Matching system, matching method, matching server and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a love matching service which is available regardless of conditions of each user.SOLUTION: There are provided: a matching system of a character created by AI and human; a matching method of a character created by AI and human; an information processor for executing matching of a character created by AI and human; and an information processing program for allowing an information processor to execute matching of a character created by AI and human.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a matching system, a matching method, a matching server, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Romance is one of the joys of life, but there are people who cannot fall in love even if they want to because they have no opportunities to meet people. As a solution to this problem, there are romance matching services that allow men and women to meet over the Internet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-541844 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are several factors that deter users from using love matching services, such as strict age and identity verification, the risk of other users finding out that you are using the service, etc. Also, even if you want to have a simulated romantic experience, it is ethically unrecommended to use a matching service if you are married or have a partner.

[0005] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a love matching service that can be used regardless of the circumstances of individual users and that is similar to love matching between humans and does not feel unnatural. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a matching system including a matching unit that matches a plurality of characters with a plurality of users via a terminal device of the users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 shows a configuration of a matching system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 13 shows a user information registration GUI executed by a user information registration unit. [Diagram 3] 2 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit. [Figure 4] 2 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit. [Diagram 5] 2 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit. [Figure 6] 2 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit. [Figure 7] 2 shows the configuration of a character generation unit. [Figure 8] 1 shows the configuration of a scheduling unit. [Figure 9] An example of a character schedule is shown below. [Figure 10] The configuration of the matching unit, evaluation unit, and messaging unit is shown. [Figure 11] An example of a GUI for message exchange is shown below. [Figure 12] 2 shows the configuration of a voice call unit. [Figure 13] The configuration of the video chat section is shown. [Figure 14] The structure of the date section is shown. [Figure 15] An example of a GUI for taking a selfie is shown. [Figure 16] 13 shows an example of a GUI when a user sends a gift to a character. [Figure 17] 13 shows an example of a GUI when a user receives a gift from a character. [Figure 18] The structure of the microblog section is shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] The matching system of this embodiment aims to provide human users with a simulated romance between themselves and AI characters by establishing a romantic match between them.

[0010] The matching system of this embodiment realizes a love matching system service between humans and AI characters. Conventionally, love matching systems are mechanisms where registered humans refer to each other's profile information and send messages to each other if they like each other. On the other hand, the matching system of this embodiment enables love matching between pseudo-persons (characters) created by data sets or AI and humans (users) and communication after matching.

[0011] A user uses a terminal device such as a smartphone, PC, or head-mounted display to access the love matching service provided by the matching system via download application software or a web browser, and performs love matching with an AI character on the screen of the terminal device. The user may view the screen of the terminal device as a living human. Alternatively, the user may become an avatar in a virtual space and perform love matching between the avatar and the AI ​​character, which can also be considered love matching between a human and an AI character.

[0012] The matching system of this embodiment realizes a mechanism in which many new love interests (characters) continuously participate in the love matching service, and the state of the characters (emotions, attributes, etc.) changes over time. This allows us to get closer to the experience of a love matching service between humans, and at the same time, it may lead to the solution of one of the issues with love matching services, network externalities (the problem that there are few love interests because there are few users, and because there are few love interests, new registrants do not gather and the number of users does not increase).

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a matching system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The matching system 1 operates as a user interface unit 100, a user information registration unit 200, a character generation unit 300, a scheduling unit 400, a matching unit 500, an evaluation unit 600, and a communication unit 700 by the processor of the matching server executing various information processing programs. The communication unit 700 includes a messaging unit 800, a voice call unit 710, a video chat unit 720, a dating unit 730, a selfie shooting unit 740, a gift sending unit 750, a gift receiving unit 760, and a microblog unit 770. The matching system 1 functions as a matching server that realizes a server-client system for the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a smartphone, tablet computer, personal computer, etc. of a user who is an end user.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a user information registration GUI executed by the user information registration unit.

[0016] The user information registration unit 200 causes the terminal device 2 to display a user information registration GUI 201 .

[0017] The user inputs user information 210 as text in preparation for a simulated romance between the user and a character on the romance matching system. The user information 210 includes at least a nickname 202 and user profile information 203, and may further include attributes 204 such as blood type. The nickname 202 is what the character calls the user. When the user operates the save button 205, the user information 210 is saved (FIG. 1).

