A Fuzzy Driven Framework for the Cognitive Modeling and Quantitative Analysis of Aggregated Avatars

In this paper, our goal is to motivate the structured design and quantitative analysis of a class of avatars which we refer to as (fuzzy) aggregated avatars. Following a brief overview of the different avatar types based on the literature, we formulate a newly proposed definition of aggregated avatars, and also extend this concept with the more specialized class of fuzzy aggregated avatars. Further, we propose a framework to facilitate the design and experimental analysis of fuzzy aggregated avatars, and describe a use-case example in which user interaction patterns within a 3D virtual reality space are mapped onto dynamic avatar behaviors.

I. Introduction

The word ‘avatar’ derives from the Sanskrit language and originally carries the meaning ‘embodiment’ or ‘manifestation / incarnation of something divine’. In modern computer science, ‘avatar’ is used in a somewhat different sense, referring to an external representation of some aspect - whether physical, psychological, and/or social - of the human user as a person interacting with the system. In general, avatars take the form of a 2D pictogram or 3D head/ torso / body representation that is either static or dynamic and reflects some or all of the above mentioned aspects. An avatar can be regarded as effective in achieving its goals if it increases other users’ understanding of the given user, both in an objective and subjective sense. To at least some degree, it is also desirable that the user who is represented by the avatar have a subjective sense of appropriation with respect to the avatar; i.e., the feeling that the avatar belongs to his or her person.