JP4071491B2 - Agent creating apparatus, agent using apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an agent creating apparatus, an agent using apparatus, and a method, and more particularly, to an agent creating apparatus, an agent using apparatus, and a method capable of creating an agent reflecting user preferences.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An agent is a moving image in the form of a person or the like that functions as a user interface. The agent appears on a screen of a computer or the like and interacts with the user or presents some information to the user.
[0003]
Conventionally, agents as characters have been studied as anthropomorphic user interfaces. In such a user interface, a character (agent) appears on the display of the computer, and the user can perform an operation as if actually interacting with a human.
[0004]
With regard to the agent, applications such as an electronic secretary and an electronic reception system have been proposed, and in fact, the agent has been realized as an acceptance interface in various scenes (for example, the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers Intelligent and Complex Systems 121- 8 “Refer to next-generation television entertainment system using agents”, Research report of Information Processing Society of Japan, Human Interface 80-4 “Intelligent dialogue system using anthropomorphic characters”). All of these are created assuming a service interface on the WWW (World Wide Web).
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-83727 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-41894 disclose an apparatus that displays a character on a screen and guides how to use the device.
[0006]
In each of the above-described conventional technologies, a system providing a service or the like prepares an agent and responds to a user.
[0007]
As an environment that allows a user to create an agent, Microsoft MS-Agent Ver2.0 is known. In this environment, the user creates an agent by inputting a character and its motion using a dedicated tool. In this technique, an anthropomorphic character appears on the screen, and an agent corresponding to the user can be created using a speech balloon and voice by moving on the screen or pointing to an object.
[0008]
As described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307845 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-132618 as a method of preference survey, information browsing and product purchase history for each user is acquired and the contents are analyzed. As a conventional technique, there is a system for obtaining user preferences.
[0009]
In addition, a technique is known in which a viewing history of a television program is recorded, a program that the user likes is estimated from the contents, and a program that matches that is recommended to the user.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
It is difficult to create or design an original agent character with a conventional agent creation tool. Therefore, in many cases, a character prepared in advance is used as an agent. In the electronic secretarial system and the electronic reception system, human-like characters are used, but these are often created by designers and the like and cannot be easily created by the user.
[0011]
In the above-described agent creation apparatus, the user needs to create and design all agents, and the user himself / herself cannot easily create an agent.
[0012]
For this reason, there is currently no environment where users can easily create agents and use them for communication.
[0013]
On the other hand, in a method of recording user behavior when using a service as a preference survey, the user needs to actually use the service. When the service is charged, the number of users is small, and the accuracy of the preference survey is considered to be low. Moreover, the preference information that can be acquired is linguistic information indicating what the user has used and what the user has bought, and the conventional method cannot acquire preference information related to non-language information.
[0014]
Even when preference information is extracted by a questionnaire, the user often performs passively, and high-quality preference information cannot always be extracted.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. First, an object of the present invention is to provide an agent creating apparatus, an agent using apparatus, and a method by which a user can easily create an agent.
[0016]
A second object of the present invention is to provide an agent creating apparatus, an agent using apparatus and a method capable of extracting high-quality preference information.
[0017]
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an agent creating device It is a component of clothing, hairstyle and other agents Data storage means for storing agent creation data; Based on user operations, Stored in the data storage means , Clothes, hairstyles and other agent components Data selection means for selecting desired data from agent creation data, agent creation means for creating an agent from data selected by the data selection means, agents created by the agent creation means, and selection by the data selection means Agent information storage means for storing the attribute information of the agent, which is at least one of the set contents, the user name that created the agent, and the setting information, and the data of one or more users stored in the agent information storage means Preference extraction means for analyzing and extracting preferences.
[0018]
Preferably, in the agent creation device, one or more of data storage means, data selection means, agent creation means, and agent information storage means exist on an external device and are connected through a network. To do.
[0019]
Preferably, the agent creation device is characterized in that when the agent creation data is selected by the data selection means, the preference extraction means performs preference extraction.
[0020]
Preferably, the agent creating apparatus refers to the content selected by the agent selecting means and the setting information recorded in the agent information storing means after the agent and the agent attribute information are stored in the agent information storing means. Thus, preference extraction is performed by preference extraction means.
