Avatar analysis system, behavior analysis method of avatar analysis system, and program

Abstract

To intuitively grasp an action area of an avatar by displaying the action area of the avatar in a plane mode subjected to bird' s-eye view processing instead of a 3D model mode which is difficult to visually handle.SOLUTION: In an avatar analysis system in which a server device 1 that provides a virtual space published on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars acting in the virtual space are communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium, the server device 1 includes an acquisition unit 16-1 that acquires an action log by associating a stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates, a visualization unit 16-2 that analyzes the action log acquired by the acquisition unit 16-1 and visualizes an action area of each avatar, and a generation unit 16-3 that generates action display information for identifying and displaying the action area of each avatar visualized by the visualization unit 16-2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space made public on a network is communicatively connected via a specified communication medium to multiple data terminals that operate multiple avatars that act in the virtual space, and a behavioral analysis method and program for the avatar analysis system. [Background technology]

[0002] A system has been put into practical use that allows users using data terminals to attend events such as exhibitions that use virtual spaces made public on a network to move their proxy avatars around in the virtual space, thereby enabling them to view items in a mall that unfolds in the virtual space and receive explanations of the items from the avatars on the mall.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses that "in order to provide a technology for managing three-dimensional images such as three-dimensional avatars while taking into consideration privacy protection, the system includes a basic avatar generation unit 1 that generates a basic avatar, a visibility level setting unit 2 that sets the visibility level of the avatar in relation to a specific user, a visibility level adjustment unit 3 that adjusts the appearance of the basic avatar according to the set visibility level, and an avatar data output unit 4 that outputs avatar data to the outside. The visibility level setting unit 2 includes an interaction analysis unit 7 that analyzes the user's interactions with other users, a behavior analysis unit 8 that analyzes the behavior of other users, and a visibility level determination unit 9 that determines the visibility level of the basic avatar in relation to each individual other user based on the results of these analyses." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7161802 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If multiple avatars are expected to participate in an exhibition held in a virtual space such as the one described above, the organizers may want to analyze the behavior of each avatar corresponding to each participating user.

[0006] For example, if there are multiple booths at an exhibition, an avatar will stay longer at the booth that catches their interest and move around the exhibition space while looking at the items on display. In order to analyze the behavioral history of each avatar, some kind of tracking function is required.

[0007] Furthermore, even if an avatar moves in 3D space, it has been reported that there is no practical system that can adequately meet the demand for analyzing the movement history of multiple objects on which the avatar is placed after the fact.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an avatar analysis system and a behavioral analysis method and program for an avatar analysis system that manages avatar movement data linked to the virtual space for retrospective analysis of the spatial movement history of multiple avatars moving in the virtual space, and displays the avatar's range of movement in a planar form with an overhead view instead of in a visually difficult to handle 3D model form, thereby allowing the user to intuitively grasp the avatar's range of movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The avatar analysis system of the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object is an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space made public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, and is characterized in that the server device is equipped with an acquisition means that acquires a behavior log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with the movement area specified by virtual space coordinates, a visualization means that analyzes the behavior log acquired by the acquisition means and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar, and a generation means that generates behavior display information for identifying and displaying the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized by the visualization means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, avatar movement data for retrospective analysis of the spatial movement history of multiple avatars moving in a virtual space is linked to the virtual space and managed, and the avatar's range of movement is displayed in a planar form with an overhead view instead of in a visually difficult to handle 3D model form, allowing the avatar's range of movement to be intuitively grasped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an avatar analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of first to fourth data terminals connected to the server device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating programs stored in the RAM shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by the first to third data terminals shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure of the server device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by the fourth data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <System configuration description> [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an avatar analysis system according to this embodiment. While this embodiment describes an example of analyzing the behavioral patterns of avatars operated by users participating in an exhibition open to the public in a virtual space, it is also possible to analyze the behavioral patterns of avatars operated by users participating in entertainment open to the public in a virtual space. This analysis system can also be used for genres other than those targeted by users participating in virtual spaces. Therefore, the scope of application of this invention is not limited to exhibitions open to the public in a virtual space. Furthermore, the objects that interest users at the exhibition are represented as objects, and these objects also include advertising images that are displayed on a display rendered in the virtual space.

[0014] This example is an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space that is made public on a network is communicatively connected to multiple data terminals that operate multiple avatars that act in the virtual space via a specified communication medium.

[0015] In Figure 1, first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, and third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N access a virtual space event venue held on the metaverse platform 1A made public by server device 1 on network 21, and after completing the user registration procedure as a participant, each authenticated user can receive services such as touring each 3D booth located in the virtual space event venue to view the exhibited items and using conference rooms set up by exhibitors to conduct business negotiations.

