Virtual space evaluation system

Abstract

The present invention appropriately evaluates the value of a virtual space.　This virtual space evaluation system 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 11 that acquires information for evaluation that is information regarding the usage status of a virtual space; and an evaluation unit 12 that evaluates the value of the virtual space on the basis of the information for evaluation acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

Description

Virtual Space Evaluation System

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

[0002] Conventionally, various services have been developed in the metaverse. For example, it has been proposed to set up a store in the metaverse to sell and buy goods, and to hold events (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Patent No. 7300772

[0004] However, in the past, when someone who wanted to set up a store or hold an event in the Metaverse had multiple metaverse candidates, there were no appropriate criteria for selecting a metaverse. Furthermore, in the past, when a company providing a Metaverse platform wanted to transfer it to a third party, there was no way to evaluate the value of the Metaverse. Furthermore, similar problems can arise 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 virtual space evaluation system that can appropriately evaluate the value of a virtual space.

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

[0007] In a virtual space evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the value of a virtual space is evaluated based on evaluation information, which is information relating to the usage status of the virtual space. Therefore, the virtual space evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present invention can appropriately evaluate the value of a virtual space.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the value of a virtual space can be appropriately evaluated.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a virtual space evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a virtual space. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a virtual space. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed in a virtual space evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a virtual space evaluation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the virtual space evaluation system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0011] 1 shows a virtual space evaluation system 10 according to this embodiment. The virtual space evaluation system 10 is a system (device) for evaluating the value of a virtual space. The virtual space to be evaluated is realized by a computer provided by the provider of the virtual space.

[0012] For example, a virtual space is as follows: The virtual space is used by a user. 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. Goods or services may be bought and sold in the virtual space.

[0013] Events may be held in the virtual space. Examples of events include music festivals, sports games such as baseball, exhibitions, loan explanations, and bargain sales. Virtual objects may be provided in the virtual space. The virtual objects may include facilities. Examples of facilities include concert venues, sports stadiums such as baseball stadiums, art museums, banks, and stores. The facilities may be used for events held in the virtual space, as well as for buying and selling.

[0014] The sale of goods or services, the holding of events, and the creation and installation of virtual objects within a virtual space may be carried out by the provider of the virtual space, or by a third party other than the provider of the virtual space.

[0015] The virtual space may be, for example, a conventional metaverse. Alternatively, the virtual space may be anything other than the above, as long as it can be an evaluation target of the virtual space evaluation system 10.

[0016] The value of a virtual space evaluated by the virtual space evaluation system 10 is, for example, the monetary value (amount) of the virtual space. For example, the value of a virtual space evaluated by the virtual space evaluation system 10 may be used to buy or sell the virtual space itself. Alternatively, when a third party intends to hold an event or set up a facility in a virtual space, the value of the virtual space evaluated by the virtual space evaluation system 10 may be used as a reference in determining whether or not to carry out such an event. For example, it may be used to determine whether to hold an event in a virtual space of higher value. Note that the value of a virtual space evaluated by the virtual space evaluation system 10 may be something other than monetary value.

[0017] The virtual space evaluation system 10 is composed of a computer such as a PC or a server device. The virtual space evaluation system 10 may be composed of multiple computers. The virtual space evaluation system 10 may be capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices via a network in order to obtain information necessary to realize functions.

[0018] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the virtual space evaluation system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The acquisition unit 11 is a functional unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information regarding the usage status of the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information regarding users who use the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the information regarding users who use the virtual space, information indicating the number of users who use the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the information regarding users who use the virtual space, information indicating attributes of users who use the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the information regarding users who use the virtual space, information indicating the behavior of users who use the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information regarding events in the virtual space. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire, as the evaluation information, information regarding facilities provided in the virtual space.

[0020] The evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is information used to evaluate the value of the virtual space. The evaluation information is information related to the usage status of the virtual space. Therefore, the value of the virtual space evaluated by the virtual space evaluation system 10 reflects the usage status of the virtual space.

