Character evaluation device and character evaluation method

Abstract

The present invention appropriately evaluates the value of a character in a virtual space.　This character evaluation device 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 11 that acquires evaluation information that is information pertaining to the character in the virtual space; and an evaluation unit 12 that evaluates the value of the character on the basis of the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

Description

Character evaluation device and character evaluation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a character evaluation device and a character evaluation method for evaluating the value of a character in a virtual space.

[0002] Conventionally, in the metaverse, avatars used by users perform various activities. It is conceivable that avatars in the metaverse can be bought and sold between third parties. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses trading of characters owned by game accounts.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2022-545591

[0004] However, there has been no method for appropriately evaluating the value of characters such as avatars in the Metaverse when buying and selling them. Similar problems can arise for characters in virtual spaces other than the Metaverse.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a character evaluation device and a character evaluation method that can appropriately evaluate the value of a character in a virtual space.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, a character evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information about a character in a virtual space, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] In a character evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the value of a character is evaluated based on evaluation information, which is information about the character in a virtual space. Therefore, the character evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can appropriately evaluate the value of a character in a virtual space.

[0008] Incidentally, one embodiment of the present invention can be described not only as an invention of a character evaluation device as described above, but also as an invention of a character evaluation method as described below. These are essentially the same inventions, just in different categories, and have similar functions and effects.

[0009] That is, a character evaluation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition step in which a character evaluation device acquires evaluation information, which is information relating to a character in a virtual space, and an evaluation step in which the character evaluation device evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the value of a character in a virtual space can be appropriately evaluated.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a character evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing examples of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a character; Fig. 3 is a diagram showing examples of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a character; Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a character evaluation method which is a process executed by a character evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a character evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a character evaluation device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0013] 1 shows a character evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment. The character evaluation device 10 is a device (system) that evaluates the value of a character in a virtual space. The virtual space in which the character to be evaluated exists is realized by a computer prepared by the provider of the virtual space.

[0014] For example, a virtual space is as follows: The virtual space is used by a user (player). The user accesses the virtual space (a computer that realizes the virtual space) using an information processing device (for example, a smart device such as a smartphone or smart glasses, or a PC (personal computer)). The information processing device outputs in a format that can be recognized by the user, such as a display corresponding to the virtual space. The user can move their own avatar around in the virtual space.

[0015] The character to be evaluated is, for example, an avatar in a virtual space used by a user. Hereinafter, a character (e.g., an avatar) operated by a human such as a user will be referred to as a user character. Alternatively, the character to be evaluated may be a character (e.g., a non-player character (NPC)) that is not operated by a human such as a user but behaves in the same manner as a character operated by a human. Hereinafter, a character (e.g., an NPC) that is not operated by a human such as a user will be referred to as a non-user character. Non-user characters such as NPCs are provided, for example, by the provider of the virtual space or a third party. Non-user characters behave automatically according to behavior standards preset by the provider of the virtual space or a third party. Note that the character to be evaluated may be one other than those described above.

[0016] The evaluation target may also be the appearance of a character, which may include an action such as waving when passing another character (e.g., another avatar).

[0017] In the virtual space, functions related to the character may be provided. For example, users other than the user of the avatar can follow the avatar in the same way as in a social networking service (SNS) so as to be able to follow (check) the avatar's movements, etc. Furthermore, users other than the user of the avatar can view information about the avatar. Furthermore, users other than the user of the avatar can convey their thoughts or feedback about the avatar, such as "likes" in the same way as in a social networking service (SNS).

[0018] In the virtual space, the avatar can take pre-set actions, such as making speech and other communications.

[0019] A user can report another user's avatar. For example, if another user's avatar is engaging in behavior in a virtual space that violates public order and morals, the user may report this to the provider of the virtual space. Specifically, if another user's avatar is engaging in hateful behavior (e.g., hate speech) in a virtual space, the user may report this to the provider of the virtual space. The report may be made via a system for realizing the virtual space, or by other means.

[0020] The NPC may be related to a business in the virtual space. For example, a business that buys and sells goods or services is conducted in the virtual space, and the NPC may be related to that business. For example, the NPC may be involved in PR (public relations) activities such as advertising the business in the virtual space. The NPC may be a mascot character related to the business.

[0021] Although the above description has been given using avatars and NPCs as examples, the above content may be applied to any character as long as no contradiction occurs. For example, the above avatar may be replaced with an NPC, or the above NPC may be replaced with an avatar.

[0022] The virtual space in which the above-mentioned characters exist may be, for example, a conventional metaverse. The virtual space and characters may also be other than those described above. The virtual space may be any space in which characters to be evaluated by the character evaluation device 10 can exist. The characters may be any space that can be evaluated by the character evaluation device 10.

