JP2020101950A - Communication method and system using multiple avatars simultaneously - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem, in the communication using the conventional avatar, that a user concentrates on the operation of the avatar thereby being restricted for a certain period of time so that the user cannot effectively use time, and that the user is limited to be able to operate only one avatar so that the user cannot increase action time double in the virtual world.SOLUTION: A communication method allows a user to own multiple avatars and use the multiple avatars simultaneously to interact with other users, understand intentions, and communicate information, thoughts and feelings. There is no limit to the number of avatars the user can own. In order to allow the user to use the multiple avatars simultaneously, the avatar acts to some extent autonomously with a minimum amount of user's operation or by gradually learning the user's operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a method and system in which a user interacts with other users by using an avatar or collects information through interaction with other users. Especially, it relates to a method and system for exchanging information and collecting information in a virtual reality space or an augmented reality space.

An avatar refers to a character that serves as an alter ego of a user in an online service whose main purpose is interaction between users and formation of a community. It is visually expressed as a character expressed in computer graphics or illustrations, and it has user-customizable elements such as changing the face and costume so that other users can recognize it as a user's alter ego, and We are trying to make users attach themselves.

In the present invention, it is not limited to such visual characters, such as an auditory character expressed only by voice or a character expressed by a character, such as “character characteristics that can be recognized by another user as a user's alter ego”. A function group having "is widely defined as an avatar.

In the present invention, by combining an avatar and an artificial intelligence technology, a new use method of the avatar, in which a user raises an avatar that operates autonomously as his own alter ego and lends or sells it to other users to make a profit. , It is envisioned that a new knowledge industry and market will be formed. For example, it may be possible for an expert in a certain industry to transfer specialized knowledge to an avatar, convey the knowledge to others through the avatar, and make a profit. Furthermore, it may be possible for the user to create a body that behaves like the person himself and to perform various tasks.

In this technical field, the present invention is such that a user owns a plurality of avatars, and each avatar moves around autonomously by a program or artificial intelligence that implements the action rules of the avatar and does not depend on the user's operation. The present invention relates to a technology that enables a user to efficiently transmit information, collect information, and interact by meeting and transmitting or exchanging information.

In the conventional communication method and system using an avatar, the avatar and the avatar are displayed on the screen of the user's information terminal as if they were talking or exchanging information using a bulletin board, but the avatar is talking autonomously. Instead, the users actually operate the avatars to have conversations and exchange information.

The same applies to methods and systems in which an avatar moves around in a plane or space. You can see the avatar moving in space and approaching other avatars and performing various actions such as greetings.However, the avatar does not move and act autonomously, but the user actually operates the avatar. ing.

When the user is not operating the avatar, the avatar may perform an action called a stand-by motion (such as stepping on the spot or missing). However, this is not an autonomous action of the avatar, but a symbolic routine action that tells other users that the user is not operating the avatar. Similarly, when the user is not operating, an avatar may walk around the current position. Such movement is not an autonomous action of Avatar. As described above, in the conventional communication method and system using an avatar, the avatar talks and acts by the operation of the user.

In applications such as message and chat, there is something called a bot or a chat bot. This is a technology that enables a user to automatically respond when another user speaks to the user by setting a response case such as "how to talk to the person and how to answer". Regarding simultaneous use of multiple avatars in the present invention, an automatic conversation response using a bot or artificial intelligence is used.

There is a technique called an agent or a software agent as a technique that operates autonomously regardless of a user's operation like a bot. An agent is a general term for software that acts as an intermediary with users and other software. In general, it constantly moves in the system and operates to some extent autonomously on behalf of the user. In addition, there is a technology called multi-agent in which a plurality of agents having different algorithms work together to solve a problem. However, the agent does not mean a software group that acts as an alter ego of a user having a personality like an avatar.

As described in the background art section, in a conventional communication method or system using an avatar, a user operates the avatar to cause the avatar to have a conversation or an action. During that time, the user concentrates on the avatar operation to some extent and is bound for a certain period of time. The user also spends an hour in the real world in order for the avatar to act for one hour and interact with other avatars. The time in the virtual world elapses as it does in the real world. It is good if you can enjoy the time you are experiencing like a game, but it is far from the efficient time utilization unique to computers.

Further, in the conventional communication method or system using an avatar, the user operates one avatar. It is theoretically possible to operate multiple avatars at the same time using multiple information terminals, but it is not realistic because it takes time to input. There is a one-to-one relationship between the behavior of the user and the behavior of the avatar, and it is impossible to effectively use time by performing various behaviors in parallel. The user's action time cannot be doubled or tripled in the virtual world, and the user tends to spend a long time on the use.

For this reason, communication methods and systems using avatars are mainly used by users who have time to spare. Also, the user spends a long time communicating. Conventional communication methods and systems using avatars are rarely used in situations where importance is placed on efficiency.

There are different merits in how to get knowledge on the Internet such as social media and search, and how to actually get acquainted with other people by interacting with each other. Although it has a potential to be more utilized in various fields such as business and education, it is not a general-purpose communication tool from the viewpoint of efficiency.

The present invention adopts the following means that can solve the problems of the conventional communication method and system using avatars, and allows the user to double the finite time in a pseudo manner and efficiently use the time to transmit information, exchange information, and exchange information. To be able to interact.

A user uses an information terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone connected to the net, owns a plurality of avatars for each, and simultaneously uses a plurality of avatars, that is, interacts with other users, communicates with one another, Communicate information, thoughts and feelings.

As the information terminal of the user, not only a personal computer and a smartphone but also various things such as a head mounted display for viewing virtual reality and AR (augmented reality) glasses can be considered.

Since it is used by multiple users, it is basically executed by multiple computers. However, it is also possible that a plurality of users communicate by connecting a plurality of display devices to a stand-alone computer.

When implementing by connecting the user's information terminals via the network, either a peer-to-peer type environment in which each user's information terminals are directly connected to each other, a client in which each user's information terminal is connected to a server or cloud, or a server type environment But good.

Each user owns multiple avatars means that each user's account is assigned the right to operate multiple avatars. In the service realized by this method or system, the user operates the actions of a plurality of avatars and browses the results of the actions via the management screen of the plurality of avatars.

There is no limit to the number of avatars that the user can own, and it is also possible to own a huge number of avatars if physically possible. In order to realize an environment in which such a huge number of avatars operate, the system load may be distributed by a technique such as block chain or peer-to-peer.

The avatar allows the user to add new ones as needed. The ownership of the avatar may be transferred between users.

Multiple avatars owned by each user talk to other avatars, write on the bulletin board held by other avatars, and have friendships with other avatars like users on a general SNS (social network service). Connect with and communicate or exchange information. Alternatively, the avatar travels in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space to meet other avatars and gather at a place where a group of avatars gather. In the augmented reality space, they visit places that correspond to the real space, meet other avatars in the space, and exchange information that they have with each other.

Possession of multiple avatars is possible by creating multiple accounts even with conventional communication methods and systems using avatars. Alternatively, one account can have ownership of multiple avatars. However, the gist of the present invention is that it allows multiple avatars to be used simultaneously.

In order to allow the user to use a plurality of avatars at the same time, the avatar acts to be autonomous to some extent by the user's minimum operation or by gradually learning the user's operation. Actions such as autonomous communication of information, information exchange, movement, and exchange of avatars are possible by applying the above-mentioned technologies such as bots, agents, and artificial intelligence. Moreover, the technology cultivated in entertainment such as games, for example, the action routine of non-player characters can be applied. By applying these technologies, it becomes possible for users to communicate and exchange information by using a plurality of avatars at the same time.

As described above, it is possible to improve efficiency, which is a problem of the conventional communication method using an avatar, and prevent the user from spending too much time.

This is so that anyone in the world of information can use the technique of alternation used by Son Goku or the technique of using the spirit called Shikigami used by the Japanese magician Onmyoji. Even while the user is sleeping, many altercations of the user autonomously act in the information space to collect information, spread ideas, interact with others, and dramatically expand the finite time of the user. To do.

Hereinafter, means for solving the problems will be described more specifically according to the claims.

Explanation of terms "Information exchange". In the following explanation, avatars exchange information with each other by means such as conversation with other avatars, communicate information by means such as sharing information with other avatars, and send information to bulletin boards of other avatars. Various information transmissions or exchanges, including writing, users and similar means as they do in SNS are referred to as "information exchanges". However, in the claims, it is described as "information transmission or information exchange".

Explanation of terms "User information". In the following explanation, various know-how possessed by the user, various knowledge such as culture and way of thinking, events that are of interest, hobbies and preferences, desires that can be solved by interaction with other users, goals that can be achieved, personality of the user , "Personal personality that the user sets in his or her avatar, position of the user in the real space that can be acquired by the global positioning system of the information terminal, user's action history, information derived by the user's action, etc." Information". The action history of the user is not limited to the action history by the method or system of the present invention, and the action history that can be acquired from the Internet service or the like accessible by the process or means of the present invention via the network, and the action history Contains information about access methods. The information format may be any data that can be recorded in a computer, such as text, images, moving images, voices, and stereoscopic computer graphics models. It also includes information about the user and the means by which the data about the user's knowledge is referenced, such as a uniform resource locator to the data held on the network accessible server. The user information is treated as information necessary for the avatar to act autonomously for the user as the user's alter ego.

