Area Value Assessment System

Abstract

The present invention appropriately evaluates the value of a region in which display information such as an advertisement is presented in a virtual space such as an AR space.　A region value evaluation system 10 evaluates the value of a region in which display information to be displayed is placed in a virtual space that is used for display on an information processing device 20 and corresponds in position to a real space. The region value evaluation system 10 comprises: an evaluation information acquisition unit 11 that acquires evaluation information including position information indicating the position in the real space of the information processing device 20 that provides a display using the virtual space; and an evaluation unit 12 that performs aggregation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11, and evaluates the value of the region on the basis of the aggregation result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a region value evaluation system for evaluating the value of regions in a virtual space.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been proposed to present advertisements to users in an AR (Augmented Reality) space, which is a virtual space associated with the real space (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is conceivable that a provider of an AR space sells to a third party a region for presenting content such as advertisements in the AR space. In order to sell a region in the AR space, it is necessary to set a price according to the region. However, conventionally, there has been no method for appropriately evaluating the value of the region, and such a method is required when selling the region.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a region value evaluation system that can appropriately evaluate the value of a region for presenting display information such as advertisements in a virtual space such as an AR space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a region value evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a region value evaluation system that evaluates the value of a region in a virtual space that is used for display in an information processing device and whose position corresponds to the real space, and in which display information is arranged. The region value evaluation system includes an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information including position information indicating the position of the information processing device in the real space that is performing display using the virtual space, and an evaluation unit that performs aggregation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit and evaluates the value of the region based on the aggregation result.

[0007] In the region value evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the value of the region is evaluated in consideration of the position of the information processing device in the real space that is performing display using the virtual space. Thereby, for example, the value of the region to be evaluated can be made to correspond to the advertising effect of the region. Therefore, according to the region value evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the value of a region that presents display information such as an advertisement in a virtual space such as an AR space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the value of a region that presents display information such as an advertisement in a virtual space such as an AR space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the area value evaluation system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an area value evaluation system 10 according to the present embodiment. The area value evaluation system 10 is a system (device) that evaluates the value of an area where display information to be displayed is arranged in a virtual space that is used for display in the information processing device 20 and whose position corresponds to the real space. The virtual space is used, for example, for AR display in the information processing device 20. In the present embodiment, the virtual space used for AR display will be described as an example. Note that the virtual space may be used other than AR display as long as it is used for display in the information processing device 20 and its position corresponds to the real space.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows an example of AR display in the information processing device 20. In an AR space, which is a virtual space used for AR display, content 100, which is display information displayed in the information processing device 20, is arranged in a pre-positioned area. The position of the AR space corresponds to the position of the real space. Therefore, the area of the AR space where the content 100 is arranged also corresponds to some position in the real space. In the area value evaluation system 10, the correspondence relationship between the positions of the AR space and the real space is stored in advance, and the stored correspondence relationship is used for the functions of the area value evaluation system 10 described later.

[0013] The information processing device 20 is a device carried and used by a user, and is, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 may be a device worn by the user, for example, AR glasses (in this case, the information processing device 20 is worn on the user's head, specifically, the eye part). Note that in FIG. 2, only one information processing device 20 is depicted, but usually, there are a plurality of information processing devices 20 used by a plurality of users respectively.

[0014] The information processing device 20 includes an imaging device and a display device. The imaging device may be an existing one, for example, a camera normally provided in a smartphone or the like. The display device may be an existing one, for example, a display normally provided in a smartphone or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 20 displays an image of the real space captured by the imaging device on the display screen 20a of the display device. The information processing device 20 superimposes and displays the content 100 arranged in the region of the AR space corresponding to the position of the real space shown in the image on the image of the real space. The content 100 is, for example, an advertisement. That is, the content 100 is used as a virtual billboard in AR display. Note that the content 100 does not have to be an advertisement, and may be anything as long as it is arranged in the AR space and displayed on the information processing device 20.

[0015] The AR display in the information processing device 20 may be performed in the same manner as in the prior art. For example, the AR display is performed by an AR display application installed in the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 performs AR display by transmitting and receiving information to and from a server for AR display by the application. Note that the AR display may be performed by a method other than the above. Also, the functions of the information processing device 20 according to the present embodiment described later may be realized by an AR display application.

[0016] An operator who allows the information processing device 20 to perform AR display (for example, an operator who provides a server and an application for the above-mentioned AR display) can provide an area in which the content 100 in the virtual space is arranged to a third party for a fee. That is, a third party can purchase the right to present an advertisement in the AR space and present the advertisement in the AR space. Since a position in the AR space corresponds to a position in the real space, there are areas in the AR space where the user is likely to see (viewability) and areas where the possibility is low. It is possible to set the price of the area where the possibility is high and the price of the area where the possibility is low to be high. For example, it is possible to sell the content placement usage right of a certain area at 1 million yen / h, the content placement usage right of another area at 300,000 yen / h, and the content placement usage right of yet another area at 500,000 yen / h to a content owner.