[0021]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the agent using device includes agent display means for displaying an agent on the screen of the user terminal, Based on user operations, created by selecting desired one from agent creation data that is a component of clothes, hairstyle and other agents Multiple agents From , User An agent selection means for selecting an agent to be used, an agent use means for accepting an agent operation designation from a user who uses the agent, an information provision means for providing service information on a network that can be used by the agent, and an agent Agent control means for managing communication, reference means for referring to an agent, usage data storage means for storing attribute information of a user who references or uses a service usable by the agent, and one of the usage data storage means Alternatively, it includes preference extraction means for analyzing the attribute information of a plurality of users and extracting preferences.
[0022]
Preferably, part of the means of the agent using device exists in an external device and is connected through a network.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the agent using device includes agent display means for displaying an agent on the screen of the user terminal, Based on user operations, created by selecting desired one from agent creation data that is a component of clothes, hairstyle and other agents Multiple agents From , User An agent selecting means for selecting an agent to be used, an agent using means for accepting designation of an agent operation from a user who uses the agent, an information providing means for providing information on a user who uses the agent, and an agent Agent control means for managing communication and reference means for referring to the agent are provided.
[0024]
Preferably, part of the means of the agent using device exists in an external device and is connected through a network.
[0025]
According to another aspect of the invention, an agent creation method includes: It is a component of clothing, hairstyle and other agents A data storage step for storing agent creation data; Based on user operations, Stored in the data storage step , Clothes, hairstyles and other agent components A data selection step for selecting a desired one from the data for agent creation, an agent creation step for creating an agent from the data selected in the data selection step, an agent created in the agent creation step, and a selection in the data selection step Agent information storage step for storing in the agent information storage means the agent attribute information, which is at least one of the generated contents, the user name that created the agent, and the setting information, and one person or An extraction step of analyzing data of a plurality of users and extracting preferences.
[0026]
According to another aspect of the present invention, an agent usage method includes an agent display step of displaying an agent on a screen of a user terminal; Based on user operations, created by selecting desired one from agent creation data that is a component of clothes, hairstyle and other agents Multiple agents From , User An agent selection step for selecting an agent to be used, an agent use step for accepting an agent operation designation from a user using the agent, an information provision step for providing service information on a network that can be used by the agent, and an agent An agent control step for managing communication; a reference step for referring to the agent; a usage data storage step for storing, in the usage data storage means, attribute information of a user who referred to or used a service usable by the agent; and usage data storage means A preference extracting step of analyzing attribute information of one or a plurality of users and extracting a preference.
[0027]
According to another aspect of the present invention, an agent usage method includes an agent display step of displaying an agent on a screen of a user terminal; Based on user operations, created by selecting desired one from agent creation data that is a component of clothes, hairstyle and other agents Multiple agents From , User An agent selection step for selecting an agent to be used, an agent use step for accepting specification of an agent operation from a user using the agent, an information providing step for providing information on a user using the agent, and an agent An agent control step for managing communication and a reference step for referring to the agent are provided.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an agent creating apparatus and an agent using apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, the agent functions as a user interface that is displayed on the screen and performs dialogue with the user or guidance to the user. It is also possible to create an agent that suits the user's preference regarding the agent's operation and appearance.
[0030]
Conventionally, an agent has been used as a user interface that appears on a screen of a computer or the like. In this embodiment, in addition to this, an agent can be used as a means for extracting preferences of an agent creator.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the agent creating apparatus can specify a member that provides data for creating an agent and a photograph prepared by the user, and data that the user likes about the constituent elements of the agent such as clothes and hairstyles. And an agent creating member that can easily create an agent by using texture mapping or three-dimensional rendering of these images.
[0032]
This eliminates the need for the user to perform agent character design. In addition, by selecting data for agent creation by the agent creation device, the user can easily create agents having various appearances. In addition, by making it possible to easily create an agent similar to a specific person using a photograph, an effect that the usage of the agent is further expanded can be obtained.
[0033]
Further, in the prior art, in the preference survey, a history of operations and actions performed by the user is recorded, and linguistic information such as what is referred to is taken out as a preference.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, a preference extracting unit is provided in the agent creating device and the agent using device. In the agent creation device, the user creates an agent by combining his / her favorite agent creation data. The preference extraction unit refers to the data used for agent creation, counts the number of data used in accordance with the specified conditions, and displays the result of the preference survey with reference to the member storing the data .
[0035]
The agent using device includes an information providing unit that presents information on services and users on the network that uses the agent, and an agent control unit that mediates communication using the agent. In this way, not only creating an agent, but also providing information on the services that use the agent, and communicating with each other using the agent between the users who created the agent. Can be used for communication. As a result, it is possible for the user to have a meaning that the agent does not simply create the agent, but shows it to others.