Explanation of terms "Avatar behavior". In the following explanations, avatars exchange information with other avatars, perform anthropomorphic actions such as displaying greetings and emotions, changing clothes, changing hairstyles, etc. The behavior of the avatar as the alter ego of the user, such as preparing to start information exchange such as meeting, moving in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space, is referred to as “avatar behavior”. An avatar is just a symbol that is visually or auditorily expressed on an information terminal, and although there is no subject that actually acts with intention, it is not an impersonal expression like a general icon. , The behavior expression is called "behavior" because it is empathized by the user as if it were a living being.

(Invention of Claim 1)
The invention according to claim 1 is a method executed by one or a plurality of computers, wherein each of a plurality of users owns a plurality of avatars, and each user can simultaneously use the plurality of avatars owned by the respective users. In addition, a first step of simultaneously operating a plurality of avatars owned by each user and a second step of transmitting or exchanging information between the plurality of avatars are provided.

(Invention of Claim 4)
The invention according to claim 4 is a system which is executed by one or a plurality of computers, in which a plurality of users own a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars owned by each user can be used simultaneously. And a first means for simultaneously operating a plurality of avatars owned by each user, and a second means for transmitting or exchanging information between the plurality of avatars.

The inventions of claims 1 and 4 include the first step or the first means and the second step or the second means, so that the user owns and uses a plurality of avatars at the same time. Will be possible.

The first step or first means allows the user to simultaneously control the actions of multiple avatars. Combining artificial intelligence and bot technology to minimize user interaction with the avatar. The first step or the first means records, learns and stylizes the operation of the action of the avatar by the user so that the avatar acts to some extent autonomously. For example, an avatar that regularly visits the same place in the virtual reality space heads for that place autonomously without any user operation. In addition, a screen for managing multiple avatars at once will be provided so that the user can easily operate the avatar on the information terminal during the gaps in daily life.

The second step or the second means exchanges information between an avatar owned by a user and an avatar owned by another user. Even when exchanging information between avatars, artificial intelligence and bot technology should be combined so that the user can omit detailed operations. The second step or the second means records, learns, and stylizes the information exchange of the avatar by the user's operation so that the avatar exchanges information to some extent autonomously. In addition, in general communication using avatars, most conversations consist of repeated, fixed expressions such as greetings. Regarding such expressions, for example, when an avatar meets another avatar, the avatar autonomously greets with a user-like expression.

(Invention of Claim 2)
The invention according to claim 2 is a method executed by one or a plurality of computers, wherein a plurality of users each own a plurality of avatars, and each user can simultaneously use a plurality of avatars respectively owned by each user. The user information such as knowledge, interests, hobbies, desires, goals, personalities, positions in the real space, and behavior history of each user is recorded, and all or part of each user information is stored in a plurality of items owned by the user. A first step of linking to an avatar and a second step of determining whether information transmission or information exchange should be started among a plurality of avatars based on a user operation or user information linked to an avatar. Then, information transmission or information exchange is performed between a plurality of avatars determined to start information transmission or information exchange in the second step based on a user operation or user information linked to the avatars. A third step of generating a procedure, and a fourth step of displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars based on the information transmission or information exchange procedure generated in the third step, It is characterized by including.

(Invention of Claim 5)
The invention according to claim 5 is a system which is executed by one or a plurality of computers, in which a plurality of users own a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars owned by each user can be used at the same time. The user information such as knowledge, interests, hobbies, desires, goals, personalities, positions in the real space, and behavior history of each user is recorded, and all or part of each user information is stored in a plurality of items owned by the user. First means associated with an avatar, and second means for determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars should be started based on a user operation or user information associated with the avatar. And, based on the user operation or the user information associated with the avatar, the information transmission or the information exchange is performed between the plurality of avatars determined to start the information transmission or the information exchange by the second means. A third means for generating a procedure, and a fourth means for displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars based on the information transmission or information exchange procedure generated by the third means, It is characterized by including.

According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, each user can easily utilize a plurality of avatars by including the first to fourth steps or means.

The first step or the first means records user information so that the avatar appropriately acts as a user's alter ego, and links all or part of the user information to a plurality of avatars. Based on the user information linked to the avatar, the avatar autonomously exchanges information with other avatars.

The user inputs the user information through the respective information terminals, and the first step or the first means records it. Alternatively, the first step or the first means collects the relevant information of the user from the server on the network and records it. The user information is recorded centrally or in a distributed manner in a location accessible by each process or means of the present invention, such as a user's information terminal, a server on the network, or a cloud.

A part or all of the recorded user information is associated with a plurality of avatars owned by the user. Linking means generating and recording association information between a part or all of user information and each avatar.

The same information may be associated with a plurality of avatars, or different information may be associated with a plurality of avatars. By linking different information to a plurality of avatars, each avatar acts differently. Communication among users is made efficient and promoted by each avatar sharing the actions desired by the users and acting. Alternatively, the user can collect information from various viewpoints.

The user information and the avatar may be associated with each other by the user or automatically by the first step or the first means based on some algorithm.

Among the user information, the personality of the user and the pseudo-personal personality set by the user in his or her avatar are made into a data format that can be recorded in a computer with reference to the "big five" theory in psychology. In Big Five theory, personality is divided into five elements. The five factors are neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, coordination, and integrity, which we call characteristic 5 factors. These five factors of characteristic are digitized and recorded as personality.

The user may characterize the avatar. Alternatively, the user may be subjected to a personality test, and the avatar may have the same personality as the user based on the result. Some avatars may be personalized in the same manner as the user, and some avatars may be personalized differently from the user to give the avatar a different perspective than the user so that the user can obtain information that he or she usually does not notice. When the user creates the avatar, it may be possible to incorporate an entertaining element such as characterizing the avatar based on astrology by regarding the creation date and time as the date and time when the avatar was born. You may machine-learn how to use avatars and characterize your avatars to best suit your needs. By such various methods, personality can be applied to avatars, and information exchange between avatars can depend on various personalities such as person-to-person interaction.

For example, an avatar characterized by high extroversion exchanges information with many avatars in a short time. On the other hand, avatars who are characterized as having low extroversion exchange information with only a few avatars at the same time. Information exchange with many avatars is not always desirable. Many information exchanges are also more likely to involve duplication of information and mispurposed information acquisition. In some cases, it may be desirable to exchange carefully and carefully selected avatars with low extroversion. The required personality of the avatar changes depending on how the user wants to exchange information and eventually communicate with other users via the avatar.

Regarding the position of the user in the real space of the user information, when the user explicitly links to the avatar and when the user position obtained by the user's information terminal by the global positioning system etc. is automatically transmitted, It is possible that one step or means is associated with the avatar as appropriate. In the former case, when the user visits a new place, an example may be considered in which the avatar is made to collect local information about shops, tourist spots around the current position, and people who are likely to be friends. In the latter case, an example in which the avatar autonomously exchanges information with local avatars and collects information about the surroundings when the user is moving around the city.

Regarding the action history of the user among the user information, the first step or the first means enables to access various servers and services via the Internet and collect the action history from there. By linking with the action history of various services, and by linking with so-called big data, the avatar acts as if it captures the potential needs of the user.

The above first step or first means is not performed only once when the user creates the avatar, but is repeated as necessary. The information that each avatar has changes as it is repeated. Further, the first step or the first means is performed at any time during the execution of each of the following other steps or means.

The second step or the second means is based on the user information linked to the avatar in the first step or the first means, in order to facilitate communication between the users, "which avatar and which avatar exchange information" Should be carried out.” and the result is transmitted to the third step or the third means. The combination of avatars may be one body, one-to-many, or many-to-many.

In a human society, this process or means is a matching process that determines who should meet each other based on each person's individuality and knowledge, and establishes a meeting place. With the right encounters, users can get the information they want, provide information, and interact with other users.

For example, a user wants to obtain information from a user who knows about the stock market in the Middle East, and assigns the goal of acquiring information about the “stock market in the Middle East” to his or her avatar A. Tie It is assumed that the other plurality of avatars are associated with knowledge such as “stock market”, “Middle East”, and “stock market in the Middle East”. In the second step or the second means, an avatar A for which information on the “stock market in the Middle East” is requested and an avatar B associated with information on the “stock market in the Middle East” are combined. When there are a plurality of avatars linked to the knowledge about the “stock market in the Middle East,” it is determined that information should be exchanged with all of the plurality of avatars if avatar A has a high extroversion. If avatar A has low extroversion, a plurality of avatars are narrowed down. As a narrowing-down method, it is possible to narrow down the avatars that have little overlap with the user's known information. A method of narrowing down to the user's avatar near the user's current position is also conceivable. A method of estimating the user's knowledge level from the analysis of user information and narrowing it down to the user's avatar of an appropriate knowledge level is also conceivable. A method of learning the behavior history of each user and the past record of exchanging information and narrowing down to avatars who want better results is also considered.

In the second step or the second means, it is determined which avatar the information should be exchanged with, but the information exchange is not started immediately after the determination. Before starting the information exchange, the user may be notified through the information terminal of the user so that the user approves the start of the information exchange.

In the situation where many users use many avatars, enormous calculation cost is required to determine the combination of information exchange among innumerable avatars. Various methods can be considered to reduce the calculation cost. For example, it is possible to avoid the determination between all avatars by considering the current position of the user and limiting the determination to avatars that are close to each other. Alternatively, the avatars are divided into groups based on the user information assigned to the avatars, and the avatars in the group are judged. The type of avatar may be set from the beginning so that information can be exchanged only between avatars of the same type. For example, when a company makes an avatar of its own character for its own promotion and distributes it to the user, and the user uses the avatar, the determination can be made by limiting the interaction to the same promotion avatar. Limited to between avatars. In this way, the method of dividing the communication layers according to the attributes of the avatars not only reduces the information exchange start determination of the avatars, but also enables load distribution such as dividing the processing server for each layer.

