JP7175299B2 - Program, method and computer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to programs, methods, and computers.

Patent Literature 1 describes an example of a live game in which an avatar associated with a player as one of many fans who have visited the live stage of an idol character (NPC) is placed in the audience seats of a virtual live venue. In the live game, an avatar whose appearance, clothing, equipment, etc. can be changed continues to look at the idol character, thereby earning gaze points. Here, the line-of-sight points include line-of-sight matching points that are given on the condition that line-of-sight matching is established between the avatar and the idol character. For this reason, the player is motivated to make the avatar's appearance, clothes, equipment, etc. stand out and attract the line of sight of the idol character.

JP-A-2018-7828

However, the idle character remains the same in appearance, clothing, equipment, etc., regardless of how the player directs their gaze. For this reason, there is a risk that the live game lacks diversity in terms of how the player enjoys the game.

The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a program, a method, and a computer that can diversify the way of enjoying.

According to an aspect of an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a program for causing a first computer used by a first user to execute an event in a virtual space in which a plurality of users including the first user participate. Then, the first computer is caused to execute a step of displaying a character appearing in the event in a virtual space, and a step of causing the character to act based on the first data received from the outside. The first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays a character, and is data commonly transmitted from the outside to a plurality of computers used by a plurality of users. A character appearing in an event executed by the first computer can be displayed in a different display manner from a character appearing in the event executed by at least one of the computers other than the first computer.

According to an aspect of one embodiment, a method is provided in which a first computer used by a first user executes a program for executing an event in a virtual space in which a plurality of users including the first user participate. a step of displaying a character appearing in the event in a virtual space; and a step of causing the character to act based on the first data received from the outside. The first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays a character, and is data commonly transmitted from the outside to a plurality of computers used by a plurality of users. A character appearing in an event executed by the first computer can be displayed in a different display manner from a character appearing in the event executed by at least one of the computers other than the first computer.

According to an aspect of one embodiment, a computer used by a first user executes an event in a virtual space in which a plurality of users including the first user participate, wherein the computer executes the event and a control unit for controlling the operation of the computer by executing the program. The control unit executes a step of displaying a character appearing in the event in a virtual space, and a step of causing the character to act based on first data received from the outside. data including motion data and voice data, which is commonly transmitted from the outside to a plurality of computers used by a plurality of users. , can be displayed in a display mode different from that of characters appearing in an event executed on at least one of a plurality of computers other than a computer.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the way of enjoying can be diversified.

1 illustrates an example system overview according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a game playing terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a distribution terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of functional configurations of a user terminal, server, and HMD set according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a distribution terminal according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed at a user terminal and a game playing terminal according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space provided to a player and a field-of-view image visually recognized by the player, according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space provided to a user of a user terminal and a field-of-view image viewed by the user, according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a field-of-view image visually recognized by the user of the user terminal; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of a field-of-view image visually recognized by the user of the user terminal; 4 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed at a game playing terminal according to one embodiment. 4 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed in a user terminal according to one embodiment; 4 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed at the server according to one embodiment. [0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a list of users who have participated in a game, according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing part of the processing performed in a distribution terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on a distribution terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another specific example of a screen displayed on a distribution terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of voice input by a player, according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another specific example of a screen displayed on a distribution terminal according to an embodiment and an outline of distribution of action instruction data; FIG. 11 illustrates another example of voice input by a player, according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another specific example of a screen displayed on a distribution terminal according to an embodiment and an outline of distribution of action instruction data; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an overview of transmitting game progress information from a game playing terminal to a user terminal according to one embodiment; 4 is a flow chart representing a portion of the processing performed in a user terminal according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of moving image reproduction; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another specific example of moving image reproduction; (A) is a diagram showing an example of a point management table, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a ranking management table. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on a user terminal, and (B is a diagram showing another example of a game image displayed on a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of an avatar object management table. 4 is a flow chart showing part of the flow of processing executed in a user terminal and a game playing terminal; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another specific example of a screen displayed on a distribution terminal according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another specific example of a screen displayed on a distribution terminal according to an embodiment;

A system according to the present disclosure is a system for providing a game to multiple users. The system will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the scope of the claims. be. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and redundant description will not be repeated.

<Overview of system 1 operation>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system 1 according to this embodiment. The system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 100 (computers), a server 200, a game play terminal 300 (external device, second external device), and a distribution terminal 400 (external, first external device). In FIG. 1, user terminals 100A to 100C, in other words, three user terminals 100 are shown as an example of a plurality of user terminals 100, but the number of user terminals 100 is not limited to the illustrated example. . Also, in this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between the user terminals 100A to 100C, they are referred to as "user terminals 100". User terminal 100 , game play terminal 300 , and distribution terminal 400 are connected to server 200 via network 2 . The network 2 includes the Internet and various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations (not shown). Examples of mobile communication systems include so-called 3G, 4G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (eg, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet through a predetermined access point. be done.

(Overview of the game)
In this embodiment, a game mainly played by the user of the game play terminal 300 will be described as an example of a game (hereinafter referred to as the game) provided by the system 1 . A user of the game play terminal 300 is hereinafter referred to as a "player". A player (performer) advances the game by, for example, operating characters appearing in the game. Also, in this game, the user of the user terminal 100 plays a role of supporting the progress of the game by the player. The details of this game will be described later. Note that the game provided by the system 1 is not limited to this example as long as it is a game in which a plurality of users participate.

(Game play terminal 300)
The game play terminal 300 advances the game according to the input operation by the player. In addition, the game play terminal 300 sequentially distributes information generated by the player's game play (hereinafter referred to as game progress information) to the server 200 in real time.

(Server 200)
The server 200 transmits the game progress information (second data) received from the game play terminal 300 in real time to the user terminal 100 . Also, the server 200 mediates transmission and reception of various information among the user terminal 100 , the game play terminal 300 and the distribution terminal 400 .

(Distribution terminal 400)
The distribution terminal 400 generates action instruction data (first data) according to an input operation by the user of the distribution terminal 400 and distributes the action instruction data to the user terminal 100 via the server 200 . The action instruction data is data for reproducing a moving image on the user terminal 100, and more specifically, data for causing a character appearing in the moving image to move.

In this embodiment, as an example, the user of the distribution terminal 400 is a player of this game. Also, as an example, the moving image reproduced on the user terminal 100 based on the action instruction data is a moving image in which the character operated by the player in the game moves. "Action" means moving at least part of the character's body, and includes speech. Therefore, the action instruction data according to the present embodiment includes, for example, voice data for causing the character to speak and motion data for moving the body of the character.

As an example, the action instruction data is transmitted to the user terminal 100 after the game ends. Details of the action instruction data and the moving image reproduced based on the action instruction data will be described later.

(User terminal 100)
The user terminal 100 receives game progress information in real time, and generates and displays a game screen using the information. In other words, the user terminal 100 reproduces the game screen of the game being played by the player by real-time rendering. As a result, the user of the user terminal 100 can view the same game screen as the player is viewing while playing the game at substantially the same timing as the player.

In addition, the user terminal 100 generates information for supporting the progress of the game by the player according to the user's input operation, and transmits the information to the game play terminal 300 via the server 200 . Details of the information will be described later.

Also, the user terminal 100 receives action instruction data from the distribution terminal 400, and generates and reproduces a moving image (video) using the action instruction data. In other words, the user terminal 100 renders and reproduces the action instruction data.

<Hardware Configuration of System 1>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 200. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the game play terminal 300. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of distribution terminal 400. As shown in FIG.

(User terminal 100)
In this embodiment, as an example, an example in which the user terminal 100 is implemented as a smart phone will be described, but the user terminal 100 is not limited to a smart phone. For example, the user terminal 100 may be implemented as a feature phone, tablet computer, laptop computer (so-called notebook computer), desktop computer, or the like. Also, the user terminal 100 may be a game device suitable for playing games.

The user terminal 100, as shown in FIG. and a distance sensor 18 . These components provided in the user terminal 100 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the user terminal 100 may include an input/output IF 14 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the user terminal 100 main body can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, user terminal 100 may be configured to communicate with one or more controllers 1020 . The controller 1020 establishes communication with the user terminal 100 according to communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. The controller 1020 may have one or more buttons or the like, and transmits to the user terminal 100 an output value based on the user's input operation on the buttons or the like. Also, the controller 1020 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits output values of the various sensors to the user terminal 100 .

Note that the controller 1020 may have the camera 17 and the ranging sensor 18 instead of or in addition to the user terminal 100 having the camera 17 and the ranging sensor 18 .

The user terminal 100 preferably allows the user using the controller 1020 to input user identification information such as the user's name or login ID via the controller 1020, for example, at the start of the game. As a result, the user terminal 100 can associate the controller 1020 with the user, and identifies which user the output value belongs to based on the transmission source (controller 1020) of the received output value. be able to.

When the user terminal 100 communicates with a plurality of controllers 1020 , each user can hold each controller 1020 to communicate with the one user terminal 100 without communicating with other devices such as the server 200 via the network 2 . You can play multiplayer with. In addition, by connecting each user terminal 100 to each other for communication according to a wireless standard such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard (connecting for communication without going through the server 200), a plurality of user terminals 100 can realize local multiplay. You can also When the above-described multiplay is locally realized by one user terminal 100, the user terminal 100 may further include at least a part of various functions of the server 200, which will be described later. Also, in the case where multiple user terminals 100 locally implement the above-described multiplay, the multiple user terminals 100 may be provided with various functions of the server 200, which will be described later, in a distributed manner.

Note that the user terminal 100 may communicate with the server 200 even when the multiplay described above is implemented locally. For example, information indicating a play result such as score or win/loss in a certain game may be associated with user identification information and transmitted to the server 200 .

Also, the controller 1020 may be detachable from the user terminal 100 . In this case, at least one surface of the housing of the user terminal 100 may be provided with a coupling portion for the controller 1020 . When the user terminal 100 and the controller 1020 are connected by wire through the connecting unit, the user terminal 100 and the controller 1020 transmit and receive signals via the wire.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the user terminal 100 may receive the attachment of an external storage medium 1030 such as a memory card via the input/output IF 14 . This allows the user terminal 100 to read programs and data recorded on the storage medium 1030 . A program recorded in the storage medium 1030 is, for example, a game program.

User terminal 100 may store a game program acquired by communicating with an external device such as server 200 in memory 11 of user terminal 100, or may store a game program acquired by reading from storage medium 1030 in memory 11. may be stored in

As described above, the user terminal 100 includes the communication IF 13, the input/output IF 14, the touch screen 15, the camera 17, and the ranging sensor 18 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the user terminal 100. FIG. Each unit described above as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation unit configured to receive a user's input operation.

For example, when the operation unit is composed of at least one of the camera 17 and the ranging sensor 18, the operation unit detects an object 1010 near the user terminal 100, and performs an input operation based on the detection result of the object. Identify. As an example, a user's hand as object 1010, a marker of a predetermined shape, or the like is detected, and an input operation is specified based on the color, shape, movement, type, or the like of object 1010 obtained as a detection result. be. More specifically, when the user's hand is detected from the image captured by the camera 17, the user terminal 100 detects a gesture (a series of movements of the user's hand) detected based on the captured image as an input operation of the user. identified and accepted as Note that the captured image may be a still image or a moving image.

Alternatively, when the operation unit is configured by the touch screen 15, the user terminal 100 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 151 of the touch screen 15 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is configured by the communication IF 13, the user terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 1020 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is configured by the input/output IF 14, a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 1020 connected to the input/output IF 14 is specified as the user's input operation and accepted.

(Server 200)
Server 200 may be, by way of example, a general purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer. The server 200 includes a processor 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a communication IF 23, and an input/output IF 24. These components included in the server 200 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

(Game play terminal 300)
Game play terminal 300 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. The game play terminal 300 includes a processor 30, a memory 31, a storage 32, a communication IF33, and an input/output IF34. These components of game play terminal 300 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

As shown in FIG. 4, the game play terminal 300 according to this embodiment is included in an HMD (Head Mounted Display) set 1000 as an example. That is, it can be expressed that the HMD set 1000 is included in the system 1, and it can also be expressed that the player uses the HMD set 1000 to play the game. Note that the device for the player to play the game is not limited to the HMD set 1000 . As an example, the device may be any device that allows the player to virtually experience the game. The device may also be implemented as a smart phone, feature phone, tablet computer, laptop computer (so-called notebook computer), desktop computer, or the like. The device may also be a gaming device suitable for playing games.

The HMD set 1000 includes an HMD 500 , an HMD sensor 510 , a motion sensor 520 , a display 530 and a controller 540 in addition to the game play terminal 300 . HMD 500 includes monitor 51 , gaze sensor 52 , first camera 53 , second camera 54 , microphone 55 , and speaker 56 . Controller 540 may include motion sensor 520 .

The HMD 500 can be worn on the player's head and provide the player with a virtual space during operation. More specifically, the HMD 500 displays the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye on the monitor 51 respectively. When each eye of the player sees the respective image, the player can perceive the image as a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of both eyes. The HMD 500 can include both a so-called head-mounted display having a monitor and a head-mounted device on which a smartphone or other terminal having a monitor can be attached.

The monitor 51 is implemented as, for example, a non-transmissive display device. In one aspect, the monitor 51 is arranged on the main body of the HMD 500 so as to be positioned in front of the player's eyes. Therefore, the player can immerse himself in the virtual space by visually recognizing the three-dimensional image displayed on the monitor 51 . In one aspect, the virtual space includes, for example, images of backgrounds, player-manipulable objects, and player-selectable menus. In one aspect, the monitor 51 can be realized as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor provided in a so-called smart phone or other information display terminal.