[0017] The area value assessment system 10 assesses the value of an area in the AR space where the content 100 is arranged. The value of the area evaluated by the area value evaluation system 10 may be the price of the area itself as described above, or may be a standard for the price of the area. For example, the value of an area in an AR space is increased as the area is more likely to be viewed by users and the advertising effect is higher. The area value evaluation system 10 may evaluate the value of the area using evaluation standards other than those described above. The area value evaluation system 10 may also evaluate a value having a meaning other than price.

[0018] The area value evaluation system 10 is composed of a computer such as a PC (personal computer) or a server device. The area value evaluation system 10 may be composed of a plurality of computers, i.e., a computer system. The area value evaluation system 10 and the information processing device 20 each have a communication function and can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a communication network. The communication function may be an existing one.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the area value evaluation system 10 receives an input of information related to an evaluation request and outputs information indicating a price according to the information. For example, a person who wishes to present the content 100 in the AR space inputs information related to an evaluation request in order to know the price of presenting the content 100. The information related to the evaluation request is information indicating the area in the AR space where the content 100 is to be arranged, the target attribute of the content 100 (for whom the content 100 is), and the time zone in which the content is to be distributed (presented). The area value evaluation system 10 outputs the price of the area in the AR space according to the input information.

[0020] Subsequently, the functions of the area value evaluation system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the area value evaluation system 10 includes an evaluation information acquisition unit 11 and an evaluation unit 12.

[0021] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 is a functional unit that acquires evaluation information used for evaluating the value of an area in a virtual space. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation information including position information indicating the position of the information processing device 20 in the real space where the display using the virtual space is being performed. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information including display status information indicating the display status of the virtual space in the information processing device 20. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information including display status information indicating the time-series display status of the virtual space in the information processing device 20.

[0022] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire an image of the real space captured by an imaging device provided in the information processing device 20, estimate the position of the information processing device 20 based on the acquired image of the real space, and acquire position information. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information including an image of the real space captured by an imaging device provided in the information processing device 20. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information including time-series images of the real space captured by an imaging device provided in the information processing device 20. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information corresponding to the time. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information including attribute information indicating the attributes of the user of the information processing device 20.

[0023] For example, the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation information as follows. When the information processing device 20 is performing AR display, the information processing device 20 transmits the image being displayed to the area value evaluation system 10. The image being displayed when the information processing device 20 is performing AR display, that is, the image transmitted from the information processing device 20 to the area value evaluation system 10, is, as described above, an image of the real space captured by an imaging device provided in the information processing device 20 with the content 100 of the AR space superimposed thereon. The image transmitted from the information processing device 20 to the area value evaluation system 10 is an image of the real space and is display status information indicating the display status using the virtual space. For example, when an AR display application is operating in the information processing device 20, the information processing device 20 performs the above transmission by the application.

[0024] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 receives and acquires the image transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 estimates the position of the information processing apparatus 20 in the real space based on the acquired image, and acquires position information indicating the position of the information processing apparatus 20 in the real space. The position information is, for example, information indicating the coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the real space. However, the position information may be information other than the above as long as it indicates the position of the information processing apparatus 20 in the real space. The estimation of the position from the image may be performed by an existing technique. For example, the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 stores in advance the information indicating the position in association with the information related to the image such as feature points. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 extracts the information related to the input image, such as the feature points of the acquired image. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 collates the extracted feature points, etc. with the information related to the image of the stored feature points, etc. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 estimates the position of the information processing apparatus 20 from the stored association information and the collation result.

[0025] While the AR display application is operating in the information processing apparatus 20 itself, the information processing apparatus 20 periodically transmits images to the area value evaluation system 10. That is, the information processing apparatus 20 transmits time-series images to the area value evaluation system 10. For example, the information processing apparatus 20 may transmit a moving image to the area value evaluation system 10. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 performs the above-described position estimation every time it acquires an image from the information processing apparatus 20.

[0026] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire the position information of the information processing apparatus 20 by a method other than the above. For example, the information processing apparatus 20 may perform positioning of itself and transmit the position information of itself to the area value evaluation system 10, and the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may receive and acquire the position information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20.

[0027] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may use the image itself transmitted from the information processing device 20 as evaluation information. As described above, the image is an image of the real space and is display status information indicating the display status using the virtual space. The image of the real space and the display status information may be separate information, for example, separate images. The display status information may be an image on which the content 100 is displayed, that is, an image superimposed on the image of the real space. Further, the display status information does not have to be an image, and may be information indicating the content 100 displayed in the image. Further, the display status information may be information indicating the position of the content 100 in the image (for example, coordinates in the image).

[0028] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information according to the time. For example, the information processing device 20 transmits information such as an image to the area value evaluation system 10 in real time. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 sets the time when it receives evaluation information such as an image from the information processing device 20 as the time related to the evaluation information such as the image. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 adds information indicating the time to the evaluation information such as an image and transmits it to the area value evaluation system 10. The time is, for example, the time when the image is displayed in the information processing device 20 if it is an image, and the time when the position information is measured in the information processing device 20 if it is position information. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 receives and acquires evaluation information such as an image to which information indicating the time is added.