The third step or the third means generates an “information exchange procedure” between the avatars determined to be informed by the second step or the second means.

The information exchange procedure is a series of procedure information that describes "which information associated with each avatar, how, what kind of avatar-like effect is added, and information exchange". This procedural information is like a script of an avatar's conversation summarized on a particular topic. The procedure is to inform the other avatar of the user information associated with the avatar, associate it with the other avatar, and what kind of anthropomorphic behavior the avatar behaves at that time. including. For example, if it is determined that Avatar A has a goal of “I want to know the weather of tomorrow” and Avatar B has “weather information”, it is determined that Avatar A and Avatar B should exchange information. The information exchange procedure can be described by a series of texts such as the following paragraph. In this example, two avatars interact like a drama. The procedure is described in a data format that can be processed by a computer, such as a markup language.

Avatar A and Avatar B face each other. Avatar A: bow: "Hello". Avatar B: bow: "Hello (the name given to the opponent of the avatar) san". Avatar A: Graphical representation of the user's current location. Ask: "What about tomorrow's weather around here?" Avatar B: Post a weather map: "The rainy season front overlaps around it, so it's going to rain." Avatar A: (Because of the nature of seeking details) Think: "Can you tell us more about the probability of precipitation?" Avatar B: "5% until 2:00 pm, then 70%". Avatar A: (Confirm user's tomorrow's schedule): "I'm heading to Tokyo Station at 3 pm. What about that?" Avatar B: "It might be cloudy." Avatar A: Thanks: "Thank you." Avatar B: Smile: "Welcome you." Finished.

If the goal is to collect information quickly, a drama-like production is a mess, so you may create a procedure that keeps the necessary information exchanged. For example:

Avatar 1: "I want to know the weather at the current location of the user tomorrow." Avatar 2: "The weather in (where the user is) is raining all day". Avatar 1: What is the probability of precipitation? Avatar 2: "5% until 2:00 pm, 70% thereafter". Avatar 1: "Tokyo station at 15:00". Avatar 2: "It's cloudy around."

When the third step or the third means generates a procedure, not only user information but also various servers may be accessed on the Internet to collect information. For example, in the above example, if the user information of the avatar 2 records "means for checking weather of a specific place", the second step or the second means searches for and collects information based on the information. .. In this way, when specific individual information is not recorded in the user information, the procedure may describe only the setup or form of information exchange.

Avatar 1: (Tomorrow's) (user's current location) + (user's planned destination)'s (weather) + (precipitation probability)? / Interactive information exchange, Avatar 2: Link to check atmospheric pressure distribution from date and time / Knowledge to read weather from atmospheric pressure distribution / I would like to teach (weather) / Greetings should be intimate.

Generation of the above procedure can be realized by applying conventional bots, agent technology, and artificial intelligence. In addition, distributed processing is possible.

In the third step or the third means, the user can select "manipulate the avatar by himself/herself" as in the conventional communication by the avatar, instead of "autonomous information exchange between avatars". Is also good. In this case, the user exchanges information with the virtual personality of the other party's avatar via the avatar, and the third step or the third means generates a procedure in real time according to the user's input. This is similar to a typical avatar/bot conversation. If the users of both avatars choose to operate by themselves, the chat is similar to the chat between users via the normal avatar.

The fourth step or the fourth means enables the user to browse the procedure generated by the third step or the third means in various expressions. Interpret the procedure, text screen such as mail software, scroll screen like message application, screen like SNS, video using computer graphics animation, audio expression like podcast or radio talk show It is converted into "state of information exchange" by various expression methods. The user views and browses the state of information exchange of avatars.

The fourth step or the fourth means may be generated on the server or the cloud and distributed to the user's information terminal, or may be generated on the user's information terminal based on the procedure distributed from the server or the cloud. Is also good.

As an example of the former, the state of information exchange of avatars is generated as a moving image on a server or a cloud and delivered to a user's information terminal. With this method, the load on the server is high and the amount of data to be distributed is large.

In the latter example, the information exchange procedure is distributed to the user's information terminal, and the state of the avatar information exchange is generated as an animation on the terminal in real time. With this method, the load on the information terminal of the user is high, and the amount of data to be distributed is small.

By combining the former and the latter, it is also possible to execute a part of the fourth step or the fourth means on a server or a cloud and execute a part on the information terminal of the user. For example, a server or a cloud side generates voice data of information exchange, and an animation in which an avatar has a conversation on a user's information terminal.

As described above, in the fourth step or the fourth means, various methods can be considered for displaying the procedure for exchanging information between avatars, but the point is that the user can easily understand the state of exchanging information between avatars, and It is to convert it into an easy-to-understand expression so that it can be viewed.

The user may edit the procedure for exchanging information after viewing the state of exchanging information of avatars, and add a comment or comment. If the user thinks that his or her avatar does not properly respond to the question from the avatar of the other party, the user may rewrite the avatar's reply or add a comment to the reply. Regarding the editing of such an information exchange procedure, an editing history is left so that the pre-editing and post-editing can be compared later.

It is also possible to delete unnecessary repetitive parts from the information exchange procedure, integrate a plurality of procedures, add chapters, and make other edits so that the information exchange procedure can be archived. When the user performs the archiving, the fourth step or the fourth means may be automated. It is conceivable to publish such archives to other users or to an external SNS to make a profit. Further, by referring to the archive in the third step or the third means, it is possible to generate a procedure without waste or duplication.

After browsing the state of information exchange, the user enables his or her avatar to evaluate the result of information exchange. By using the “like” button such as 5-level evaluation or SNS and adding the evaluation to the user information, each process or means can further make judgments and generate procedures according to the user's intention. learn.

After the user browses the information exchange state, it may be possible to specify how to deal with similar information exchange in the future. For example, if another avatar asks, "What is your favorite food?", the avatars of younger users are "I like bananas" and the avatars of other users are "I like sashimi." That's it." Such designation is recorded in the user information as a conditional user conversation dictionary and is associated with a specific avatar.

In addition, the user can add the user information after viewing the state of the information exchange and improve the future result of the information exchange. Such adjustment of the user information allows the avatar to behave more appropriately as the user's alter ego.

As described above, the user can customize and grow the avatar as his or her own alter ego.

If the user wants to regularly exchange information with the other party's avatar after viewing the information exchange state, he/she may follow the other party's avatar with his/her own avatar like the follow function in SNS. .. Based on such follow-up relationships, avatars may share information. Many of various exchange methods between users in SNS can be applied to communication between a plurality of avatars. In this way, the avatar builds a social relationship on behalf of the user. Alternatively, the avatar may autonomously follow another avatar.

In the third step or the third means, if "manipulate the avatar by myself" is selected as in the conventional communication by the avatar, the third step or the third means and the fourth step Alternatively, the fourth means is not divided into two parts and is executed simultaneously. According to the input of the user who operates the avatar, the procedure is generated and converted so that the procedure can be viewed at the same time.

On the other hand, when the user does not operate the avatar, the third step or the third means may be executed at any time before the fourth step or the fourth means is executed. For example, when the procedure is generated by the server, the procedure generation for each user may be collectively performed during a time period when the server load is not concentrated and the user may be appropriately notified that the avatar has met.

The user who can view the information exchange state of the avatar is not necessarily the user who owns the avatar. Anyone may browse the conversation on the bulletin board in the same way that a user who does not participate in the conversation can browse the information exchange state. In that case, the user who owns the avatar for exchanging information may be allowed to set the disclosure range. Also, the state of information exchange may be converted into moving image data or conversation text so that it can be distributed to an external SNS.

According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, the user can more easily operate the plurality of avatars as his/her own ghosts by using the above-described first to fourth steps or means, and via the avatars. To communicate with each other.

(Invention of Claim 3)
The invention according to claim 3 is executed by one or a plurality of computers, and in a virtual reality space or an augmented reality space, a plurality of users own a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars owned by each user simultaneously. It is a method that can be used and records user information such as each user's knowledge, interests, hobbies, desires, goals, personality, position in the real space, action history, etc., and records all or one of each user information. A first step of associating a section with a plurality of avatars owned by the user, and a step of changing the position of the avatar in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space based on a user operation or user information associated with the avatar Based on the step 2 and the user operation, the user information associated with the avatar or the position information of the avatar, a third step of determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars should be started. And information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars determined to start information transmission or information exchange in the third step, based on user operation or user information linked to the avatars. A fourth step of generating a procedure, and a fifth step of displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars based on the information transmission or information exchange procedure generated in the fourth step, It is characterized by including.

(Invention of Claim 6)
The invention according to claim 6 is executed by one or a plurality of computers, and in a virtual reality space or an augmented reality space, a plurality of users each have a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars that each user respectively possesses at the same time. It is a system that can be used, and records user information such as each user's knowledge, interests, hobbies, desires, goals, personalities, positions in the real space, action history, etc., and records all or one of each user information. First means for associating a part with a plurality of avatars owned by the user, and changing the position of the avatar in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space based on the user operation or the user information associated with the avatar. Second means and third means for determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange should be started between a plurality of avatars based on the user operation, user information associated with the avatar, or position information of the avatar Then, information transmission or information exchange is performed between a plurality of avatars determined to start information transmission or information exchange by the third means, based on user operation or user information linked to the avatars. Fourth means for generating a procedure, and fifth means for displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars based on the procedure for information transmission or information exchange generated by the fourth means, It is characterized by including.