[0018] 3, 4, 5 and 6 show examples of GUIs provided to the user's terminal device by the user interface unit.

[0019] 3A, the user interface unit 100 displays images of multiple characters and portions of their profile text on the user's terminal device 2. These characters are created by the character generation unit 300, and the method of creation will be explained later. The user searches the character list for a character with whom they would like to have a pseudo-romance, and selects a character that interests them from the list.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3B, the user interface unit 100 displays the profile page of the selected character on the terminal device 2. The character's profile page is a page that compiles an image (face photo) and profile information. A button for sending "interest" is displayed on the profile page. "Interest" is a sign that conveys a user's affection to a character. When a user feels that they would like to communicate with a particular character based on the contents of the profile page, they press the "interest" button displayed on that character's profile page. For example, a user can send "interest" to seven characters per day.

[0021] When a user sends an "interest" to a specific character, as shown in (C) of Fig. 3, the user interface unit 100 displays information on the character's profile page indicating that an "interest" has been sent, an explanation of the matching, and the ability to search for other characters of interest.

[0022] In FIG. 4(A) (similar to FIG. 3(B)), after the user sends an “interested” message, the user interface unit 100 displays “interested” instead of the “interested” button displayed on the character’s profile page, as shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4C, when the user reaches the upper limit (eg, 7 / 7) of the number of "interests" that can be sent in a day, the user interface unit 100 displays the time remaining until the next "interest" can be sent.

[0024] When a user receives an "interest" from a character to whom the user has sent an "interest", a match is made between the user and the character. Alternatively, in the reverse order, when a user sends an "interest" to a character from whom the user has received an "interest", a match is made between the user and the character. At present, matching between users and characters is not an exclusive one-to-one relationship. In other words, one user can establish a matching relationship with multiple characters. Similarly, one character can establish a matching relationship with multiple users.

[0025] 5(A), when matching is established between a user and a character, the user interface unit 100 displays a message button on the character's profile page displayed on the user's terminal device 2. The message button indicates that the user can send and receive messages with this character.

[0026] 3(D), when the user operates the message button, the user interface unit 100 displays a screen for sending and receiving messages with that character on the user's terminal device 2. The user interface unit 100 provides the user with a communication interface for various types of communication (described later) in addition to sending and receiving messages between the matched character and the user.

[0027] After that, communication between the matched users and the characters will proceed. Then, communication between a certain user and a certain character will develop, and they will become intimate one-on-one.

[0028] Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the profile page of the character displayed on the terminal device 2 of users other than the user in question displays the message "You are already intimate with another user, so you cannot send an interest or message." In this case, users who have not yet been matched cannot send an interest to the character. Furthermore, even users who have been matched cannot send messages to the character.

[0029] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the profile page of the character displayed on the terminal device 2 of the user (the user who has become intimate with the character) displays the message "You have been selected! Only you can send messages." In this case, only the user can send messages to the character. This is a situation in which the character has virtually withdrawn from the matching service because they have found a partner.

[0030] 6, the message list page displayed on the terminal device 2 of the user (the user who has become intimate with the character) displays "Only You." This provides the user with feedback that only he or she can communicate with the specific character.

[0031] Next, the generation of such characters and their behavior will be explained.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the character generation unit.

[0033] When a new character creation event is executed by the event scheduler 301, the character generation unit 300 creates new character data constituting a virtual character. The character is newly registered in the matching service in a pseudo manner. In other words, the creation of a new character is a process of making the character perform actions equivalent to the new registration of a user in a love matching service between humans.

[0034] First, the character generation unit 300 refers to character feature data 302. The character feature data 302 is feature data (appearance, age, hobbies, occupation, etc.) that indicates the attributes of the character, which have many variations, and is expressed, for example, as metadata. The character generation unit 300 generates character data 310 that constitutes a virtual character 309 based on the character feature data 302.

[0035] Specifically, the character generation unit 300 generates an image generation command statement 303 based on the character feature data 302, and inputs the generated image generation command statement 303 to the image generation AI 304. The image generation AI 304 generates image data for displaying a still image of a character 309 having a human appearance, in accordance with the image generation command statement 303 based on the character feature data 302. The character generation unit 300 inputs the image data for displaying the still image of the character 309 to the video generation AI 305. The video generation AI 305 generates image data for displaying a video of the character 309 having a human appearance (appearance) and performing human actions.