[0021] The evaluation information includes, for example, information about users who use the virtual space. The information about users who use the virtual space includes information indicating the number of users who use (visit) the virtual space, information indicating the attributes of users who use the virtual space, and information indicating the behavior of users who use the virtual space. The user attributes may be the attributes of an actual user, or may be the attributes of a user (avatar) in the virtual space. Furthermore, the user behavior is the behavior of a user (avatar) in the virtual space. Alternatively, the user behavior may be the behavior of a user in the real world other than the virtual space.

[0022] The number of users using the virtual space may be the number of users for each time period or for a specific time period. The specific time period may be, for example, a time period when an event is held, a time period when events are held frequently (for example, a time period when events are held several times (for example, twice) or more in a week) (active event), or a time period when no events are held or when there are few events (for example, a time period other than the time period when the above-mentioned events are held frequently).

[0023] The number of users using the virtual space may be determined by user attributes. In this case, the information indicating the number of users also indicates the attributes of the users using the virtual space. User attributes include gender, whether the user is an active user who performs specific actions such as shopping, user preferences (music lover, fashion lover, beauty lover, shopping lover, etc.), and the usage time (visit time) of the virtual space (1 hour or more, 30 minutes or more, etc.). Note that the information indicating the number of users using the virtual space and the information indicating the attributes of the users using the virtual space may be other than those described above as long as they are used to determine the value of the virtual space.

[0024] The information indicating the behavior of a user using a virtual space is, for example, information indicating the amount of a user's transactions in the virtual space, i.e., information indicating the amount the user spent on purchasing goods and services in the virtual space. The amount may be, for example, the average, maximum, or total amount of users in the virtual space. The amount may also be the amount spent by the user at or during an event held in the virtual space, as well as the amount spent by the user outside of or during an event. Note that the above-mentioned event may be during an active event.

[0025] Furthermore, the information indicating the behavior of users using the virtual space may be information indicating the atmosphere of the virtual space due to the behavior of users. The information indicating the atmosphere of the virtual space is, for example, information indicating whether or not a predetermined percentage or more of users are engaging in a predetermined hateful act (e.g., hate speech). Note that the information indicating the behavior of users using the virtual space may be other than the above, as long as it is used to value the virtual space.

[0026] The evaluation information may also include information about events in the virtual space. The information about events in the virtual space is, for example, information indicating events or types of events held in the virtual space, or information indicating the frequency of events or types of events. The information about events in the virtual space may also be information indicating the performance of events held in the virtual space in the past (for example, the performance of attracting customers to the events). Note that the information about events in the virtual space may be other than the above, as long as it is used to value the virtual space.

[0027] The evaluation information may also include information about facilities provided in the virtual space. The information about facilities provided in the virtual space is, for example, information indicating the facilities or types of facilities provided in the virtual space, or information indicating the number of facilities or each type of facility. The information about facilities in the virtual space may also be information indicating the track record of the facility (for example, the facility's track record of attracting customers). The information about facilities provided in the virtual space may be other than the above, as long as it is used to value the virtual space. The evaluation information may also include information about the usage status of the virtual space other than the above, in addition to or instead of the above information.

[0028] 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 existing methods. The evaluation information may also 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 regarding the usage status of the virtual space. The evaluation information may also include other information in addition to information regarding the usage status of the virtual space.

[0029] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the evaluation information by, for example, receiving the evaluation information from a terminal of a provider of the virtual space. Alternatively, 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.

[0030] The evaluation unit 12 is a functional unit that evaluates the value of the virtual space based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the virtual space, for example, as follows.

[0031] The evaluation unit 12 inputs the evaluation information from the acquisition unit 11. The evaluation unit 12 stores evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of the virtual space based on the evaluation information in advance, and performs the 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. At this time, weights may be set in advance for each type of evaluation information, and the evaluation unit 12 may add up the weighted 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 virtual space from the calculated scores based on the setting.