In another aspect, monitor 51 may be implemented as a transmissive display. In this case, the HMD 500 may be an open type, such as a glasses type, instead of a closed type that covers the player's eyes as shown in FIG. The transmissive monitor 51 may be temporarily configured as a non-transmissive display device by adjusting its transmittance. The monitor 51 may include a configuration for simultaneously displaying a portion of the image forming the virtual space and the real space. For example, the monitor 51 may display an image of the real space captured by a camera mounted on the HMD 500, or may make the real space visible by setting a partial transmittance high.

In one aspect, monitor 51 may include a sub-monitor for displaying images for the right eye and a sub-monitor for displaying images for the left eye. In another aspect, the monitor 51 may be configured to integrally display the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye. In this case, monitor 51 includes a high speed shutter. The high speed shutter operates to alternately display the right eye image and the left eye image so that the image is perceived by only one eye.

In one aspect, the HMD 500 includes multiple light sources (not shown). Each light source is implemented by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits infrared rays. HMD sensor 510 has a position tracking function for detecting movement of HMD 500 . More specifically, the HMD sensor 510 reads multiple infrared rays emitted by the HMD 500 and detects the position and tilt of the HMD 500 within the physical space.

In another aspect, HMD sensor 510 may be implemented by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 510 can detect the position and tilt of the HMD 500 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the HMD 500 output from the camera.

In another aspect, HMD 500 may include a sensor (not shown) as a position detector instead of HMD sensor 510 or in addition to HMD sensor 510 . HMD500 can detect the position and inclination of HMD500 itself using this sensor. For example, if the sensor is an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor, the HMD 500 can use any of these sensors instead of the HMD sensor 510 to detect its own position and tilt. As an example, when the sensor provided in the HMD 500 is an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocity sensor temporally detects angular velocities around three axes of the HMD 500 in real space. The HMD 500 calculates temporal changes in angles around the three axes of the HMD 500 based on the respective angular velocities, and further calculates the tilt of the HMD 500 based on the temporal changes in the angles.

The gaze sensor 52 detects the directions in which the player's right and left eyes are directed. In other words, the gaze sensor 52 detects the line of sight of the player. Detection of the line-of-sight direction is achieved by, for example, a known eye-tracking function. The gaze sensor 52 is realized by a sensor having the eye tracking function. In one aspect, gaze sensor 52 preferably includes a right eye sensor and a left eye sensor. The gaze sensor 52 may be, for example, a sensor that irradiates the player's right and left eyes with infrared light and receives reflected light from the cornea and iris of the irradiated light, thereby detecting the rotation angle of each eyeball. The gaze sensor 52 can detect the line of sight of the player based on each detected rotation angle.

The first camera 53 photographs the lower part of the player's face. More specifically, the first camera 53 photographs the player's nose, mouth, and the like. A second camera 54 photographs the player's eyes, eyebrows, and the like. The housing of the HMD 500 on the player side is defined as the inside of the HMD 500 , and the housing of the HMD 500 on the side opposite to the player is defined as the outside of the HMD 500 . In one aspect, first camera 53 may be placed outside HMD 500 and second camera 54 may be placed inside HMD 500 . Images generated by the first camera 53 and the second camera 54 are input to the game play terminal 300 . In another aspect, the first camera 53 and the second camera 54 may be realized as one camera, and the face of the player may be photographed with this one camera.

The microphone 55 converts the player's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it to the game play terminal 300 . The speaker 56 converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the player. In another aspect, HMD 500 may include earphones in place of speaker 56 .

The controller 540 is connected to the game play terminal 300 by wire or wirelessly. The controller 540 accepts command input from the player to the game play terminal 300 . In one aspect, controller 540 is configured to be grippable by a player. In another aspect, controller 540 is configured to be attachable to a player's body or part of clothing. In yet another aspect, controller 540 may be configured to output vibration, sound, and/or light based on signals transmitted from game play terminal 300 . In yet another aspect, controller 540 receives an operation from the player for controlling the position and movement of an object placed in the virtual space.

In one aspect, controller 540 includes multiple light sources. Each light source is implemented, for example, by an LED that emits infrared rays. The HMD sensor 510 has a position tracking function. In this case, the HMD sensor 510 reads multiple infrared rays emitted by the controller 540 and detects the position and tilt of the controller 540 in the physical space. In another aspect, HMD sensor 510 may be implemented by a camera. In this case, the HMD sensor 510 can detect the position and tilt of the controller 540 by executing image analysis processing using the image information of the controller 540 output from the camera.

Motion sensor 520, in one aspect, is attached to the player's hand to detect movement of the player's hand. For example, the motion sensor 520 detects hand rotation speed, number of rotations, and the like. The detected signal is sent to the game play terminal 300 . Motion sensor 520 is provided, for example, in controller 540 . In one aspect, the motion sensor 520 is provided, for example, in a controller 540 configured to be held by the player. In another aspect, for safety in the real space, the controller 540 is attached to an object such as a glove that is not easily thrown away by being attached to the player's hand. In yet another aspect, sensors that are not attached to the player may detect movement of the player's hand. For example, a signal from a camera that captures the player may be input to the game play terminal 300 as a signal representing the player's actions. The motion sensor 520 and the game play terminal 300 are, for example, wirelessly connected to each other. In the case of wireless communication, the form of communication is not particularly limited, and for example, Bluetooth or other known communication methods are used.

A display 530 displays an image similar to the image displayed on the monitor 51 . This allows users other than the player wearing the HMD 500 to view the same image as the player. The image displayed on display 530 does not have to be a three-dimensional image, and may be an image for the right eye or an image for the left eye. Examples of the display 530 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL monitor.

The game play terminal 300 causes the character to be operated by the player to move based on the various information acquired from each part of the HMD 500, the controller 540, and the motion sensor 520, and advances the game. "Action" here includes moving each part of the body, changing posture, changing facial expressions, moving, speaking, touching and moving objects placed in the virtual space, This includes using a grasped weapon, tool, etc. That is, in this game, when the player moves each part of the body, the character also moves each part of the body in the same way as the player. Also, in this game, the character speaks what the player has spoken. In other words, in this game, the character is an avatar object acting as the player's alter ego. As an example, at least part of the character's action may be performed by the player's input to the controller 540 .

In this embodiment, the motion sensors 520 are attached to the player's hands, the player's feet, the player's waist, and the player's head, as an example. The motion sensors 520 attached to the player's hands may be provided on the controller 540 as described above. Also, the motion sensor 520 attached to the player's head may be provided in the HMD 500 . Motion sensors 520 may also be attached to the user's elbows or knees. By increasing the number of motion sensors 520 attached to the player, the movement of the player can be more accurately reflected on the character. Also, instead of attaching the motion sensors 520 to each part of the body, the player may wear a suit to which one or more motion sensors 520 are attached. That is, the motion capture method is not limited to the example using the motion sensor 520 .

(Distribution terminal 400)
The distribution terminal 400 may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. Also, the delivery terminal 400 may be a so-called stationary terminal such as a desktop personal computer.

The distribution terminal 400 includes a processor 40, a memory 41, a storage 42, a communication IF 43, an input/output IF 44, and a touch screen 45, as shown in FIG. Note that the distribution terminal 400 may include an input/output IF 44 to which a display (display unit) configured separately from the main body of the distribution terminal 400 can be connected instead of or in addition to the touch screen 45 .

Controller 1021 may have physical input mechanisms such as one or more buttons, levers, sticks, wheels, or the like. The controller 1021 transmits to the distribution terminal 400 an output value based on an input operation input to the input mechanism by an operator (a player in this embodiment) of the distribution terminal 400 . Also, the controller 1021 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and may transmit output values of the various sensors to the distribution terminal 400 . The output value described above is received by the distribution terminal 400 via the communication IF 43 .

The distribution terminal 400 may include a camera and a range sensor (both not shown). The controller 1021 may have a camera and a ranging sensor instead of or in addition to the distribution terminal 400 .

As explained above, the distribution terminal 400 includes the communication IF 43 , the input/output IF 44 and the touch screen 45 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the distribution terminal 400 . Each unit described above as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation unit configured to receive a user's input operation.

When the operation unit is composed of the touch screen 45, the distribution terminal 400 identifies and accepts the user's operation performed on the input unit 451 of the touch screen 45 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is configured by the communication IF 43, the distribution terminal 400 identifies and accepts a signal (for example, an output value) transmitted from the controller 1021 as the user's input operation. Alternatively, if the operation unit is composed of the input/output IF 44, the distribution terminal 400 identifies and accepts a signal output from an input device (not shown) connected to the input/output IF 44 as the user's input operation.

<Hardware components of each device>
Processors 10, 20, 30, and 40 control the overall operation of user terminal 100, server 200, game play terminal 300, and distribution terminal 400, respectively. The processors 10, 20, 30, 40 include CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). The processors 10, 20, 30 and 40 respectively read programs from storages 12, 22, 32 and 42 which will be described later. Then, the processors 10, 20, 30, and 40 load the read programs in memories 11, 21, 31, and 41, respectively, which will be described later. Processors 10, 20, and 30 execute the expanded program.

Memories 11, 21, 31, and 41 are main storage devices. The memories 11, 21, 31, and 41 are composed of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 11 provides a work area for the processor 10 by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 10 from a storage 12 described later. The memory 11 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 10 is operating according to the program. The memory 21 provides a work area for the processor 20 by temporarily storing various programs and data read by the processor 20 from a storage 22 described later. The memory 21 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 20 is operating according to the program. The memory 31 provides a work area for the processor 30 by temporarily storing various programs and data read by the processor 30 from a storage 32 described later. The memory 31 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 30 is operating according to the program. The memory 41 provides a work area for the processor 40 by temporarily storing programs and various data read by the processor 40 from a storage 42 described later. The memory 41 also temporarily stores various data generated while the processor 40 is operating according to the program.

In this embodiment, the program executed by processors 10 and 30 may be the game program of this game. In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 40 may be a distribution program for realizing distribution of action instruction data. Moreover, the processor 10 may further execute a viewing program for realizing reproduction of moving images.

In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 20 may be at least one of the game program, distribution program, and viewing program described above. Processor 20 executes at least one of a game program, a distribution program, and a viewing program in response to a request from at least one of user terminal 100, game play terminal 300, and distribution terminal 400. FIG. Note that the distribution program and the viewing program may be executed in parallel.

In other words, the game program may be a program that realizes a game through cooperation between the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the game play terminal 300. FIG. The distribution program may be a program that realizes distribution of action instruction data through cooperation between server 200 and distribution terminal 400 . The viewing program may be a program that realizes reproduction of moving images through cooperation between the user terminal 100 and the server 200 .

The storages 12, 22, 32, 42 are auxiliary storage devices. The storages 12, 22, 32, 42 are composed of storage devices such as flash memories or HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). The storages 12 and 32 store, for example, various data related to games. The storage 42 stores various data related to the distribution of action instruction data. In addition, the storage 12 stores various data related to reproduction of moving images. The storage 22 may store at least part of various data relating to games, distribution of action instruction data, and reproduction of moving images.

Communication IFs 13, 23, 33, and 43 control transmission and reception of various data in user terminal 100, server 200, game play terminal 300, and distribution terminal 400, respectively. The communication interfaces 13, 23, 33, and 43, for example, perform communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Internet communication via a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or mobile phone network, and communication using short-range wireless communication. Control.

The input/output IFs 14, 24, 34, and 44 are interfaces for the user terminal 100, the server 200, the game play terminal 300, and the distribution terminal 400 to receive and output data, respectively. The input/output IFs 14, 24, 34, and 44 may input/output data via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. Input/output IFs 14, 24, 34, 44 may include physical buttons, cameras, microphones, speakers, mice, keyboards, displays, sticks, levers, and the like. Also, the input/output IFs 14, 24, 34, 44 may include connections for transmitting and receiving data to and from peripheral devices.

The touch screen 15 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 151 and a display unit 152 (display). The touch screen 45 is an electronic component in which an input section 451 and a display section 452 are combined. The input units 151 and 451 are, for example, touch-sensitive devices, and are configured by touch pads, for example. The display units 152 and 452 are configured by, for example, liquid crystal displays or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays.

The input units 151 and 451 detect the position at which the user's operation (mainly physical contact operation such as touch operation, slide operation, swipe operation, and tap operation) is input on the input surface, and provide information indicating the position. as an input signal. The input units 151 and 451 only need to have a touch sensing unit (not shown). The touch sensing unit may employ any type of system, such as a capacitive system or a resistive film system.

Although not shown, the user terminal 100 and distribution terminal 400 may each include one or more sensors for identifying the holding posture of the user terminal 100 and distribution terminal 400 . This sensor may be, for example, an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor.

When the user terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 400 are equipped with sensors, the processors 10 and 40 respectively identify the holding posture of the user terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 400 from the output of the sensor, and perform processing according to the holding posture. is also possible. For example, when the user terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 400 are held vertically, the processors 10 and 40 may display vertically long images on the display units 152 and 452, respectively. On the other hand, when the user terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 400 are held sideways, a horizontal screen display may be used in which a horizontally long image is displayed on the display unit. In this manner, processors 10 and 40 may be capable of switching between vertical screen display and horizontal screen display according to the holding posture of user terminal 100 and distribution terminal 400, respectively.

