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

Abstract

The present invention provides a love-matching service that can be used regardless of circumstances of individual users. An embodiment of the present invention provides: a matching system for a person and a character created by AI; a matching method for a person and a character created by AI; an information processing device for executing matching between a person and a character created by AI; and an information processing program for causing an information processing device to execute matching between a person and a character created by AI.

Description

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

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

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

[0003] Special Publication No. 2009-541844

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

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a love matching service that can be used regardless of the circumstances of individual users and that is similar to love matching between humans and does not feel strange.

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

[0007] 1 shows a configuration of a matching system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 2 shows a user information registration GUI executed by a user information registration unit; 3 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit; 4 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit; 5 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit; 6 shows an example of a GUI provided to a user's terminal device by a user interface unit; 7 shows a configuration of a character generation unit; 8 shows a configuration of a scheduling unit; 9 shows an example of a character's schedule; 10 shows configurations of a matching unit, an evaluation unit, and a messaging unit; 11 shows an example of a GUI for message exchange; 12 shows a configuration of a voice call unit; 13 shows a configuration of a video chat unit; 14 shows a configuration of a dating unit; 15 shows an example of a GUI for taking a selfie; 16 shows an example of a GUI for a user sending a gift to a character; 17 shows an example of a GUI for a user receiving a gift from a character; 18 shows a configuration of a microblog unit.

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

[0009] The matching system of this embodiment aims to provide human users with a simulated romance with an AI character by establishing a romantic match between the human and the AI ​​character.

[0010] The matching system of this embodiment realizes a love matching system service between humans and AI characters. Conventional love matching systems allow registered humans to refer to each other's profile information and send messages to each other if they like each other. On the other hand, the matching system of this embodiment enables love matching between pseudo-persons (characters) created using datasets or AI and humans (users), as well as communication after matching.

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

[0012] The matching system of this embodiment realizes a mechanism in which a large number of new love interests (characters) continuously join the love matching service, and the state of the characters (emotions, attributes, etc.) changes over time. This brings the experience closer to that of a love matching service between humans, and at the same time, it may also lead to the resolution of one of the issues with love matching services, namely, network externalities (the problem that there are few users, so there are few love interests, and because there are few love interests, new registrations are not attracted and the number of users does not increase).

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

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

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

[0016] The user information registration unit 200 displays a user information registration GUI 201 on the terminal device 2 .

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

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

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

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

[0021] When a user sends an "interest" to a specific character, the user interface unit 100 displays information on the character's profile page, indicating that the user has sent an "interest," explaining the matching, and indicating that the user can continue to search for other characters they are interested in, as shown in Figure 3(C).

[0022] In FIG. 4A (similar to FIG. 3B), after the user sends "Interested," the user interface unit 100 displays "Interested" instead of the "Interested" button displayed on the character's profile page, as shown in FIG. 4B.

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] Then, as shown in Figure 5 (B), the profile page of the character displayed on the terminal device 2 of users other than the user in question displays the message "You are already close with another user, so you cannot send interest or messages." In this case, users who have not yet been matched cannot send "interest" to the character in question. Furthermore, even users who have been matched will no longer be able to send messages to the character in question.

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

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

[0031] Next, we will explain how to generate such characters and their behavior.

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

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

[0034] First, the character generation unit 300 references character feature data 302. The character feature data 302 is feature data (appearance, age, hobbies, occupation, etc.) that indicates the many variations in the character's attributes, and is expressed, for example, as metadata. Based on the character feature data 302, the character generation unit 300 generates character data 310 that constitutes a virtual character 309.

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

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

[0037] The character generation unit 300 generates behavior schedule data 308 for the character 309 based on the character feature data 302. The behavior schedule data 308 indicates a minute-by-minute daily schedule that defines the behavior of the character 309. In other words, the behavior schedule data 308 is data that determines the schedule of the character's normal, everyday behavior. For example, if the character 309's occupation is an office worker and his hobby is skiing, he generally works at the office from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, but his finishing time varies depending on the day. On some days, he goes out with friends after work, and on other days, he goes home and spends time quietly. On weekends, he sometimes stays at home and sometimes goes out, but especially in winter, he often spends time on his hobby, skiing. The character generation unit 300 defines such behavior patterns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] As shown in (B), if the character 309 is a nurse, on a day with a night shift, the morning, before work, and the night shift break are determined to be times when the service is available, and the status becomes active. On the other hand, the times when the service is unavailable are during naps, meals, and most of the night shift.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] The evaluation unit 600 evaluates the level of liking that the character has for the user based on the communication history 701 (including message history, etc.) between the matched character and the user. Specifically, the evaluation unit 600 causes the text generation AI to generally estimate, based on the communication history 701, such as the message history up to the present, the level of liking that the person (character) has for the other person (user) in this exchange (step 8), and saves the numerical value as liking level 601 (step S601).