According to the third and sixth aspects of the present invention, each user can easily utilize a plurality of avatars at the same time in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space by including the first to fifth steps or means. ..

By combining virtual reality space or augmented reality space with multiple autonomously acting avatars, the avatars move around the space as the user's alter ego and meet other avatars, or exchange information while moving in space with other avatars. However, it becomes possible to communicate through avatars utilizing the space, such as collecting information specific to the space area.

In the virtual reality space, spatial regions are set for various purposes and purposes. Private rooms where intimate conversations with fellow avatars, public open spaces where you can freely participate in conversations, museum-like spaces that utilize space to provide information, virtual shopping malls, limited-time event spaces, etc. Spaces for various purposes and purposes are provided. Avatars can gather at appropriate places according to their purposes, find avatars with whom they can communicate more effectively, and exchange information in relation to those places.

In augmented reality space, the spatial domain corresponds to the location in real space. The avatar heads to a location that corresponds to the real world and exchanges information with the avatar that is there. For example, head to a location that corresponds to a real store and exchange information with other avatars about that store.

The first step or the first means records user information and links all or part of the user information to a plurality of avatars. Further, the user information may be associated with the avatar and the space. By linking to both companies, for example, the avatar can change its behavior depending on the place.

The user inputs the user information through the respective information terminals, and the first step or the first means records it. Alternatively, the first step or the first means collects the relevant information of the user from the server on the network and records it. User information is recorded centrally or in a distributed manner in a place accessible by each process or means of the present invention.

A part or all of the recorded user information is associated with a plurality of avatars owned by the user. The same information may be associated with a plurality of avatars, or different information may be associated with a plurality of avatars. The user information and the avatar may be associated with each other by the user or automatically by the first step or the first means based on some algorithm.

The second step or the second means changes the position of the avatar in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space based on the user's operation or user information. By continuously changing the position of the avatar, it is possible to make the user see the moving avatar.

Avatar moves towards avatars and places that are likely to meet. For example, an avatar of a photo hobby user similarly moves toward the avatar of a photo hobby user. If the user information is recorded in more detail, it is possible to narrow down the destination avatars or prioritize the destination avatars in order.

Alternatively, for example, a user who likes railways instructs the avatar to “collect information about newly introduced vehicles”. The avatar aims at the public relations space of the railway company provided in the virtual reality space, exchanges information with other avatars on the spot, and collects information efficiently. The avatar finds an avatar that suits the taste on the spot and follows it.

The avatar may move around in the space, and may accidentally encounter another avatar.

The avatar may move in space instantaneously, or may move over time as in the real world. It may be possible to move at a walking speed in the augmented reality space, and to move faster by using a virtual vehicle. By intentionally setting the travel time to be long, the user feels the expansion of the space and feels the substance of the avatar. Also, in the process of heading to the destination along the route over time, it is possible to accidentally encounter another avatar, or in the case of augmented reality space, collect regional information around the route. Through the avatar, you can enjoy the feeling of walking and traveling in a simulated manner, and you can collect information and interact as if you were walking or traveling.

The personality of the avatar can be reflected in the movement of the avatar. Highly extroverted avatars actively go to avatars that are far away and make encounters. Avatars with low extroversion will not start moving unless an avatar with more contacts is nearby.

The user may specify a destination as needed and the avatar may head to the destination. Also, in the augmented reality space, the avatar may be called at the user's current position. Further, the avatar may be designated to wait at a specific place.

The third step or third means is based on the position information of the avatar and the user information associated with the avatar, in order to facilitate communication between the users, "Which avatar and which avatar should exchange information?" And the result is transmitted to the third step or the third means. The combination of avatars may be one body, one-to-many, or many-to-many.

The position of the avatar is used for the judgment. For example, when the avatars are close to a certain distance in the space, it is determined that the avatars have met, the user information is referred to regarding the met avatars, and it is determined that the information exchange should be started. For an avatar that is not nearby, the user may search for the avatar and then face the avatar and meet.

After the completion of the third step or the third means, the user may be notified and the user may approve the start of the information exchange. Also, a map screen for confirming the progress of movement may be provided.

The fourth step or the fourth means generates an “information exchange procedure” between the avatars determined to be informed by the third step or the third means. In addition to what the user information linked to the avatar is, how it is linked to the avatar of the other party, what kind of anthropomorphic behavior the avatar behaves at that time, and so on. , Avatars exchange information while moving in space, and are described in a computer-processable data format such as a markup language. Procedures can be generated by applying conventional bots, agent technology, and artificial intelligence. In addition, distributed processing is possible.

When the fourth step or the fourth means generates a procedure, not only user information but also various servers may be accessed on the Internet to collect information. For example, in the case of the augmented reality space, it is possible to collect information about the area around the avatar, weather forecasts around the area, and add the collected information to the conversation.

In the fourth step or the fourth means, "manipulating the avatar by himself/herself" may be selected similarly to the communication by the conventional avatar. In this case, the user exchanges information with the virtual personality of the other party's avatar via the avatar, and the fourth step or the fourth means generates a procedure in real time in response to the user's input. While the user moves in the real space, the user may use the portable information terminal to talk with an avatar moving in the augmented reality space with the user. If the users of both avatars choose to operate by themselves, the chat is similar to the chat between users via the normal avatar.

The fifth step or the fifth means enables the user to browse the procedure generated by the fourth step or the fourth means in various expressions. Interpret procedures and convert them into "states of information exchange" using various expressions. The user views and browses the information exchange of avatars in a free time. The fifth step or the fifth means may be generated on the server or the cloud and distributed to the user's information terminal, or may be generated on the user's information terminal based on the procedure distributed from the server or the cloud. Is also good.

After viewing the information exchange state of the avatars, the user may edit the information exchange procedure to add a comment or comment. The user may rewrite the reply of the avatar or may add a comment to the reply.

Information exchange procedures may be archived. Also, the fourth step or the fourth means may refer to the archive to generate a procedure without waste or duplication.

The user browses the information exchange state of the avatars in the fifth step or the fifth means, and then evaluates the result of the information exchange with respect to his or her avatar. Based on the evaluation, each process or means learns the determination and the procedure generation that are more in line with the user's intention.

After the user browses the information exchange state, it may be possible to specify how to deal with similar information exchange in the future.

Further, the user can add user information after viewing the state of information exchange, and improve the future results of information exchange of avatars.

In the fourth step or the fourth means, if "manipulating the avatar by himself/herself" is selected as in the conventional communication by the avatar, the fourth step or the fourth means and the fifth step Alternatively, the fifth means is not divided into two, but is executed simultaneously. On the other hand, when the user does not operate the avatar, the fourth step or the fourth means may be executed at any time before the fifth step or the fifth means is executed.

The user who can view the information exchange state of the avatar is not necessarily the user who owns the avatar.

According to the third and sixth aspects of the present invention, by including the first to fifth steps or means as described above, in the augmented reality space or the virtual reality space, the user uses a plurality of avatars as his or her own alter ego. Allows for easier operation and communication via avatars.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain information different from the websites and social networks that have provided search and information up to now, by the action of the avatar, which is an alter ego that moves autonomously. The information obtained by the present invention is close to personal information obtained by connecting people in a real world. Different information can be obtained for the same event depending on the target, the combination of your avatar and the avatar of the other party, and "self + purpose/target + other".

Since the user can have a plurality of avatars, the information collected by each avatar can be viewed from a multifaceted perspective rather than the communication method in which the user and the avatar have a one-to-one relationship. This can be compared to a parent and child who have a good relationship. A child inherits the idea and knowledge of the parent to some extent in heredity and care, but sometimes has the opposite idea of the parent. Also, if there are multiple children, each person's way of thinking is different. When these children convey their experiences to their parents, they can accept them more than others in red, even if their perspectives are the opposite of themselves. Users are parents and multiple avatars are children. Through an autonomously acting avatar owned by the user, the user can accept a different viewpoint while extending his/her viewpoint and extend his/her way of thinking.

Conflicts of thinking often intensify in social network services. Also, users tend to collect only information that is close to their own ideas, and each of these ideas tends to be sharpened. As a result, binary confrontation intensifies on various topics such as politics and social customs. In a communication in which a user uses a plurality of avatars, the conflict can be eased by empathizing with another person having a different viewpoint through the avatars having different attributes. In addition, the user can try to keep a distance from the utterance of his avatar. It is also an opportunity to relativize yourself so that you can see your thoughts from others. Wider information can be obtained flat.

The user can give his/her own information and use the raised avatar to send information like a YouTuber. Unlike the Youtuber, which distributes information unilaterally, it is possible to interact with the other party and change the correspondence for each user. The user can monetize the knowledge by selling or lending the avatar that has been nurtured through such knowledge to other users. A new knowledge market is formed, which values the knowledge and ideas.

Combined with augmented reality space, we can provide a new communication experience that is different from the conventional search and information gathering through websites and the exchange through SNS.

For example, a user who likes history and is interested in Edo Castle makes the avatar have attributes of "love history" and "interest in Edo Castle". The avatar moves to the space area corresponding to the Imperial Palace in the augmented reality space and travels around the moat. Meet avatars who have common tastes on the spot, and exchange information about historical sites such as Hanzomon while moving around the moat together. In the real world, people who like history can stroll around the Imperial Palace, meet like-minded people and have a enthusiastic exchange to exchange information. Unlike the real world, communication is via an avatar, so you can set your user name private to reduce the anxiety of talking to strangers and repeat trial and error.