<Functional Configuration of System 1>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the user terminal 100, server 200, and HMD set 1000 included in the system 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of distribution terminal 400 shown in FIG.

The user terminal 100 has a function as an input device that receives user input operations and a function as an output device that outputs game images and sounds. The user terminal 100 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 through cooperation of the processor 10, memory 11, storage 12, communication IF 13, input/output IF 14, touch screen 15, and the like.

The server 200 has a function of mediating transmission and reception of various information among the user terminal 100 , the HMD set 1000 and the delivery terminal 400 . The server 200 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 through cooperation of the processor 20, memory 21, storage 22, communication IF 23, input/output IF 24, and the like.

The HMD set 1000 (game playing terminal 300) functions as an input device that receives input operations from the player, functions as an output device that outputs game images and sounds, and transmits game progress information to the user via the server 200. It has a function of transmitting to the terminal 100 in real time. The HMD set 1000 includes the processor 30 of the game play terminal 300, the memory 31, the storage 32, the communication IF 33, the input/output IF 34, the HMD 500, the HMD sensor 510, the motion sensor 520, the controller 540, and the like. and a storage unit 320.

The distribution terminal 400 has a function of generating action instruction data and transmitting the action instruction data to the user terminal 100 via the server 200 . Distribution terminal 400 functions as control section 410 and storage section 420 through cooperation of processor 40, memory 41, storage 42, communication IF 43, input/output IF 44, touch screen 45, and the like.

(Data stored in the storage unit of each device)
The storage unit 120 stores a game program 131 (program), game information 132 and user information 133 . Storage unit 220 stores game program 231 , game information 232 , user information 233 , and user list 234 . Storage unit 320 stores game program 331 , game information 332 , and user information 333 . The storage unit 420 stores a user list 421, a motion list 422, and a distribution program 423 (program, second program).

Game programs 131, 231, and 331 are game programs executed by the user terminal 100, server 200, and HMD set 1000, respectively. This game is realized by the devices working together based on the game programs 131 , 231 , and 331 . Game programs 131 and 331 may be stored in storage unit 220 and downloaded to user terminal 100 and HMD set 1000, respectively. In this embodiment, the user terminal 100 renders the data received from the distribution terminal 400 based on the game program 131 and reproduces the moving image. In other words, the game program 131 is also a program for reproducing moving images using the moving image instruction data distributed from the distribution terminal 400 . A program for reproducing the moving image may be different from the game program 131 . In this case, the storage unit 120 stores a program for reproducing the moving image separately from the game program 131 .

The game information 132, 232, 332 is data that the user terminal 100, the server 200, and the HMD set 1000 refer to when executing the game program, respectively. The user information 133 , 233 , 333 is data relating to the account of the user of the user terminal 100 . The game information 232 is the game information 132 of each user terminal 100 and the game information 332 of the HMD set 1000 . The user information 233 is the player's user information included in the user information 133 of each user terminal 100 and the user information 333 . The user information 333 is the user information 133 of each user terminal 100 and the user information of the player.

User list 234 and user list 421 are lists of users who have participated in the game. User list 234 and user list 421 may include a list of users who participated in the most recent game play by the player, as well as a list of users who participated in each game play prior to that game play. The motion list 422 is a list of motion data created in advance. The motion list 422 is, for example, a list in which motion data is associated with information identifying each motion (for example, motion name). The distribution program 423 is a program for realizing distribution to the user terminal 100 of action instruction data for reproducing a moving image on the user terminal 100 .

(Functional Configuration of Server 200)
The control unit 210 comprehensively controls the server 200 by executing the game program 231 stored in the storage unit 220 . For example, the control unit 210 mediates transmission and reception of various information among the user terminal 100 , the HMD set 1000 and the delivery terminal 400 .

The control unit 210 functions as a communication mediation unit 211 , a log generation unit 212 and a list generation unit 213 according to the description of the game program 231 . The control unit 210 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to mediate the transmission and reception of various information related to the distribution of game play and action instruction data, and to support the progress of the game.

The communication mediation unit 211 mediates transmission and reception of various information among the user terminal 100 , the HMD set 1000 and the delivery terminal 400 . For example, the communication mediation unit 211 transmits game progress information received from the HMD set 1000 to the user terminal 100 . The game progress information includes data indicating movements of a character operated by the player, parameters of the character, items and weapons possessed by the character, enemy characters, and the like. The server 200 transmits game progress information to the user terminals 100 of all users participating in the game. In other words, the server 200 transmits common game progress information to the user terminals 100 of all users participating in the game. As a result, the game proceeds in the same manner as the HMD set 1000 on each of the user terminals 100 of all users participating in the game.

Also, for example, the communication mediation unit 211 transmits information received from any one of the user terminals 100 and for supporting the progress of the game by the player to the other user terminals 100 and the HMD set 1000 . For example, the information may be item information indicating an item provided to the player (character), which is an item for the player to advance the game advantageously. The item information includes information (user name, user ID, etc.) indicating the user who provided the item. Further, the communication intermediary unit 211 may mediate the distribution of action instruction data from the distribution terminal 400 to the user terminal 100 .

The log generator 212 generates a game progress log based on the game progress information received from the HMD set 1000 . The list generation unit 213 generates the user list 234 after the game play ends. Although the details will be described later, each user in the user list 234 is associated with a tag indicating the content of the support provided by the user to the player. Based on the game progress log generated by the log generation unit 212, the list generation unit 213 generates tags and associates them with the corresponding user. Note that the list generation unit 213 may associate, as a tag, the content of the support provided by each user to the player, which is input by the game operator or the like using a terminal device such as a personal computer, with the corresponding user. . As a result, the content of the support provided by each user becomes more detailed. Note that the user terminal 100 transmits information indicating the user to the server 200 based on the user's operation when the user participates in the game. For example, the user terminal 100 transmits the user ID input by the user to the server 200 . In other words, the server 200 holds information indicating each user for all users participating in the game. The list generator 213 may generate the user list 234 using the information.

(Functional Configuration of HMD Set 1000)
The control unit 310 comprehensively controls the HMD set 1000 by executing the game program 331 stored in the storage unit 320 . For example, the control unit 310 progresses the game according to the game program 331 and the player's operation. Further, while the game is progressing, the control unit 310 communicates with the server 200 as necessary to transmit and receive information. The control unit 310 may directly transmit and receive information to and from the user terminal 100 without going through the server 200 .

Control unit 310 controls operation reception unit 311 , display control unit 312 , UI control unit 313 , animation generation unit 314 , game progress unit 315 , virtual space control unit 316 , and reaction processing unit 317 according to the description of game program 331 . function as The control unit 310 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) for controlling characters appearing in the game depending on the nature of the game to be executed.

The operation reception unit 311 detects and receives input operations by the player. The operation reception unit 311 receives signals input from the HMD 500 , the motion sensor 520 , the controller 540 , etc., determines what kind of input operation has been performed, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 310 .

The UI control unit 313 controls user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) images displayed on the monitor 51, the display 530, and the like. The UI image is a tool for the player to make inputs to the HMD set 1000 necessary for progressing the game, or a tool for obtaining information from the HMD set 1000 that is output during the progress of the game. UI images include, but are not limited to, icons, buttons, lists, menu screens, and the like.

The animation generation unit 314 generates animations showing motions of various objects based on control modes of the various objects. For example, the animation generation unit 314 may generate an animation that expresses how an object (for example, a player's avatar object) moves, moves its mouth, or changes its facial expression as if it were there. .

The game progression unit 315 progresses the game based on the game program 331, input operations by the player, actions of avatar objects corresponding to the input operations, and the like. For example, the game progression unit 315 performs predetermined game processing when the avatar object performs a predetermined action. Further, for example, the game progression unit 315 may receive information representing user's operation on the user terminal 100 and perform game processing based on the user's operation. In addition, the game progress section 315 generates game progress information according to the progress of the game, and transmits it to the server 200 . The game progress information is transmitted to the user terminal 100 via the server 200 . As a result, progress of the game on the HMD set 1000 is shared by the user terminal 100 . In other words, the progress of the game on the HMD set 1000 and the progress of the game on the user terminal 100 are synchronized.

The virtual space control unit 316 performs various controls related to the virtual space provided to the player according to the progress of the game. As an example, the virtual space control unit 316 generates various objects and places them in the virtual space. Also, the virtual space control unit 316 arranges the virtual camera in the virtual space. In addition, the virtual space control unit 316 causes various objects arranged in the virtual space to operate according to the progress of the game. The virtual space control unit 316 also controls the position and tilt of the virtual camera placed in the virtual space according to the progress of the game.

The display control unit 312 outputs a game screen on which the results of processing executed by the above elements are reflected to the monitor 51 and the display 530 . The display control unit 312 may display an image based on the field of view from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space on the monitor 51 and the display 530 as a game screen. Also, the display control unit 312 may include the animation generated by the animation generation unit 314 in the game screen. Further, the display control unit 312 may draw the above UI image controlled by the UI control unit 313 so as to be superimposed on the game screen.

The reaction processing unit 317 receives feedback from the user of the user terminal 100 regarding the player's reaction to the game play, and outputs this to the player. In this embodiment, for example, the user terminal 100 can create a comment (message) addressed to the avatar object based on the user's input operation. The reaction processing unit 317 receives the comment data of the comment and outputs it. The reaction processing unit 317 may display text data corresponding to the user's comment on the monitor 51 and the display 530, or may output voice data corresponding to the user's comment from a speaker (not shown). In the former case, the reaction processing section 317 may draw an image corresponding to the text data (that is, an image including the content of the comment) superimposed on the game screen.

(Functional Configuration of User Terminal 100)
The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the user terminal 100 by executing the game program 131 stored in the storage unit 120 . For example, the control unit 110 progresses the game according to the game program 131 and user's operation. Further, while the game is progressing, the control unit 110 communicates with the server 200 as necessary to transmit and receive information. The control unit 110 may directly transmit and receive information to and from the HMD set 1000 without going through the server 200 .

Control unit 110 controls operation reception unit 111 , display control unit 112 , UI control unit 113 , animation generation unit 114 , game progress unit 115 , virtual space control unit 116 , and video playback unit 117 according to the description of game program 131 . function as The control unit 110 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) for the progress of the game according to the nature of the game to be executed.

The operation accepting unit 111 detects and accepts a user's input operation on the input unit 151 . The operation reception unit 111 determines what kind of input operation has been performed from the user's action on the console via the touch screen 15 and other input/output IF 14, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 110. do.

For example, the operation accepting unit 111 accepts an input operation on the input unit 151, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 111 identifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, and the like, as types of input operations. Further, when the continuously detected input is interrupted, the operation reception unit 111 detects that the contact input from the touch screen 15 has been cancelled.

The UI control unit 113 controls a UI image to be displayed on the display unit 152 in order to construct a UI according to at least one of the user's input operation and the received game progress information. The UI image is a tool for the user to make inputs to the user terminal 100 necessary for progressing the game, or a tool for obtaining information output from the user terminal 100 during the progress of the game. UI images include, but are not limited to, icons, buttons, lists, menu screens, and the like.

The animation generation unit 114 generates animations showing motions of various objects based on control modes of the various objects.

The game progress unit 115 progresses the game based on the game program 131, the received game progress information, user input operations, and the like. When a predetermined game process is performed by the user's input operation, the game progress unit 115 transmits information about the game process to the HMD set 1000 via the server 200 . Thereby, the predetermined game process is shared in the HMD set 1000 . In other words, the progress of the game on the HMD set 1000 and the progress of the game on the user terminal 100 are synchronized. The predetermined game process is, for example, a process of providing items to the avatar object, and in this example, the information regarding the game process is the item information described above.

The virtual space control unit 116 performs various controls related to the virtual space provided to the user according to the progress of the game. As an example, the virtual space control unit 116 generates various objects and places them in the virtual space. Also, the virtual space control unit 116 arranges the virtual camera in the virtual space. In addition, the virtual space control unit 116 causes various objects arranged in the virtual space to move according to the progress of the game, specifically, the received game progress information. Also, the virtual space control unit 316 controls the position and tilt of the virtual camera placed in the virtual space according to the progress of the game, more specifically, the received game progress information.

The display control unit 112 outputs to the display unit 152 a game screen on which the processing results executed by the above-described elements are reflected. The display control unit 112 may display, as a game screen, on the display unit 152 an image based on a field of view from a virtual camera placed in a virtual space provided to the user. Also, the display control unit 112 may include the animation generated by the animation generation unit 114 in the game screen. Further, the display control unit 112 may draw the UI image controlled by the UI control unit 113 so as to be superimposed on the game screen. In any case, the game screen displayed on the display unit 152 is the same as the game screen displayed on the other user terminal 100 and the HMD set 1000 .

The moving image reproducing unit 117 analyzes (renders) the action instruction data received from the distribution terminal 400 and reproduces the moving image.

(Functional Configuration of Distribution Terminal 400)
The control unit 410 comprehensively controls the distribution terminal 400 by executing a program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 420 . For example, the control unit 410 generates action instruction data according to the program and the operation of the user (player in this embodiment) of the distribution terminal 400 and distributes it to the user terminal 100 . Also, the control unit 410 communicates with the server 200 to transmit and receive information as necessary. The control unit 410 may directly transmit and receive information to and from the user terminal 100 without going through the server 200 .

The control unit 410 functions as a communication control unit 411, a display control unit 412, an operation reception unit 413, a voice reception unit 414, a motion identification unit 415, and an action instruction data generation unit 416 according to program descriptions. Control unit 410 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) for generating and distributing action instruction data.