[0016] 2-1 to 2-N are fourth data terminals that access the virtual space event venue held on the metaverse platform 1A made public by the server device 1 on the network 21, and after completing the user registration procedure as an administrator, the authenticated administrator obtains virtual space movement area information for each user from the database 14 when each user operating the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, and third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N visits each booth at the virtual space event venue, views the exhibited items, and moves around the virtual space, and creates a user movement space map for each user in the form of a plan view of the virtual space, which will be described later, and displays it for identification on the display 17.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the server device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0018] In FIG. 2, 11 denotes a communication unit which connects first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N connected to a network 21 as a communication medium, and controls communication.

[0019] A CPU 13 starts an operating system (OS) stored in an external memory 18 connected to the internal bus 12, and starts various applications installed via the API. It also processes various programs deployed on the RAM 16.

[0020] 15 is a keyboard, which is used to input numbers, text, and icon commands for running applications.

[0021] Reference numeral 16 denotes an expandable RAM, which expands and stores the basic program of the metaverse platform 1A installed in the external memory 18. Reference numeral 17 denotes a display, which displays the program's running status via various UI screens (not shown).

[0022] The basic program in this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 16-1 that acquires a behavior log by correlating the time spent by each avatar moving through the virtual space with the movement area specified by the virtual space coordinates; a visualization unit 16-2 that analyzes the behavior log acquired by the acquisition unit 16-1 and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar; a generation unit 16-3 that generates behavior display information for identifying and displaying the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized by the visualization unit 16-2; an analysis unit 16-4 that indexes and analyzes the interest level of each avatar in each object placed in the virtual space based on the viewing time each avatar spends at each object; and an evaluation unit 16-5 that evaluates the appropriateness of the layout of each object from the movement history of each avatar with respect to each object.The CPU 13 appropriately cooperates with these units to perform complex data processing, so that the movement area of ​​the avatars can be visualized as described below, and a report can be created that provides useful advice or suggestions for booth layout in the creation of the next virtual space.

[0023] The generation unit 16-3 has a function of generating a heat map showing behavior display information associated with a plane overlooking the virtual space area, creating an analysis diagram as described below, and registering it in the database 14.

[0024] In this case, the generation unit 16-3 generates behavior display information that displays areas where the action ranges of avatars moving in the virtual space overlap in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other areas, thereby making it possible to display an analysis diagram with excellent visibility on the display 17. Although the analysis diagram is shown in a two-dimensional form, it may also be configured to focus on a specific avatar and display the avatar point moving in time series.

[0025] 19 is an AI support unit that may be configured to aggregate the virtual space coordinates of avatars moving at each virtual space event venue stored in database 14, analyze the range of movement for each avatar, and perform retrospective analysis of the movement status of avatars based on parameters received from the attributes of registered user information (including age, gender, hobbies, region, and device).

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N connected to server device 1 shown in Figure 1. Note that the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N are assumed to be pad devices, PC devices, smartphones, etc.

[0027] 3(a), reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which executes various applications by loading an OS and control programs stored in a ROM 302 into a RAM 303 and executing them. Various information is input and icons displayed on a user interface screen (UI screen) are clicked directly on a display device 311. Reference numeral 304 denotes a communication unit, which controls communication for connecting to a server device 1 connected to a network 21.

[0028] In RAM 303 shown in Fig. 3(b), 303-1 is a UI control unit that controls the display of the virtual space on display device 311 based on screen information acquired from metaverse platform 1A via network 21. 310 is a keyboard that, together with a pointing device (not shown), is configured to be able to input text on the screen displayed on display device 311 and to point to displayed icons and buttons.

[0029] The CPU 301 manages account information (user ID, password) registered by a user in the metaverse platform 1A that the server device 1 makes public on the network, using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0030] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by the first to third data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N, and 5-1 to 5-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step, which is realized by CPU 301 executing a program stored in an external memory (not shown).

[0031] First, a user of the first to third data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, 4-1 to 4-N, 5-1 to 5-N turns on the power of the data terminal body and starts up the OS (1), and then the UI control unit 303-1 starts up a browser stored in external memory and logs in to one of the virtual reality pages using pre-registered account information with the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21 (2).

[0032] Next, the user launches the metaverse app (program) provided by the server device 1, displays an avatar representing the user on the display device 311, and moves it freely within any of the virtual reality spaces provided by the server device 1 by operating a pointing device (not shown) (3).

[0033] This makes it possible to move an avatar from the real world to a virtual mall exhibition (virtual event) set up in the virtual reality space, for example, and experience moving around the virtual reality space and viewing various objects.

[0034] At this time, the data terminal main body transmits coordinate values ​​in the 3D space as position information to the server device 1 via the network 21 (4).