Alternatively, a method of utilizing the avatar before the user travels to the travel destination in the augmented reality space may be considered in advance. A user who is planning a trip uses an avatar to collect information on delicious meals at the destination. You can collect information on searches and restaurant evaluation sites, but if you use an avatar, you can meet local users' avatars and exchange information interactively. It will be possible to communicate with friends by giving them detailed information. Also, through the avatar, you can get acquaintances on the Internet even before traveling.

Even if the information about the same place is different from person to person, the information from different viewpoints can be obtained depending on the avatars that the person encounters, as the results of reviews on the food and drink evaluation site vary from person to person. Unlike the reviews on the food and drink evaluation site, since the answers to the questions from the user's point of view are obtained, interactive information in which one's point of view and the other's point of view are combined can be obtained. The information obtained by the combination of yourself, the other party, and the store is structurally different from the information obtained by conventional searches and restaurant evaluation sites.

Conceptual diagram showing real-world, traditional avatar, communication according to the invention Process drawing showing the method according to the embodiment of claim 1. Process drawing showing the method according to the embodiment of claim 2. Process drawing which shows the method concerning embodiment of Claim 3. Block diagram showing a system according to an embodiment of claim 4. Block diagram showing a system according to an embodiment of claim 5. Block diagram showing a system according to an embodiment of claim 6. Usage example 1 in augmented reality space Explanatory diagram for starting usage and information exchange for multiple avatars Usage example 2 in augmented reality space Explanatory diagram of instruction to move to avatar

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing communication in the real world, a conventional avatar, and the present invention.

(A) shows communication in the real world.

In the real world 10, a person 20 has a conversation 22 with a technique such as voice, gesture, or sign language. Encounter at various places 11 and exchange information (real world) 23 through conversation.

(B) shows communication using a conventional avatar.

The users 21 in various places 11 in the real world 10 interact with each other using the avatar 40 through the information terminal 60. Each user can interact even if they are far from each other. A virtual world (conventional avatar) 30 in which avatars exchange information 41 has various fields such as a virtual reality space, an augmented reality space, and a web screen. In the virtual world, avatars exchange information by combining various information transmission means such as conversations and bulletin boards. The user operates one avatar at a time. The information on the avatar operation by the user is collected in the server that manages the communication, and the server sends back the information on the avatar operation by the other user to each user.

(C) shows communication using a plurality of avatars in the present invention at the same time.

The users 21 in various places 11 in the real world 10 interact through the information terminal 60, but each has a plurality of avatars 40, unlike the conventional communication method using avatars. A plurality of avatars owned by the user act to some extent autonomously, and exchange information 41 with other avatars by using various information transmission means 42 such as conversation and bulletin boards. Although simplified in the figure, each user uses a myriad of avatars at the same time.

Information exchange of avatars is performed in a "virtual world 31 that does not correspond to a real space" such as a virtual reality space or a web screen, or an "augmented reality space 32" that corresponds to a real space. A plurality of avatars owned by one user may act separately in a virtual world that does not correspond to the real space and a part in the augmented reality space. In the augmented reality space, there is a space area 33 corresponding to a place in the real world.

In the figure, one virtual world and one augmented reality space are drawn, but there may be more than one. For example, in augmented reality space, you may create “Tokyo” that matches contemporary Tokyo, “Edo” based on old maps, and “Magical Tokyo” that dragons and wizards are lazy. Avatars only meet and exchange information with other avatars in the same space. The avatar may be able to move back and forth in each space, or the specific avatar may belong to only the specific space. For example, the wizard avatar may act only in "Magic Tokyo", and may also interact only with the wizard avatar.

The communication method or system may read the data of the avatar or space of the external server so that the user can create and deliver the avatar or space. For example, in conjunction with the opening of a new movie, there may be a case where the space and avatar suitable for the world view of the movie are released for a limited time and promotion is used.

2 to 7 are process diagrams and block diagrams showing an example of the method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the destination where various information is recorded is a "database or the like". It does not necessarily have to be a database, and may be recorded in a hard disk or a memory as text sentences. It suffices that each process or means is recorded so that it can be efficiently accessed. It may be recorded in a distributed manner on the server, the cloud, or on the information terminal of the user if peer-to-peer is utilized.

(Example according to claim 1)
FIG. 2 is a process drawing showing the method according to the embodiment of claim 1.

The user creates and uses a plurality of avatars 501 (which can be created at any time). When starting to use the avatar, the user inputs user information 211 (at the time of creation) such as user name, age, address, and hobby. User information is associated with all or individually of a plurality of avatars owned by the user, and user information/association record 711 is performed in the database. The user also sets avatar settings 215 such as the name of the avatar and clothes. An avatar is created based on the settings, and the avatar appears on the user's information terminal. The user creates an avatar as needed.

The first step is simultaneous operation 551 of a plurality of avatars, which determines actions of various avatars other than information exchange of avatars. For example, control the avatar encounter. Send the user position in real space 231 based on the global positioning system etc. and extract the avatar to meet based on the user information/linking reference 712 so that the user can select the other party by the minimum necessary avatar operation 236. To do. It also controls the spatial movement of the avatar. A destination suitable for the user's interest is displayed as an option based on the user position or the user information/linking reference, and the user can perform a moving operation of a plurality of avatars with a minimum necessary avatar operation. The first step is to record 751 the user's avatar operation in the database. The recorded user operation is referred to 752, the operation repeatedly performed is learned, and the avatar is gradually made to act autonomously.

The second step is information exchange 541 between the plurality of avatars. The user operates the avatar to exchange information 237. At the same time, the avatars exchange information to some extent autonomously based on the user information/linking reference. For example, standard conversations such as greetings are automatically performed, and the user only needs to input the main points. The information exchange contents are recorded 733, learned, and further, the avatars can autonomously exchange information. The user browses 221 the information exchange of the avatar on the information terminal.

(Example according to claim 2)
FIG. 3 is a process diagram showing a method according to the embodiment of claim 2.

The user creates and uses a plurality of avatars 501 (which can be created at any time) and uses them. When starting to use the avatar, the user inputs user information (at the time of creation) 211. The user information is associated with all or individually of the plurality of avatars owned by the user, and the user information/association record 711 is stored in the database. An avatar is created and displayed on the user's information terminal. Avatars may be automatically generated based on user information so that the user can easily create a plurality of avatars. For example, the appearance of the face or clothes of the avatar may be generated based on the user's name and date of birth. The user can create an avatar as needed.

Although the following first to fourth steps are processed in order in the figure, the order does not necessarily have to be the order. Moreover, each process may be processed in parallel. In principle, it is desirable that the first step to the fourth step are processed in real time in accordance with the user's input as much as possible.

The first step (1) is to record user information and associate 511 with the avatar. The user inputs user information 212. For the input, text input may be performed using a web screen, images or videos may be uploaded, or voice input may be performed. It is also possible to take a picture of the user's surroundings with the camera of the portable information terminal and upload it as the current situation of the user. In addition to user input, the first step collects various information relevant to the user. The user assigns information 213 to each avatar. The first step (1) may automatically assign the user information to the avatar according to some rule. In the first step (1), the user information is associated with all or a plurality of avatars owned by the user, and the user information/association record 711 is made in the database.

The second step is to determine “which avatar and which avatar should start exchanging information” so as to facilitate communication between users based on the user information/linking reference 712. The user may transmit the user position 231 in the real space and use it for the determination.

First, information analysis 521 of a plurality of avatars is performed from the user information and the user position associated with the avatar, and a value for determining the information exchange start is generated. Although various generation methods are conceivable depending on the determination condition, for example, an avatar may be listed for each user information such as “desire” and “goal”, and the similarity may be quantified to weight the determination. In order to reduce the processing load, the number of avatars to be processed is reduced as much as possible and the processing load is distributed. For example, it is devised to analyze only avatars to which user information has been added in the last certain period of time, group avatars having common items in user information, and perform distributed processing.

Next, based on the information analysis result of the plurality of avatars, information exchange start determination 522 between the plurality of avatars is performed. If the user has set "Avatar for information exchange selection (arbitrary selection) 232", the candidate avatar list is displayed and selected by the user. The user may be allowed to search and select an avatar.

When the user has set to “operate avatar to exchange information (optional selection) 233”, the user is notified 523 immediately after the completion of the determination in the second step. The notification is expressed in an easy-to-understand manner such as "user's avatar A met avatar B".

The third step performs an information exchange procedure generation 531 between a plurality of avatars on the basis of the user information/linking reference 712 regarding the avatar determined to exchange information in the second step. Furthermore, the generated information exchange procedure record 731 between the plurality of avatars is performed. In the case of the setting that "user operates avatar to exchange information (optional selection)", the procedure of the partner avatar is generated in real time in response to user input, and at the same time, the state of information exchange in the fourth step is displayed. .. In other cases, after the completion of the third step, the user is notified 532 such as "user's avatar A met avatar B".

In the fourth step, the state of information exchange of a plurality of avatars is displayed 542 based on the information exchange procedure reference 732 between avatars generated in the third step. The state of information exchange is displayed as an expression that is easy for the user to understand, such as an animation in which avatars talk to each other or a conversation in a message application. In the fourth step, a part is executed on the server or the cloud and a part is executed on the user's information terminal, and the processing load is appropriately distributed. The user browses 221 information exchange of avatars such as conversation. Not only the user who owns the avatar, but also other users may be allowed to browse.