The communication control unit 411 controls transmission and reception of information with the server 200 or with the user terminal 100 via the server 200 . As an example, the communication control unit 411 receives the user list 421 from the server 200 . In addition, the communication control unit 411, for example, transmits action instruction data to the user terminal 100. FIG.

The display control unit 412 outputs to the display unit 452 various screens reflecting the processing results executed by each element. As an example, the display control unit 412 displays a screen including the received user list 234 . The display control unit 412 also displays, as an example, a screen including a motion list 422 for allowing the player to select motion data for moving the avatar object, which is included in the action instruction data to be distributed.

The operation accepting unit 413 detects and accepts the player's input operation on the input unit 151 . The operation reception unit 111 determines what kind of input operation has been performed from the player's action on the console via the touch screen 45 and other input/output IFs 44, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 410. do.

For example, the operation accepting unit 413 accepts an input operation on the input unit 451, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 413 identifies, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, and the like, as types of input operations. Further, when the continuously detected input is interrupted, the operation reception unit 413 detects that the contact input from the touch screen 45 has been cancelled.

The voice receiving unit 414 receives voice generated around the distribution terminal 400 and generates voice data of the voice. As an example, the voice receiving unit 414 receives voice uttered by the player and generates voice data of the voice.

The motion specifying unit 415 specifies motion data selected by the player from the motion list 422 according to the player's input operation.

The action instruction data generation unit 416 generates action instruction data. As an example, the action instruction data generation unit 416 generates action instruction data including the generated voice data and the specified motion data.

Note that the functions of the HMD set 1000, the server 200, and the user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 6 and the functions of the delivery terminal 400 shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples. Each device of the HMD set 1000, the server 200, the user terminal 100, and the distribution terminal 400 may have at least some of the functions provided by other devices. Furthermore, another device other than the HMD set 1000, the server 200, the user terminal 100, and the delivery terminal 400 may be used as a component of the system 1, and the other device may be caused to execute part of the processing in the system 1. That is, the computer that executes the game program in this embodiment may be any of the HMD set 1000, the server 200, the user terminal 100, the distribution terminal 400, and other devices. may be realized by a combination of the following devices.

<Virtual space control processing>
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of control processing of the virtual space provided to the player and the virtual space provided to the user of the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a virtual space 600A provided to the player and a view image viewed by the player, according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a virtual space 600B provided to the user of the user terminal 100 and a view image viewed by the user, according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the virtual spaces 600A and 600B, they will be referred to as "virtual space 600".

In step S1, processor 30, as virtual space controller 316, defines virtual space 600A shown in FIG. Processor 30 defines virtual space 600A using virtual space data (not shown). The virtual space data may be stored in the game play terminal 300, generated by the processor 30 based on the game program 331, or obtained by the processor 30 from an external device such as the server 200. good too.

As an example, the virtual space 600 has a spherical structure that covers the entire 360-degree direction of a point defined as the center. 9 and 10 illustrate the celestial sphere in the upper half of the virtual space 600 in order not to complicate the explanation.

In step S2, processor 30, as virtual space control unit 316, places avatar object 610 (character) in virtual space 600A. The avatar object 610 is an avatar object associated with the player and operates according to the player's input operation.

In step S3, processor 30, as virtual space control unit 316, arranges other objects in virtual space 600A. In the example of FIG. 9, processor 30 arranges objects 631-634. Other objects imitate, for example, character objects (so-called non-player characters, NPCs) that operate according to the game program 331, operation objects such as virtual hands, and animals, plants, artificial objects, and natural objects that are arranged as the game progresses. It can contain objects and so on.

In step S4, processor 30, as virtual space control unit 316, places virtual camera 620A in virtual space 600A. As an example, processor 30 places virtual camera 620A at the head position of avatar object 610 .

In step S<b>5 , processor 30 displays field-of-view image 650 on monitor 51 and display 530 . Processor 30 defines field of view 640A, which is the field of view from virtual camera 620A in virtual space 600A, according to the initial position and tilt of virtual camera 620A. Processor 30 then defines view image 650 corresponding to view area 640A. Processor 30 causes HMD 500 and display 530 to display field-of-view image 650 by outputting field-of-view image 650 to monitor 51 and display 530 .

In the example of FIG. 9, since part of the object 634 is included in the field of view area 640A as shown in FIG. including part.

At step S<b>6 , the processor 30 transmits the initial configuration information to the user terminal 100 via the server 200 . The initial placement information is information indicating initial placement positions of various objects in the virtual space 600A. In the example of FIG. 9, the initial placement information includes information on the initial placement positions of avatar object 610 and objects 631-634. The initial layout information can also be expressed as one piece of game progress information.

In step S<b>7 , processor 30 serves as virtual space control unit 316 to control virtual camera 620</b>A according to the movement of HMD 500 . Specifically, processor 30 controls the orientation and tilt of virtual camera 620A in accordance with the movement of HMD 500, that is, the orientation of the player's head. As will be described later, when the player moves the head (changes the posture of the head), the processor 30 moves the head of the avatar object 610 according to this movement. Processor 30 controls the direction and tilt of virtual camera 620A, for example, so that the line-of-sight direction of avatar object 610 and the line-of-sight direction of virtual camera 620A match. In step S8, processor 30 updates view image 650 in accordance with the change in orientation and tilt of virtual camera 620A.

In step S9, the processor 30, as the virtual space control unit 316, moves the avatar object 610 according to the player's movement. As an example, processor 30 moves avatar object 610 in virtual space 600A in response to the player's movement in the real space. Also, the processor 30 moves the head of the avatar object 610 in the virtual space 600A in response to the player's head movement in the real space.

In step S<b>10 , processor 30 , as virtual space control unit 316 , moves virtual camera 620</b>A to follow avatar object 610 . In other words, virtual camera 620A is always positioned at the head of avatar object 610 even if avatar object 610 moves.

Processor 30 updates view image 650 in accordance with movement of virtual camera 620A. That is, processor 30 updates field of view area 640A according to the orientation of the player's head and the position of virtual camera 620A in virtual space 600A. As a result, the field of view image 650 is updated.

In step S<b>11 , processor 30 transmits action instruction data for avatar object 610 to user terminal 100 via server 200 . The action instruction data here includes motion data capturing the action of the player during the virtual experience (for example, during game play), audio data of the voice uttered by the player, and operation data indicating the content of the input operation to the controller 540. includes at least one When the player is playing the game, the action instruction data is transmitted to the user terminal 100 as game progress information, for example.

The processes of steps S7 to S11 are continuously and repeatedly executed while the player is playing the game.

In step S21, the processor 10 of the user terminal 100 of the user 3 defines the virtual space 600B shown in FIG. 10 as the virtual space controller 116. FIG. Processor 10 defines virtual space 600B using virtual space data (not shown). The virtual space data may be stored in the user terminal 100, generated by the processor 10 based on the game program 131, or obtained by the processor 10 from an external device such as the server 200. good.

At step S22, the processor 10 receives initial placement information. In step S23, the processor 10, as the virtual space control unit 116, places various objects in the virtual space 600B according to the initial placement information. In the example of FIG. 10, the various objects are an avatar object 610 and objects 631-634.

In step S24, processor 10, as virtual space control unit 116, places virtual camera 620B in virtual space 600B. As an example, the processor 10 arranges the virtual camera 620B at the position shown in FIG. 10(A).

In step S<b>25 , processor 10 displays field-of-view image 660 on display unit 152 . Processor 10 defines field of view 640B, which is the field of view from virtual camera 620B in virtual space 600B, according to the initial position and tilt of virtual camera 620B. Processor 10 then defines view image 660 corresponding to view region 640B. Processor 10 causes display unit 152 to display field-of-view image 660 by outputting field-of-view image 660 to display unit 152 .

In the example of FIG. 10, since avatar object 610 and object 631 are included in view area 640B as shown in FIG. and object 631 .

At step S26, the processor 10 receives the action instruction data. In step S27, processor 10, as virtual space control unit 116, moves avatar object 610 in virtual space 600B in accordance with the action instruction data. In other words, the processor 10 reproduces the image in which the avatar object 610 is moving by real-time rendering.

In step S28, the processor 10, as the virtual space control unit 116, controls the virtual camera 620B according to the user's operation received as the operation reception unit 111. FIG. In step S29, processor 10 updates field of view image 660 in accordance with the change in the position of virtual camera 620B in virtual space 600B and the orientation and tilt of virtual camera 620B. Note that in step S28, the processor 10 may automatically control the virtual camera 620B according to the movement of the avatar object 610, for example, the movement of the avatar object 610 or the change in orientation. For example, the processor 10 may automatically move the virtual camera 620B so as to always photograph the avatar object 610 from the front, or may change the orientation and tilt of the virtual camera 620B. In addition, as an example, processor 10 may automatically move virtual camera 620B so as to always photograph avatar object 610 from behind, or change the direction and tilt of virtual camera 620B in accordance with the movement of avatar object 610. good.

Thus, in the virtual space 600A, the avatar object 610 moves according to the player's movement. Action instruction data indicating this action is transmitted to the user terminal 100 . In the virtual space 600B, the avatar object 610 acts according to the received action instruction data. As a result, the avatar object 610 performs similar actions in the virtual space 600A and the virtual space 600B. In other words, the user 3 can use the user terminal 100 to visually recognize the motion of the avatar object 610 according to the player's motion.

<Game Overview>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the field-of-view image displayed on the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of a game screen of a game (this game) executed by the system 1, which is being played by a player.

In this game, for example, an avatar object 610 that operates weapons such as guns and knives and a plurality of NPC enemy objects 671 appear in a virtual space 600, and the avatar object 610 battles against the enemy objects 671. It's a game that lets you Various game parameters such as the physical strength of the avatar object 610, the number of usable magazines, the number of remaining gun bullets, and the remaining number of enemy objects 671 are updated as the game progresses.

A plurality of stages are prepared in this game, and the player can clear the stages by satisfying predetermined achievement conditions associated with each stage. Predetermined achievement conditions include, for example, defeating all the appearing enemy objects 671, defeating a boss object among the appearing enemy objects 671, acquiring a prescribed item, reaching a prescribed position, and the like. It may include conditions for The achievement conditions are defined within the game program 131 . In this game, the player clears the stage when the achievement condition is satisfied in accordance with the content of the game. win or lose) is determined. On the other hand, for example, when the game executed by the system 1 is a racing game or the like, the order of the avatar objects 610 is determined when the condition of reaching the goal is satisfied.

In this game, in order to share the virtual space between the HMD set 1000 and the plurality of user terminals 100, game progress information is live-delivered to the plurality of user terminals 100 at predetermined time intervals. As a result, on the touch screen 15 of the user terminal 100 watching the game, the visual field image of the visual field defined by the virtual camera 620B corresponding to the user terminal 100 is displayed. In addition, parameter images representing the physical strength of the avatar object 610, the number of usable magazines, the number of remaining gun bullets, the remaining number of enemy objects 671, etc. are superimposed on the upper right and upper left of the view image. . This visual field image can also be expressed as a game screen.

As described above, the game progress information includes motion data obtained by capturing the actions of the player, audio data of voices uttered by the player, and operation data indicating details of input operations to the controller 540 . These data include information for specifying the position, orientation, orientation, etc. of the avatar object 610, information for specifying the position, orientation, orientation, etc., of the enemy object 671, and other objects (for example, obstacle objects 672, 673). It is information that specifies the position of the The processor 10 identifies the position, posture, orientation, etc. of each object by analyzing (rendering) the game progress information.

The game information 132 includes data of various objects such as an avatar object 610, an enemy object 671, obstacle objects 672 and 673, and the like. The processor 10 updates the position, posture, orientation, etc. of each object using the data and the analysis result of the game progress information. As a result, the game progresses, and each object in virtual space 600B moves in the same way as each object in virtual space 600A. Specifically, in the virtual space 600B, each object including the avatar object 610 operates based on the game progress information regardless of whether the user operates the user terminal 100 or not.

On the touch screen 15 of the user terminal 100, as an example, UI images 701 and 702 are displayed superimposed on the view image. The UI image 701 is a UI image that receives an operation for displaying on the touch screen 15 a UI image 711 that receives an item input operation for supporting the avatar object 610 from the user 3 . The UI image 702 receives an operation for displaying on the touch screen 15 a UI image (described later) for receiving an operation from the user 3 for inputting and transmitting a comment for the avatar object 610 (in other words, the player 4). It is a UI image. The operation received by the UI images 701 and 702 may be, for example, an operation of tapping the UI images 701 and 702 .

When the UI image 701 is tapped, a UI image 711 is displayed superimposed on the view image. The UI images 711 include, for example, a UI image 711A with a magazine icon drawn, a UI image 711B with a first-aid kit icon drawn, a UI image 711C with a triangular cone icon drawn, and a UI image with a barricade icon drawn. Contains image 711D. An item insertion operation corresponds to, for example, an operation of tapping any UI image.

As an example, when the UI image 711A is tapped, the number of remaining bullets of the gun used by the avatar object 610 increases. When the UI image 711B is tapped, the physical strength of the avatar object 610 is recovered. When the UI images 711C and 711D are tapped, obstacle objects 672 and 673 that obstruct the movement of the enemy object 671 are arranged in the virtual space. One of the obstacle objects 672 and 673 may hinder the movement of the enemy object 671 more than the other.