[0023] The value of a character evaluated by the character evaluation device 10 is, for example, the monetary value (amount) of the character. For example, the value of a character evaluated by the character evaluation device 10 may be used for buying and selling the character. Note that the value of a character evaluated by the character evaluation device 10 may be something other than monetary value.

[0024] The character evaluation device 10 is configured by a computer such as a PC or a server device. The character evaluation device 10 may be configured by multiple computers. The character evaluation device 10 may be able to transmit and receive information to and from other devices via a network in order to obtain information necessary to realize functions, etc.

[0025] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the character evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0026] The acquisition unit 11 is a functional unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information about a character in a virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information according to the relationship between the character and other users in the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information indicating the popularity of the character among other users in the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information about reports about the character from other users in the virtual space.

[0027] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information indicating the behavior of the character. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information indicating the number of specific behaviors taken by the character or the time the character stayed in the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information regarding the user of the character. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information regarding the credibility of the user of the character. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information regarding a character that is not operated by a human outside the virtual space.

[0028] The evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is information relating to the character to be evaluated, and is information used to evaluate the character.

[0029] The evaluation information includes, for example, information according to the relationship between the character and other users in the virtual space. This is because the value of a character can depend on the relationship between the character and other users. The information is, for example, information indicating the popularity of the character among other users in the virtual space. Specifically, the information indicating popularity is the number of users following the avatar that is the character to be evaluated (number of followers), the number of other users who have shown interest in the avatar (for example, the number of times other users have viewed information about the avatar), or the number of positive feedbacks the avatar has received from other users (for example, the number of "likes" it has received).

[0030] The information relating to the character's relationship with other users may be information relating to reports about the character from other users. Specifically, this information is the number of reports from other users that the character is engaging in hateful behavior. Note that the information relating to the character's relationship with other users in the virtual space may be information other than the above, as long as it is used to determine the value of the character.

[0031] The evaluation information may include information indicating the character's actions. This is because the character's value may depend on the character's actions. The information may be, for example, information indicating the number of specific actions taken by the character or the character's stay time in the virtual space. The specific actions are preset to affect the character's value. For example, the specific action is communication (communication) with other characters. The character's stay time in the virtual space may be, for example, during a preset time period. Specifically, the character's stay time in the virtual space may be the stay time per day during a specific period (for example, the last week). Note that the information indicating the character's actions may be other than those described above as long as it is used for the character's value.

[0032] The evaluation information may include information about the character's user. This is because the value of a character can depend on the character's user (the user using the character, which user owns the character). This information is, for example, information about the character's user's creditworthiness. Specifically, this information indicates whether the user has low financial credibility or whether the user has not registered an account for making payments in the virtual space where the character exists. Note that the information about the character's user may be other than the above, as long as it is used to determine the character's value.

[0033] If the character to be evaluated is a non-user character, the evaluation information is information about the non-user character to be evaluated. The evaluation information about the non-user character may be the same evaluation information as described above. Furthermore, if the non-user character NPC is engaged in PR activities for a business, the evaluation information may be information about the PR activities, the business, or the business operator that conducts the business. Specifically, the information may be the number of users of the business (e.g., the number of visitors to the business's store in the virtual space) or the time the PR activities were conducted in the virtual space. The time may be, for example, the same as the time spent in the virtual space by the above-mentioned character.

[0034] The information about the non-user character may be information outside the virtual space. Specifically, the information is the number of followers of an account related to the non-user character on a social networking site other than the virtual space, or information about sales of a product related to the non-user character (for example, product sales share). Note that the sale and purchase of a product may be conducted both within the virtual space and outside the virtual space, such as in real space. Note that the information about the non-user character may be information other than the above, as long as it is used to determine the value of the non-user character.

[0035] If the evaluation information relates to something within a virtual space, the evaluation information is generated, for example, by the provider of the virtual space monitoring the virtual space. The evaluation information can be generated using an existing method. If the evaluation information relates to something other than a virtual space, the evaluation information is generated and stored in advance in a system related to evaluation information (for example, a system that manages user information, a SNS system, or a system that manages product sales). The evaluation information may be created by any entity using any method. The evaluation information may also be information other than the above, as long as it is information about the character to be evaluated. The evaluation information may also include other information in addition to information about the character to be evaluated.

[0036] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the evaluation information by receiving it from, for example, a terminal of a provider of the virtual space or a system that stores evaluation information related to something other than the virtual space. Furthermore, if the evaluation information is information related to a character to be evaluated by a user or the like, the acquisition unit 11 may determine in advance an association between the character to be evaluated and the user or the like, and acquire the evaluation information based on the association. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the evaluation information by any other method. The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired evaluation information to the evaluation unit 12.

[0037] The evaluation unit 12 is a functional unit that evaluates the value of a character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of a character, for example, as follows.

