Method and apparatus for monitoring user attention with a computer-generated virtual environment

A computer-implemented method of evaluating user perception using a virtual environment, the method comprising the steps of:

• continuously monitoring an Avatar focal point over time as an Avatar moves within the virtual environment to obtain focal point information associated with the Avatar's interaction in the virtual environment, the Avatar focal point being based on the Avatar's orientation and focus within the virtual environment;
• applying a statistical function to the Avatar focal point based on a probability density function centered on the Avatar focal point to create a statistical map containing statistical information related to where the user was likely to have been looking while interacting in the virtual environment, wherein the probability density function includes relatively low to high variance levels based on perception of the avatar;
• and
• aggregating the statistical information related to where the user was likely to have been looking with statistical information related to where other users were likely to have been looking while interacting in the virtual environment to determine where users associated with the Avatars are likely to be focused while interacting in the virtual environment, the statistical information related to where other users were likely to have been looking being based on focal point information of other Avatars;
• wherein the step of monitoring is performed in connection with a physical object within the virtual environment to determine which aspects of the physical object are focused on by users of the virtual environment to obtain feedback on a design of the physical object by monitoring user interaction with the physical object.