[0036]
If the agent is shown to others, the psychology similar to the act of selecting one's clothes for the user works at the time of agent creation, and the user's preference is reflected unconsciously by the data selection performed at the time of agent creation. become.
[0037]
Therefore, as compared with the prior art, the potential preference of the user is naturally reflected in the agent through agent creation. In addition, since they are subjective and intuitive, which are difficult to express in words, it is possible to extract non-linguistic tastes, which was difficult with the conventional technique.
[0038]
That is, in the present embodiment, by analyzing the created agent, it is possible to grasp the user's potential preferences. In addition to external tastes based on images, agents are provided with different data, such as how they speak, personality, etc., and they are selected at the time of creation so that the personality of the created user is reflected in the agent. It is also possible to investigate the preference for the inner human nature such as personality.
[0039]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an agent creating apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0040]
Referring to the figure, the agent creation device stores data for creating an agent and can add, delete, and edit data from the outside, and refer to data storage unit 2 for the contents. It shows to the user who creates the agent, receives the content selected by the user, retrieves the corresponding data from the data storage unit 2 and sends it to the agent creation unit 4, and the selected content is sent to the agent information storage unit 5 or the preference extraction unit 6. The data selection unit 3 to be sent to the agent, the data selection unit 3 to receive data, the user to receive the photo used for agent creation, the agent creation unit 4 that actually creates the agent, the type of data used at the time of agent creation Agent attribute information such as the user name that created the agent and the time the agent was created An agent information storage unit 5 that stores an agent created by the agent creation unit 4 and a preference extraction unit 6 that extracts preference information with reference to the contents received from the data selection unit 3 and the agent information storage unit 5. The
[0041]
The hardware configuration of the agent creation device is realized by a computer including a CPU, a memory, an input device, a display, various interfaces, a hard disk, an external storage device, and the like.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an agent creation method executed by the agent creation device.
[0043]
When the user starts creating an agent, the data selection unit 3 refers to the data storage unit 2 in step S1. In step S2, the content referred to in step S1 is presented to the user.
[0044]
Specifically, the agent's clothes, hairstyle, accessories, contents representing the inner personality of the agent, and the like are presented.
[0045]
In step S3, the user selects a content that suits his / her preference from the contents shown in step S2, and performs a selection operation. If you use a photo prepared by the user for creating an agent, specify it here. The contents selected and specified in step S3 are transferred to the agent creation unit 3, an agent is created in step S4, and the agent created in step S5 is stored in the agent information storage unit 5.
[0046]
On the other hand, the contents selected by the user when creating the agent in step S3 are written in the agent information storage unit 5 as attribute information of the created agent in step S6. In step S7, the preference extraction unit 6 refers to the agent information storage unit 5 and extracts the preference. The preference extraction unit 6 can also extract user preferences simultaneously with agent creation. It is also possible to perform preference extraction after agents of many users are created in the agent information storage unit 5.
[0047]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the data storage unit 2. The data editing unit 21 adds, deletes, and edits data to the data storage unit 22. In some cases, data editing is performed from outside via a network. Data is actually stored in the data storage unit 22. The ID assigning unit 23 assigns an ID and stores data when new data is added to the data storage unit 22 by the data editing unit 21.
[0048]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the data storage structure of the data storage unit 22. The data storage unit 22 stores various data used for agent creation. The stored data is not a single image but data such as a three-dimensional model corresponding to various actions of the agent or a sample agent. An agent is created by combining various data stored in the data storage unit 22.
[0049]
The agent data ID in FIG. 4 is uniquely given to each piece of data. Which data is used to create the agent when the user creates the agent is managed using the ID.
[0050]
The keywords in FIG. 4 are for the data creator to give the contents related to the contents of the data, the image, the personality of the person who is likely to select this data, and the like.
[0051]
The agent creation data in FIG. 4 is data of a three-dimensional model used for agent creation or a sample agent itself.
[0052]
A3, B2, C4, and D7 in FIG. 4 are examples of IDs that the ID assigning unit 23 assigns to each data. The alphabet indicates the type of data, and the number after it indicates the number for identification within the type. The ID assigning method is not limited to this format.
