Avatar analysis system, and behavior analysis method and program for the avatar analysis system

Abstract

To intuitively grasp an avatar's range of movement by displaying the avatar in a planar form processed for bird's-eye view instead of in a 3D model form which is visually difficult to handle. [Solution] In an avatar analysis system in which a server device 1 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 specified communication medium, the server device 1 is equipped with an acquisition unit 16-1 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 unit 16-2 that analyzes the behavior log acquired by the acquisition unit 16-1 and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar, and 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.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space published on a network is communicatively connected via a specified communication medium to a plurality of data terminals that operate a plurality of 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 of data terminals to participate in events such as exhibitions that utilize a virtual space open to the public on a network to move a representative avatar through the virtual space, thereby enabling them to view items in a mall set up in the virtual space and receive explanations of the items from the avatar in the mall.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses that "in order to provide a technology for managing 3D images such as 3D 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 interactions between the user and 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] When it is assumed that multiple avatars participate in an exhibition held in a virtual space such as that described above, the organizers of the exhibition may want to analyze the behavior of each avatar corresponding to each individual user participating.

[0006] For example, if there are multiple booths at an exhibition, an avatar will stay longer at a booth that catches his / her 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] In addition, even if avatars move in 3D space, it has been reported that there is no practical system that can adequately meet the demand to analyze the movement history of multiple objects on which avatars are 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 the avatar analysis system, which manages avatar movement data linked to a virtual space for retrospective analysis of the spatial movement history of multiple avatars moving in a virtual space, and displays the avatar's range of movement in a planar manner with an overhead view instead of in a visually difficult to handle 3D model format, 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 for achieving the above object is an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space published 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 comprising: an acquisition means that acquires an action log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates; a visualization means that analyzes the action log acquired by the acquisition means and visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar in the virtual space; and a visualization means that visualizes the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized in the virtual space by the visualization means. Even if there are duplicates The virtual space from Corresponding to the overhead plane Each area The present invention is characterized by comprising a generating means for generating behavior display information for identification and display. Effect of the Invention

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

[0011] The drawings show specific 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 a configuration of an avatar analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a server device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of first to fourth data terminals connected to the server device illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating programs stored in a RAM illustrated in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing by the first to third data terminals shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a data processing procedure of the server device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data processing in the fourth data terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining avatar movement analysis in the avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0013] <System configuration> [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of an avatar analysis system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, an example is explained in which the behavioral patterns of avatars operated by users participating in an exhibition open to the public in a virtual space are analyzed, but 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, and this analysis system can be used for genres other than those targeted by users participating in virtual spaces. Therefore, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to exhibitions open to the public in a virtual space. Furthermore, the subjects that the user is interested in at the exhibition are represented as objects, and this object also includes advertising images 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 published 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.

[0015] In FIG. 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 placed in the virtual space event venue to view 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, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, and the 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 executes a process of creating a user movement space map in the form of a plan view of the virtual space, described later, for each user, and displaying 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 given the same reference numerals.

[0018] In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a communication unit which connects and controls communication between 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 which are connected to a network 21 as a communication medium.

[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 an API. It also executes the processing of various programs deployed on the RAM 16.

[0020] Reference numeral 15 denotes 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 an action log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with the movement area specified by the virtual space coordinates, a visualization unit 16-2 that analyzes the action log acquired by the acquisition unit 16-1 and visualizes the action area of ​​each avatar, 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, 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 in the object, and an evaluation unit 16-5 that evaluates the appropriateness of the layout of each object from the action history of each avatar with respect to each object. The CPU 13 appropriately cooperates with these units to execute complex data processing, so that it is possible to visualize the action area of ​​the avatars as described below and create a report that creates advice or suggestions that will be useful for the booth layout in the production of the next virtual space.

[0023] The generation unit 16-3 has a function of generating a heat map showing the 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 be configured to focus on a particular avatar and display the avatar point moving in time series.

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

[0026] Fig. 3 is a block diagram explaining the configuration of the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N connected to the server device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the first data terminals 3-1 to 3-N, the second data terminals 4-1 to 4-N, the third data terminals 5-1 to 5-N, and the 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 loads an OS and a control program stored in a ROM 302 into a RAM 303 and executes them to execute various applications. 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] 3(b), 303-1 is a UI control unit that controls the display of the virtual space on the display device 311 based on screen information acquired from the metaverse platform 1A via the network 21. 310 is a keyboard that, together with a pointing device (not shown), is configured to be able to input text onto the screen displayed on the 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, by using an external storage device such as an SSD (not shown).

[0030] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of data processing of 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, and each step 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 a metaverse app (program) provided by the server device 1, displays an avatar representing the user on the display device 311, and moves the avatar 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 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 begins 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 operates to stop the avatar in front of an object of interest. 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 give 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 ends the process. It should be noted that steps (2), (4), (6), and (8) indicate cooperative processing with the server device 1, and details thereof will be explained in association with data processing by the server device 1.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining 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 a user who has logged in and entered the metaverse platform 1A, which was notified to the server device 1 from the data terminal main body in step (2) (11), and then receives, via the network 21, position information associated with the movement of the avatar operated by the user on each user terminal main body (position information determined in 3D (position information transmitted to the server device 1 in step (4) shown in Figure 4)) (12), and links this to the avatar and stores it in the avatar position information area secured in the database 14 (13).

