and another user character have a conversation under the management of the virtual shop management device in FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of a response process of a guidance character under the management of the virtual shop management device of FIG. 2;

18 is a flowchart showing a flow from receiving a business card from another user character or a clerk character to transmitting items described on the business card to the user terminal under the management of the virtual store management device in FIG. 2;

19 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for changing the atmosphere of the shopping world based on time information under the management of the virtual shop management device in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Virtual store management apparatus 2 Store clerk terminal (provided with store opening procedure transmitting means and business card providing signal transmitting means) 5 Internet 6 User terminal (including selection transmitting means, inquiry means, business card providing signal transmitting means and time information transmitting means) 11 Data transmission / reception section 12 Easy set place specifying section (Easy set place specifying means) 14 Store opening charge setting section (Store open charge setting means) 15 Predetermined information writing section (Predetermined information writing means) 16 Distance discriminating section (Access status recognition means) Reference Signs List 17 output display control unit (outputable state changing unit) 18 response unit (response unit) 20 business card providing unit (business card providing unit) 21 business card description item recognition unit (business card description item recognition unit) 22 atmosphere determination unit (atmosphere setting unit) 27 Store opening procedure receiving section (Store opening procedure receiving means) 28 Predetermined information input section (Predetermined information input means) 29 Selection receiving section (Selection receiving means) 30 Meeting reception unit (inquiry reception unit) 32 Business card entry transmission unit (business card entry transmission unit) 33 Time information reception unit (time information reception unit) 34 Store display processing unit (store display processing unit) 35 Bulletin board display processing unit ( Bulletin board display processing means) 36 conversation output processing section (conversation output means) 37 guide character display processing section (guidance character display processing means) 38 business card display processing section (business card description display means)