[0053]
The data D7 in FIG. 4 is not used as a three-dimensional model, but is a sample created in advance to show internal features that are difficult to image such as the agent's personality and speech. As this kind of data, data created in advance as a sample agent is placed. The user tries to move the sample agent to determine whether the way of speaking, gestures, etc. suits his / her preference. The content of the data storage unit 22 is an example and is not limited to the format of FIG.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the data selection unit 3.
Referring to the figure, the data selection unit 3 includes a data reference unit 31, a reference content display unit 32, a user selection reception unit 33, and a data transfer unit 34.
[0055]
The data reference unit 31 refers to the contents stored in the data storage unit 2. The reference content display unit 32 displays the data referenced by the data reference unit 31 to the user. The user selection accepting unit 33 receives the content of what the user has selected from the agent data displayed by the reference content display unit 32, and also when the agent is created using the photo prepared by the user Receive.
[0056]
The data transfer unit 34 transmits the agent creation data selected by the data selection unit 3 to the agent information storage unit 5 and the preference extraction unit 6 using the data ID selected by the user.
[0057]
FIG. 6 shows an example of an interface of display contents for the user, in which the data reference unit 31 displays the contents referring to the data storage unit 2 on the reference content display unit 32.
[0058]
As shown in the figure, elements necessary for creating clothes, hairstyles, belongings, agents with specific personalities and properties, etc. are displayed in terms of 3D models and words. The user selects a favorite one from these. In the example of FIG. 6, the clothes, hairstyle, and belongings are displayed as a three-dimensional model and can be selected by pressing a button or the like. On the other hand, the personality portion is indicated by a three-dimensional model of the agent created as a sample.
[0059]
When the user instructs to execute the sample agent, the agent is executed by a member included in the agent using device described later, and the agent moves on the user's screen with the set contents. At this time, the way of speaking, gestures, and the like are different for each sample agent, and the user selects the personality and gesture of the agent by selecting a favorite one.
[0060]
The user selection receiving unit 33 receives information about what is selected from the display contents and a photograph when the user uses it for creating an agent. The data transfer unit 34 passes the information obtained by the user selection receiving unit 33 to the agent information storage unit 5. In addition, the image itself or the photograph of the selected data is transferred to the agent creating unit 4.
[0061]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the agent creation unit 4.
The agent creation unit 4 creates an agent from the selected three-dimensional model and a given image.
[0062]
The data receiving unit 41 receives a 3D model and image data prepared by the user from the outside. The image pasting unit 42 creates an action animation of each agent by pasting the image data received by the data receiving unit 41 and the selected three-dimensional model. As an image creation method, a texture mapping method or a three-dimensional rendering method can be used. The composition unit 43 integrates the motion animations created by the image pasting unit 42 to create one agent having various motion animations. The agent writing unit 44 writes the agent created by the combining unit 43 in the agent information storage unit 5.
[0063]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of contents stored in the agent information storage unit 5.
[0064]
The agent created by the agent creating unit 4, the agent number, and attribute information of each agent are managed in a table format. The agent number is assigned to each agent when the agent is newly created. Agent attribute information is the name of the user who created the agent, the name given to the agent by the user, the purpose of selecting and determining the purpose of use of the created agent, the data ID used to create the agent, the date and time when the agent was created, The date and time when the agent was used and the number of times the agent was used. The data ID corresponds to the ID for each data shown as an example in FIG. Preference extraction is performed by managing individual agents with attribute information or referring to attribute information.
[0065]
The name of the user and the name given to the agent are determined by the user when the agent is created and can be modified. The purpose is to make it easy to distinguish the purpose of an agent created when the user uses a plurality of agents. An appropriate one is selected from the list when the agent is created. As the creation date and time, the time when the created agent was recorded in the agent information storage unit 5 is written. As the use date and time, the date and time when the agent was last used is recorded. Update this item every time the agent is used. The number of uses is the total number of times the agent has been used since it was created. The agent saving is a place where the agent created by the agent creating unit 4 is actually saved.
[0066]
The agent shown in FIG. 8 is not a still image but is stored as one agent including all animation data.
[0067]
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the preference extraction unit 6.
Referring to the figure, preference extraction unit 6 includes a reference unit 61, a totaling unit 62, and a result display unit 63.
[0068]
The reference unit 61 includes attribute information of the agent information storage unit 5 in which information at the time of agent creation is stored, and an ID of the data storage unit 2 in which the correspondence between image data used for agent creation and its ID is recorded. And so on.
[0069]
The totaling unit 62 calculates how much data with which ID is selected based on the content referred to by the reference unit 61, the transition of the number of time-series data selections, and the like. The result display unit 63 displays the contents aggregated by the aggregation unit 62.