[0029] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 may acquire evaluation information including attribute information indicating the attributes of the user of the information processing apparatus 20. The attributes of the user are, for example, the gender and age of the user. Also, the attributes of the user may be other than the above (for example, occupation). For example, the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 stores information in which the identifier of the information processing apparatus 20 is associated with the attribute information of the user of the information processing apparatus 20. The information processing apparatus 20 adds its own identifier 20 to the evaluation information such as an image and transmits it to the area value evaluation system 10. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 receives and acquires the evaluation information such as an image to which the identifier of the information processing apparatus 20 is added. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 acquires the attribute information of the user stored in association with the acquired identifier.

[0030] The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 acquires a sufficient number of evaluation information for the value evaluation of the area. For example, the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation information from a plurality of information processing apparatuses 20 that are performing AR display by an AR display application. The evaluation information acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired evaluation information to the evaluation unit 12.

[0031] The evaluation unit 12 is a functional unit that performs aggregation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 and evaluates the value of the area based on the aggregation result. The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to whether or not the area is included in the display using the virtual space in the information processing apparatus 20, indicated by the display status information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11. The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to the position of the area in the display using the virtual space in the information processing apparatus 20. The evaluation unit may evaluate the value of the area according to the length of time during which a preset state continues in the time-series display using the virtual space in the information processing apparatus 20, indicated by the display status information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11.

[0032] The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to whether the image of the real space acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 contains a location corresponding to the area. The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to the position of the location corresponding to the area in the image of the real space. The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to the length of the continuous time during which a preset state continues in the time-series images of the real space acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11.

[0033] For example, the evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the area as follows. The evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of a preset area in the virtual space. The area is the area where the content 100 is arranged as described above. There may be a plurality of areas to be evaluated.

[0034] The evaluation unit 12 inputs evaluation information from the evaluation information acquisition unit 11. The evaluation unit 12 performs aggregation based on the input evaluation information for each preset evaluation item as shown in the table T1 of FIG. 3. There are four evaluation items shown in the table T1 of FIG. 3. The evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the area from the aggregation results for each evaluation item. The value of the area is, for example, the price per unit time, for example, a value in units of yen / hour. The evaluation unit 12 determines an evaluation rank based on the aggregation results of the evaluation information for each evaluation item. The evaluation rank is in five levels from A (5 points) to E (1 point), and an evaluation score is associated with each level. A higher evaluation score indicates a higher evaluation.

[0035] The first evaluation item is the number of users in the area × the stay time. The evaluation item is a value for each area preset in the real space. The area is, for example, a mesh obtained by dividing the real space into rectangles. The larger this value is, the higher the value of the area of the content 100 that can be seen by the users in the area becomes.

[0036] The evaluation unit 12 calculates the above value from the position information which is one of the evaluation information. For example, the evaluation unit 12 determines which area each position information belongs to and counts the number of position information for each area. The evaluation unit 12 calculates the value of the number of users per area × stay time from the counted value. For example, the counted value is multiplied by a coefficient preset for the number of position information (a coefficient according to the time interval of the position information) to calculate the value of the number of users × stay time.

[0037] The second evaluation item is the viewing time and number of times of the content 100 or real object in the area. This evaluation item is a value for each area of the evaluation target in the virtual space. The larger this value is, the higher the value of the area. Although it is the viewing time and number of times, in fact, it is not always necessary for the user of the information processing apparatus 20 to view as follows.

[0038] The evaluation unit 12 determines whether the area is included in the AR display in the information processing apparatus 20 based on the evaluation information. For example, it is determined whether the content 100 arranged in the evaluation target area is included (shown) in the image which is one of the evaluation information. This determination may be made by an existing technique. Also, when the evaluation information is information indicating the content 100 displayed in the image, the above determination may be made using that information.

[0039] The evaluation unit 12 sets the time when the content 100 is included in the image as the value of the viewing time related to the above evaluation item. The time calculation may be performed in the same manner as the time calculation of the first evaluation item. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 12 sets the number of times the content 100 is included in the image as the value of the viewing number related to the above evaluation item. In this case, the time when the content 100 is continuously included may be counted as one time.

[0040] When the content 100 is not arranged in the area to be evaluated, the evaluation unit 12 determines whether a location (i.e., a real object) corresponding to the area is included (appears) in the image of the real space, which is one of the pieces of evaluation information, captured by the imaging device provided in the information processing apparatus 20. The location included in the image of the real space is the location where the content 100 would be displayed if the content 100 were arranged in the area in the AR space. As described above, the position of the location in the real space corresponding to the area in the AR space is a position according to the correspondence relationship between the AR space and the real space and is grasped in advance by the area value evaluation system 10. The evaluation unit 12 determines whether the above position is included in the image of the real space. This determination may be made by an existing technique. For example, a technique for grasping the position of the real space in the image when performing AR display may be used.