[0036] The character generation unit 300 generates a profile generation command 306 based on the character's feature data 302, and inputs the generated profile generation command 306 to the text generation AI 307. The text generation AI 307 generates profile data 312 for the character 309 according to the profile generation command 306 based on the character's feature data 302. The profile data 312 is used to display the profile text on the profile page of the matching service.

[0037] The character generation unit 300 generates behavior schedule data 308 for the character 309 based on the character feature data 302. The behavior schedule data 308 indicates a minute-by-minute schedule for each day that defines what behavior the character 309 will take. In other words, the behavior schedule data 308 is data that determines the schedule of the character's normal daily behavior. For example, if the character 309 is an office worker and his hobby is skiing, he basically works at the office from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and depending on the day, his / her finishing time may vary, and some days he / she goes out to play with friends after finishing work, while other days he / she goes home and spends time quietly. On holidays, he / she may stay at home or go out, but especially in winter, he / she often spends time on his / her hobby, skiing. The character generation unit 300 defines such patterns of behavior.

[0038] The character generation unit 300 generates character data 310, which is a data set including image data (still images, video), character profile data 312, and character action schedule data, and stores the data in a non-volatile storage device.

[0039] Furthermore, when a character information update event is executed by the event scheduler 301, the character generation unit 300 updates the character data 310 of the character 309 based on the life event data 311. The life event data 311 is created based on the character data 310 and is unique for each character 309. The life event data 311 indicates, for example, a birthday, a timing of changing jobs, a change in hobbies, or other periodic or irregular events in life. In other words, the life event data 311 is data that triggers an update of the character's profile, etc. When the character generation unit 300 updates the character data 310 of the character 309, specifically, the image data of the appearance of the character 309 and the profile data 312 are updated. As a result, the appearance and profile of the character 309 change over time.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the scheduling unit.

[0041] The scheduling unit 400 schedules the behavior pattern of the character 309 so that the character behaves as if it were living. Specifically, when the scheduler 401 that prompts the character 309 to act starts processing, the scheduling unit 400 refers to the character data 310 generated by the character generation unit 300. The scheduling unit 400 refers to the behavior schedule data 308 of the character 309 from the character data 310. When the scheduling unit 400 determines based on the behavior schedule data that the character 309 can use the service (step S401), it activates the status of the character 309 (step S402). When the status of the character 309 is activated, it is possible to execute a process of taking an action such as sending a message to a user. On the other hand, when the scheduling unit 400 determines that the character 309 cannot use the service, it does not activate the status of the character 309 (step S403).

[0042] The timing when the character 309 can use the service (step S401) refers to a time period when a human would be able to perform actions such as replying to a message, such as during a break or while traveling on a train. The character can act on the service only while the character 309 is pseudo-taking such actions. On the other hand, the timing when the character 309 cannot use the service (step S403) refers to a time period when a human would not be able to perform actions such as replying to a message, such as while sleeping, at work, or while taking a bath. This eliminates unrealistic contradictions, such as a character who is an office worker sending a message during the daytime on a weekday, and makes it possible to communicate with the character in a more realistic manner.

[0043] In this way, the action schedule data 308 of the character 309 becomes one element of communication with the user and affects the timing of communication with the user. For example, the probability of taking action such as sending a message to the user during working hours is low, and conversely, the probability of taking action toward the user during private time is high.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows an example of a character's schedule.

[0045] As shown in (A), if the character 309 is a student, the lunch break between classes, breaks from part-time work, and before going to bed after returning home are determined to be times when the service is available, and the status is set to active. On the other hand, the time during classes, most of the time spent at a part-time job, and while sleeping after going to bed are determined to be times when the service is unavailable.

[0046] As shown in (B), if the character 309 is a nurse, on days when there is a night shift, the morning, before work, and the night shift break are determined to be times when the service is available, and the status is set to active. On the other hand, the time when the character is napping, eating, and most of the night shift are determined to be times when the service is not available.