[0035] Then, the user operating the data terminal starts sending instructions to the server device 1 to move the avatar, and the avatar displayed on the display device 311 moves within the virtual reality space (5) until the user stops the avatar in front of an object of interest, and when the avatar stops moving, its position information is sent to the server device 1 (6).

[0036] Next, the user of the data terminal determines whether or not to issue an instruction to exit the virtual reality space (7), and if not, returns to step (3) and repeats the same process.

[0037] On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines in step (7) that an operation to exit has been performed, it transmits an exit notification to the server device 1 (8) and terminates the process. Steps (2), (4), (6), and (8) indicate the processing performed in cooperation with the server device 1, and the details will be explained in association with the data processing performed by the server device 1.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the data processing procedure of the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that (11) to (16) indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 13 executing a program stored in the external memory 18.

[0039] First, the CPU 13 acquires, via the network 21, user information about the user who has logged in and entered the metaverse platform 1A, which was notified to the server device 1 in step (2) from the data terminal main body (11), and then receives, via the network 21, position information (position information determined in 3D (position information sent to the server device 1 in step (4) shown in Figure 4)) associated with the avatar operated by the user on each user terminal main body (12), and stores the information in an avatar position information area secured in the database 14, linking it to the avatar (13).

[0040] Furthermore, if the user of the data terminal main body is operating an avatar, in step (6), the same user position information as described above is transmitted to the server device 1 via the network 21. When the user position information is received (14), it is linked to the avatar and stored in the avatar position information area reserved in the database 14 (15).

[0041] As a result, as the avatar operated by the user of the data terminal unit repeatedly moves and stops within the virtual reality space, the position information of each avatar is accumulated in the database 14 over time.

[0042] Then, in step (8) shown in Figure 4, this process is terminated until the user on the data terminal main body performs an operation to exit from the metaverse platform 1A, specifically, when it is determined that an instruction indicating the end of user information acquisition has been received from the data terminal main body (16).

[0043] As a result, the database 14 stores position information (3D position information) linked to each avatar.

[0044] However, analyzing virtual reality space as three-dimensional information requires processing a huge amount of data. Therefore, in this system, the movement status of each avatar is processed by overlooking the virtual reality space, as shown in Figure 6, which will be described later.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (21) to (26) indicate each step, which is realized by CPU 301 executing a program stored in an external memory (not shown).

[0046] The fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N log in with administrator privileges to the virtual reality space developed on the metaverse platform 1A of the server device 1, and launch an analysis page (not shown) (21).

[0047] In this embodiment, the location information of each avatar's movement stored in the database 14 on the server device 1 side is stored and managed in the database 14 as virtual space overhead view information that has been two-dimensionalized so that it can be processed as planar coordinates.

[0048] Next, the authorized person operating the fourth data terminal 2-1 to 2-N inputs the necessary search conditions (name of the event held, event publication period, event type, total number of event participants, etc.), and the CPU 301 starts reading the accumulated location information from the database 14 (22). Once the display period is set by the authorized person operating the fourth data terminal 2-1 to 2-N (23), the CPU 301 retrieves the location information logs of all users from the database 14 (24).

[0049] In this process, as described above, the server device 1 is already performing the overhead view processing, so the CPU 301 acquires avatar log data for the overhead view development area on the work memory of the RAM 303, which is allocated in accordance with the virtual space overhead view created in advance for each event.

[0050] Then, the CPU 301 draws (images) the log data on the overhead view of the virtual space in the work memory (25).

[0051] Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the position information has been drawn for all users (26), and if it determines that the drawing has not been completed for all users, the CPU 301 returns to step (24) and repeats the same process.

[0052] On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines in step (26) that drawing has been completed for all users, it ends this process.

[0053] 7 to 9 are explanatory diagrams for avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0054] In these figures, AV1, AV11 to AV13 represent objects that represent avatars, OJ1 and OJ2 are objects that are placed in the virtual reality space, with object OJ1 corresponding to a fountain and object OJ2 corresponding to a building (house).

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a state in which objects OJ1 and OJ2 and an avatar AV1 arranged in a three-dimensional space move around and remain at their current positions.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the area in which the multiple avatars AV11 to AV13 move within a three-dimensional space.

[0057] In this embodiment, after an event using a virtual reality space has ended, the administrator can retroactively recognize the avatar's range of activity not as a 3D image, but as a bird's-eye view of the virtual reality space, i.e., the relationship with the avatar and objects in a planar view as shown in Figure 9.

[0058] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, by identifying data on which objects a user (avatar) is interested in and where they leave in a virtual reality space, it is possible to obtain valuable log information for designing layouts of spaces and objects where users will spend longer periods of time.

[0059] Second Embodiment In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the overhead view processing is performed on the server device 1 side, but the configuration may also be such that 3D position information of the avatar's movement is obtained from the server device 1 and the overhead view processing is performed on the fourth data terminal 2-1 to 2-N side operated by the administrator.