[0041] The evaluation unit 12 sets the time during which the above location is included in the image of the real space as the value of the viewing time related to the above evaluation item. The calculation of the time may be performed in the same manner as the calculation of the time for the first evaluation item. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 12 sets the number of times the above location is included in the image of the real space as the value of the viewing count related to the above evaluation item. In this case, the time during which the above location is continuously included may be counted as one time.

[0042] In the above calculation for this evaluation item, only the time and the number of times that the content 100 or the location corresponding to the area is included in the image are used. However, the evaluation unit 12 may calculate the value of the evaluation item according to the position of the area in the AR display in the information processing apparatus 20, for example, the position of the content 100 in the image displayed on the information processing apparatus 20. Further, the evaluation unit 12 may calculate the value of the evaluation item according to the position of the location corresponding to the area to be evaluated in the image of the real space.

[0043] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, only when the content 100 or the area to be evaluated is located in a preset circular area R1 (Near) located at the center of the display screen of the information processing apparatus 20, it may be used for calculating the value of the evaluation item. Alternatively, an elliptical area R2 (Far) including the circular area R1 may be provided, and when the content 100 or the area to be evaluated is located in the area R1, a larger weight may be assigned compared to the case where the content 100 or the area to be evaluated is located in the area R2, and the value of the evaluation item may be calculated.

[0044] This is because the area to be evaluated that is displayed closer to the center of the display screen of the information processing apparatus 20 is more likely to be browsed by the user of the information processing apparatus 20 and is considered to have higher value.

[0045] The third evaluation item is the number of people (number of users) by time zone in the area. This evaluation item is a value for each combination of an area and a time zone set in the real space in advance. The larger this value is, the higher the value of the area of the content 100 that can be seen by the users in the area.

[0046] The evaluation unit 12 calculates the above value from the position information which is one of the evaluation information. For example, the evaluation unit 12 determines which area each position information belongs to, and counts the number of users based on the position information for each area and time zone. The time zone is, for example, a time zone every hour in a day. Also, the time zone is not limited to the above and may be any time axis division such as a day of the week. Regarding the number of users based on the position information, in the same area and time zone, if there is one or more position information for a certain user, that user is counted as 1, and if there is no position information for a certain user, that user is counted as 0. Note that the value of this evaluation item may be the value of the number of users × stay time similar to the first evaluation item. Also, the value of the first evaluation item may be the value of the number of users similar to this evaluation item.

[0047] The fourth evaluation item is the relevance between the user attributes and the content in the area. This evaluation item is a value for each area set in advance in the real space. Also, this evaluation item is a value corresponding to the information indicating the target attribute of the content 100, which is one of the pieces of information related to the evaluation requirements. This value indicates the degree to which the target attribute of the content 100 matches the user attributes of the users in the area. The larger this value is, the higher the value of the area of the content 100 that the users in the area can view becomes.

[0048] The evaluation unit 12 calculates the population ratio (users) for each user attribute for each area for calculating the above value from the position information and the attribute information, which are evaluation information. For example, the evaluation unit 12 determines which area each piece of position information is included in and identifies the users located in that area. In the same area, if there is one or more pieces of position information for a certain user, that user is regarded as a user located in that area, and if there is no position information for a certain user, that user is not regarded as a user located in that area. The evaluation unit 12 refers to the attribute information of the users located in each area and calculates the population ratio for each user attribute. For example, the evaluation unit 12 calculates the population ratio for each user attribute for the users in a certain area, such as 40% for male in their 10s, 20% for male in their 20s, and 30% for male in their 30s.

[0049] In calculating the values for each of the above evaluation items, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to the length of time during which a preset state continues in the time-series display using the AR space in the information processing apparatus 20. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the area according to the length of continuous time during which a preset state continues in the time-series image of the real space. Even when AR display is performed in the information processing apparatus 20, it is not always the case that the user is actually browsing the AR display on the information processing apparatus 20. By considering the length of continuous time during which the preset state continues as described above, it is possible to calculate values considering cases where there is a high possibility that the user is browsing the AR display on the information processing apparatus 20.

[0050] For example, the evaluation unit 12 may calculate the value for the evaluation item using only information when the AR display or the image of the real space does not change continuously for a certain period (for example, 3 seconds). Detection of the fact that the AR display or the image of the real space does not change continuously for a certain period may be performed by an existing technique using the display status information or the image of the real space. This is because when the AR display or the image of the real space does not change continuously for a certain period, it is considered highly likely that the user is in a state of gazing at the display. On the other hand, when the AR display or the image of the real space changes without staying the same for a certain period, it is considered highly likely that the user is in a state of not gazing at the display, such as simply heading towards a destination. Alternatively, when the length of the above continuous time is 3 seconds or more, a larger weight may be assigned compared to the case where it is less than 3 seconds, and the value of the evaluation item may be calculated.