The processor 10 transmits to the server 200 item throwing information indicating that an item throwing operation has been performed. The item throwing information includes at least information for specifying the type of item specified by the item throwing operation. The item drop information may include other information about the item, such as information indicating where the item is placed. The item input information is transmitted to other user terminals 100 and HMD sets 1000 via the server 200 .

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the field-of-view image displayed on the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of a game screen of the present game, and is a diagram for explaining communication between the player and the user terminal 100 during game play.

In the example of FIG. 12A, the user terminal 100 causes the avatar object 610 to make an utterance 691 . Specifically, the user terminal 100 causes the avatar object 610 to make an utterance 691 according to the audio data included in the game progress information. The content of the utterance 691 is "There are no bullets!" uttered by the player 4. In other words, the content of the utterance 691 is to inform each user that the user is likely to lose the means to attack the enemy object 671 because the magazine has become 0 and the number of bullets loaded in the gun has become 1.

In FIG. 12A, a speech balloon is used to visually indicate the utterance of the avatar object 610 , but actually the voice is output from the speaker of the user terminal 100 . Along with the voice output, a balloon shown in FIG. 12A (that is, a balloon containing the text of the voice content) may be displayed in the visual field image. This is the same for an utterance 692 to be described later.

Upon accepting a tap operation on the UI image 702, the user terminal 100 displays UI images 705 and 706 (message UI) superimposed on the view image, as shown in FIG. 12B. The UI image 705 is a UI image that displays comments for the avatar object 610 (in other words, player). A UI image 706 is a UI image that receives a comment transmission operation from the user 3 in order to transmit the input comment.

As an example, when receiving a tap operation on the UI image 705 , the user terminal 100 displays a UI image imitating a keyboard (not shown, hereinafter simply referred to as “keyboard”) on the touch screen 15 . The user terminal 100 causes the UI image 705 to display text according to the user's input operation on the keyboard. In the example of FIG. 12B, the text "Send me a magazine" is displayed in the UI image 705. In the example of FIG.

After inputting text, for example, when receiving a tap operation on the UI image 706, the user terminal 100 transmits comment information including information indicating the input content (text content) and information indicating the user to the server 200. do. The comment information is transmitted to other user terminals 100 and HMD set 1000 via server 200 .

The UI image 703A is a UI image showing the user name of the user who sent the comment, and the UI image 704A is a UI image showing the contents of the comment sent by the user. In the example of FIG. 12B, the user whose user name is "BBBBB" uses his user terminal 100 to send comment information with the content "DANGEROUS!" is displayed. The UI image 703A and the UI image 704A are displayed on the touch screens 15 of all user terminals 100 participating in the game and the monitors 51 of the HMDs 500 . Note that the UI images 703A and 704A may be one UI image. That is, one UI image may include the user name and the content of the comment.

In the example of FIG. 12C , the user with the user name “AAAAA” who is the user of the user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 703B and 704B are shown. The UI image 703B contains the user name "AAAAA", and the UI image 704B contains the comment "Send me a magazine!" input in the example of FIG. 12B.

Further, in the example of FIG. 12C, the user "AAAAAA" further inputs a tap operation to the UI image 701, displays the UI image 711 on the touch screen 15, and inputs a tap operation to the UI image 711A. It is a rear view image 611 . That is, as a result of transmitting the item insertion information indicating the magazine from the user terminal 100 of the user "AAAAA" to the other user terminal 100 and the HMD set 1000, the user terminal 100 and the HMD set 1000 receive the effect object 674 (described later). are arranged in the virtual space 600 . As an example, the user terminal 100 and the HMD set 1000 execute the process of executing the effect related to the effect object 674 and activating the effect of the item object after the elapsed time indicated by the item input information has passed.

In the example of FIG. 12(D), the number of magazines is increased from 0 to 1 by executing the process of activating the effect of the item object. As a result, the player utters "Thank you!" As a result, each user terminal 100 outputs the voice “Thank you!” as the utterance 692 of the avatar object 610 .

As described above, in this game, communication between the user and the avatar object 610 is realized by outputting the uttered voice of the avatar object 610 based on the player's utterance and inputting comments by each user.

(Game progress processing in game play terminal 300)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of game progress processing executed by the game play terminal 300. As shown in FIG.

In step S31, the processor 30, as the game progressing unit 315, progresses the game based on the game program 331 and the player's movements. In step S<b>32 , the processor 30 generates game progress information and distributes it to the user terminal 100 . Specifically, the processor 30 transmits the generated game progress information to each user terminal 100 via the server 200 .

At step S33, when processor 30 receives the item throwing information (YES at S33), at step S34, based on the item throwing information, processor 30 places an item object in virtual space 600A. As an example, the processor 30 arranges the effect object 674 in the virtual space 600A before arranging the item objects (see FIG. 11(C)). The effect object 674 may be, for example, an object imitating a gift box. As an example, the processor 30 may execute an effect related to the effect object 674 after the elapsed time indicated by the item insertion information has elapsed. The effect may be, for example, an animation of opening the lid of the gift box. After executing the animation, the processor 30 executes processing for activating the effect of the item object. For example, in the example of FIG. 11(D), an obstacle object 673 is arranged.

After executing the animation, the processor 30 may place an item object corresponding to the UI image tapped in the virtual space 600A. For example, when a tap operation is performed on the UI image 711A, the processor 30 places a magazine object representing a magazine in the virtual space 600A after executing the animation. Also, when a tap operation is performed on the UI image 711B, the processor 30 arranges a first-aid kit object representing the first-aid kit in the virtual space 600A after executing the animation. The processor 30 may, for example, perform processing for activating the effect of the magazine object or the first-aid kit object when the avatar object 610 moves to the position of the magazine object or the first-aid kit object.

The processor 30 continues and repeats the processes of steps S31 to S34 until the game ends. When the game ends, for example, when the player inputs a predetermined input operation for ending the game (YES in step S35), the process shown in FIG. 13 ends.

(Game progress processing in user terminal 100)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of game progress processing executed by the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG.

In step S41, the processor 10 receives game progress information. At step S42, the processor 10, as the game progressing unit 115, progresses the game based on the game progress information.

In step S43, when processor 10 accepts an item insertion operation by user 3 (YES in step S43), processor 10 consumes virtual currency and places effect object 674 in virtual space 600B in step S44. Here, the virtual currency is purchased (billed for the game) by the user 3 performing a predetermined operation on the processor 10 before participating in the game or during participating in the game. Alternatively, it may be given to the user 3 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be one that requires participation in the game, such as clearing a quest in the game, or one that does not require participation in the game, such as answering a questionnaire. The amount of virtual currency (the amount of virtual currency owned) is stored in the user terminal 100 as the game information 132, for example.

In step S<b>45 , the processor 10 transmits item throwing information to the server 200 . The item input information is transmitted to the game play terminal 300 via the server 200 .

The processor 10 places the item object in the virtual space 600A when a predetermined time has passed after placing the effect object 674 . In the example of FIG. 11, an obstacle object 673 is arranged. That is, when the user 3 inputs a tap operation on the UI image 711C, a predetermined amount of virtual currency is consumed and the obstacle object 673 is arranged.

The processor 10 continues and repeats the processing of steps S41 to S45 until the game ends. When the game ends, for example, when the player performs a predetermined input operation for ending the game, or when the user 3 performs a predetermined input operation for leaving the game (YES in step S46). ), the process shown in FIG. 14 ends.

(Game progress processing in server 200)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of game progress processing executed by the server 200. As shown in FIG.

At step S<b>51 , the processor 20 receives game progress information from the game play terminal 300 . In step S52, the processor 20, as the log generator 212, updates the game progress log (hereinafter referred to as play log). Note that the play log is generated by the processor 20, for example, when the initial layout information is received from the game play terminal 300. FIG.

In step S<b>53 , the processor 20 transmits the received game progress information to each user terminal 100 .

In step S54, when item insertion information is received from any of the user terminals 100 (YES in step S54), processor 20, as log generator 212, updates the play log in step S55. At step S<b>56 , the processor 20 transmits the received item insertion information to the game play terminal 300 .

The processor 20 continues and repeats the processing of steps S51 to S56 until the game ends. When the game has ended, for example, when information indicating that the game has ended is received from the game play terminal 300 (YES in step S57), in step S58, the processor 20, as the list generating unit 213, generates Generate a list of users who have participated in the game (user list 234). Processor 20 stores generated user list 234 in server 200 .

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of the user list 234. As shown in FIG. The “user” column stores information (for example, user name) indicating each user who has participated in the game. The "tag" column stores information (tags) generated based on the support given to the player by each user. In the example of FIG. 16, among the tags stored in the "tag" column, the tags without square brackets are information automatically generated by the processor 20, and the tags with square brackets are information generated by the game operator. Information entered manually.

In the example of FIG. 16, the user "AAAAA" is associated with the information "Magazine, 10F, Boss, and "Victory against Boss with gift of magazine". This indicates, for example, that in the boss battle on stage 10F, the user "AAAAA" inserted a magazine, and the avatar object 610 defeated the boss with the bullets in the inserted magazine.

Also, the user "BBBBB" is associated with information such as first-aid kit, 3F, low-level, and "recovered on the verge of game over". BBBBB' throws in a first-aid kit, and as a result, the physical strength of the avatar object 610 recovers just before it becomes zero (the game is over).

Also, the user "CCCCC" is associated with information such as "Barricade, 5F, Zako, and "Two zombies are stopped by a barricade." For example, in a battle with small enemies on stage 5F, user "CCCCC" throws in a barricade (obstacle object 672 in FIG. 11), and as a result, two small enemies are successfully stopped. showing.

In the example of FIG. 16, one support provided is associated with the user name of each user 3, but the user name of the user 3 who provided support multiple times has a tag for each of the support provided multiple times. be associated. Preferably, in the user list 234, the respective tags are distinct. As a result, the player who refers to the user list 421 using the distribution terminal 400 after the game ends can accurately grasp the content of each support.

<Distribution of operation instruction data>
(Distribution processing in distribution terminal 400)
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of distribution processing executed by the distribution terminal 400. As shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on distribution terminal 400. As shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another specific example of the screen displayed on the delivery terminal.

In step S61, processor 40, as operation accepting unit 413, accepts a first operation for displaying a list of users who have participated in the game (user list 234). A download screen 721 shown in FIG. 18A is a screen for downloading the user list 234 from the server 200 and displaying it on the display unit 452 . The download screen 721 is, for example, a screen that is displayed immediately after the activation operation of the application that executes the distribution process shown in FIG. 17 is input to the distribution terminal 400 .

The download screen 721 includes UI images 722 and 723 as an example. The UI image 722 accepts an operation for downloading the user list 234, that is, the first operation. The first operation may be, for example, an operation of tapping the UI image 722 . The UI image 723 accepts an operation for terminating the application. The operation may be, for example, an operation of tapping the UI image 723 .

Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 722, the processor 40, as the communication control unit 411, acquires (receives) the user list 234 from the server 200 in step S62. In step S<b>63 , the processor 40 causes the display unit 452 to display the user list 234 as the display control unit 412 . Specifically, processor 40 causes display unit 452 to display a user list screen generated based on user list 234 . The user list screen may be, for example, the user list screen 731 shown in FIG. 18B. The user list screen 731 consists of record images corresponding to each record in the user list 234 . In the example of FIG. 18B, record images 732A to 732C are shown as record images, but the number of record images is not limited to three. In the example of FIG. 18B, when the number of records in the user list 234 is more than 3 (that is, the number of users participating in the game is more than 3), the player performs an operation of scrolling the screen (for example, Another record image can be displayed on the display unit 452 by inputting a drag operation or a flick operation) to the touch screen 45 .

As an example, record images 732A-732C include user names 733A-733C, tag information 734A-734C, and icons 735A-735C, respectively. Record images 732A to 732C, user names 733A to 733C, tag information 734A to 734C, and icons 735A to 735C are hereinafter referred to as "record image 732," "user name 733," and " tag information 734” and “icon 735”.

The user name 733 is information indicating each user who has participated in the game and is stored in the “user” column in the user list 234 . The tag information 734 is information indicating a tag associated with each piece of information indicating each user who has participated in the game in the user list 234 . For example, record image 732A includes "AAAAAA" as user name 733A. Therefore, the record image 732A includes "Magazine, 10F, Boss, "Win the Boss with a Gift of Magazine"", which is associated with "AAAAA" in the user list 234, as tag information 734A. Icon 735 is, for example, an image preset by the user.

Processor 40 may store the received user list in distribution terminal 400 (user list 421 in FIG. 7). The download screen 721 may include a UI image (not shown) for displaying the user list 421 on the display unit 452 . In this example, when the UI image is tapped, the processor 40 does not download the user list 234, reads the user list 421, generates a user list screen from the user list 421, and displays it on the display unit 452. .

In step S<b>64 , processor 40 , as operation accepting unit 413 , accepts a second operation for selecting any of the users included in user list screen 731 . The second operation may be, for example, an operation of tapping any of the record images 732 on the user list screen 731 . In the example of FIG. 18B, the player inputs a tap operation to the record image 732A. That is, the player selects the user "AAAAA" as the user to whom the action instruction data is distributed.