[0038] The evaluation unit 12 inputs evaluation information from the acquisition unit 11. The evaluation unit 12 stores evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a character based on the evaluation information in advance, and performs evaluation using the evaluation criteria. For example, the evaluation criteria may include a score set in advance for each content of the evaluation information, and the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the evaluation information input from the acquisition unit 11 based on the setting. If the evaluation information includes multiple types of information, the evaluation unit 12 adds up the scores for each type. In this case, weights may be set in advance for each type of evaluation information, and the evaluation unit 12 may add up the weighted scores. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 12 may multiply the scores for each type (calculate the product of the scores). In the evaluation criteria, evaluation results (amounts) are set in advance according to the scores, and the evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the character from the calculated scores based on the setting.

[0039] The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of each character to be evaluated (e.g., each type of character) according to the type of evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of an avatar, which is a user character. Figure 2 shows an example of evaluation criteria in this case.

[0040] In this example, as shown in FIG. 2 , a score is set for each of a plurality of categories (10,000 or more, 8,000 or more but less than 10,000, etc.) that divide the number of other users (users other than the user using the avatar to be evaluated) who have shown interest in the avatar to be evaluated (e.g., the number of other users who have viewed information about the avatar). Based on the settings, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the number of other users indicated by the input evaluation information who have shown interest in the avatar. Also, as shown in FIG. 2 , a score is set for each of a plurality of categories that divide the time spent in the virtual space of the avatar to be evaluated into (1 hour or more every day in the past week, 30 minutes or more every day, 1 hour or more per week, etc.). Based on the settings, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the time spent in the virtual space of the avatar indicated by the input evaluation information. The evaluation unit 12 multiplies these calculated scores (calculates the product of the scores).

[0041] In the evaluation criteria, a monetary amount representing the value of the avatar is set for each of a plurality of divisions (100 points, 90 points, ...) into which the score (product) is divided, as shown in Fig. 2. Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a monetary amount as an evaluation result of the value of the avatar from the product of the scores.

[0042] The evaluation unit 12 may also evaluate the value of an NPC, which is a non-user character. FIG. 3 shows an example of evaluation criteria for this case. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3 , scores are set for each of a plurality of categories (e.g., 10,000 or more, 8,000 or more but less than 10,000, etc.) that divide the number of users who have shown interest in the NPC to be evaluated (e.g., the number of users who have viewed information about the NPC). Based on the settings, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the number of users indicated by the input evaluation information who have shown interest in the NPC. Also, as shown in FIG. 3 , scores are set for each of a plurality of categories (e.g., 1 hour or more per day, 30 minutes or more per day in the past week, etc.) that divide the time spent promoting the business of the NPC to be evaluated in the virtual space. Based on the settings, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the time spent in the virtual space of the NPC indicated by the input evaluation information. The evaluation unit 12 multiplies these calculated scores (calculates the product of the scores).

[0043] In the evaluation criteria, a monetary amount representing the value of the NPC is set for each of a plurality of divisions (100 points, 90 points, ...) into which the score (product) is divided, as shown in Fig. 3. Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a monetary amount as an evaluation result of the value of the NPC from the product of the scores.

[0044] The evaluation information corresponding to the evaluation criteria shown in Figures 2 and 3 does not necessarily have to be used for evaluation in the combination shown in the evaluation criteria shown in Figures 2 and 3, and may be used for evaluation in any combination.

[0045] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 12 may perform an evaluation that decreases the value according to the evaluation information. For example, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of a character so that the more reports there are made to the character, the lower the value of the character.

[0046] Furthermore, the same evaluation criteria may be used for evaluating the value of a user character and the value of a non-user character, or different evaluation criteria may be used as described above. Furthermore, the value of a character relative to its score may be changed depending on whether it is a user character or a non-user character. For example, even if the score used to evaluate the value is the same (100 points), the monetary amount of the evaluation result may be changed depending on whether it is a user character or a non-user character.

[0047] The evaluation by the evaluation unit 12 does not need to be performed in the above-described manner, but may be performed by evaluating the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, it is not necessary to calculate a score in the evaluation of the value of the character as in the above example.

[0048] The evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the character's value. For example, the evaluation unit 12 transmits information indicating the evaluation result to a terminal of the user of the evaluation result. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 12 outputs the evaluation result in a format that allows the user of the evaluation result to recognize the evaluation result, such as by displaying it on a display device provided in the character evaluation device 10. Furthermore, the output of the information indicating the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 12 may be performed to an output destination and in a manner other than those described above. The above are the functions of the character evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0049] Next, a character evaluation method, which is a process executed by the character evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment (a method of operation performed by the character evaluation device 10), will be described using the flowchart of Figure 4. In this process, first, the acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation information, which is information about a character in a virtual space (S01, acquisition step). Next, the evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (S02, evaluation step). Next, the evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the character's value (S03). This completes the character evaluation method, which is a process executed by the character evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0050] In this embodiment, the value of a character is evaluated based on evaluation information, which is information about the character in the virtual space. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the value of the character in the virtual space can be appropriately evaluated. As a result, for example, buying and selling of characters in the virtual space can be appropriately carried out taking into account the value of the character.