[0051] Also, in a similar spirit, the evaluation unit 12 may calculate the value of the evaluation item according to the length of the continuous time period that includes the position of the area to be evaluated in the AR display in the information processing device 20. The evaluation unit 12 may calculate the value of the evaluation item according to the length of the continuous time period that includes the location corresponding to the area in the image of the real space. For example, only when the above-mentioned continuous time period is 3 seconds or more is used for calculating the value. Detection of whether the area to be evaluated is included in the AR display and detection of whether the location corresponding to the area in the image of the real space is included may be performed by existing technologies. Alternatively, when the above-mentioned continuous time period is 3 seconds or more, a larger weight may be assigned compared to the case where it is less than 3 seconds to calculate the value of the evaluation item.

[0052] The evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the price, which is the evaluation result, according to the input of the information related to the evaluation request from the values of each evaluation item that is the aggregation result based on the evaluation information as described above. The information related to the evaluation request is transmitted from the information processing device of the person who wishes to present the content 100 in the AR space to the area value evaluation system 10. The evaluation unit 12 receives and accepts the transmitted information related to the evaluation request.

[0053] As described above, the information related to the evaluation request is information indicating the area in the AR space where the content 100 is to be placed, the target attribute of the content 100 (for whom the content 100 is), and the time period for distribution (presentation). The information indicating the area in the AR space where the content 100 is to be placed is, for example, information indicating the coordinates of the area (for example, the coordinates of the three-dimensional space). The information indicating the target attribute of the content 100 is, for example, information indicating gender and age (age group). Also, the information may include the main target and the sub-target. A specific example of the information is information such as main: for men in their 30s, sub: for men in their 20s. The information indicating the time period for distribution is, for example, information indicating the time period in one-hour units in a day (for example, 8:00 - 9:00).

[0054] The evaluation unit 12 calculates the price of the area from the information related to the evaluation request and the values for each evaluation item. The evaluation unit 12 identifies the area in the real space to be used for evaluation from the information indicating the area in the AR space where the content 100 is to be placed. For example, based on the stored correspondence relationship between the positions of the AR space and the real space, the area including the position in the real space corresponding to the area where the content 100 is to be placed is identified as the area in the real space to be used for evaluation. Alternatively, the area in the AR space and the area where the content 100 placed in the area can be viewed may be associated in advance and stored in the evaluation unit 12, and the area associated with the area in the AR space where the content 100 is to be placed may be identified as the area in the real space to be used for evaluation.

[0055] The evaluation unit 12 refers to the value of the number of users × stay time (the first evaluation item) calculated for the identified area. The evaluation unit 12 stores in advance information indicating the correspondence relationship between the evaluation rank shown in FIG. 4(a) and the number of users × stay time. The evaluation unit 12 determines the evaluation rank from the value of the number of users × stay time for the identified area based on the stored correspondence relationship. When there are a plurality of identified areas, a value for determining the evaluation rank (for example, an average value, or a value obtained by adding the preset weighted values) may be calculated from the values of the number of users × stay time for each area to determine the evaluation rank (the same applies to the evaluation items using the values for each area).

[0056] The evaluation unit 12 refers to the value of the viewing time and number of times (the second evaluation item) of the content 100 or the real object calculated for the area in the AR space where the content 100 is to be placed. The evaluation unit 12 stores in advance information indicating the correspondence between the evaluation rank shown in FIG. 4(b) and the viewing time. The evaluation unit 12 stores in advance information indicating the correspondence between the evaluation rank shown in FIG. 4(c) and the number of viewings. The evaluation unit 12 determines the evaluation rank from the calculated values of the viewing time and the number of viewings based on the stored correspondence. Note that for this evaluation item, the evaluation rank may be determined from either the viewing time or the number of viewings. Alternatively, the evaluation rank may be determined from both the viewing time and the number of viewings. In this case, for example, the average of the evaluation rank determined from the viewing time and the evaluation rank determined from the number of viewings may be used as the evaluation rank for this evaluation item.

[0057] The evaluation unit 12 refers to the value of the population count (number of users) by time period (the third evaluation item) calculated for the specified area and the time period in which distribution (presentation) is desired. The evaluation unit 12 stores information indicating the correspondence between the evaluation rank shown in FIG. 5(a) and the population count by time period. The evaluation unit 12 determines the evaluation rank from the calculated value of the population count by time period in the specified area based on the stored correspondence.