Upon receiving the tap operation on the record image 732, the processor 40, as the display control unit 412, causes the display unit 452 to display the motion list 422 in step S65. Specifically, processor 40 causes display unit 452 to display a motion list screen generated based on motion list 422 . The motion list screen may be the motion list screen 741 shown in FIG. 19, for example. The motion list screen 741 consists of record images corresponding to each record in the motion list 422 . In the example of FIG. 19, record images 742A to 742C are shown as record images, but the number of record images is not limited to three. In the example of FIG. 19, when the number of records in the motion list 422 is more than 4, the player can select other records by inputting an operation to scroll the screen (for example, a drag operation or a flick operation) on the touch screen 45, for example. An image can be displayed on the display portion 452 .

As an example, record images 742A-742C include motion names 743A-743C, motion images 744A-744C, and UI images 745A-745C, respectively. Record images 742A to 742C, motion names 743A to 743C, motion images 744A to 744C, and UI images 745A to 745C are hereinafter referred to as "record image 7432," "motion name 743," respectively, when there is no need to distinguish them. They are described as “motion image 744” and “UI image 745”.

The motion name 743 is information identifying motions stored in the motion list 422 . A motion image 744 is an image generated from motion data associated with each motion name in the motion list 422 . As an example, processor 40 includes an image of avatar object 610 taking the first pose in each motion data in record image 742 as motion image 744 . The motion image 744 may be a UI image that receives a predetermined operation by the player (for example, a tap operation on the motion image 744). Processor 40 may reproduce a motion video in which avatar object 610 moves based on the motion data when the predetermined operation is received. Processor 40 may automatically redisplay motion list screen 741 when the motion animation ends.

It should be noted that the record image 742 may include, for example, a UI image including the text "play motion" instead of the motion image 744. FIG.

In step S66, processor 40, as operation accepting unit 413, accepts a third operation of selecting a motion. The third operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image 745 . That is, the UI image 745 receives an operation of selecting motion data corresponding to each record image 742 . By accepting the third operation, the processor 40, as the motion specifying unit 415, specifies the motion data selected by the player.

In step S67, the processor 40, as the display control unit 412 and the audio reception unit 414, receives the player's audio input while reproducing the motion video in which the avatar object 610 operates based on the selected motion data.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a specific example of voice input by the player 4. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, player 4 inputs speech 820A while reproducing motion video 810A. This speech voice 820A is a speech voice addressed to user 3 (hereinafter referred to as user 3A) whose user name is "AAAAA". That is, in the example of FIG. 20, the player 4 selects the user 3A (first user) and creates action instruction data addressed to the user 3A in step S64. It is assumed that the user terminal 100 used by the user 3A is the user terminal 100A.

Since the utterance voice 820A is the utterance voice addressed to the user 3A, it is the utterance voice based on the content of the support given by the user 3A to the avatar object 610 (in other words, the player 4). Specifically, the user 3A throws in a magazine in the boss battle on stage 10F, and the avatar object 610 wins the boss with the bullets in the thrown magazine. Therefore, the utterance voice 820A has a content such as "Thank you for giving me the magazine in the boss battle! Your timing was perfect! Thanks to Mr. AAAAA, I was able to clear the game!". In this way, it is preferable that the uttered voice include the details of the support provided by the user 3 in the game and the gratitude to the user 3 .

In one aspect, player 4 creates speech content addressed to user 3 before starting voice input, that is, before inputting the third operation to distribution terminal 400 . In another aspect, the content of the utterance addressed to user 3 may be automatically generated by processor 40 . Moreover, the processor 40 may superimpose and display the tag associated with the user 3 selected by the second operation on the motion video 810A.

The processor 40 converts the received voice into voice data. In step S68, processor 40, as action instruction data generator 416, generates action instruction data including the voice data and motion data of the selected motion.

In step S69, the processor 40, as the communication control unit 411, distributes the generated action instruction data to the user terminal 100 (first computer) of the selected user 3 (user 3A in the example of FIG. 20). FIG. 21 is a diagram showing still another specific example of a screen displayed on distribution terminal 400. In FIG. After executing step S68, the processor 40, as the display control unit 412, causes the display unit 452 to display the distribution screen. The delivery screen may be, for example, a delivery screen 751 shown in FIG. Delivery screen 751 includes UI image 752 and motion image 753A. Further, as shown in FIG. 21A, the delivery screen 751 may include information indicating the user to whom the action instruction data is delivered.

The UI image 752 accepts an operation for distributing action instruction data to the selected user 3 . The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image 752 . The motion image 753A is a UI image that receives an operation for reproducing a moving image based on the generated action instruction data, that is, a moving image based on the action instruction data generated for the user 3A. The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on motion image 753A. Note that the UI image that receives the operation for playing back the generated moving image is not limited to the motion image 753A. For example, it may be a UI image including the text "play video". The processor 40 may automatically redisplay the distribution screen 751 when the moving image ends.

Delivery screen 751 preferably further includes a UI image for accepting an operation to return to accepting voice input. The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image. Since the delivery screen 751 includes the UI image, the player 4 can input the voice again when the voice input fails, for example, when the content of the utterance is wrong. Note that the UI image may be a UI image that receives an operation for returning to selecting motion data.

Upon receiving a tap operation on UI image 752, processor 40 transmits action instruction data to server 200 together with information indicating user 3A. The server 200 identifies the user terminal 100 to which the action instruction data is to be transmitted, based on the information indicating the user 3A, and transmits the action instruction data to the identified user terminal 100 (that is, the user terminal 100A).

When the transmission of the action instruction data ends, the processor 40 may cause the display unit 452 to display, as an example, a delivery completion screen 761 shown in FIG. 21(B). The delivery completion screen 761 includes UI images 762 and 763 as an example. Also, as shown in FIG. 21B, the delivery completion screen 761 may include text indicating that the transmission of the action instruction data has been completed.

The UI image 762 accepts an operation for starting creation of action instruction data addressed to another user 3 . The operation may be, for example, an operation of tapping the UI image 762 . Upon accepting the tap operation, processor 40 causes display unit 452 to display the user list screen again. That is, when the tap operation is received, the distribution process returns to step S63. At this time, the processor 40 may generate a user list screen based on the user list 421 stored in the distribution terminal 400 and cause the display unit 452 to display it. A UI image 763 accepts an operation for terminating the application. The operation may be, for example, an operation of tapping the UI image 763 . When the operation is accepted, the delivery process ends.

In the example described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, as shown in FIG. , is transmitted only to the user terminal 100A.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another specific example of voice input by player 4. In FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, player 4 inputs speech 820B while reproducing motion video 810B. This speech 820B is speech directed to user 3 (hereinafter referred to as user 3B) whose user name is "BBBBB". That is, in the example of FIG. 22, in step S64, the player 4 inputs a tap operation to the record image 732B corresponding to the user 3B and creates action instruction data addressed to the user 3B. It is assumed that the user terminal 100 used by the user 3B is the user terminal 100B.

Since the utterance voice 820B is the utterance voice addressed to the user 3B, it is the utterance voice based on the content of the support provided by the user 3B to the avatar object 610 (in other words, the player 4). Specifically, user 3B throws in a first-aid kit in a battle with small enemies on stage 3F. I am recovering my strength. Therefore, the utterance voice 820B has a content such as "Thanks to the first-aid kit Mr. BBBB gave me, the game did not end on the 3rd floor. Thank you very much!"

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing still another specific example of a screen displayed on distribution terminal 400. In FIG. A distribution screen 751 shown in FIG. 23A includes a UI image 752 and a motion image 753B. The motion image 753B reproduces a moving image based on the action instruction data generated for the user 3B when the tap operation is received.

Upon receiving a tap operation on UI image 752, processor 40 transmits action instruction data to server 200 together with information indicating user 3B. The server 200 identifies the user terminal 100 to which the action instruction data is to be transmitted based on the information indicating the user 3B, and transmits the action instruction data to the identified user terminal 100 (that is, the user terminal 100B).

In the example described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, as shown in FIG. , is transmitted only to the user terminal 100B.

As described above, the content of the voice based on the voice data included in the action instruction data is based on the content of the support given to the player 4 by the user 3 in the most recent participation in the game. Since the content of the support differs for each user 3, the content of the speech differs for each user 3. FIG. In other words, after the game ends, action instruction data including voices with different content is transmitted to at least some of the user terminals 100 of the users 3 who have participated in the game.

Also, the motion of the avatar object 610 in the example of FIG. 22 is different from the motion in the example of FIG. In other words, the player 4 selects motion data different from when generating the action instruction data addressed to the user 3A when generating the action instruction data addressed to the user 3B. Specifically, in step S66, the player 4 inputs a tap operation to the UI image 745B for selecting motion data corresponding to the record image 742B. Thus, the player 4 can change the motion data included in the action instruction data for each user 3 .

Then, the action instruction data for each user 3 , including voice data with contents different for each user 3 and motion data selected for each user 3 , is transmitted only to the user terminal 100 of each user 3 . In other words, unique action instruction data for each user terminal 100 is transmitted to each of the user terminals 100 of the selected users 3 .

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an outline of transmission of game progress information from the game play terminal 300 to the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG. While the action instruction data for video playback in the user terminal 100 is unique for each user terminal 100, as shown in FIG. The game progress information transmitted to is common among the user terminals 100 . That is, the action instruction data included in the game progress information is also common among the user terminals 100 . In this way, it can be said that the action instruction data for reproducing the moving image and the action instruction data for advancing the game are different data in terms of the similarity between the user terminals 100 and the transmission destination.

(Video playback processing in user terminal 100)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of video playback processing executed by the user terminal 100. As shown in FIG.

In step S<b>71 , processor 10 , acting as moving image reproducing unit 117 , receives action instruction data. In step S72, the processor 10, as the moving image reproducing unit 117, notifies the user 3 of the reception of the action instruction data. For example, the processor 10 displays a notification image on the display unit 152, reproduces a notification sound from a speaker (not shown), lights a lighting unit (not shown) configured by an LED (light-emitting diode) or the like, or The user 3 is notified of the reception of the operation instruction data by at least one of blinking.

In step S73, processor 10, as operation accepting unit 111, accepts a first reproduction operation for reproducing a moving image. The first playback operation may be, for example, an operation of tapping the notification image. In step S<b>74 , the processor 10 renders the action instruction data and reproduces the moving image as the moving image reproducing unit 117 . As an example, the processor 10 may start an application for playing the game and reproduce a moving image, or may start an application for reproducing a moving image separate from the application and reproduce a moving image. good. Henceforth, this animation is described as a "thank you animation."

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a specific example of playback of a thank you video. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of playback of a thank you video on the user terminal 100 of the user 3A. In the thank you video 910A played back on the user terminal 100, the avatar object 610 is uttering a voice 920A while executing a certain motion. In other words, processor 10 causes audio 920A to be output from a speaker (not shown) while playing thank-you video 910A including avatar object 610 performing a certain motion.

The motion in the thank you video 910A is based on the motion data selected by the player 4 in generating the action instruction data addressed to the user 3A, and the sound 920A is the utterance input by the player 4 in generating the action instruction data. It is based on audio data generated from 820A. In other words, the voice 920A is a voice containing the content of the support provided by the user 3A in the game and the gratitude for the support. In this way, the user 3A can view the thank-you video in which the avatar object 610 utters the content of the support that the user has provided in the game and the gratitude for the support by inputting the first reproduction operation.

As an example, user terminal 100 may cause touch screen 15 to display at least one UI image after playback of thank-you video 910A ends. The UI image may be, for example, a UI image that accepts an operation for reproducing thank you video 910A again, a UI image that accepts an operation for transitioning to another screen, or an application. It may be a UI image that accepts an operation for ending.

Also, as an example, the user terminal 100 may display at least one UI image on the touch screen 15 during the playback of the thank you video 910A. The UI images may be, for example, a plurality of UI images that respectively accept operations such as temporarily stopping or ending the thank you video 910A being played, or changing the scene to be played.

Note that these UI images displayed during the playback of thank you video 910A and after the hunting of thank you video 910A are played do not include a UI image for replying to avatar object 610 . That is, the thank-you video 910A according to this embodiment does not include a means for replying to the avatar object 610 .

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another specific example of playback of a thank you video. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of playback of a thank you video on the user terminal 100 of the user 3B. In the thank you video 910B played back on the user terminal 100, the avatar object 610 is uttering a voice 920B while executing a certain motion. In other words, the processor 10 causes the audio 920B to be output from the speaker (not shown) while playing the thank you video 910B including the avatar object 610 performing a certain motion.

The motion in the thank you video 910B is based on the motion data selected by the player 4 in generating the action instruction data addressed to the user 3B, and the sound 920B is the utterance input by the player 4 in generating the action instruction data. It is based on audio data generated from 820B. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 27, the motion performed by the avatar object 610 is different from the motion in the example of FIG. Also, the voice 920B is a voice including the content of the support provided by the user 3B in the game and gratitude for the support. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 27, the content of speech 920B differs from the content of speech 920A in the example of FIG.

In this way, the thank-you video received by the user terminals 100 of at least some of the users 3 participating in the game after the game ends is a video in which the utterance content of the avatar object 610 differs for each user 3 .

Note that the processor 10 may display a UI image 930 including content that prompts participation in the next game so as to be superimposed on the video 910 . The UI image 930 may be distributed together with the action instruction data, or may be stored in the user terminal 100 as the game information 132 .