[0032] The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the virtual space for each situation depending on the type of evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the virtual space for each non-event time (time period when no events are held or when there are few events) and each active event time. An example of evaluation criteria in this case is shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. 2( a) shows an example of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a virtual space during non-event periods. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2( a), scores are set for each of a plurality of categories into which the number of users during non-event periods is divided (10,000 or more, 8,000 to less than 10,000, etc.). Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the number of users during non-event periods indicated by the input evaluation information. Also, as shown in FIG. 2( a), scores are set for each of a plurality of categories into which the amount of money (average amount) spent by users during non-event periods is divided (10,000 yen or more, 8,000 yen to less than 10,000 yen, etc.). Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the amount of money (average amount) spent by users during non-event periods indicated by the input evaluation information. The evaluation unit 12 adds up these calculated scores.

[0034] In the evaluation criteria, as shown in Fig. 2(a), a monetary amount, which is the value of the virtual space, is set for each of a plurality of divisions (100 points, 90 points, ...) into which the score (total value) is divided. Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a monetary amount as an evaluation result of the value of the virtual space from the total value of the scores.

[0035] FIG. 2( b) is an example of an evaluation criterion for evaluating the value of a virtual space during an active event. In this example, similar to the evaluation criterion for evaluating the value of a virtual space during a non-event, a score (point) is set for each of the multiple categories into which the number of users during an active event is divided and for each of the multiple categories into which the amount of money (average amount) spent by users during an active event is divided. The evaluation unit 12 calculates and sums scores from the input evaluation information based on the settings. In the evaluation criterion, an amount representing the value of the virtual space is set for each of the multiple categories into which the score (total value) is divided. The evaluation unit 12 calculates an amount as an evaluation result of the value of the virtual space from the total value of the scores based on the settings.

[0036] The evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the virtual space for a specific target audience according to the type of evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, the evaluation unit 12 may evaluate the value of the virtual space for a business that holds a music concert in the virtual space or a business that holds a bargain sale in the virtual space. Example evaluation criteria for this case are shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] 3A shows an example of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a virtual space for a business that holds a music concert in the virtual space (e.g., evaluation for holding a music event in the virtual space). In this example, as shown in FIG. 3A, scores are set for each of several categories (10,000 or more, 8,000 or more but less than 10,000, etc.) that divide the number of users who have a preference of "music lover" and have used (visited) the virtual space for "30 minutes or more" in the past week. Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the number of users indicated by the input evaluation information.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3( a), a score (points) is set for each of a plurality of categories into which the concert venue set up in the virtual space has attracted audiences (has attracted audiences of 10,000 or more, has attracted audiences of 8,000 to less than 10,000, etc.). Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a score from the concert venue's attendance record indicated by the input evaluation information. The evaluation unit 12 adds up these calculated scores. In the evaluation criteria, a monetary amount, which is the value of the virtual space, is set for each of a plurality of categories into which the score (total value) is divided. Based on this setting, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a monetary amount as an evaluation result of the value of the virtual space from the total value of the scores.

[0039] FIG. 3( b) shows an example of evaluation criteria for evaluating the value of a virtual space for a business holding a bargain sale in the virtual space. In this example, scores (points) are set for each of a plurality of categories into which the amount (total amount) of user transactions in the virtual space is divided. Also, as shown in FIG. 3( b), scores (points) are set for each of a plurality of categories into which the customer attendance record of bargain sales held in the virtual space in the past is divided (number of customers over 10,000, etc.). The evaluation unit 12 calculates and sums scores from the input evaluation information based on the settings. In the evaluation criteria, a monetary amount, which is the value of the virtual space, is set for each of a plurality of categories into which the score (total value) is divided. Based on the settings, the evaluation unit 12 calculates a monetary amount as an evaluation result of the value of the virtual space from the sum of the scores.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The evaluation by the evaluation unit 12 does not have to be performed by the above method, but may be performed by evaluating the value of the virtual space based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. For example, it is not necessary to calculate a score in evaluating the value of the virtual space as in the above example. Furthermore, the above evaluation method may be used to evaluate a virtual object in the virtual space, i.e., to evaluate a part of the virtual space.