[0051] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the evaluation information may be information according to the relationship between the character and other users in the virtual space. Specifically, the information may be information indicating the character's popularity among other users in the virtual space. Furthermore, the information may be information regarding reports about the character from other users in the virtual space. With these configurations, the value of the character can be appropriately evaluated according to the relationship between the character and other users. For example, a popular avatar that attracts attention from other users, or the appearance of a popular avatar, is considered to be highly valued.

[0052] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the evaluation information may be information indicating the character's actions. Specifically, the information may be information indicating the number of specific actions taken by the character or the time spent by the character in the virtual space. With these configurations, the value of the character can be appropriately evaluated according to the character's actions.

[0053] Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, the evaluation information may be information about the user of the character. Specifically, the information may be information about the credibility of the user of the character. With this configuration, the value of the character can be appropriately evaluated depending on the user of the character.

[0054] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the characters to be evaluated may include non-user characters. In this case, the evaluation information may be information relating to the non-user characters outside the virtual space. With this configuration, the value of the non-user characters can be appropriately evaluated according to the information relating to the non-user characters outside the virtual space.

[0055] However, the evaluation information does not necessarily have to be the above, and may be any information about the character that can be used to evaluate the value of the character in the virtual space.

[0056] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or multiple devices.

[0057] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0058] For example, the character evaluation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the information processing of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the character evaluation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The character evaluation device 10 described above may be physically 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, etc.

[0059] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the character evaluation device 10 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0060] Each function in the character evaluation device 10 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0061] The processor 1001, for example, runs an operating system to control the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, each function of the character evaluation device 10 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0062] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, each function of the character evaluation device 10 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0063] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for performing information processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in character evaluation device 10 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0065] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0066] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0067] Furthermore, 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 between each device.

[0068] Furthermore, the character evaluation device 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), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0069] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0070] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0071] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0072] The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0073] 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 herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0074] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0075] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0076] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0077] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0078] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0079] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may 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 may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0080] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0081] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0082] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0083] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0084] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0085] The character evaluation device and character evaluation method disclosed herein have the following configuration. [1] A character evaluation device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information about a character in a virtual space; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit. [2] The character evaluation device described in [1], in which the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information corresponding to the relationship between the character and other users in the virtual space. [3] The character evaluation device described in [2], in which the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information indicating the popularity of the character among other users in the virtual space. [4] The character evaluation device described in [2] or [3], in which the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information regarding reports about the character from other users in the virtual space. [5] The character evaluation device described in any of [1] to [4], in which the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information indicating the behavior of the character. [6] The character evaluation device described in [5], in which the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information indicating the number of specific behaviors taken by the character or the time the character spent in the virtual space. [7] The character evaluation device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to the user of the character. [8] The character evaluation device according to [7], wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to the credibility of the user of the character. [9] The character evaluation device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the characters include characters not operated by humans, and the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to the characters not operated by humans outside of a virtual space.

[10] A character evaluation method comprising: an acquisition step in which the character evaluation device acquires evaluation information, which is information relating to a character in a virtual space; and an evaluation step in which the character evaluation device evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0086] 10...character evaluation device, 11...acquisition unit, 12...evaluation unit, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...storage, 1004...communication device, 1005...input device, 1006...output device, 1007...bus.

Claims

1. A character evaluation device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information relating to a character in a virtual space; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. A character evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information according to the relationship between the character and other users in the virtual space.

3. A character evaluation device according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information indicating the popularity of the character among other users in the virtual space.

4. A character evaluation device according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to reports about the character from other users in the virtual space.

5. The character evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information indicating the behavior of the character.

6. A character evaluation device as described in claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information indicating the number of specific actions taken by the character or the time spent by the character within the virtual space.

7. The character evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information about a user of the character as evaluation information.

8. The character evaluation device according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to the trustworthiness of the user of the character.

9. A character evaluation device as described in claim 1, wherein the characters include characters not controlled by humans, and the acquisition unit acquires, as evaluation information, information about the characters not controlled by humans outside the virtual space.

10. A character evaluation method comprising: an acquisition step in which a character evaluation device acquires evaluation information, which is information regarding a character in a virtual space; and an evaluation step in which the character evaluation device evaluates the value of the character based on the evaluation information acquired in the acquisition step.