[0047] As shown in (C), if the character 309 is an apparel store clerk, on days when he works the early shift, during his break during the early shift, while meeting with friends after work while the friends are in the bathroom, and after returning home are determined as times when the service is available, and the status is set to active. On the other hand, most of the working hours, most of the time meeting with friends, and during meals are determined as times when the service is unavailable.

[0048] FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the matching unit, evaluation unit and messaging unit.

[0049] When the status of a particular character 309 is active (step S402), the matching unit 500, the evaluation unit 600, and the communication unit 700 perform the following processes for this particular character.

[0050] The matching unit 500 selects any user who has not been matched with a specific character. When a match has not been matched, it means that neither the character nor the user has sent "interest". The matching unit 500 reads out the user information 210 of the selected user (step S501). The matching unit 500 uses a text generation AI based on at least the user profile information 203 included in the user information 210 to calculate a numerical value indicating whether or not the profile would generally be favorable to the user, that is, a numerical value indicating the user's first impression (step S502). This numerical value corresponds to the favorability rating of the first impression. The matching unit 500 judges whether or not to send "interest" from the character to the user based on the numerical value (for example, by judging whether or not the numerical value is higher than a threshold value).

[0051] If the user's first impression favorability rating is low (if the value is below a threshold value), the matching unit 500 does not send an "interested" from the character to the user, but instead selects another user and performs the same process on the newly selected user (step S503).

[0052] On the other hand, if the first impression of the user is high (if the numerical value is higher than the threshold value), the matching unit 500 sends an "interest" from the character to the user (step S504). If the user has already sent an "interest" to the character, the state is updated to one in which both parties can send and receive messages (match). Even if the user has not yet sent an "interest" to the character at the time the character sends an "interest" to the user, if the user sends an "interest" to the character at any time thereafter, the state will be the same as a match. In other words, when the user sends an "interest" to the character, regardless of the context, the matching unit 500 matches the character and the user (step S505) ((C) of FIG. 3).

[0053] When the character's status is active, the communication unit 700 communicates between the user and the character with whom the match has been established via the terminal device 2. As in a matching service between humans, the communication unit 700 realizes two-way communication between the user and the character only when the user and the character take action to convey their mutual affection, i.e., "interest," to each other. The communication realized by the communication unit 700 includes, for example, the exchange of messages by the messaging unit 800. The communication unit 700 accumulates a one-to-one communication history 701 between the character with whom the match has been established and the user. The communication history 701 includes a history of messages transmitted and received in both directions. A specific example of the operation of the communication unit 700 will be described later.

[0054] The evaluation unit 600 evaluates the likeability of the character towards the user from the communication history 701 (including message history, etc.) between the matched character and the user. Specifically, the evaluation unit 600 makes the text generation AI estimate, based on the communication history 701 such as the message history up to the present, the likeability of the person (character) towards the other person (user) in this exchange in general terms (step 8), and saves the numerical value as the likeability 601 (step S601).

[0055] The evaluation unit 600 updates the behavior pattern 602 from the character toward the user based on the favorability rating 601 (step S602). The evaluation unit further updates the behavior pattern from the character toward other users different from the user based on the favorability rating from the character toward the user. The behavior pattern includes whether or not to communicate, the frequency of communication, the timing of communication, and / or the time lag of communication.

[0056] Specifically, the evaluation unit 600 updates the content of statements and the frequency of communication (message transmission, etc.) from the character to the user according to the favorability rating 601 for the user. When a match is established between the character and another user, the evaluation unit 600 updates the frequency of message transmission to the other user, and updates the character's behavior pattern 602 toward the user.

[0057] FIG. 11 shows an example of a GUI for message exchange.

[0058] As shown in (A), if there is no user with a particularly high favorability rating for a certain character, messages will be sent to all matching users with a relatively equal response speed (time lag).

[0059] On the other hand, if a character has a high level of favorability toward a particular user, the character's message reply speed to that user will be faster (there will be less time lag) than the message reply speed to other users, and the character may reply immediately after receiving a message from the user. In that case, as shown in (B), it will be clear that the character is preparing a reply, allowing the user to smoothly start communicating in real time.