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A virtual shop management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual shop for a user to make a business transaction, wherein an easy gathering place where user characters operated by the user easily gather in the shopping world is easily identified. A meeting place specifying means; a shop charge setting means for setting a shop fee according to the ease of gathering of the user characters at the easy gathering place; A virtual store management device, comprising: store display processing means for performing store display processing in the world. 2. The virtual store management device according to claim 1, further comprising a store opening procedure receiving means for receiving a store opening procedure for selecting at least a store opening location from the store owner. 3. A bulletin board display processing means for displaying a bulletin board for transmitting predetermined information to the user in the shopping world, and a predetermined information writing means for writing the predetermined information on the bulletin board. 3. The virtual shop management device according to claim 1, wherein the easy-to-assemble place specifying means includes the installation place of the bulletin board in the easy-to-assemble place. 4. The easy-to-assemble place specifying means calculates the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in the shopping world and specifies the easy-to-set place based on the calculation result. The virtual store management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 5. The easy-to-assemble location specifying means calculates the number of user characters at predetermined time intervals, and the branch fee setting means sets the branch fee based on the calculation result. The virtual store management device according to claim 4. 6. A virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the user receives a selection of another user character operated by another user other than the user. A virtual shop management device comprising: a receiving unit; and a conversation output unit that outputs only a conversation with the other user character selected by the user. 7. A virtual store management apparatus for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a distance between a user character operated by the user and a character other than the user character is a predetermined distance. Approach status recognition means for recognizing approach; and recognizing that the predetermined distance has been approached, a non-output state in which a conversation of a character other than the user character has not been output until before the recognition. An output-enabled state changing unit that changes a character conversation to an output-enabled state in which the conversation can be output. 8. A virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a store from a user character operated by the user is provided at one or more locations in the shopping world. Or, guide character display processing means for displaying a guide character capable of responding to a product inquiry, inquiry receiving means for receiving an inquiry from the user, and response means for responding based on a reception command from the inquiry reception means. A virtual shop management device comprising: 9. A virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, comprising: a business card providing means for providing a business card to a user character other than the user character operated by the user; And a business card description display means for displaying the provided description of the business card. 10. A business card description item recognizing means for recognizing a business card description item including at least an e-mail address, and a business card description item transmitting means for transmitting the recognized business card description item to the user terminal. The virtual store management device according to claim 9, wherein: 11. A virtual shop management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual shop for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the time information accepting means accepts time information of an area where the user exists, and Atmosphere setting means for setting the atmosphere of the shopping world in response to the request. 12. A virtual shop management method for managing a shopping world provided with virtual shops for a user to conduct business transactions, wherein an easy gathering place where user characters operated by the user easily gather in the shopping world is easily identified. A meeting place specifying step; a shop charge setting step of setting a shop charge according to the ease of gathering of the user characters at the easy gathering place; A store display processing step of performing store display processing in the world. 13. The virtual store management method according to claim 12, further comprising a store opening procedure receiving step of receiving a store opening procedure for selecting at least a store opening location from the store owner. 14. A bulletin board display processing step of displaying a bulletin board for transmitting predetermined information to the user in the shopping world, and a predetermined information writing step of writing the predetermined information on the bulletin board. 13. The easy gathering place specifying step includes the installation place of the bulletin board in the easy gathering place.
Or the virtual store management method according to 13. 15. The easy set place specifying step calculates the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in the shopping world and specifies the easy set place based on the calculation result. The virtual store management method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: 16. The easy-to-assemble location specifying step calculates the number of the user characters at predetermined time intervals, and the branch charge setting step sets the branch charge based on the calculation result. The virtual store management method according to claim 15. 17. A virtual shop management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual shop for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the user receives a selection of another user character operated by another user other than the user. A virtual shop management method, comprising: a reception step; and a conversation output step of outputting only a conversation with the other user character selected by the user. 18. A virtual shop management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual shop for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a distance between a user character operated by the user and a character other than the user character is a predetermined distance. An approaching state recognition step of recognizing approaching; and recognizing that the vehicle has approached the predetermined distance, a non-output state in which a conversation of a character other than the user character is not output until before the recognition. An output-enabled state changing step of changing a character conversation into an output-enabled state in which the conversation can be output. 19. A virtual store management method for managing a shopping world provided with a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a user character operated by the user operates one or more locations in the shopping world. A guide character display processing step of displaying a guide character capable of responding to an inquiry of a store or a product, an inquiry receiving step of receiving an inquiry from the user, and a response step of responding based on a reception command from the inquiry receiving step And a virtual store management method. 20. A virtual store management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a business card providing step of providing a business card to a user character other than the user character operated by the user; A business card description display step of displaying the provided description of the business card. 21. A business card description item recognizing step of recognizing a business card description item including at least an e-mail address, and a business card description item transmitting step of transmitting the recognized business card description item to the user terminal. 21. The virtual store management method according to claim 20, wherein: 22. A virtual store management method for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, comprising: a time information receiving step of receiving time information of an area where the user is located; An atmosphere setting step of setting an atmosphere of the shopping world in response to the request. 23. A virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, and a store terminal for a store that opens the virtual store to perform a store opening procedure for selecting at least a store location. A virtual shop management system, wherein the virtual shop management apparatus includes: an easy-to-assemble place specifying unit that specifies an easy-to-collect place where user characters operated by the user are likely to gather in the shopping world; Store opening fee setting means for setting a store opening fee in accordance with the ease of gathering of user characters, store opening procedure receiving means for receiving the store opening procedure from the store enthusiast, and store opening display processing in the shopping world by the store opening procedure. Store display processing means, the store terminal transmits the store opening procedure Virtual shop management system characterized by comprising a store procedure transmitting means. 24. A virtual store management system, comprising: a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction; and a user terminal used by the user to walk around the virtual store. The virtual shop management device, wherein the user receives selection of another user character operated by another user other than the user, and a conversation that outputs only a conversation with the other user character selected by the user. Output means, and the user terminal includes a selection transmitting means for transmitting the selection. 25. A virtual store management system, comprising: a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction; and a user terminal used by the user to walk around the virtual store. The virtual store management device includes a guide character display processing unit that displays a guide character responsive to an inquiry about a store or a product from a user character operated by the user at one or more locations in the shopping world. And an inquiry receiving means for receiving an inquiry from the user, and a response means for responding based on a reception command from the inquiry receiving means, wherein the user terminal makes an inquiry for the inquiry to the guide character. Virtual store characterized by means Management systems. 26. A virtual store management system comprising: a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction; and a user terminal used by the user to walk around the virtual store. The virtual shop management device includes: a business card providing unit configured to provide a business card to a user character other than the user character operated by the user; and a business card description display unit configured to display a description of the provided business card. The user terminal includes a business card creation unit that creates a business card on which a business card description item including at least an e-mail address is placed, and a business card attachment signal transmission unit that transmits a signal that gives the business card to the other user character. Characterized virtual store management system. 27. The virtual shop management device, further comprising: business card information recognizing means for recognizing the business card description, and business card description transmitting means for transmitting the recognized business card description to the user terminal. 3. The terminal according to claim 2, further comprising: storage means for storing the business card items in mail software.
6. The virtual store management system according to 6. 28. A virtual store management system, comprising: a virtual store management device for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction; and a user terminal used by the user to walk around the virtual store. The virtual shop management device further includes: time information receiving means for receiving time information of an area where the user is located; and atmosphere setting means for setting an atmosphere of the shopping world in accordance with the time information. A virtual store management system, wherein the terminal includes time information transmitting means for transmitting the time information. 29. An information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein an easy gathering place where user characters operated by the user easily gather in the shopping world. An easy set place specifying step to specify, a store charge setting step of setting a store charge according to the ease of gathering of the user characters at the easy set place, and receiving a store application from a store builder opening the virtual store And a store display processing step of performing store display processing in the shopping world. 30. The information recording medium according to claim 29, wherein a program further comprising a store opening procedure receiving step of receiving at least a store opening procedure for selecting a store opening location from the store owner is stored. 31. The easy set place specifying step calculates the number of user characters in each of a plurality of areas in the shopping world and specifies the easy set place based on the calculation result. The information recording medium according to claim 29 or 30, wherein 32. The easy assembly place specifying step calculates the number of user characters at predetermined time intervals, and the branch charge setting step sets the branch charge based on the calculation result. The information recording medium according to claim 31. 33. An information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the user selects another user character operated by another user other than the user. An information recording medium storing a program including: a selection receiving step of receiving a message; and a conversation output step of outputting only a conversation with the other user character selected by the user. 34. An information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein a distance between a user character operated by the user and a character other than the user character is determined. An approach status recognition step of recognizing that the user has approached a predetermined distance; and, when recognizing that the user has approached the predetermined distance, a non-output state in which a conversation of a character other than the user character is not output until the recognition is performed. An output-capable state changing step of changing a conversation of a character other than a character into an output-capable state in which the conversation can be output. 35. An information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, wherein the business card provides a business card to a user character other than the user character operated by the user. An information recording medium storing a program including an assigning step, and a business card description displaying step of displaying the added information on the business card. 36. A program further comprising: a business card description item recognizing step of recognizing a business card description item including at least an e-mail address; and a business card description item transmitting step of transmitting the recognized business card description item to the terminal of the user. 36. The information recording medium according to claim 35, wherein is stored. 37. An information recording medium storing a program for managing a shopping world having a virtual store for a user to make a business transaction, the time information receiving step for receiving time information of an area where the user is present, And an atmosphere setting step of setting an atmosphere of the shopping world in accordance with the time information.