[0060] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, the data processing burden on the server device 1 is reduced, and the administrator can freely create a system for analyzing the behavior of avatars in a more customized manner by creating specific analysis tools.

[0061] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0062] Specifically, the program is configured to cause a server computer in an avatar analysis system, which is communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium to a server device that provides a virtual space made public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space, to execute the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring a behavior log by correlating the time spent by each avatar moving in the virtual space with the movement area identified by virtual space coordinates; a visualization step of analyzing the behavior log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the movement area of ​​each avatar; and a generation step of generating behavior display information for identifying and displaying the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized in the visualization step.

[0063] The disclosure of the present invention described above can be summarized at least as follows.

[0064] (1) An avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space made public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device is characterized by having an acquisition means that acquires a behavior log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with the movement area specified by virtual space coordinates, a visualization means that analyzes the behavior log acquired by the acquisition means and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar, and a generation means that generates behavior display information to identify and display the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized by the visualization means.

[0065] (2) The generating means generates a heat map showing behavior display information associated with a plane overlooking the virtual space area.

[0066] (3) It is characterized by having a storage means for acquiring and storing the attributes of the user operating each avatar, and an analysis means for indexing and analyzing the interest level of each avatar in each object based on the viewing time each avatar spends in each object placed in the virtual space.

[0067] (4) The system is characterized by comprising an evaluation means for evaluating the appropriateness of the layout of each object based on the behavior history of each avatar with respect to each object.

[0068] (5) The generating means generates behavior display information that displays an area where the action areas of the avatars moving in the virtual space overlap in a manner that makes the area distinguishable from other areas.

[0069] (6) A behavior analysis method for an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space made public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the server device is characterized by comprising: an acquisition step that acquires a behavior log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with the movement area specified by virtual space coordinates; a visualization step that analyzes the behavior log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar; and a generation step that generates behavior display information for identifying and displaying the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized in the visualization step.

[0070] (7) A server computer in an avatar analysis system is communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium to a server device that provides a virtual space made public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that move in the virtual space. The server device is characterized by a program that causes the server device to execute the following steps: an acquisition step that acquires a behavior log by correlating the time spent by each avatar moving in the virtual space with the movement area identified by the virtual space coordinates; a visualization step that analyzes the behavior log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar; and a generation step that generates behavior display information for identifying and displaying the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized in the visualization step. [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which objects that attract attention at an event are analyzed by analyzing avatars corresponding to users who enter the virtual space. However, it is also possible to incorporate a process into this system in which multiple stores, Stores A to C, are created in the virtual space and an evaluation is made to determine which store is the most effective, and to provide a service that provides feedback that provides useful information for the exhibitor's planned renovation of their real store. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Server device 1A Metaverse Platform 2-1~2-N 4th data terminal 3-1~3-N First data terminal 4-1~4-N Second data terminal 5-1~5-N Third Data Terminal

Claims

1. An avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space that is open to the public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, The server device an acquisition means for acquiring a behavior log by associating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates; visualization means for analyzing the action log acquired by the acquisition means and visualizing the action range of each avatar; a generating means for generating behavior display information for distinguishably displaying the behavioral range of each avatar visualized by the visualizing means; An avatar analysis system comprising:

2. 2. The avatar analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the generating means generates a heat map showing the behavior display information associated with a plane overlooking the virtual space area.

3. a storage means for acquiring and storing attributes of a user who operates each of the avatars; an analysis means for indexing and analyzing the degree of interest of each avatar in each object placed in the virtual space based on the viewing time of each avatar staying at the object; The avatar analysis system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. 2. The avatar analysis system according to claim 1, further comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating the appropriateness of the layout of each object based on the behavior history of each avatar with respect to each object.

5. The avatar analysis system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the generation means generates behavior display information that displays areas where the action areas of avatars moving in the virtual space overlap in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other areas.

6. A behavior analysis method for an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space that is open to the public on a network and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: The server device an acquisition step of acquiring a behavior log by associating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates; a visualization step of analyzing the action log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the action range of each avatar; a generating step of generating behavior display information for distinguishably displaying the behavioral range of each avatar visualized in the visualizing step; A behavior analysis method for an avatar analysis system, comprising:

7. A server computer in an avatar analysis system is connected to a server device that provides a virtual space that is open to the public on a network via a predetermined communication medium, and a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of avatars that act in the virtual space, so that they can communicate with each other. an acquisition step of acquiring a behavior log by associating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates; a visualization step of analyzing the action log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the action range of each avatar; a generating step of generating behavior display information for distinguishably displaying the behavioral range of each avatar visualized in the visualizing step; A program that is configured to execute the following.

Images