[0060] Furthermore, if the favorability rating 601 of a particular character to a particular user is very high, the evaluation unit 600 updates the behavior pattern of the character so that the character sends messages only to the particular user and not to other users. As a result, even if the character is matched with another user, the character will no longer send messages to other users and will only exchange messages with the particular user. This is the same as the situation that often occurs in human-to-human love matching services, where a user quits the service because they have entered into a romantic relationship with another user, and then keeps in contact with the user through a different means.

[0061] If the character with whom a match has been made has a favorable impression on the user that is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the evaluation unit 600 communicates only with the user and outputs feedback to the terminal devices of the user and other users indicating that the character will communicate only with the user and not with other users. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the evaluation unit 600 displays "You are already intimate with another user, so you cannot send any messages or ask questions" to users other than the user. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, the evaluation unit 600 displays "You have been selected! Only you can send messages" to the user (the user who has become intimate with the character).

[0062] When the character's status is active, the messaging unit 800 transmits and receives text messages between the user and the character with whom a match has been established via the user's terminal device 2.

[0063] The messaging unit 800 selects an arbitrary user who has already been matched with a specific character, and refers to the character's favorability rating 601 for the user (step S801). If the character's favorability rating 601 for the user is low (below a predetermined threshold), the messaging unit 800 does not send a message, but instead selects another user and performs the same process on the newly selected user (step S802).

[0064] On the other hand, if the character's favorability rating 601 for the user is sufficiently high (higher than a predetermined threshold), the messaging unit 800 proceeds to a process of sending a message (step S803). The messaging unit 800 generates a message creation command statement 802 based on the current event data 801, the user profile information 203 included in the user information 210, the profile data 312 of the character 309 included in the character data 310, and the communication history 701 up to now (including the message sending and receiving history between the character and the user). The messaging unit 800 inputs the generated message creation command statement 802 to the text generation AI 803, and causes the text generation AI 803 to generate a message. The generated message may include a link to another service, an image, and the like. The messaging unit 800 outputs the generated message to the terminal device 2 as a text message. That is, the messaging unit 800 transmits the message to the user on a message screen (see (D) of FIG. 3) displayed on the terminal device 2 (step S804). This enables a matched character and the user to send and receive text messages in both directions on a message screen (see FIG. 3(D)) displayed on the terminal device 2.

[0065] When the relationship between a specific character and a user satisfies the conditions, the communication unit 700 permits the character to send an "interest" or other advanced additional actions such as sending and receiving messages. For example, when the character's favorability rating for the user exceeds a predetermined threshold after matching is established, or when the frequency of messages sent from the user to the character, the reply speed (time lag), or the contents of messages exceed a predetermined value. Specific examples of advanced additional actions by the communication unit 700 are described below. Specific examples of advanced additional actions include voice calls, video chats, dates, taking selfies, sending gifts, and receiving gifts.

[0066] FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the voice communication unit.

[0067] When a particular character has a high favorability rating for a particular user, or when a particular user meets a condition for a particular character, the character can make a voice call to the user via the voice call unit 710. A user who is permitted to make a voice call can have an experience with the character similar to a telephone call between humans.

[0068] The user inputs a message from the terminal device 2 using his / her own voice. The voice call unit 710 converts the input voice data into text data using the Voice to Text device 711. The voice call unit 710 combines the converted text data with the communication history 701 up to the present (or may combine it with the message history as text data) and updates the communication history 701. The voice call unit 710 generates a message creation command statement 712 based on the updated communication history 701, the current events data 801, the user profile information 203 included in the user information 210, and the profile of the character 309 included in the character data 310. The voice call unit 710 inputs the generated message creation command statement 712 to the text generation AI 713, and causes the text generation AI 713 to generate a text message 714 that is a response to the content input by the user. The voice call unit 710 adds the generated text message 714 to the communication history 701 up to the present (or may add it to the message history as text data). The voice call unit 710 converts the generated text message 714 into voice data using a Text to Voice device 715, and outputs the voice data to the user via the terminal device 2. By repeating this procedure, the voice call unit 710 realizes a voice call in which a matched character and the user send and receive voice messages in both directions.

[0069] FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the video chat section.