After the completion of the fourth step, the user performs the evaluation 234 of information exchange and the avatar adjustment 214 after information exchange. Once again, the user information is recorded and 511 is associated with the avatar, and is fed back to the algorithm for determining the avatar's action and artificial intelligence to learn how to respond to the avatar in the future. Evaluations and adjustments are recorded in the user information/linkage record 711.

The above steps are completed, and the first and subsequent steps are repeated again. Alternatively, the creation of the avatar is repeated as required by the user.

(Example according to claim 3)
FIG. 4 is a process diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of claim 3.

The user creates and uses a plurality of avatars 501 (which can be created at any time) 501 in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space. When starting to use the avatar, the user inputs user information (at the time of creation) 211. The user information is associated with all or individually of the plurality of avatars owned by the user, and the user information/association record 711 is stored in the database. An avatar is created and displayed on the user's information terminal. The user can create an avatar as needed.

The first step (1) is to record user information and associate 511 with the avatar. The user inputs user information 212 and assigns information 213 to each avatar. User information is associated with each avatar, and user information/association record 711 is made in the database. The user position in the real space may be appropriately transmitted 231 and the action history information of various users on the Internet may be combined.

The second step is to change the position 552 of the avatar in space. This process is divided into a process of setting a destination in the space based on the user information/linking reference 712 and a process of changing the avatar position to the destination and recording 741. For example, in the augmented reality space, if the user assigns the goal of “collecting information on lighthouses in the suburbs of Tokyo” to the avatar, set “Tokyo West Breakwater Lighthouse” as the destination and support the actual “Tokyo West Breakwater Lighthouse”. Change the avatar position to the spatial area of the augmented reality space. Allow the user to view changes in avatar position on the map screen etc.

When the avatar moves over time, a process of calculating a route to the destination and a process of moving along the route are added. If there is an accidental encounter with another avatar during the movement, the third step may be appropriately performed during the second step.

The destination may be another avatar instead of being set to a specific place in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space. When the avatar moves over time, the destination avatar also moves during that time, so correct the route appropriately for the target.

Instead of setting a destination, you may move with a specific avatar. In this case, reference is made to the position of the target avatar, and it is set to move after the target avatar. Multiple avatars may move together and exchange information as if they were taking a walk while talking.

When the user specifies the destination 235, the avatar heads to the spot. This designation may be performed while the avatar is moving autonomously. It is also possible to make detailed designations such as "change to the destination specified by the user immediately" or "go to the destination specified by the user after reaching the current destination". As a destination, call the avatar at the user's current position, point the avatar to the place where the user is interested, point the avatar at which the user is interested, walk with a specific avatar, etc. May be. You can set up to notify the user when you encounter an avatar that looks interesting while you're on the move, and enjoy accidental encounters.

The third step is to perform position reference 742 of the avatar, and based on the user information/linkage reference 712, which avatar and which avatar should start exchanging information so as to facilitate communication between users. judge.

First, information analysis 521 of a plurality of avatars is performed from the user information associated with the avatars, and a value for determining the information exchange start is generated. It is also possible to refer to the position of the avatar and determine the information exchange start from the avatars nearby. Alternatively, the information exchange start determination of the avatars within the movement route range of the avatars may be performed.

Next, based on the information analysis result, information exchange start determination 522 is performed between a plurality of avatars. If the user has selected "Avatar for information exchange selection (arbitrary selection) 232", a candidate list is displayed to the user for selection. The user may be allowed to search and select an avatar.

In the case of the setting that the user “operates an avatar to exchange information (arbitrarily selected) 233”, the user is notified 523 immediately after the determination is completed.

In the fourth step, a procedure for exchanging information between avatars determined to exchange information in the third step is generated. Based on the user information/linking reference 712, information exchange procedure generation 531 between a plurality of avatars is performed. Furthermore, the generated information exchange procedure record 731 between the plurality of avatars is performed. In the case of the setting that "the user operates the avatar by himself/herself to exchange information (optional selection)", the procedure of the partner avatar is generated in real time in response to the user input, and at the same time, the state of information exchange in the fifth step is displayed. indicate. In the case of other settings, the user is notified 532 of the encounter of the avatars after the completion of the fourth step.

In the fifth step, based on the information exchange procedure reference 732 between the avatars generated in the fourth step, the state of information exchange is displayed in an expression easy for the user to understand. The user browses 221 information exchange of avatars such as conversation. Not only the user who owns the avatar, but also other users may be allowed to browse.

After the end of the fifth step, the user information is linked to the avatar 511 again, and the evaluation 234 of the information exchange and the avatar adjustment 214 after the information exchange are performed for the determination of the information exchange start of the avatar and the next information exchange. .. Evaluations and adjustments are recorded in the user information/linkage record 711.

The above steps are completed, and the first and subsequent steps are repeated again. Alternatively, the creation of the avatar is repeated as required by the user.

5, 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing means according to the embodiments of claim 4, claim 5 and claim 6, respectively. In these three figures, the system is divided into three parts: an information terminal 61 of the user 21, a server or cloud 62, and a database 70.

The respective means of the system are drawn in part on the user's information terminal 61 and part on the server, cloud, etc. 62, but in order to appropriately process them and increase the responsiveness of the system, or to distribute the load such as peer-to-peer. Therefore, where to execute the information terminal, the server, the cloud, or the like may be flexibly changed.

The database 70 may be a memory for storing text data or the like in consideration of responsiveness and cost. Although drawn on the server or cloud, some data may be stored in the user's information terminal.

(Example according to claim 4)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing means according to the embodiment of claim 4.

The user 21 creates and owns a plurality of avatars. The user inputs user information 212 through the information terminal 61. The user also sets avatar 215. Multiple avatar creation 601 is performed based on the settings, and avatars appear on the user's information terminal. The user can create an avatar as needed. After creating the avatar, the avatar operation 236 and the avatar operation are performed to exchange information 237. These pieces of information are transmitted to the server 62 including the first means and the second means and the cloud 62 via the network. In response to such user input, various results are returned from the system via the network. The user browses 221 the information exchange of the avatar on the information terminal.

The first means performs a simultaneous operation 651 of a plurality of avatars, which determines actions of various avatars other than information exchange of avatars. For example, control the avatar encounter. Based on the user information/linking reference 712, an avatar to meet is extracted, and the user can select the other party by the minimum necessary avatar operation 236. It also controls the spatial movement of the avatar. A destination suitable for the user's interest is displayed as an option based on the user information/linking reference, and the user can perform a moving operation of a plurality of avatars with a minimum necessary avatar operation. The first means records the user operation 751 and refers to the user operation 752 to learn the operation that is repeatedly performed, and gradually causes the avatar to act autonomously.

The second means exchanges information 641 between a plurality of avatars. The user operates the avatar to exchange information 237. At the same time, the avatars exchange information to some extent autonomously based on the user information/linking reference. For example, standard conversations such as greetings are automatically performed, and the user only needs to input the main points. Further, by recording the information exchange content 733 and learning it, it is possible to further autonomously exchange information of avatars. The user browses 221 the information exchange of the avatar on the information terminal.

(Example according to claim 5)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing means according to the embodiment of claim 5.

User 21 creates and owns multiple avatars. The user inputs user information 212 and assigns information 213 to the avatar through the information terminal 61. An avatar is created based on the settings, and the avatar appears on the user's information terminal. The user can create an avatar as needed. When the user wants to operate the conversation of the avatar, the user operates the avatar to exchange information (optional selection) 233. These pieces of information are transmitted to the server or the cloud 62. In response to such user input, various results are returned from the system via the network. The user browses 221 the information exchange of the avatar on the mobile information terminal.

The information input by the user and the information generated by each means described below are recorded in the database 70 and referred to by each means as needed. Specifically, the user information/linking record 711 and the information exchange procedure record 731 between the plurality of avatars generated by the third means are performed in a database or the like. Further, each unit performs user information/linking reference 712 and information exchange procedure reference 732 between a plurality of avatars.

The first means acquires user information and associates 611 with the avatar. The user inputs user information 212. In addition to user input, the first step collects various information relevant to the user. The user assigns information 213 to each avatar. The first means may automatically assign the user information to the avatar according to some rule. The first means associates the user information with all or individually of the plurality of avatars owned by the user and records the user information/association record 711 in the database. Further, after browsing the information exchange of avatars, the user information input 212 is additionally performed, the result of the information exchange is evaluated, and the system is made to learn the behavior of the avatar desired by the user.

The second means determines, based on the user information/linking reference 712, which avatar and which avatar should start exchanging information so as to facilitate communication between users. First, information analysis 621 of a plurality of avatars is performed based on the user information associated with the avatars, and a value for determining the information exchange start is generated. Next, based on the information analysis result of the plurality of avatars, information exchange start determination 622 between the plurality of avatars is performed. After the completion of the information exchange start determination, the user is notified of the completion as necessary.

The third means generates a procedure for exchanging information between avatars determined to be good for exchanging information by the second means. User information/linking reference 712 is performed, and information exchange procedure generation 631 between a plurality of avatars is performed. Furthermore, the generated information exchange procedure record 731 between the plurality of avatars is performed. When the user is set to "operate avatar to exchange information (optional selection)", the procedure of the partner avatar is generated in real time in response to the user input, and at the same time, the information exchange state of the fourth means is displayed. ..