[0070]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the preference extraction unit 6.
Referring to the figure, in step S11, the reference unit 61 refers to the content of the first agent number 1 in the agent information storage unit 5. In steps S12 and S13, the part of the attribute information that matches the condition set at the time of preference extraction is investigated. The conditions set at the time of preference extraction are as follows.
[0071]
(1) Target all agents
(2) Select and aggregate only specific uses
(3) Identify and aggregate users
(4) Identify and tabulate when agents were created
(5) Aggregate only frequently used agents
These conditions can be specified in combination.
[0072]
If the attribute information of the target agent satisfies the condition, the agent creation data ID is referred to. If not, the next agent number data is referenced in step S17. If the condition is satisfied, the IDs recorded in the agent creation data ID are sequentially referenced in step S14. Then, the counting unit 62 counts up the number of referenced IDs. This is performed for all the recorded IDs. If all the recorded IDs are referred to in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16.
[0073]
When the contents of the agent information storage unit 5 are as shown in FIG. 8 and the agent ID of the agent number 2 is referred to, the number of A23, D4, and E22 used in the counting unit 62 is incremented by one. In step S16, if the referred agent is the last agent number, the process proceeds to step S18. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S17 to refer to the next agent. In step S18, the contents of the totaling unit 62 are displayed on the result display unit 63. At this time, the reference unit 61 refers to the data storage unit 2 to refer to the agent creation data and the keyword stored in association with the data based on the ID.
[0074]
The result display unit 63 displays corresponding agent creation data and corresponding keywords as preferences in accordance with the contents of the totaling unit 62. As a result, it is possible to obtain the result that many users like the content of the most frequently selected agent creation data, and it is possible to infer the preference tendency from the keywords associated with the agent creation data Become. Note that the preference extraction method described above is an example, and other methods are possible.
[0075]
Note that the timing at which the preference extraction unit 6 performs preference extraction may be immediately after the user selects data to be used for agent creation by the data selection unit 3. By performing preference extraction immediately after selection, it is possible to provide a service that returns a reply immediately after analyzing the selection content from the server side to the user in the form of personality diagnosis, fortune-telling, and the like.
[0076]
The preference extraction unit 6 may perform the preference extraction after the agent and attribute information are stored in the agent information storage unit 5, or by referring to the agent information storage unit 5 at an arbitrary timing in the server. You may make it extract. By performing preference extraction on information stored in the agent information storage unit 5 at an arbitrary timing, it is possible to extract the preferences of a plurality of users at once, and to investigate the tendency of preferences of the entire agent user. it can.
[0077]
In addition, when a single user creates a plurality of agents according to usage, preference extraction can be performed by setting various conditions such as extracting the preferences reflected in the plurality of agents in an integrated manner.
[0078]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the agent creation device according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the agent creation apparatus is composed of a server and an agent creation user. The data storage unit 2, the agent information storage unit 5, and the preference extraction unit 6 in FIG. 1 are on the server side, and the data selection unit 3 and the agent creation unit 4 are on the user terminal that creates the agent.
[0079]
The server and the terminal are connected by a network. An agent creation service is provided on the server, and a user connects to the server through a network from a terminal to create an agent. Placing the data storage unit 2 on the server side makes it easy to add and edit agent creation data, and the data can always be kept up-to-date. In addition, by placing the agent information storage unit 5 on the server side, preference extraction can be performed with reference to the attribute information of agents of all users who use the agent. Therefore, the user terminal is accessed every time preference extraction is performed. There is no need to take agent attribute information. Furthermore, by placing the agent creating unit 4 on the user terminal and taking the created agent into the server through the network, the server does not need to create an agent, leading to a reduction in server load.
[0080]
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an agent creation device according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the agent creation apparatus is composed of a server and an agent creation user.
[0081]
Unlike the case of FIG. 1, the agent creation unit 4 is placed on the server side and connected to the user terminal through the network. Placing the agent creation unit 4 on the server side eliminates the need to send an agent from the user terminal to the server, and has the effect of reducing the data transmission amount.
[0082]
Note that the agent creation unit 4 has some merits and demerits when placed on either the server or the user terminal, and can be placed on either.
[0083]
[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an agent using device and its components according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment relates to an agent using device used when a user who creates an agent uses a service on a network that can use the agent.
[0084]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system including an agent using device according to the present embodiment.