[0070] When a particular character has a high level of favorability toward a particular user, or when a particular user meets the conditions for a particular character, the video chat unit 720 enables the character to conduct a video chat with the user. A video chat is a method in which a user can have a voice call while watching a moving image of the character's face displayed on the screen of the terminal device 2. The video chat unit 720 transmits and receives voice messages and video data in both directions between the character and the user who has been matched.

[0071] The user inputs a message from the terminal device 2 using his / her own voice. The video chat unit 720 converts the input voice data into text data using the Voice to Text device 721. The video chat unit 720 combines the converted text data with the communication history 701 up to the present (or may combine it with the message history as text data) and updates the communication history 701. The video chat unit 720 generates a message creation command statement 722 based on the updated communication history 701, the current events data 801, the user profile information 203 included in the user information 210, and the profile of the character 309 included in the character data 310. The video chat unit 720 inputs the generated message creation command statement 722 to the text generation AI 723, and causes the text generation AI 723 to generate a text message 724 that is a response to the content input by the user. The video chat unit 720 adds the generated text message 724 to the communication history 701 up to the present (or may add it to the message history as text data). The video chat section 720 converts the generated text message 724 into voice data using a Text to Voice device 725 and outputs the voice data to the user via the terminal device 2 .

[0072] The video chat unit 720 judges the emotion of the character based on the message, generates a video of the character based on the emotion, and outputs the video of the character to the terminal device 2 in synchronization with the voice message. Specifically, when the text generation AI 723 creates a text message, the joy / anger / sadness / emotion determination unit 726 synchronously judges the emotion of the character 309 and switches the facial expression video 727 of the character 309 depending on the type of emotion. For example, when the user tells a joke, the emotion determination unit 726 judges the emotion to be "happy," and a video of the character 309 with a smiling expression is output to the user via the terminal device 2. This allows the user to communicate as if they were video chatting with the character.

[0073] FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the date section.

[0074] When a particular character has a high level of favorability toward a particular user, or when a particular user meets certain conditions for a particular character, the dating section 730 makes it possible for the character to arrange and carry out a simulated or virtual date with the user.

[0075] It is assumed that a date will be decided based on the flow of conversation (message transmission and reception, voice call, video chat) between the user and the character. In this case, the dating unit 730 uses the text generation AI 731 to generate a text message 732 in which the character invites the user on a date. The text message 732 inviting the user on a date is a message proposing the date, time and location of an event (movie, meal, etc.) that constitutes the date. The dating unit 730 outputs the generated text message 732 to the terminal device 2 via the messaging unit 800, the voice call unit 710 or the video chat unit 720. The user replies via the terminal device 2 to accept the date.

[0076] The scheduler 733 reserves events that make up a date using a ticket and restaurant reservation API 734. In other words, the scheduler 733 executes a reservation corresponding to the date, time, and location of the date. For example, if the character and the user share a common hobby of watching movies, the character proposes to the user a date to go see a movie (event). If the user accepts this date proposal, the scheduler 733 uses the reservation API 734 to reserve movie tickets.

[0077] If the user does not cancel the movie ticket until the day of the date, the date section 730 determines that the date has actually been realized, and based on this determination condition, stores the date details (events) as experience data 735. The experience data 735 is used for subsequent communication (message transmission / reception, voice call, video chat) by the communication section 700.

[0078] For example, in the case of a date to go to the movies, if the movie ticket is not canceled and the movie shows past the showtime, or if the user is determined to have actually gone to see the movie based on data such as location information indicating that the user went to the movie location, the content of the movie that was virtually seen together is added to the communication. This step is also processed in the same way when the user proposes a date to the character.

[0079] FIG. 15 shows an example of a GUI for taking a selfie.

[0080] When a specific character has a high level of favorability toward a specific user, or when a specific user meets the conditions for a specific character, the selfie shooting unit 740 enables the character and the user to take a selfie. The selfie shooting unit 740 generates a moving image of the character, and displays the moving image of the character on the shooting screen of the terminal device 2 to generate an AR image 741. The user can use the camera attached to the terminal device 2 to take a selfie picture including an AR image 741 of the character displayed as an overlay in the background and a captured image 742 of the user himself. The selfie shooting unit 740 enables the character and the user to virtually take a selfie moving image or still image.

[0081] FIG. 16 shows an example of a GUI when a user sends a gift to a character.