(Supplement to the outline of this game)
The game shown in FIG. 11 is a live-delivery game in which a game screen, which is viewing content, is displayed on the touch screen 15 based on game progress information live-delivered via the server 200 . The memory 11 of the user terminal 100 stores in advance a plurality of types of object data for displaying objects including an avatar object 610 wearing standard clothes (for example, a sweater and shorts). When the user terminal 800 receives the game progress information from the game play terminal 300, the user terminal 800 identifies action instruction data (data including motion data and voice data) from the game progress information, and analyzes (renders) the action instruction data. By doing so, the position, orientation, etc. of the object are specified. Also, based on the analysis result, the user terminal 100 uses the object data stored in the memory 11 to arrange objects including the avatar object 610 wearing the costume in the virtual space 600B. The touch screen 15 displays a view image 660 of the view area 640B corresponding to the current position and orientation of the virtual camera 620B. Objects including avatar object 610 are also placed in virtual space 600A defined by game play terminal 300, and the position, posture, etc. of the object match between virtual spaces 600A and 600B.

When the user performs an item insertion operation in the live distribution game, item insertion information is transmitted to the game play terminal 300 . The item throwing information is information capable of specifying the type of tipping item (privilege), the amount of points associated with the tipping item, and the user ID of the user who has performed the item throwing operation. Note that the point amount may be included in the item input information, or may be managed in association with the tipping item in the game play terminal 300 .

The game play terminal 300 identifies the point amount based on the item input information and gives the point amount to the avatar object 610 . In addition, the game play terminal 300 throws the object of the tipping item into the virtual space 600A, and distributes the game progress information to the user terminal 100 including the action instruction data corresponding to the object. As a result, the tip item object is thrown into the virtual space 600B.

The user ID of the user who can view the live distribution game and the point amount given to the avatar object 610 by the user in the live distribution game are stored in the point management table TBL1 (FIG. 28A) stored in the memory 31. ) are managed by When receiving the item input information, the game play terminal 300 identifies the same user ID as the user ID specified based on the item input information from among the plurality of user IDs registered in the point management table TBL1, The point amount specified based on the item input information is added to the point amount associated with the user ID.

According to FIG. 28A, user A is associated with 7120 points, user B is associated with 5903 points, and user C is associated with 6469 points. Also, User D is associated with 8905 points and User E is associated with 3556 points. Therefore, for example, when 100 points are identified from the item input information transmitted from user A's user terminal 100, the point amount of user A is updated to 7220 points. Note that FIG. 28A shows some of the users who can view the live distribution game.

Users who can view the live distribution game are given rankings in descending order of points. The ranking is managed by a ranking management table TBL2 (see FIG. 28B) stored in the memory 31. FIG. This identifies the rank (class) of each user among a plurality of users. According to FIG. 28B, the ranking decreases in order of user D→user A→user C→user B→user E→ . Note that FIG. 28B also shows some of the users who can view the live distribution game.

<Overview of the live battle game>
Referring to FIG. 29, in a live battle game (event in virtual space), avatar object 610 is a virtual space 600A defined by game play terminal 300 and a virtual space 600B defined by user terminal 100. placed in each. Each of the virtual spaces 600A and 600B is, for example, an indoor living room (hereinafter simply referred to as "room"). ) 681, an object imitating a table (hereinafter simply referred to as “table”) 682, an object imitating a painting (hereinafter simply referred to as “painting”) 683, etc. are arranged. In the room, the avatar object 610 competes with the user in a bingo game, a quiz game, or the like.

In order to arrange objects such as the avatar object 610 in the room defined by the user terminal 100, the game play terminal 300 uses action instruction data (motion data and (data including voice data) is generated, and the game progress information is distributed to the user terminal 100 .

When the user performs an operation to start viewing the live competitive game, the user terminal 100 of the user transmits viewing start information including the user ID to the game play terminal 300 . The game play terminal 300 identifies the ranking of the user from the ranking management table TBL2 based on the user ID included in the viewing start information, and returns ranking information including the user ID and the ranking to the user terminal 100.

The user terminal 100 operated by the user with the user ID acquires the ranking of the user based on the received ranking information, and the avatar object 610 associated with the ranking is stored in the memory 11 of the user terminal 100. It is specified from the avatar object management table TBL3 (see FIG. 30).

According to FIG. 30, a plurality of types of avatar objects 610 with different display modes are divided into a plurality of ranking bands. Specifically, the ranking band from 1st to 50th is associated with an avatar object 610 in which a character imitating the person model A is dressed, and the ranking band from 51st to 100th is associated. is associated with an avatar object 610 in which a character modeled on the human model A is dressed in a uniform. In addition, the 101st to 150th ranking bands are associated with an avatar object 610 in which a character modeled after the person model A is dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, and the ranking bands lower than the 151st rank is associated with an avatar object 610 in which a character imitating the human model A is dressed in a sweater and shorts. That is, the character itself is a common character called the person model A, and the clothes worn by the character differ according to the ranking zone. As a result, the display mode of the avatar object 610 will differ according to the ranking band. The avatar object management table TBL3 is obtained when downloading the game program and updated when updating the game program.

On the other hand, for the avatar object 610 in the virtual space 600A defined by the game play terminal 300, a character imitating the human model A is dressed in a predetermined costume. Also, the costume of the avatar object 610 in the virtual space 600A is common regardless of the progress of the live battle game. The predetermined costume is set to, for example, the same costume as the costume of the avatar object 610 associated with rankings lower than 151st. However, the costume may be completely different from the costume that can be worn on the user terminal 100 side.

The user terminal 100 defines the room as the virtual space 600B, and arranges objects including the avatar object 610 based on the game progress information delivered from the game play terminal 300, or operates already arranged objects. Let That is, when the user terminal 100 receives the game progress information from the game play terminal 300, the user terminal 100 identifies the action instruction data from the game progress information, and by analyzing the action instruction data, identifies the position, posture, etc. of the object. do.

Also, based on the analysis result, the user terminal 100 uses the object data stored in the memory 11 to arrange, operate, etc. objects such as the avatar object 610, the sofa 681, the table 682, and the painting 683 in the virtual space 600B. Let At this time, for the avatar object 610, object data corresponding to the avatar object 610 having the display mode specified from the avatar object management table TBL3 based on the ranking is used. That is, the memory 11 stores object data of a plurality of avatar objects 610 wearing different costumes for characters imitating the same human model, and avatars wearing costumes corresponding to rankings are stored. Object data corresponding to object 610 is used. The touch screen 15 displays a view image 660 of the view area 640B corresponding to the current position and orientation of the virtual camera 620B. The object data of the avatar objects 610 of the plurality of persons are acquired from the game play terminal 300 and stored in the memory 11 when the game program is downloaded or updated.

As a result, although the display mode of the avatar object 610 on the game play terminal 300 side and the action instruction data included in the game progress information are common, the display mode of the avatar object 610 on the user terminal 100 side is different from that of the user. It may differ according to the ranking (that is, the amount of points given to the avatar object 610 by the user through the item throwing operation in the live distribution game). That is, the avatar object 610 operates in a display mode that is common among the user terminals 100 with regard to the parts of the costume of the avatar object 610 that differ depending on the user terminals 100 and the parts of the character of the human model A. FIG.

For example, the user terminals 100 of users ranked 151st or lower display the view image 660 shown in FIG. A view image 660 shown in B) is displayed. In any visual field image 660, objects such as a sofa 681, a table 682, and a painting 683, which have the same design, are placed at the same position in the room with the same posture. The avatar object 610 is also placed at the same position in the room with the same posture. However, the costume of the avatar object 610 differs between the view image 660 shown in FIG. 29(A) and the view image 660 shown in FIG. 29(B).

In the game play terminal 300, viewer information is updated in real time. The viewer information is information that makes it possible to identify how the rankings of users who are watching are distributed. The player can grasp how the avatar object 610 is displayed on the user terminal 100 based on the viewer information. For example, when the rankings of users watching are concentrated in the 1st to 50th places, the player can understand that avatar objects 610 wearing dresses are displayed on many user terminals 100. As a result, it is possible to prompt the player to behave appropriately for the display mode.

Note that the costume of the avatar object 610 placed in the virtual space 600A on the game play terminal 300 side may be the costume of the ranking band in which the viewing user concentrates instead of the above-described predetermined costume. can be

When the user watching the live competitive game inputs a comment, the user terminal 100 transmits the comment to the game play terminal 300 . The comment is distributed to a plurality of user terminals 100 by the game play terminal 300, and the comment is superimposed on the view image 660 and displayed on each user terminal 100. FIG.

Also, when the user who is watching the live battle game performs an item insertion operation, the user terminal 100 transmits the item insertion information to the game play terminal 300 . The game play terminal 300 gives the avatar object 610 the amount of points specified based on the item input information, inserts the tipping item object into the virtual space 600A, and transmits the action instruction data corresponding to the object to the game. It is included in progress information and delivered to the user terminal 100 .

The user can enjoy various games (eg, bingo game, quiz game, etc.) using interaction with the avatar object 610 . When a specific condition for the game is established (for example, a user wins bingo in a bingo game, or a condition is established when the user answers correctly in a quiz game), a privilege corresponding to the specific condition is granted to the user.

The privilege may include coins and tipping items that can be used in the game in which the avatar object 610 appears. Also, the privilege may include a privilege unique to the live competitive game. Specifically, it may be a tipping item that can be thrown in a live distribution game or the like and that can only be obtained in the live competitive game. Also, the privilege may include a privilege valid only in a specific game among games in which the avatar object 610 appears. Specifically, it may be a dedicated tipping item that can be thrown only in the specific game. In this case, the rate of giving the special tipping item to the user may be lower than the rate of giving other tipping items. Furthermore, coins may be given to the user through billing processing.

In this way, the position, posture, etc. of the avatar object 610 are specified by analyzing (rendering) the action instruction data included in the game progress information, and the avatar object 610 is stored in the memory 11 along with the analysis result. It is placed in the room based on the object data that is stored. Therefore, it is possible to vary the display mode of the avatar object 610 for each user, and it is possible to diversify the ways of enjoying the game in which the avatar object 610 appears.

(About operation)
FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing an example of basic game progress of a live distribution game that is executed by the user terminal 100 and the game play terminal 300 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60th of a second). Game play terminal 300 and user terminal 100 respectively define virtual spaces 600A and 600B in flowcharts (not shown) separate from this flowchart. 31 may be executed by the server 200 and the processing result may be transmitted to the user terminal 100. FIG. Further, transmission and reception of information between the user terminal 100 and the game play terminal 300 are executed via the server 200, but are not limited to this, and may be executed without the server 200. may

In step S101, the game play terminal 300 generates game progress information including action instruction data for specifying the position, posture, etc. of the avatar object 610 and other objects, and distributes the game progress information to the user terminal 100. do.

Based on the part setting information stored in the memory 11, the user terminal 100 determines whether or not the current part is the "pre-viewing part" in step S81. If it is determined to be the "pre-viewing part", the process proceeds to step S82. In step S<b>82 , it is determined based on the input operation on the touch screen 15 whether or not the viewing start operation has been performed by the user. If it is determined that the viewing start operation has not been performed, the process returns, and if it is determined that the viewing start operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S83. In step S<b>83 , viewing start information including the user ID is transmitted to the game play terminal 300 .

The game play terminal 300 determines whether or not the viewing start information has been received based on the output from the communication IF 33 in step S102. When it is determined that the viewing start information has been received, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the user ID included in the viewing start information is specified, and the ranking associated with the user ID is specified from the ranking management table TBL2. In step S104, ranking information including the ranking and the user ID is generated, and the ranking information is returned to the user terminal 100 of the user who transmitted the viewing start information. When the return is completed, the viewer information is updated in step S106. Specifically, the ranking of the user who started viewing is added to the viewer information. As a result, it becomes possible to specify how the rankings of the users watching are distributed, and in turn, the game play terminal 300 side can grasp how the avatar object 610 is displayed on the user terminal 100. becomes possible. When the process of step S106 is completed, the process returns.

The user terminal 100 receives the ranking information including the user ID of the user operating the user terminal 100 in step S84. In step S85, the part setting information stored in the memory 11 is updated to "viewing part". When the update is complete, return.

If it is determined in step S81 that the current part is not the "pre-viewing part", the process proceeds to step S86. In step S86, it is determined based on the part setting information stored in the memory 11 whether or not the current part is the "viewing part". If it is not determined to be the "viewing part", other processing is executed in step S91, and then the process returns. On the other hand, when it is determined to be the "viewing part", the process proceeds to step S87.

In step S87, the game progress information distributed from the game play terminal 300 is received, and the action instruction data included in the game progress information is analyzed (rendered) to determine where and where the virtual object such as the avatar object 610 is placed. Specify whether to place in such a posture. In step S87, the ranking included in the ranking information received in step S84 is specified, and the avatar object 610 of the display mode associated with the ranking is specified from the avatar object management table TBL3.

In step S87, based on the analysis result of the action instruction data and the object data of the avatar object 610 specified from the avatar object management table TBL3 (see FIG. 30) among the object data stored in the memory 11, An avatar object 610 wearing clothes according to the ranking is arranged and operated in the virtual space 600B. In step S87, a field of view area 640B corresponding to the current position and orientation of the virtual camera 620B is identified, and a field of view image 660 corresponding to the field of view area 640B is displayed on the touch screen 15. FIG.

The user enjoys various games (eg, bingo game, quiz game, etc.) using interaction with the avatar object 610 . In step S87, the progress of the game can be specified by determining whether or not a specific condition for the game (for example, a condition that is satisfied when the user wins bingo in a bingo game or a condition that is satisfied when the user answers correctly in a quiz game) is established. game parameter values. When it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, a privilege corresponding to the specific condition is given to the user in step S87.