[0085]
Referring to the figure, the system includes a server, an agent creation user, a network service provider, and an agent creation device 1. The hardware of each of the server, the agent creating user, the network service provider, and the agent creating apparatus 1 is realized by a computer including a CPU, a memory, an input device, a display, various interfaces, a hard disk, an external storage device, and the like.
[0086]
The server includes an information providing unit 74, a reference unit 75, and an agent control unit 76. The agent creation user includes an agent display unit 71, an agent selection unit 72, and an agent use unit 73. The network service provider includes an agent use unit 78, a preference extraction unit 6, and a usage data storage unit 77.
[0087]
The agent use unit 73 and the agent control unit 76 and the agent use unit 78 and the agent control unit 76 are connected by a network, respectively. The agent using unit 73 and the agent using unit 78 communicate with each other through the agent control unit 76, so that the user uses a service on the network using the agent. On the agent creating user side (on the user terminal), the agent display unit 71 displays a service screen on the network. For example, the user agent and the agent on the service side are talking with each other on the screen. The screen that is communicating with a feeling is displayed.
[0088]
Since the agent display unit 71, the agent selection unit 72, and the agent use unit 73 are members related to agent display on the user terminal, the agent display can be smoothly performed by placing the agent display unit 71, the agent selection unit 72, and the agent use unit 73 on the user terminal. The reference unit 75 has a function of referring to an agent stored in the agent creating apparatus 1, searching for an agent using a user name as a key, acquiring the agent and attribute information, and passing it to the agent control unit 76. The connection between the reference unit 75 and the agent creation device 1 is not limited to the network.
[0089]
By placing the agent control unit 76 on the server and mediating communication, the information providing unit 74 can provide the user with a list of services that can be used by the agent and can have a community-like role.
[0090]
Also, the service provider can acquire and use the preference information. For example, in the case of a service that sells clothes on a network, it is possible to recommend products such as “I have similar clothes” by analyzing the preference information on the spot.
[0091]
Also, attribute information of the agent of the user who visits the service provider or actually uses the service is recorded in the usage data storage unit 77 and analyzed by the preference extraction unit 6 to lead to new product development or from the preference analysis result. An effect that leads to an improvement in the product lineup can be obtained.
[0092]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of an agent using method executed by a system including an agent using device according to the present embodiment.
[0093]
Referring to the figure, when the user starts using the agent in step S21, the user is connected to the agent control unit 76 in step S22. At this time, the information providing unit 74 displays a list of services available to the agent. In step S24, the user selects a service to be used from the list, and at the same time inputs the user name designated when creating the agent.
[0094]
In step S25, the agent information storage unit 5 of the agent creation device 1 is referred to search for the input user name to obtain the agent. At this time, when a plurality of agents are searched, the user selects which agent uses the service by the agent selection unit 73 in step S27. In step S28, the service is connected to the agent use unit 78 on the service side, and the agent of the user who uses the service and its attribute information are transmitted. In step S29, the agent using unit 78 receives the agent and attribute information.
[0095]
In step S30, the attribute information of the agent is entered in the usage data storage unit 77. Thereafter, between step S31 and S35, the agent control data and text data are transmitted and received between the two agent using units 73 and 78 through the agent control unit 76, and communication is performed until the use of the service is terminated.
[0096]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in the usage data storage unit 77 of the service provider on the network.
[0097]
Compared with the agent information shown in FIG. 8, unnecessary items are deleted in FIG. 15, and only the items necessary for preference extraction on the service side are stored. This is because it is considered that it is not good to pass unnecessary information to the service side because of privacy and the like.
[0098]
In the figure, the user ID is a number unique to each user assigned in correspondence with the user name. As other attribute information, the attribute information of the used agent stored in the agent information storage unit 5 is written. FIG. 15 is an example, and the data structure is not limited to this format.
[0099]
[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an agent using device and its components according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment relates to an agent using device used when users who have created agents communicate with each other using the agent.
[0100]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the agent using device in the present embodiment.
[0101]
Similarly to FIG. 13, the agent creating user (user terminal) is provided with another agent using user (agent display unit 71, agent selecting unit 72, and agent using unit 73 for the user to use the agent). Each of the other user terminals is also provided with an agent display unit 81, an agent selection unit 82, and an agent use unit 83.