[0058] The evaluation unit 12 refers to the value of the population ratio for each user attribute calculated for the specified area. The evaluation unit 12 calculates the matching rate, which is the value of the relevance (the fourth evaluation item) between the user attribute and the content in the area, from the population ratio for each user attribute and the target attribute of the content 100. For example, the evaluation unit 12 calculates the matching rate according to the following formula. Matching rate = main (weight 1.0) × population ratio (%) of the main attribute + sub (weight 0.5) × population ratio (%) of the sub attribute

[0059] For a specific area, the population percentages for each user attribute are as follows: males in their teens: 40%, males in their twenties: 20%, and males in their thirties: 30%. Assume that the target attributes of content 100 are mainly for males in their thirties and sub - mainly for males in their twenties. In this case, the matching rate is as follows. Matching rate = Main (weight 1.0) × Population percentage of the main attribute (40%) + Sub (weight 0.5) × Population percentage of the sub - attribute (20%) = 50%

[0060] The evaluation unit 12 stores information indicating the correspondence between the evaluation ranks shown in Fig. 5(b) and the matching rates. Based on the stored correspondence, the evaluation unit 12 determines the evaluation rank from the calculated matching rate in the area.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3, the evaluation unit 12 stores the weight value Wi for each preset evaluation item i. The evaluation unit 12 multiplies the evaluation score Pi corresponding to the evaluation rank determined for each evaluation item i by the weight value Wi to calculate the score Pi×Wi for each evaluation item i. The evaluation unit 12 calculates the sum ΣPi×Wi of these values and uses it as the comprehensive evaluation value for the input of information related to the evaluation requirements.

[0062] The evaluation unit 12 prestores the correspondence between the comprehensive evaluation value and the price per hour (yen / hour), which is the value of the area, as the price calculation table T2 for each comprehensive evaluation value shown in Fig. 3. Based on the stored price calculation table T2 for each comprehensive evaluation value, the evaluation unit 12 determines (evaluates) the price of the area in the AR space for the input of information related to the evaluation requirements.

[0063] The evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the determined price of the area. For example, the evaluation unit 12 transmits information indicating the determined price of the area to the information processing device of the person who wishes to present content 100 in the AR space, which is the source of the input of information related to the evaluation requirements. Information indicating the evaluation result of the value of the area by the evaluation unit 12 may also be performed by output destinations and modes other than the above.

[0064] Note that the evaluation by the evaluation unit 12 was performed in response to the input of information related to the evaluation request, but it is not necessarily required to be performed in response to the input. For example, the evaluation unit 12 may perform value evaluation for all preset regions and all conditions (such as time zones).

[0065] In addition, the evaluation unit 12 may perform aggregation based on evaluation information including position information indicating the position of the information processing device 20 performing AR display in the real space, and evaluate the value of the region based on the aggregation result. It is not necessarily required to evaluate the region using all the above-described evaluation items, and the region may be evaluated using any of the above-described evaluation items. Further, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the region using items other than the above-described evaluation items. The above is the function of the region value evaluation system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0066] Subsequently, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process executed by the region value evaluation system 10 according to the present embodiment (the operation method performed by the region value evaluation system 10) will be described. In this process, first, the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation information used for value evaluation of the region in the virtual space (S01). The evaluation information includes at least position information indicating the position of the information processing device 20 performing display using the virtual space in the real space. Subsequently, the evaluation unit 12 performs aggregation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit 11 (S02). Subsequently, the evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the region based on the aggregation result (S03). Subsequently, the evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the value of the region (S04). The above is the process executed by the region value evaluation system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0067] In this embodiment, the value of the area in the virtual space is evaluated in consideration of the position of the information processing apparatus 20 that performs display using a virtual space such as AR display in the real space. Thereby, for example, the value of the area to be evaluated can be made to correspond to the advertising effect of the area. Specifically, as described above, the value of the area can be evaluated in consideration of the possibility of the user viewing the content 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the value of the area for presenting the content 100 such as an advertisement in a virtual space such as an AR space can be appropriately evaluated. Further, by visualizing the value of the area in the AR space as in this embodiment, the buying and selling of the area in the AR space can be promoted.

[0068] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the evaluation of the value of the area may be performed according to whether or not the area is included in the AR display in the information processing apparatus 20. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be more appropriately evaluated according to the actual AR display in the information processing apparatus 20. Further, in this case, the value of the area may be evaluated according to the position of the area in the AR display. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be more appropriately evaluated according to the position of the area in the AR display. However, the above is not necessarily used for the evaluation of the value of the area.

[0069] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the evaluation of the value of the area may be performed according to the length of time during which a preset state continues in the time-series display using the AR space in the information processing apparatus 20. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be more appropriately evaluated according to the situation of the AR display in the information processing apparatus 20. However, the above is not necessarily used for the evaluation of the value of the area.

[0070] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the position of the information processing apparatus 20 may be estimated based on an image of the real space captured by the imaging apparatus provided in the information processing apparatus 20, and position information may be obtained. According to this configuration, position information can be obtained based on an image of the real space that is also used for AR display. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a positioning function of the information processing apparatus 20 other than the above, and the value of the area can be evaluated simply and reliably. However, the acquisition of the position information of the information processing apparatus 20 may be performed by a method other than the above.

[0071] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the evaluation of the value of the area may also be performed according to whether or not a location corresponding to the area is included in an image of the real space captured by the imaging apparatus provided in the information processing apparatus 20. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be more appropriately evaluated according to the image of the real space corresponding to the AR display in the information processing apparatus 20. Further, in this case, the value of the area may also be evaluated according to the position of the location corresponding to the area in the image of the real space. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be more appropriately evaluated according to the position of the location corresponding to the area in the image of the real space. However, it is not always necessary to use the above for the evaluation of the value of the area.