[0040] Furthermore, if the user of the data terminal main unit is operating an avatar, in step (6), user position information similar to that 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 an avatar position information area secured in the database 14 (15).

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

[0042] Then, in step (8) shown in FIG. 4, this process is terminated until the user of the data terminal 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 body (16).

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

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

[0045] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of data processing of the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N shown in Fig. 1. Note that (21) to (26) indicate each step, and each step 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 in 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, which is stored in database 14 on the server device 1 side, is stored and managed in 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, since the bird's-eye view processing is already performed on the server device 1 side, the CPU 301 acquires avatar log data for the bird's-eye view development area on the work memory of the RAM 303, which is allocated in advance to accommodate the virtual space bird's-eye view created for each event.

[0050] Then, the CPU 301 draws (develops an image of) 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 drawing has not been completed for all users, the process returns to step (24) and repeats the same process.

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

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

[0054] In these figures, AV1, AV11 to AV13 represent objects representing avatars, OJ1 and OJ2 are objects arranged in a 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, OJ2 and an avatar AV1 arranged in a three-dimensional space move around and remain in their current positions.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an area in which a plurality of avatars AV11 to AV13 move within a three-dimensional space.

[0057] In this manner, in this embodiment, after an event that uses the virtual reality space has ended, the administrator can retroactively recognize the avatar's area of ​​activity not as a 3D image, but as an overhead 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 in a virtual reality space and where he or she leaves, it is possible to obtain valuable log information for designing the layout 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 bird's-eye 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 bird's-eye view processing is performed on the fourth data terminals 2-1 to 2-N operated by an 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 more customized system for analyzing the behavior of avatars by creating a specific analysis tool.

[0061] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more of the 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 an acquisition step of acquiring a behavior log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a 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 regarding the present invention described above can be summarized at least as follows.

[0064] (1) An avatar analysis system in which a server device providing a virtual space published on a network and a plurality of data terminals operating a plurality of avatars acting in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, the server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring an action log by correlating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates; a visualization means for analyzing the action log acquired by the acquisition means and visualizing the movement area of ​​each avatar in the virtual space; and a visualization means for visualizing the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized in the virtual space by the visualization means. Even if there are duplicates The virtual space from Corresponding to the overhead plane Each area The present invention is characterized by comprising a generating means for generating behavior display information for identification and display.

[0066] ( 2 ) A storage means for acquiring and storing attributes of a user operating each of the avatars, and an analysis means for indexing and analyzing the degree of interest of each avatar in each object based on the viewing time that each avatar spends in each object placed in the virtual space.

[0067] ( 3 ) evaluation means for evaluating the appropriateness of the layout of each object based on the action history of each avatar with respect to each object.

[0069] ( 4 ) A behavior analysis method for an avatar analysis system in which a server device providing a virtual space published on a network and a plurality of data terminals operating a plurality of avatars acting in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium, the server device comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a behavior log by correlating 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 behavior log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the movement area of ​​each avatar in the virtual space; and a visualization step of visualizing the movement area of ​​each avatar visualized in the virtual space in the visualization step. Even if there are duplicates The virtual space from Corresponding to the overhead plane Each area The method further comprises a generating step of generating behavior display information for identifying and displaying the behavior.

[0070] ( 5 ) an acquisition step of acquiring an action log by associating the stay time of each avatar moving in the virtual space with a movement area specified by virtual space coordinates in a server computer in an avatar analysis in which a server device providing a virtual space published on a network and a plurality of data terminals operating a plurality of avatars acting in the virtual space are communicatively connected via a predetermined communication medium; a visualization step of analyzing the action log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the action area of ​​each avatar in the virtual space; and Even if there are duplicates The virtual space from Corresponding to the overhead plane Each area The method is characterized by a generating step of generating behavior display information for identification and display, and a program for executing the generating step. [Industrial Applicability]

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

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

Claims

1. An avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space 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 includes: an acquisition means for acquiring 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 means for analyzing the action log acquired by the acquisition means and visualizing the action range of each avatar in a virtual space; a generating means for generating action display information for identifying and displaying each area of ​​the avatars visualized in the virtual space by associating the areas with a plane viewed from the virtual space even if the areas overlap each other; An avatar analysis system comprising:

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

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

4. A behavior analysis method for an avatar analysis system in which a server device that provides a virtual space published 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 includes: an acquisition step of acquiring 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 step of analyzing the action log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the action range of each avatar in a virtual space; a generating step of generating behavior display information for identifying and displaying each area of ​​the avatars visualized in the virtual space in the visualization step, even if the areas of the avatars overlap each other, by associating the areas with a plane viewed from the virtual space; A behavior analysis method for an avatar analysis system comprising:

5. A server computer in an avatar analysis system is connected to a server device that provides a virtual space 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 so as to be communicatively connected to the server device via a predetermined communication medium, an acquisition step of acquiring 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 step of analyzing the action log acquired in the acquisition step and visualizing the action range of each avatar in a virtual space; a generating step of generating behavior display information for identifying and displaying each area of ​​the avatars visualized in the virtual space in the visualization step, even if the areas of the avatars overlap each other, by associating the areas with a plane viewed from the virtual space; A program characterized by executing the above.

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