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

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

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

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

[0059] On the other hand, if a character has a high level of favorability toward a particular user, the character's message reply speed to that user will be faster (less time lag) than the message reply speed to other users, and the character may reply immediately after receiving a message from the user. In this case, as shown in (B), the character will clearly indicate that he or she is preparing a reply, allowing the user to smoothly begin real-time communication.

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

[0061] If the matched character's favorability towards the user is equal to or greater than a threshold, the evaluation unit 600 communicates only with the user and outputs feedback to the user's and other users' terminal devices indicating that the character will communicate only with the user and not with other users. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the evaluation unit 600 displays "You are already intimate with another user, so you cannot send us a message if you are interested" to users other than the user. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, the evaluation unit 600 displays "You have been chosen! Only you can send us a message" to the user (the user who has become intimate with the character).

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

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

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

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

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

[0067] When a specific character has a high level of favorability toward a specific user, or when a specific user fulfills certain conditions for a specific character, the character can make a voice call to the user via the voice call unit 710. A user who is permitted to make a voice call can have an experience with the character that is similar to a human-to-human telephone call.

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

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

[0070] When a specific character has a high level of favorability toward a specific user, or when a specific user fulfills certain conditions for a specific character, the character can conduct a video chat with the user via the video chat unit 720. Video chat is a method in which the user can have a voice call while watching a moving image of the character's face displayed on the screen of the terminal device 2. The video chat unit 720 transmits and receives voice messages and video data bidirectionally between the matched character and the user.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0077] If the user does not cancel the movie ticket until the day of the date, the date unit 730 determines that the date has actually taken place, and based on this determination condition, saves the date details (events) as experience data 735. The experience data 735 is used for subsequent communication (message sending / receiving, voice calls, video chats) by the communication unit 700.

[0078] For example, in the case of a date to go to the movies, if the movie ticket is not canceled and the showtime passes, or if the user's location information and other data indicates that they actually went to see the movie, the content of the movie that they virtually watched together will be added to the communication. This step is also processed in the same way when the user proposes a date to the character.

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

[0080] When a specific character has a high level of favorability toward a specific user, or when a specific user meets certain conditions for a specific character, the selfie capturing unit 740 can capture a selfie between the character and the user. The selfie capturing unit 740 generates a moving image of the character and displays the moving image of the character on the capturing screen of the terminal device 2 to generate an AR image 741. The user can use the camera attached to the terminal device 2 to take a selfie that includes an AR image 741 of the character displayed as an overlay in the background and a captured image 742 of the user themselves. The selfie capturing unit 740 allows the character and the user to virtually capture a selfie video or still image.

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

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

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

[0084] If a particular character has a high level of favorability toward a particular user, or if a particular user fulfills certain conditions for a particular character, the character may send a gift to the user. The gift receiving unit 760 sends a gift link from the character to the user on a message screen displayed on the terminal device 2. Gifts are provided in the form of e-gifts that can be used in online shops or physical stores, or in the form of avatars or coupon codes that can be used on dating matching services. The user can actually use these gifts.

[0085] FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the miniblog section.

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

[0087] The scheduler 771 periodically extracts schedule information 308 defining the behavior of a given character 309 from the character data 310, combines it with current events data 801 and the character's profile data 312, and creates a command statement 772 for generating text and images that share the current status. For example, if schedule information 308 such as "I'm going shopping in Ginza with friends starting at 2:00 PM today" is used, the command statement 772 is created, such as "A post reporting that Character A is eating pancakes at a cafe on the way home from shopping in Ginza in a light rain," based on today's weather in Ginza as the current events data 801 and the character's 309 profile data 312. The image generation AI 773 generates an image from the command statement 772, and the text generation AI 774 generates text from the command statement 772. The microblog unit 770 combines the generated text and images into a microblog 775 format and outputs it to an area that the user can view via the terminal device 2. Any user can view the miniblog 775 and send an action showing their affection ("like") to increase the character's favorability and find an opportunity to communicate with the character.

[0088] This embodiment makes it possible to provide a love matching service that can be used regardless of the circumstances of individual users, and also to provide a love matching service that is similar to love matching between humans and feels natural.

[0089] As a modification, this embodiment is not limited to a love matching service between humans and AI characters, but can be applied to various types of matching services between humans and AI characters. Furthermore, in love matching between humans and AI characters and various types of matching, the partners may not only be characters that look like humans, but also illustration or anime characters.