The fourth means displays 642 the information exchange state between the avatars based on the information exchange procedure reference 732 between the avatars generated by the third means. The state of information exchange is displayed in expressions that are easy for the user to understand, for example, an animation in which avatars have a conversation with each other or a conversation such as a message application. The user browses 221 information exchange of avatars such as conversation. Not only the user who owns the avatar, but also other users may be allowed to browse.

The above means is repeated as needed by the user.

(Example according to claim 6)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing means according to the embodiment of claim 6.

User 21 creates and owns multiple avatars. The user inputs user information 212 through the information terminal 61, assigns information 213 to each avatar, and designates the destination of the avatar (arbitrary selection) 235 when wanting to move the avatar. An avatar is created based on the settings, and the avatar appears on the user's information terminal. The user can create an avatar as needed. When the user wants to operate the conversation of the avatar, the user operates the avatar to exchange information (optional selection) 233. These pieces of information are transmitted to the server or the cloud 62. In response to such user input, various results are returned from the system via the network. The user browses 221 the information exchange of the avatar on the information terminal.

The information input by the user and the information generated by each means described below are recorded in the database 70 and referred to by each means as needed. Specifically, the user information/linking record 711, the information exchange procedure record 731 between a plurality of avatars generated by the third means, and the avatar position are changed and recorded 741 by the second means in a database or the like. Further, each means performs user information/linking reference 712, information exchange procedure reference 732 between a plurality of avatars, and avatar position reference 742.

The first means acquires user information and associates 611 with the avatar. The user inputs 212 user information. In addition to being entered by the user, the first step collects information relevant to the user. The user assigns information 213 to each avatar. The first means may automatically assign the user information to the avatar according to some rule. The first means associates the user information with all or individually of the plurality of avatars owned by the user and records the user information/association record 711 in the database. Further, after browsing the information exchange of avatars, the user information input 212 is additionally performed, the result of the information exchange is evaluated, and the system is made to learn the behavior of the avatar desired by the user.

The second means changes the position 552 of the avatar in the space. This means is divided into means for setting a destination in the space based on the user information/linking reference 712 and means for changing the avatar position according to the destination and recording 741. The user can view the change of the avatar position on the map screen or the like. When the avatar moves over time, a means for calculating the route to the destination and a means for moving along the route are added. When the user specifies the destination 235, the avatar heads to the destination specified by the user.

The third means performs avatar position reference 742 and, based on the user information/linking reference 712, “which avatar and which avatar should start exchanging information” so as to facilitate communication between users. To judge. First, information analysis 621 of a plurality of avatars is performed based on the user information associated with the avatars, and a value for determining the information exchange start is generated. Next, based on the information analysis result, information exchange start determination 622 between a plurality of avatars is performed.

The fourth means generates a procedure for exchanging information between avatars determined to be good for exchanging information by the third means. Based on the user information/linkage reference 712, an information exchange procedure generation 631 between a plurality of avatars is performed. Furthermore, the generated information exchange procedure record 731 between the plurality of avatars is performed. When the user is set to "operate avatar to exchange information (optional selection)", the procedure of the partner avatar is generated in real time in response to the user input, and at the same time, the information exchange state of the fifth means is displayed. ..

The fifth means displays the state of information exchange in an easy-to-understand expression based on the information exchange procedure reference 732 between the avatars generated by the fourth means. The user browses 221 the information exchange of the avatar. Not only the user who owns the avatar, but also other users may be allowed to browse.

(Example of use)
Next, a usage example of the present invention will be described. 8 and 9 are conceptual diagrams showing examples of use of the method and system according to the present invention.

(Usage Example 1 in Augmented Reality Space Start of using multiple avatars and exchange information)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of usage example 1, usage start of a plurality of avatars and information exchange in the augmented reality space.

(A) shows immediately after a user created three avatars.

The user 21 has a mobile information terminal 60 such as a smartphone, and is in a place 11 with a street. The user downloads the app and begins using multiple avatars. When the app is started, some questions such as a personality test are displayed on the screen, and the user intuitively selects one of the displayed answer choices that he or she thinks fits best. When the selection is finished, the user's personality is analyzed, an avatar (A) 411 having a personality close to the user, an avatar (C) 431 having a personality opposite to the user, and an avatar (B) 421 having an intermediate personality are generated, and a screen is displayed. Displayed in. Users give 3 avatars nicknames, tell each avatar about their favorite food, hobbies such as novels and shops, what they are aiming for recently, and customize their clothes and accessories. To initialize. The user assigns to the avatar (C) the task of “searching for avatars of users of the same generation who are nearby”. When the setting is completed, the avatar (A) and the avatar (B) start moving the city 34 in the augmented reality space corresponding to the real world.

When the user holds up the mobile information terminal and looks around with the camera of the terminal, the two avatars are visualized by computer graphics animation, overlapping the real cityscape, and walk away from the user. Can be seen. A balloon is displayed above the avatar, and the monologue of the avatar is written. Only Avatar (C) who gave the task starts walking immediately, standing on the spot and thinking. If you zoom in on the balloon above Avatar (C), you will see a line saying "...Avatar of a user of the same generation...Are you near this?" as if you had your own personality. There is. The user ends the application once.

The three avatars move along the path of the augmented reality space. The road in the augmented reality space is generated from a map of the real world, and matches the road in the cityscape where the user is. The location and movement of the user's avatar and the user's avatar close to the user can be confirmed on the map screen of the application. A map around the user is displayed on the map screen, and avatars nearby are displayed on the map. Each of the three avatars of the user moves along the actual path, that is, the avatar (A) passes through the movement route (A) 413 and the avatar (B) passes through the movement route (B) 423. Avatar (C) searches for avatars owned by users of the same age as the user. The avatar (C) starts moving along the movement route (C) 433 toward the avatar (D) that meets the condition and is near the current position of the user.

(B) shows the encounter between the avatar (C) and the avatar (D) who have started moving.

The avatar (C) moves and approaches the fixed distance of the avatar (D) 441 in the augmented reality space. By approaching, it is determined that the information exchange between the avatar (C) and the avatar (D) is started, and it is determined that it is better to start the information exchange between the avatar (C) and the avatar (D). Since the user's setting is "do not participate in avatar conversation (do not operate avatars to exchange information)", the user is not notified of "encounter" at this point. The server generates an information exchange procedure between the avatar (C) and the avatar (D) while referring to the user information of the avatar. A notification is sent to the user when the generation is complete.

The user's mobile information terminal reports the arrival of the notification. When the user looks at the mobile information terminal screen, the notification 402 from the avatar (C) is displayed. "It's Avatar (C). I met Avatar (D)." When the application is started by tapping the notification, the state of the avatar information exchange 401 is displayed. Two avatars are represented by computer graphics animation, standing face to face with the background image of the city of the real world corresponding to location (1) 35 in augmented reality space. The user presses the play button displayed on the screen. The animation of the avatar starts, and the two avatars start greeting. A conversation is displayed above the avatar as balloons (C) 432 and balloons (D) 442. At the same time, the speech of the avatar is played by voice synthesis. Since the user does not have time, he wants to see the state of information exchange efficiently and presses the fast-forward playback button. The two bodies animate fast forward and continue the conversation while rushing and moving. The user presses the pause button when he/she is interested in the conversation, taps the balloon of Avatar (C), annotates the balloon, and the user who owns Avatar (D) watches the information exchange. Sometimes, edit it so that the story can be conveyed accurately.

The state of information exchange between avatar (C) and avatar (D), and when the conversation animation ends, the evaluation menu "How was your conversation now? Good/normal/bad" is displayed. The user selects "good". Furthermore, Avatar (C) asks the user, "I was asked what music I like in my conversation, but I couldn't answer it. What should I do in such a case?" The user inputs the name of a song that he or she often listens to recently and adds it to the user information. The avatar (C) learns a better way of interaction based on evaluations from the user, addition of user information, editing of conversation by the user, etc. for the purpose of exchanging information from the next time.

Further, the user taps the avatar (D) of the other party to browse the profile of the user who owns the avatar (D). The other party is anonymous and does not have specific information written. However, the user is interested in the other party based on the conversation content, and therefore instructs the avatar (C) to follow the avatar (D). If you follow, you will be able to obtain information about the avatar (D) even after you have separated from the avatar (D), and it will be easier to contact you.

Subsequently, the user wants to upload the current information exchange state and conversation to the SNS that he or she normally uses. Since both Avatar (C) and Avatar (D) have the public setting for information exchange set to "Public", press the "Share Conversation" button to publish it on your SNS page.

The user then confirms the state of the avatar (A) 411 moving on the moving route (A) 413. Display the map screen, scroll the map to find avatar (A), and select it. Avatar (A) is displayed on the screen. The user taps the avatar (A), inputs a voice into the information terminal, and instructs "Tonight, look for a friend to eat with". Avatar (A) thought for a moment, and then responded to balloon (A) 412, "I understand. I'll decide a meeting place and a shop." Take action to adjust. The user confirms that the avatar has started the action and then terminates the application.

(Usage example 2 in augmented reality space Instruction to move to avatar)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a second use example in the augmented reality space and a movement instruction to the avatar.

(A) shows a movement instruction for the user to call an avatar at his current position.