[0072] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the evaluation of the value of the area may be performed according to the length of a continuous time during which a preset state continues in an image of the real space captured by the imaging apparatus provided in the information processing apparatus 20. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be more appropriately evaluated according to the situation of the image of the real space corresponding to the AR display in the information processing apparatus 20. However, it is not always necessary to use the above for the evaluation of the value of the area.

[0073] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, evaluation information corresponding to time may be used for evaluating the value of the area. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be evaluated more appropriately. Further, the value of the area to be evaluated may be made to correspond to time. According to this configuration, the convenience of the value of the area to be evaluated can be improved. For example, in the case of an area at a position corresponding to a station area, the value is evaluated to be high during a time period when there are many people, such as the commuting time period (8:00 to 9:00). However, it is not always necessary to consider time for evaluating the value of the area.

[0074] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, attribute information indicating the attributes of the user of the information processing apparatus 20 may be used for evaluating the value of the area. According to this configuration, the value of the area can be evaluated more appropriately. Further, the value of the area to be evaluated may be made to correspond to the attributes of the user. According to this configuration, the convenience of the value of the area to be evaluated can be improved. For example, in the case of an area at a position corresponding to an area where young people gather, such as Shibuya, since it can be expected that the advertising effect for the content 100 for young people is high, the corresponding value is evaluated. However, it is not always necessary to consider the attributes of the user for evaluating the value of the area.

[0075] Note that some of the above functions assumed to be provided in the area value evaluation system 10 may be provided in another device such as the information processing apparatus 20. In that case, the area value evaluation system may include the other device.

[0076] Note that the block diagrams used in the description of the above embodiments show blocks of functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Also, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one physically or logically combined device, or two or more physically or logically separated devices may be directly or indirectly (e.g., using wired, wireless, etc.) connected and realized using these multiple devices. The functional block may be realized by combining software with the above one device or the above multiple devices.

[0077] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, decision, determination, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, solution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regarded as, notification (broadcasting), notification (notifying), communication (communicating), forwarding, configuration (configuring), reconfiguration (reconfiguring), allocation (allocating, mapping), assignment (assigning), etc. For example, a functional block (component) that functions as transmission is called a transmitting unit or a transmitter. In any case, as described above, the realization method is not particularly limited.

[0078] For example, the area value evaluation system 10 in an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the information processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the area value evaluation system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described area value evaluation system 10 may physically be configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like. Also, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 may also be as described here.

[0079] In the following description, the term "device" can be read as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the regional value evaluation system 10 may be configured to include one or more of each device shown in the figure, or may be configured without including some devices.

[0080] Each function in the regional value evaluation system 10 is realized by causing a processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by a communication device 1004, or control at least one of reading and writing data in a memory 1002 and a storage 1003 by loading a predetermined software (program) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002.

[0081] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by operating an operating system, for example. The processor 1001 may be constituted by a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic device, a register, etc. For example, each function in the above-described regional value evaluation system 10 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0082] Also, the processor 1001 reads a program (program code), a software module, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes according to these. As the program, a program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above-described embodiments is used. For example, each function in the regional value evaluation system 10 may be stored in the memory 1002 and realized by a control program operating in the processor 1001. Although it has been described that the above-described various processes are executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be mounted by one or more chips. Note that the program may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunication line.

[0083] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be constituted by at least one of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 1002 may be referred to as a register, a cache, a main memory (main storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store a program (program code), a software module, etc. executable for implementing the information processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] The storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be constituted by at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (for example, a compact disc, a digital versatile disc, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc), a smart card, a flash memory (for example, a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The storage 1003 may be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium included in the region value evaluation system 10 may be, for example, a database including at least one of the memory 1002 and the storage 1003, a server, or other appropriate media.

[0085] The communication device 1004 is hardware (a transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc.

[0086] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.) that receives external input. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.) that performs output to the outside. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may have an integrated configuration (e.g., touch panel).

[0087] Also, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses for each device.

[0088] Also, the region value evaluation system 10 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and some or all of each functional block may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardwares.

[0089] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be reordered as long as there is no contradiction. For example, for the methods described in this disclosure, the elements of various steps are presented using an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0090] The input / output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory), or may be managed using a management table. The input / output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or appended. The output information, etc. may be deleted. The input information, etc. may be transmitted to other devices.

[0091] The determination may be made based on a value represented by 1 bit (either 0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0092] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched for use during execution. Also, the notification of predetermined information (e.g., the notification of "being X") is not limited to being explicitly performed, and may be performed implicitly (e.g., without performing the notification of the predetermined information).

[0093] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented as modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and has no restrictive meaning for the present disclosure.

[0094] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, a hardware description language, or by other names.