[0102]
The agent control unit 76 and the agent use unit 73 and the agent use unit 83 and the agent control unit 76 are connected by a network. The reference unit 75 is a member that refers to the agent stored in the agent creating apparatus 1, searches for an agent using the user name as a key, acquires the agent and attribute information, and passes the agent and attribute information to the agent control unit 76. The connection between the reference unit 75 and the agent creation device 1 is not limited to the network.
[0103]
The agent control unit 76 performs communication using an agent between users using the agent. By adopting a communication format through the agent control unit 76, service providers such as chat, community, and bulletin board can use this system to increase the value of their services.
[0104]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing of an agent usage method executed by the agent usage apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0105]
This process is basically the same as FIG. The difference is that, in the case of users, the attribute information of the partner agent is not recorded for preference extraction. That is, the process corresponding to step S30 in FIG. 14 is not provided in FIG.
[0106]
Steps S41 to S49 are operations for connecting to the communication partner, and correspond to the processing from step S21 to step S29 in FIG. In the processing from step S50 to step S54, communication using an agent is performed between users (this corresponds to the processing from step S31 to step S35 in FIG. 14).
[0107]
Note that an apparatus in which some of the above-described embodiments are arbitrarily combined may be provided.
[0108]
It is also possible to provide a method or program for executing the processing of the flowchart in the above-described embodiment, and record the program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card. May be provided to the user. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.
[0109]
[Effects of the embodiment]
According to the first embodiment, the user can easily create an agent according to his / her preference. In addition, the contents that are difficult to translate into language, such as the appearance and preferences of the agent and the personality that suits the user, can be reflected on the agent by selecting the data for creating the agent.
[0110]
In addition, the user's potential and intuitive preferences are reflected in the agent through the act of selecting data for creating the agent. Users themselves do not need to be aware of their preferences. The user is likely to have an affinity for an agent that reflects his / her preference and personality, so it is considered that he / she likes it.
[0111]
According to the first embodiment, the agent can be used not only as an interface as in the prior art but also as an expression unit that reflects the user's own preferences.
[0112]
In addition, if the preference extraction unit performs preference extraction when agent creation data is selected by the data selection unit, immediately after the user performs the selection operation at the time of agent creation, a reply is made based on the contents. Real-time service becomes possible.
[0113]
According to the second embodiment, an agent can be created by communicating between a server and a terminal connected via a network. This makes it possible to provide an agent creation function as a service on the network without placing all the components of the agent creation device on the user terminal.
[0114]
Further, by connecting each member to the network, it becomes easy to add and edit data for creating an agent, and the data can always be updated. Furthermore, since preference extraction can be performed with reference to the attribute information of agents of all users who use the agent, it is not necessary to access the user's terminal and acquire agent attribute information each time preference is extracted.
[0115]
After storing the agent and agent attribute information in the agent information storage unit, the preference extraction unit refers to the content selected in the agent selection unit and the setting information recorded in the agent information storage unit. Preference extraction can be performed, and data can be extracted by referring to the data of all users who use the agent creation service or by referencing multiple agents created by one user. It is possible to extract preferences from various viewpoints by specifying conditions.
[0116]
In the fourth embodiment, by using an agent created using an agent creation device on a network, an agent created at a site that sells online, for example, can be used. In this way, it is possible to know the user's preference utilized from the information included in the used agent.
[0117]
If an agent visits an online store just as a human visits an actual store, a preference survey can be conducted not only when purchasing but also visiting. As a result, it is possible to survey a wide range of users, and to improve the service by matching the user's preference to the product lineup.
[0118]
In the fifth embodiment, an agent created by the agent creating device by communication between users such as mail and chat can be used. It is possible to know the preferences, personality, hobbies, etc. of the creator of the agent from the internal personality that appears in the way the agent speaks and moves, such as the clothes and hairstyle reflected in the appearance of the agent.
[0119]
Thereby, it is possible to send information other than character information as compared with communication through a conventional network. Therefore, it leads to common topics, discovery of hobbies, personality of the other party, and understanding of the person.