[0082] When a specific character has a high level of favorability toward a specific user, or when a specific user meets the conditions for a specific character, the user can send a gift to the character. The gift sending unit 750 sends a gift from the user to the character on a message screen displayed on the terminal device 2. Specifically, the user selects and purchases a gift from a gift list. Once the purchase is complete, the user selects a character to send the gift to and sends the gift. When the character receives a gift, the gift sending unit 750 displays an image showing the sent gift on the character's profile page. A list of gifts received so far is displayed on the character's profile page.

[0083] FIG. 17 shows an example of a GUI when a user receives a gift from a character.

[0084] When a particular character has a high level of favorability toward a particular user, or when a particular user meets certain conditions for a particular character, the character may send a gift to the user. The gift receiving unit 760 transmits a gift link from the character to the user on a message screen displayed on the terminal device 2. Gifts are provided in the form of e-gifts that can be used at online shops or brick-and-mortar stores, or in the form of avatars or coupon codes that can be used on love matching services. The user can actually use this gift.

[0085] FIG. 18 shows the structure of the microblog section.

[0086] Based on their schedules, the characters post information about their day and what they are doing in the form of a microblog to an unspecified number of users (without specifying the users). By checking the microblogs and reacting to them, the unspecified number of users can increase their favorability towards the characters and use them as a starting point for communication. The microblog unit 770 realizes a microblog in which each character can post images and text and users can take action on the posts. Actions taken by users on the character's posts can also be considered part of the communication between the user and the character. The microblog unit 770 generates text and images based on at least the status of the character 309 based on the character data 310, and outputs them to the terminal device 2 in the form of a microblog.

[0087] The scheduler 771 periodically extracts schedule information 308 that defines the behavior of an arbitrary character 309 from the character data 310, and creates a command statement 772 for generating text and images that share the current status by combining the schedule information 308 with the current events data 801 and the character's profile data 312. For example, when using schedule information 308 that says "I'm going shopping in Ginza with my friends from 14:00 today," the command statement 772 is created, such as "Post reporting that Character A is eating pancakes at a cafe on the way back from shopping in Ginza in light rain," based on the current events data 801 and the character's appearance and food preferences as the character's profile data 312. The image generation AI 773 generates an image from the command statement 772, and the text generation AI 774 generates text from the command statement 772. The microblog unit 770 combines the generated text and image, puts them into the format of a microblog 775, and outputs it to an area where the user can check it via the terminal device 2. Any user can view the microblog 775 and send actions showing affection (such as "likes") to increase the character's favorability and provide an opportunity to communicate with the character.

[0088] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a love matching service that can be used regardless of the circumstances of each individual user. Also, it is possible to provide a love matching service that is similar to love matching between humans and does not feel unnatural.

[0089] As a modification, the present embodiment is not limited to a love matching service between humans and AI characters, but can be applied to various types of matching services between humans and AI characters. In addition, in love matching between humans and AI characters and various types of matching, the partner may not only be a character with a human appearance, but also an illustrated or animated character.

[0090] Although the embodiments and modified examples of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] Matching System 1 Terminal device 2 User interface unit 100 User information registration unit 200 Character Generation Unit 300 Scheduling unit 400 Matching section 500 Evaluation section 600 Communications Department 700 Voice communication unit 710 Video Chat 720 Date Club 730 Selfie Shooting Section 740 Gift Sending Department 750 Gift Reception Section 760 Microblog 770 Messaging Division 800

Claims

1. A matching section that matches multiple characters with multiple users via the user's terminal device A matching system comprising:

2. The matching system according to claim 1, The matching is a romantic match between a virtual character and a human user. Matching system.

3. The matching system according to claim 1, A character generation section that generates the character data that makes up each character The matching system further comprises:

4. The matching system according to claim 3, The character generation unit generates the character data based on feature data of the character; The character data includes image data of the character, profile data of the character, and action schedule data of the character. Matching system.

5. The matching system according to claim 4, The image data is image data for displaying a still image of a character having a human appearance and / or a moving image of a character having a human appearance and performing human actions. Matching system.

6. The matching system according to claim 4, The character data further includes life event data for the character. Matching system.