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

[0091] Matching system 1 Terminal device 2 User interface unit 100 User information registration unit 200 Character generation unit 300 Scheduling unit 400 Matching unit 500 Evaluation unit 600 Communication unit 700 Voice call unit 710 Video chat unit 720 Date unit 730 Selfie shooting unit 740 Gift sending unit 750 Gift receiving unit 760 Microblog unit 770 Messaging unit 800

Claims

1. A matching system having a matching unit that matches multiple characters with multiple users via the users' terminal devices.

2. A matching system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the matching is a romantic match between a virtual character and a human user.

3. A matching system according to claim 1, further comprising a character generation unit that generates character data constituting each character.

4. A matching system as described in claim 3, wherein the character generation unit generates the character data based on character feature data, and the character data includes character image data, character profile data, and character activity schedule data.

5. A matching system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the image data is image data for displaying a still image of a character having a human appearance and / or a video of a character having a human appearance and performing human actions.

6. A matching system according to claim 4, wherein said character data further includes character life event data.

7. A matching system as set forth in claim 6, wherein the character generation unit updates the image data, the profile data, the activity schedule data and / or the life event data based on the life event data.

8. A matching system as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a scheduling unit which activates the status of said character when it is determined based on said activity schedule data that the character is available for service use.

9. A matching system as described in claim 8, wherein the matching unit, when the character's status is active, selects a user with whom a match has not been established for the character, determines whether or not to send an "interest" from the character to the user based on user profile information registered by the user via a terminal device, and, when the character sends an "interest" from the user and the user sends an "interest" to the character, establishes a match between the character and the user.

10. A matching system as described in claim 9, further comprising a communication unit which, when the status of the character is active, communicates between the user and the character with whom a match has been established via the user's terminal device.

11. A matching system as described in claim 10, further comprising an evaluation unit that evaluates the character's level of liking for the user based on the communication history between the character with whom a match has been established and the user, and updates the character's behavioral pattern toward the user based on the level of liking.

12. A matching system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the evaluation unit further updates the behavioral pattern of the character toward a user other than the user based on the character's level of favorability toward the user.

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

14. A matching system as described in claim 11, wherein the evaluation unit, when the character with whom a match has been made has a favorability rating for the user that is equal to or higher than a threshold, communicates only with the user, and outputs feedback to the terminal devices of the user and other users indicating that communication will be made only with the user and not with other users.

15. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit has a messaging unit which transmits and receives text messages in both directions between the character with which a match has been established and the user on a message screen displayed on the terminal device, and the messaging unit generates a message from the character to the user from at least character data, the user profile information, and a communication history between the character and the user, and outputs the message as a text message to the terminal device.

16. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit has a voice call unit for transmitting and receiving voice messages in both directions between the character with which a match has been established and the user, and the voice call unit generates a message from the character to the user from at least character data, the user profile information, and a communication history between the character and the user, and outputs the message as a voice message to the terminal device.

17. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit has a video chat unit in which the character with whom a match has been established and the user send and receive voice messages and video data in both directions, and the video chat unit generates a message from the character to the user from at least character data, the user profile information, and a communication history between the character and the user, and outputs the message as a voice message to the terminal device, determines the character's emotions based on the message, generates a video of the character based on the emotions, and outputs the video of the character to the terminal device in synchronization with the voice message.

18. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit includes a dating unit in which the matched character and the user go on a virtual date, the dating unit generates a message from the character inviting the user on a date and outputs the message as a text message to the terminal device, and when the user accepts the date via the terminal device, books an event that constitutes the date, and information about the event is used for communication from the character to the user.

19. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit has a selfie shooting unit that takes a virtual selfie video or still image of the character with whom a match has been established and the user, and the selfie shooting unit generates a video of the character and displays the video of the character on the shooting screen of the terminal device to generate an AR image.

20. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit further includes a gift sending unit that sends a gift from the user with whom a match has been established to the character on a message screen displayed on the terminal device, and displays an image showing the sent gift on the character's profile page.

21. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit further includes a gift receiving unit that transmits a gift link from the character with which a match has been established to the user on a message screen displayed on the terminal device.

22. A matching system as described in claim 10, wherein the communication unit further has a microblog unit in which each character can post images and text and users can take action on the posts, and the microblog unit generates text and images based on at least the character's status which is based on character data, and outputs the text and images to the terminal device.

23. A matching system as described in claim 3, wherein the character generation unit generates the plurality of characters using AI.

24. A matching method for matching multiple characters with multiple users via the users' terminal devices.

25. A matching server having a matching unit that matches multiple characters with multiple users via the users' terminal devices.

26. An information processing program that causes the processor of the matching server to operate as a matching unit that matches multiple characters with multiple users via the user's terminal device.

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