[0120]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an agent creation device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an agent creation method executed by the agent creation device.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a data storage unit 2;
4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a data storage structure of a data storage unit 22. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a data selection unit 3;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface of display contents for a user.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an agent creation unit 4;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of contents stored in the agent information storage unit 5;
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a preference extraction unit 6;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the preference extraction unit 6;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an agent creation device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an agent creation device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including an agent using device according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of an agent using method executed by a system including an agent using device according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in a usage data storage unit 77 of a network service provider.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an agent using device according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing of an agent using method executed by an agent using device according to the fifth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Agent preparation apparatus, 2 Data storage part, 3 Data selection part, 4 Agent preparation part, 5 Agent information storage part, 6 Preference extraction part, 21 Data edit part, 22 Data storage part, 23 ID provision part, 31 Data reference part 32 Reference content display unit 33 User selection reception unit 34 Data transfer unit 41 Data reception unit 42 Image pasting unit 43 Composition unit 44 Agent writing unit 61 Reference unit 62 Totaling unit 63 Result display unit 71 Agent display section 72 Agent selection section 73 Agent use section 74 Information provision section 75 Reference section 76 Agent control section 77 Usage data storage section 78 Agent use section 81 Agent display section 82 Agent selection section 83 Agent using part.

Claims (7)

Data storage means for storing agent creation data, which is a constituent element of clothing, hairstyle and other agents, in association with a keyword related to each of the constituent elements ;
Data selecting means for selecting a desired one from agent creation data that is a component of clothes, hairstyle, and other agents stored in the data storage means based on a user operation;
Agent creation means for creating an agent from the data selected by the data selection means;
An agent created by the agent creating means, and an agent information storing means for storing attribute information of the agent which is at least one of contents selected by the data selecting means, a user name that created the agent, and setting information; ,
A preference extraction unit that analyzes data of one or more users stored in the agent information storage unit and extracts preferences ;
The preference extracting means refers to the contents and setting information selected by the data selecting means recorded in the agent information storing means after the agent and agent attribute information are stored in the agent information storing means. An agent creation device that extracts the keyword as a preference of the one or more users .   The one or more of the data storage unit, the data selection unit, the agent creation unit, and the agent information storage unit exist on an external device and are connected through a network. 1. The agent creation device according to 1.   2. The agent creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the agent creation data is selected by the data selection means, preference extraction is performed by the preference extraction means. Agent display means for displaying the agent on the screen of the user terminal;
Based on the user's operation, the user can select from a plurality of agents created by selecting desired ones from the agent creation data, which are the components of clothes, hairstyles, and other agents associated with the keywords related to each component. Agent selection means for selecting the agent used by
Agent usage means for accepting agent behavior specifications from users who use the agent,
An information providing means for providing service information on the network that the agent can use;
Agent control means for managing communication using the agent;
A reference means for referring to the agent;
Usage data storage means for storing attribute information of users who have referred to or used services available to agents;
Analyzing preference information of one or a plurality of users in the usage data storage means, and extracting a preference ;
The preference extracting means refers to the contents and setting information selected by the data selecting means recorded in the agent information storing means after the agent and agent attribute information are stored in the agent information storing means. An agent using device that extracts the keyword as a preference of the one or more users .   6. The agent using apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a part of said means exists in an external apparatus and is connected through a network. A data storage step of storing agent creation data, which is a constituent element of clothes, hairstyle, and other agents, in association with a keyword related to each of the constituent elements ;
A data selection step for selecting a desired one from agent creation data, which is a component of clothes, hairstyle, and other agents, stored in the data storage step, based on a user operation;
An agent creation step of creating an agent from the data selected in the data selection step;
The agent information storing means stores the agent created by the agent creating step, the content selected by the data selecting step, the user name that created the agent, and the agent attribute information that is at least one of the setting information. An agent information storage step;
Extracting the preference by analyzing data of one or more users stored in the agent information storage means,
The extraction step refers to the content and setting information selected by the data selection means recorded in the agent information storage means after the agent and agent attribute information are stored in the agent information storage means. And extracting the keyword as a preference of the one or more users . An agent display step for displaying the agent on the screen of the user terminal;
Based on the user's operation, from a plurality of agents created by selecting a desired one from agent creation data that is a component of clothes, hairstyle and other agents associated with the keywords related to each of the components , An agent selection step for selecting the agent to be used by the user;
An agent usage step for accepting an agent action specification from a user using the agent;
An information providing step for providing service information on the network that the agent can use;
An agent control step for managing communication using the agent;
A reference step to reference the agent;
A usage data storage step of storing, in the usage data storage means, attribute information of a user who has referred to or used a service usable by the agent;
Analyzing the attribute information of one or more users in the usage data storage means, and extracting a preference ,
In the preference extraction step, after the agent and the agent attribute information are stored in the agent information storage means, refer to the contents and setting information selected by the data selection means recorded in the agent information storage means Then, the method of using an agent , comprising the step of extracting the keyword as a preference of the one or more users .

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