7. The matching system according to claim 6, The character generation unit updates the image data, the profile data, the action schedule data, and / or the life event data based on the life event data. Matching system.

8. The matching system according to claim 4, a scheduling unit that activates a status of a character when it is determined that the character can use a service based on the action schedule data; The matching system further comprises:

9. The matching system according to claim 8, When the status of the character is active, the matching unit Select users who have not been matched with the character, determining whether or not to send a "interest" from the character to the user based on user profile information registered by the user via a terminal device; When the character sends an "interest" to the user and the user sends an "interest" to the character, a match is made between the character and the user. Matching system.

10. The matching system according to claim 9, a communication section for communicating with the user via a terminal device when the status of the character is active and the user is matched with the character; The matching system further comprises:

11. The matching system according to claim 10, evaluating the character's favorability rating for the user based on a communication history between the character and the user with whom a match has been established; Based on the favorability rating, a behavior pattern from the character to the user is updated. Evaluation section The matching system further comprises:

12. The matching system according to claim 11, The evaluation unit further updates a behavior pattern from the character to a user other than the user based on the likeability rating from the character to the user. Matching system.

13. The matching system according to claim 11, The behavioral patterns include whether or not to communicate, the frequency of communication, the timing of communication, and / or the time lag of communication. Matching system.

14. The matching system according to claim 11, When the character with whom the match has been established has a favorability rating for the user that is equal to or higher than a threshold, the evaluation unit communicates only with the user, and outputs feedback to the terminal devices of the user and the other users indicating that communication will be performed only with the user and not with other users. Matching system.

15. The matching system according to claim 10, the communication unit has a messaging unit for transmitting and receiving text messages between the matched character and the user in both directions on a message screen displayed on the terminal device, The messaging unit generates a message from the character to the user based on at least character data, the user profile information, and a communication history between the character and the user, and outputs the message to the terminal device as a text message. Matching system.

16. The matching system according to claim 10, the communication unit has a voice call unit for transmitting and receiving voice messages between the matched character and the user in both directions, The voice communication unit generates a message from the character to the user based on at least the character data, the user profile information, and a communication history between the character and the user, and outputs the message to the terminal device as a voice message. Matching system.

17. The matching system according to claim 10, the communication unit has a video chat unit for transmitting and receiving voice messages and video data between the matched character and the user in two directions, The video chat unit includes: generating a message from the character to the user based on at least character data, the user profile information, and a communication history between the character and the user, and outputting the message as a voice message to the terminal device; Based on the message, an emotion of the character is determined, an animation of the character is generated based on the emotion, and the animation of the character is output to the terminal device in synchronization with the voice message. Matching system.

18. The matching system according to claim 10, the communication unit has a dating unit in which the matched character and the user virtually go on a date; The date portion is generating a message from the character inviting the user on a date, and outputting the message as a text message to the terminal device; When the user accepts the date via the terminal device, an event constituting the date is reserved, and information on the event is used for communication from the character to the user. Matching system.

19. The matching system according to claim 10, the communication unit has a selfie shooting unit that shoots a virtual selfie video or still image between the character and the user who have been matched, The selfie photographing unit generates a moving image of the character, and displays the moving image of the character on a photographing screen of the terminal device to generate an AR image. Matching system.

20. The matching system according to claim 10, The communication unit includes: sending a gift from the user with whom a match has been established to the character on a message screen displayed on the terminal device; Display an image on the character's profile page showing the gift sent Gift Sending Department The matching system further comprises:

21. The matching system according to claim 10, The communication unit includes: a gift receiving section for transmitting a gift link from the character with which matching has been established to the user on a message screen displayed on the terminal device; The matching system further comprises:

22. The matching system according to claim 10, The communication unit includes: The system further includes a microblog section in which each character can post images and text and users can take action on the posts; The microblog section generates text and images based on at least the character status based on the character data, and outputs the generated text and images to the terminal device. Matching system.

23. The matching system according to claim 3, The character generation unit generates the plurality of characters using AI. Matching system.

24. Matching multiple characters with multiple users via the user's terminal device Matching method.

25. A matching section that matches multiple characters with multiple users via the user's terminal device A matching server comprising:

26. A matching section that matches multiple characters with multiple users via the user's terminal device An information processing program that operates the processor of the matching server as a

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