[0042] The evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the value of the virtual space. 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 virtual space evaluation system 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 virtual space evaluation system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0043] Next, the process executed by the virtual space evaluation system 10 according to this embodiment (the operating method performed by the virtual space evaluation system 10) will be described using the flowchart of Figure 4. In this process, first, the acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation information, which is information regarding the usage status of the virtual space (S01). Next, the evaluation unit 12 evaluates the value of the virtual space based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (S02). Next, the evaluation unit 12 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the value of the virtual space (S03). The above is the process executed by the virtual space evaluation system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0044] In this embodiment, the value of a virtual space is evaluated based on evaluation information, which is information regarding the usage status of the virtual space. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the value of the virtual space can be appropriately evaluated. As a result, for example, buying and selling of virtual spaces can be appropriately carried out taking into account the value of the virtual space. Furthermore, holding events or setting up facilities in the virtual space can be appropriately carried out taking into account the value of the virtual space.

[0045] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the evaluation information may be information about users who use the virtual space. The information may be information indicating the number of users who use the virtual space. The information may also be information indicating the attributes of users who use the virtual space. The information may also be information indicating the behavior of users who use the virtual space. With these configurations, the value of the virtual space can be appropriately evaluated depending on the users who use the virtual space.

[0046] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the evaluation information may be information relating to events in the virtual space. With this configuration, the value of the virtual space can be appropriately evaluated depending on the events in the virtual space. Furthermore, the evaluation information may be information relating to facilities provided in the virtual space. With this configuration, the value of the virtual space can be appropriately evaluated depending on the facilities provided in the virtual space. However, the evaluation information does not necessarily have to be the above, and may be information relating to the usage status of the virtual space that can be used to evaluate the value of the virtual space.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] For example, the virtual space evaluation system 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 virtual space evaluation system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described virtual space evaluation system 10 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.

[0050] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the virtual space evaluation system 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.

[0051] Each function in the virtual space evaluation system 10 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as a 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.

[0052] 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 virtual space evaluation system 10 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0053] The processor 1001 also 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 virtual space evaluation system 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (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. The storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The storage medium provided in the virtual space evaluation system 10 may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] The virtual space evaluation system 10 may also 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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."

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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."

[0076] The virtual space evaluation system of the present disclosure has the following configuration. [1] A virtual space evaluation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information regarding the usage status of a virtual space; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the value of the virtual space based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit. [2] The virtual space evaluation system described in [1], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding users who use the virtual space as the evaluation information. [3] The virtual space evaluation system described in [2], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the number of users using the virtual space as the information regarding the users who use the virtual space. [4] The virtual space evaluation system described in [2] or [3], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating attributes of users who use the virtual space as the information regarding the users who use the virtual space. [5] The virtual space evaluation system described in any of [2] to [4], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the behavior of users who use the virtual space as the information regarding the users who use the virtual space. [6] The virtual space evaluation system described in any of [1] to [5], wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding events in the virtual space as the evaluation information. [7] The virtual space evaluation system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information about facilities provided in the virtual space.

[0077] 10...Virtual space evaluation system, 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 virtual space evaluation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires evaluation information, which is information regarding the usage status of a virtual space; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the value of the virtual space based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. A virtual space evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to a user who uses the virtual space.

3. A virtual space evaluation system according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the number of users using the virtual space as information relating to users using the virtual space.

4. A virtual space evaluation system according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating attributes of a user using the virtual space as information relating to the user using the virtual space.

5. A virtual space evaluation system as described in claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the behavior of a user using the virtual space as information regarding the user using the virtual space.

6. The virtual space evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information relating to an event in the virtual space as the evaluation information.

7. A virtual space evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the evaluation information, information relating to facilities provided in the virtual space.

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