The user 21 has a mobile information terminal 60 such as a smartphone and stands at a place 11 in the city. The user's avatar (C) 431 is a place (2) 36 in the augmented reality space away from the user, and is hanging around for any new information. The user launches the application, looks around through the camera of the mobile information terminal, and confirms what avatar is around him. The user finds that avatar (D) 441 and his avatar (A) 411 are having a conversation at location (3) 37 in the augmented reality space that overlaps the street corner in front of him. Looking at the state of information exchange, although the avatar (A) is set to have a character close to that of the user, the conversation with the avatar (D) is not in mesh. Avatar (D) talks positively, whereas Avatar (A) has a cautious personality and makes little remarks whether he is reluctant. Therefore, the user decides to call the avatar (C) 431, which has a very high extroversion, which is the opposite of that of the user, and participate in the conversation.

The user switches the application to the map screen, calls the avatar (C), and gives an instruction to come to the current position of the user. The avatar (C) starts moving to the current position of the user through the movement route (C) 433. The user switches the movement setting of the avatar (C) to instantaneous movement. The avatar (C) instantaneously moves to the augmented reality space corresponding to the current position of the user. Avatar (C) finds nearby Avatar (A) and Avatar (D) talking and participates in the conversation.

(B) shows a movement instruction in which the user directs his or her avatar to another place.

The user 21 has a mobile information terminal 60 such as a smartphone and is in a place 11 with a cityscape. The user launches the application and switches to the map screen to check where the avatar he owns is. The avatar (C) 431 owned by the user is in conversation with the avatar (D) 441 and the avatar (A) 411 at the place (4) 38 in the augmented reality space that is distant from the user. The user wants the avatar (C) to collect information on the place to which the user is heading tomorrow, and issues a move instruction to the avatar (C). The user selects the avatar (C) on the map screen and designates a place on the map to which the user is heading as the destination. In response to the user's instruction, the avatar (C) calculates a moving route (C) 433 to the place (5) 39 in the augmented reality space corresponding to the place designated on the map, and starts moving. On the way to the destination, the avatar (C) collects regional information around the route and searches the route for an avatar that may be of interest to the user. The avatar (C) 434 that has arrived at the destination notifies the user of the arrival.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be utilized for communication services using avatars. In addition, it does not take a long time like communication services using ordinary avatars, and it is possible to collect information and interact from various perspectives by using multiple avatars at the same time. It can be used for SNS to bring local information such as relationships and personal characteristics. It can also be used for sightseeing and the transmission and collection of local information.

With the development of artificial intelligence technology, it becomes possible for avatars to perform more sophisticated human behavior, users can respond to requests accurately, inherit some of their knowledge and ideas, and extract certain characteristics of users. If we can act as an alter ego, we can realize a new service of knowledge sharing. The user raises an avatar having his/her specialized knowledge and way of thinking, and sells or lends the usage right. The "knowledge market" that buys and sells specialized knowledge creates value.

If you combine an avatar with a robot or a self-driving car, instead of keeping it in the virtual world, your alter ego will act as a physical entity in the real world and you will be able to work.

Thus, the present invention can be utilized as an interface for future industries. The fact that an individual user can utilize multiple alter-ego dramatically increases what the user can do and creates a knowledge industry in which the user mainly plays a role.

Code 10 about the real world… Real world 11… Place

Codes regarding user and user's operation 20... Person 21... User 22... Conversation 23... Information exchange (real world)
211… User information input (at the time of creation)
212 ... User information input 213 ... Information allocation to avatar 214 ... Avatar adjustment after information exchange 215 ... Avatar setting 221 ... Browse avatar information exchange 231 ... Send user position in real space 232 ... User select avatar for information exchange (Optional)
233 ... Information exchange by user operation of avatar (optional)
234 ... Evaluation of information exchange 235 ... Specify destination of avatar (optional)
236 ... Avatar operation 237 ... Information exchange by operating the avatar

Code 30 relating to virtual world, virtual reality space, augmented reality space... Virtual world (conventional avatar)
31 ... virtual world that does not correspond to real space 32 ... augmented reality space 33 ... spatial area 34 ... city in augmented reality space 35 ... location in augmented reality space (1)
36 ... Place in augmented reality space (2)
37 ... Places in augmented reality space (3)
38 ... Place in augmented reality space (4)
39 ... Places in augmented reality space (5)

Code 40 about avatar... Avatar 41... Information exchange 42... Information transmission 401... Information exchange 402 between Avatar (C) and Avatar (D) 402... Notification 411 from Avatar (C)... Avatar (A)
412... Balloon (A)
413... Moving route (A)
421... Avatar (B)
423... Moving route (B)
431... Avatar (C)
432... Balloon (C)
433... Movement route (C)
434... Avatar after moving (C)
441... Avatar (D)
442... Balloon (D)

Reference numeral 501 relating to the steps of the method... Creating multiple avatars (can be created at any time)
511... User information recording, linking to avatars 521... Information analysis 522 of multiple avatars... Determination of information exchange start between multiple avatars 523... Notification to user 531... Generation of information exchange procedure between multiple avatars 532... Notification to user 541... Multiple Information exchange between avatars 542 ... Display of information exchange between multiple avatars 551 ... Simultaneous operation 552 of multiple avatars ... Change position of avatars in space

Reference numeral 60 relating to means of system... Information terminal 61... Information terminal (block diagram)
62 ... server, cloud, etc. 601 ... create multiple avatars (can be created at any time)
611... User information recording, linking to avatars 621... Information analysis 622 of plural avatars... Information exchange start judgment 531 between plural avatars... Information exchange procedure generation 641 between plural avatars... Information exchange 651 between plural avatars... Simultaneous operation

Reference numeral 70 regarding a database etc.... Database 711... User information/linkage record 712... User information/linkage reference 731... Information exchange procedure record 732 between multiple avatars... Information exchange procedure reference 733 between multiple avatars... Record 741... Change avatar position and record 742... Reference position of avatar 751... Record avatar operation 752... Refer to avatar operation

Claims (6)

A method executed by one or more computers, in which a plurality of users each own a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars owned by each user can be used at the same time. 1. A method of communication via an avatar, comprising: a first step of simultaneously operating the avatars of 1. and a second step of transmitting or exchanging information between a plurality of avatars. A method executed by one or a plurality of computers, in which a plurality of users each have a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars owned by each user can be used at the same time. , A hobby, a desire, a goal, a personality, a position in a real space, a behavior history, and other user information are recorded, and all or part of each user information is associated with a plurality of avatars owned by the user. A second step of determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange should be started among a plurality of avatars based on a user operation or user information associated with the avatar, and information transmission in the second step Alternatively, a third step of generating a procedure for transmitting or exchanging information between a plurality of avatars determined to start information exchange, based on a user operation or user information linked to the avatars. And a fourth step of displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange among a plurality of avatars based on the procedure of information transmission or information exchange generated in the third step. How to communicate via an avatar. It is a method executed by one or more computers, in which a plurality of users each have a plurality of avatars in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space, and a plurality of avatars respectively owned by the respective users can be simultaneously used. The user information such as knowledge, interests, hobbies, desires, goals, personalities, positions in the real space, and behavior history of each user is recorded, and all or part of each user information is stored in a plurality of items owned by the user. A first step associated with the avatar, a second step of changing the position of the avatar in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space based on the user operation or the user information associated with the avatar, the user operation, the avatar A third step of determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange should be started among a plurality of avatars based on the user information or the position information of the avatars linked to the information, and the information transmission in the third step. Or a fourth step of generating a procedure for transmitting or exchanging information among a plurality of avatars determined to start information exchange, based on a user operation or user information linked to the avatars. And a fifth step of displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange between a plurality of avatars based on the procedure of information transmission or information exchange generated in the fourth step. How to communicate via an avatar. A system executed by one or a plurality of computers, in which a plurality of users each have a plurality of avatars, and a plurality of avatars owned by each user can be used at the same time. 2. A communication system via an avatar, comprising: a first means for simultaneously operating the avatars of 1. and a second means for transmitting or exchanging information between a plurality of avatars. A system that is executed by one or more computers and that each user owns multiple avatars, and that each user can simultaneously use multiple avatars owned by each user. , A hobby, desire, goal, personality, position in the real space, action history, and other user information, and a first means for linking all or part of each user information to a plurality of avatars owned by that user A second means for determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange should be started among a plurality of avatars based on a user operation or user information associated with the avatar, and information transmission by the second means Or, a third means for generating a procedure for transmitting information or exchanging information among a plurality of avatars determined to start information exchange, based on a user operation or user information linked to the avatars. And a fourth means for displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange among a plurality of avatars based on the procedure of information transmission or information exchange generated by the third means. Communication system via avatar. A system that is executed by one or more computers and has a plurality of users each having a plurality of avatars in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space and is capable of simultaneously using the plurality of avatars that each user respectively has. The user information such as knowledge, interests, hobbies, desires, goals, personalities, positions in the real space, and behavior history of each user is recorded, and all or part of each user information is stored in a plurality of items owned by the user. A first means associated with the avatar, a second means for changing the position of the avatar in the virtual reality space or the augmented reality space based on the user operation or the user information associated with the avatar, the user operation, the avatar Third means for determining whether or not information transmission or information exchange should be started among a plurality of avatars based on the user information or the position information of the avatars linked to the information, and the information transmission by the third means Or, a fourth means for generating a procedure for transmitting or exchanging information between a plurality of avatars determined to start information exchange, based on a user operation or user information linked to the avatars. And a fifth means for displaying a state of information transmission or information exchange among a plurality of avatars based on the procedure of information transmission or information exchange generated by the fourth means. Communication system via avatar.

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