[0095] Also, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, when software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (such as coaxial cables, optical fiber cables, twisted pairs, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), etc.) and wireless technologies (such as infrared rays, microwaves, etc.), at least one of these wired technologies and wireless technologies is included within the definition of the transmission medium.

[0096] The terms "system" and "network" used in the present disclosure are used interchangeably.

[0097] Also, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be represented using absolute values, relative values from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0098] As used herein, the terms "determining" and "deciding" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "deciding" can include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., searching a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and considering something as having been "determined" or "decided". Additionally, "determining" and "deciding" can include considering something as having been "determined" or "decided" based on receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., transmitting information), inputting, outputting, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Further, "determining" and "deciding" can include considering something as having been "determined" or "decided" based on resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, and the like. That is, "determining" and "deciding" can include considering something as having been "determined" or "decided" based on performing some action. Also, "determining (deciding)" may be construed as "assuming", "expecting", "considering", or the like.

[0099] The terms "connected" and "coupled," or any variations thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements and can include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "accessed." As used in this disclosure, two elements can be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and also, by way of some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (both visible and invisible) region, etc.

[0100] As used in this disclosure, the recitation "based on" does not mean "based only on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the recitation "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on."

[0101] Any reference in this disclosure to an element using designations such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations can be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0102] In this disclosure, when the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprising." Further, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be exclusive.

[0103] In the present disclosure, for example, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0104] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean that "A and B are different from each other". Note that the term may also mean that "A and B are each different from C". Terms such as "separate", "coupled", etc. may also be interpreted in the same way as "different".

Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10… Region value evaluation system, 11… Evaluation information acquisition unit, 12… Evaluation unit, 20… Information processing apparatus, 1001… Processor, 1002… Memory, 1003… Storage, 1004… Communication device, 1005… Input device, 1006… Output device, 1007… Bus.

Claims

1. An area value assessment system for assessing the value of an area in which display information to be displayed is placed in a virtual space used for display in an information processing device and whose position corresponds to a real space, comprising: an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information including position information indicating a position in a real space of an information processing device performing display using the virtual space; an evaluation unit that performs a calculation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit and evaluates a value of the area based on the calculation result; Equipped with the evaluation information acquisition unit acquires evaluation information including display status information indicating a time-series display status using a virtual space in the information processing device; An area value evaluation system in which the evaluation unit evaluates the value of the area based on the length of time that a predetermined state continues in a time-series display using a virtual space in the information processing device, as indicated by the display status information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit.

2. the evaluation information acquisition unit acquires evaluation information including display status information indicating a display status using a virtual space in the information processing device; The area value evaluation system of claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the value of the area based on whether or not the area is included in a display using a virtual space in the information processing device, as indicated by display status information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit.

3. The area value assessment system according to claim 2 , wherein the assessment unit assesses the value of the area also depending on a position of the area in a display using a virtual space in the information processing device.

4. An area value assessment system for assessing the value of an area in which display information to be displayed is placed in a virtual space used for display in an information processing device and whose position corresponds to a real space, comprising: an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information including position information indicating a position in a real space of an information processing device performing display using the virtual space; an evaluation unit that performs a calculation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit and evaluates a value of the area based on the calculation result; Equipped with The evaluation information acquisition unit acquires an image of real space captured by an imaging device provided in the information processing device, estimates the position of the information processing device based on the acquired image of real space, and acquires position information, in an area value evaluation system.

5. An area value assessment system for assessing the value of an area in which display information to be displayed is placed in a virtual space used for display in an information processing device and whose position corresponds to a real space, comprising: an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information including position information indicating a position in a real space of an information processing device performing display using the virtual space; an evaluation unit that performs a calculation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit and evaluates a value of the area based on the calculation result; Equipped with the evaluation information acquisition unit acquires evaluation information including an image of a real space captured by an imaging device included in the information processing device; An area value evaluation system in which the evaluation unit evaluates the value of the area based on whether or not a location corresponding to the area is included in the image of real space acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit.

6. The area value assessment system according to claim 5 , wherein the assessment unit assesses the value of the area also depending on a position of a portion corresponding to the area in the image in real space.

7. An area value assessment system for assessing the value of an area in which display information to be displayed is placed in a virtual space used for display in an information processing device and whose position corresponds to a real space, comprising: an evaluation information acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information including position information indicating a position in a real space of an information processing device performing display using the virtual space; an evaluation unit that performs a calculation based on the evaluation information acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit and evaluates a value of the area based on the calculation result; Equipped with the evaluation information acquisition unit acquires evaluation information including time-series images of a real space captured by an imaging device included in the information processing device, An area value evaluation system in which the evaluation unit evaluates the value of the area based on the length of continuous time that a predetermined state continues in the time-series real-space images acquired by the evaluation information acquisition unit.

8. The area value assessment system according to claim 1 , wherein the assessment information acquisition unit acquires assessment information according to time.

9. The area value assessment system according to claim 1 , wherein the assessment information acquisition unit acquires the assessment information including attribute information indicating attributes of a user of the information processing device.

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