In step S<b>88 , it is determined based on the input operation on the touch screen 15 whether or not the viewing end operation has been performed by the user. If it is determined that the viewing end operation has not been performed, the process returns, and if it is determined that the viewing end operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S89. In step S<b>89 , viewing end information including the user ID is transmitted to the game play terminal 300 . In step S90, the part setting information stored in the memory 11 is updated to "pre-viewing part", and then the process returns.

When the game play terminal 300 determines that viewing start information has not been received in step S102, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S<b>105 , it is determined based on the output from the communication IF 33 whether viewing end information has been received from the user terminal 100 . When it is determined that the viewing end information has been received, the viewer information is updated in step S106. Specifically, the ranking of users who have finished viewing is deleted from the viewer information. When the process of step S106 is completed, the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewing end information has not been received, the process returns without executing the process of step S106.

<Effects of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, a plurality of users including the first user participate in the live competitive game. Also, the live competitive game is executed on the plurality of user terminals 100 used by the plurality of users. The avatar object 610 that appears in the live battle game is placed in the virtual space 600B defined in each of the plurality of user terminals 100 based on the game progress information received from the game play terminal 300, and performs actions. Here, the game progress information is data including motion data and voice data input by the player who operates the avatar object 610, and is commonly transmitted to a plurality of user terminals 100 used by a plurality of users.

The user terminal 100 of the first user places an avatar object 610 appearing in the virtual space 600B defined in the user terminal 100 in the virtual space 600B defined in at least one of the plurality of user terminals 100 other than the user terminal 100. can be displayed in a display manner different from that of the avatar object 610 appearing in . As a result, it is possible to diversify the way of enjoying the game in which the avatar object 610 appears.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the memory 11 of the user terminal 100 stores object data for displaying the avatar object 610 in one of a plurality of display modes. The avatar object 610 is the analysis result (rendering result) of the action instruction data included in the game progress information, and the object data stored in the memory 11 for displaying in a display mode suitable for the first user. Avatar object 610 is operated based on . As a result, even if common game progress information is distributed, it is possible to vary the display mode of the avatar object 610 for each user.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the ranking of the first user identified based on the item input operation by the first user is updated according to the progress of the live distribution game by the first user. Also, the avatar object 610 operates in a display mode according to the ranking. As a result, it becomes possible to link the live distribution game and the live competitive game, and diversification of ways to enjoy the game is achieved.

Moreover, according to this embodiment, the item input information is information for specifying the rank of the first user among a plurality of users. This encourages competition among multiple users and encourages coin consumption (resulting in business revenue for game distributors).

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the ranking is updated according to the progress of the live distribution game in which the avatar object 610 appears. As a result, the live distribution game and the live competitive game can be more strongly linked.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the ranking is updated by giving the tip item from the first user to the player. This makes it possible to improve the enjoyment of the live distribution game.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a tipping item is associated with a different point amount according to the value of the tipping item, and the ranking is updated according to the point amount. This can motivate the user to throw in a tipping item with a higher value.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the avatar object 610 operates in a display mode that is common among the user terminals 100 with regard to the parts of the costume of the avatar object 610 that differ depending on the user terminals 100 , and the parts of the character of the human model A that are common among the user terminals 100 . Thereby, the costume of the avatar object 610 can be diversified among the viewing users.

<Modification>
Modified examples of the embodiment described above are enumerated below.

(1) In the above embodiment, the costume of the avatar object 610 becomes more luxurious for the user as the user's ranking is higher. However, the number of costumes that can be changed (that is, the degree of freedom of customization) may be changed according to the user's ranking. That is, the number of display modes for operating the avatar object 610 may be varied according to the ranking, and the number of display modes that can be set may be increased as the ranking increases. Further, the user may be allowed to select one of the display modes that can be set. Furthermore, the display mode of the avatar object 610 may be changed using the item obtained by the user. For example, if the ranking is medium, a hair ornament item obtained by the user can be used to attach a hair ornament to the head of the avatar object 610, or if the ranking is high, a swimsuit item obtained by the user can be used. The avatar object 610 may be made to wear a bathing suit.

(2) In the above embodiment, the character of the person model A placed in the virtual space 600B on the user terminal 100 side is common regardless of the ranking band. However, some of the costumes worn by the character (for example, shoes, accessories, hats, etc.) may be shared regardless of the ranking band. That is, a predetermined part of the display modes when the avatar object 610 is operated may be common among the plurality of user terminals 100 . Also, the character itself of the person model may be changed according to the ranking zone, and a part of the costume of the character may be shared regardless of the ranking zone.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, when the viewing of the live distribution game becomes active, the variation in the point amount increases as the period elapses. For example, the variation in point amounts today is greater than it was three months ago. Therefore, the number of costume types may be increased each time the amount of points for the first place reaches a predetermined value.

(4) In the above embodiment, a live distribution game is assumed as the game for specifying the user's ranking, and a live battle game is assumed as the game for changing the display mode of the avatar object 610 . However, as long as it is a game in which avatar object 610 appears, it does not matter what kind of game it is. good too. Furthermore, in a viewer-participation type game in which objects operated by the viewer are placed in a virtual space, etc., the ranking may be specified and the display mode of the avatar object 610 may be changed. .

(5) In the above embodiment, the type of game for specifying the user's ranking is different from the type of game for which the display mode of the avatar object 610 is changed. However, in the same type of game or the same game, the ranking may be specified and the display mode of the avatar object 610 may be changed.

(6) In the above embodiment, viewer information is never delivered to the user terminal 100 . However, the viewer information may also be distributed to the user terminal 100, and the distribution of the rankings of users who are viewing the program may be displayed on the touch screen 15. FIG. As a result, it is possible to prompt the lower-level users to perform the item insertion operation.

(7) In the above embodiment, the user's ranking is specified based on the point amount associated with the tipping item that the user has thrown in the live distribution game. However, the ranking is determined based on the game result (for example, score) and the point amount of either one or both of the game in which the avatar object 610 appears, that is, the live distribution game and the live competitive game. You may make it Also, the ranking may be specified based on a parameter (for example, the game result) other than the point amount.

(8) In the above embodiment, the higher the user's ranking, the more luxurious the clothes worn by the person model A. However, the higher the ranking, the higher the degree of exposure of the person model A may be.

(9) In the above embodiment, the display mode of the avatar object 610 is changed according to the ranking of the user. However, other objects (for example, sofas, table designs, wall decorations, etc. placed in the room) may be changed according to the ranking. At this time, the display mode of the avatar object 610 may not be different, and the display modes of the other objects may be different, or the display modes of both the avatar object 610 and the other objects may be different.

(10) In the above embodiment, the hairstyle, skin color, degree of makeup, etc. of the avatar object 610 are common regardless of the ranking of the user. However, the hairstyle, skin color, degree of makeup, etc. of the avatar object 610 may be changed according to the ranking.

(11) In the above embodiment, object data of a plurality of avatar objects 610 wearing costumes different from each other are stored in the memory 11, and objects corresponding to the avatar objects 610 wearing costumes according to the ranking are stored. The data is used to place the avatar object 610 in the virtual space 600B. However, in the memory 11, the object data of each of the plurality of types of costumes and the object data of the person model A are separately stored, and at the time of display, the person model A is made to wear the clothes according to the ranking. can be As for the object data to be stored in the memory 11, when the ranking of the user rises to the ranking associated with the avatar object 610 of another display mode in the avatar object management table TBL3, the object data corresponding to the ranking is changed. It may be obtained from the game play terminal 300 .

(12) In the above embodiment, the object data of the avatar objects 610 of multiple people wearing various costumes are acquired from the game play terminal 300 and stored in the memory 11 when downloading or updating the game program. be done. However, the object data of the avatar object 610 wearing various costumes may be acquired by billing processing, game clearing, or the like.

(13) In the above embodiment, the display mode of the avatar object 610 on the user terminal 100 is varied according to the ranking (game history) of the user of the user terminal 100 . However, the display mode of the avatar object 610 may be changed according to the user's setting, the location of the user terminal 100, and the like, not limited to the ranking. For example, when a swimsuit is set by a user operation, an avatar object 610 wearing a swimsuit is displayed. You may make it display.

(14) In the above embodiment, the character modeled on the human model A is dressed. However, characters imitating other human models may also appear in the game. Also, the characters wearing different costumes depending on the ranking may be limited to specific characters out of a plurality of characters imitating human models.

(15) In the above embodiment, the event in the virtual space is assumed to be a game such as a live battle game, but the event may be something other than a game. Or it may be an event for chatting.

(16) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30 and the like, the display mode of the avatar object 610 that appears in events such as live distribution is changed according to the progress of the game, such as the insertion of tipping items. An example has been described in which the display mode displayed on the user terminal of another user can be changed according to the ranking. However, the display mode of the avatar object 610 that appears in events such as live distribution is not limited to this, and can be made different from the display mode displayed on the user terminal of another user according to the billing by the user during the game. You may make it possible.

(17) In the above embodiment, the user list screen 731 illustrated in FIG. 18B may display reference information prompting the player to send a "thank you video" to the user who has paid. As reference information, character information such as "Thank you mail confirmed!" may be displayed corresponding to the charged user. Whether or not there is a charge may be determined by the user, for example, based on a user list, based on whether or not an item that has been charged is included. This allows the player to encourage transmission of the "thank you video" to the user who has made the payment. Further, when displaying the reference information, the total billing amount may be displayed corresponding to the billing user. The total billing amount may be managed in a user list, and the user list may be updated according to the billing.

(18) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, by distributing the action instruction data including the motion data of the avatar object 610 selected by the player to the user terminal 100 of the user 3, the user terminal 100 " An example in which the "thank you video" can be played has been described. However, in addition to the motion data of avatar object 610, the player selects the type of costume (display mode) of avatar object 610 and sends action instruction data including identification data for identifying the type of costume to user 3. By distributing it to the user terminal 100, the user terminal 100 may be able to reproduce the "thank you video". As a result, in the "thank you video" on the user terminal 100 side, the avatar object 610 may be caused to act in the costume (display mode) based on the identification data according to the motion data. For example, when the number of motions of the avatar object 610 that can be selected by the player is set to 3, and the number of costumes (display modes) is set to 8, the memory 11 of the user terminal 100 reproduces a "thank you video". 24 types (=3×8) of data are stored as data for the user terminal 100, and the user terminal 100 reproduces the “thank you video” corresponding to the motion data and identification data included in the received action instruction data.

(19) The screen displayed on the display unit 452 of the distribution terminal 400 during the distribution process in the distribution terminal 400 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 23 in the above embodiment. Here, with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, an example of displaying ranking screens ranked according to the billing amounts as a list on distribution terminal 400 will be described.

Processor 40 causes display unit 452 to display a login screen (not shown) upon receiving a user's selection operation for an icon of an application for generating and distributing action instruction data. The selection operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the icon. Processor 40 accepts input of necessary information on the login screen. The information may be, for example, a user ID and password. The processor 40 transmits the information to the server 200 and causes the server 200 to perform authentication processing. Upon receiving the notification that the authentication has succeeded from server 200, processor 40 causes display unit 452 to display home screen 2010 shown in FIG. Various information for displaying the home screen 2010 may be stored in the distribution terminal 400 in advance, or may be acquired from the server 200 together with the notification.

A home screen 2010 includes an avatar object 610 and a UI image 2011, for example. The UI image 2011 receives an operation for displaying a list of users 3 who have participated in the game. The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image 2011 . In this modified example, the list is displayed as a ranking screen in which the users 3 who have participated in the game are ranked according to their billing amounts. The ranking screen may include only users 3 ranked higher than a predetermined rank (for example, ranked 50th or higher) among the users 3 . The ranking screen may be, for example, a ranking screen 2020 shown in FIG. 32(B). Processor 40 generates ranking screen 2020 based on user list 234 obtained from server 200 . Alternatively, server 200 may generate ranking screen 2020 based on user list 234 and transmit ranking screen 2020 to processor 40 . Note that “X people waiting for messages” included in the UI image 2011 indicates the number of users whose action instruction data has not been transmitted to the user terminal 100 among the users 3 included in the ranking screen 2020 . In the example of FIG. 32(A), two of the users 3 included in the ranking screen 2020 have not received action instruction data.

The ranking screen 2020 includes a title image 2021, user information 2023A, and user information 2023B. The title image 2021 contains the text "Ranking" and notifies the player 4 that the screen is a ranking screen. A title image 2021 includes a UI image 2022 . The UI image 2022 receives an operation for redisplaying the previous screen (returning to the previous screen). The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image 2022 . Upon accepting the tap operation on the UI image 2022, the processor 40 causes the display unit 452 to display the home screen 2010 again.

User information 2023A, 2023B, and 2023C are images showing information of user 3 who participated in the game. User information 2023A, 2023B includes icons 2024A, 2024B, user names 2025A, 2025B, rankings 2026A, 2026B, billing amounts 2027A, 2027B, and number of transmissions 2028A, 2028B, respectively. Note that when there is no need to distinguish between these, the letters at the end of the reference numerals are omitted. User information 2023A further includes sent notice 2029 and last sent date 2030 . User information 2023C includes at least icon 2024, user name 2025, ranking 2026, billing amount 2027, and number of transmissions 2028, but most of user information 2023C is outside the display area of display unit 452. It is not displayed on the display unit 452 in the example of FIG. 32(B). As an example, processor 40 receives an operation (flick operation, drag operation, etc.) to move an indicator such as a finger in contact with touch screen 45, and displays ranking screen 2020 in the display area of display unit 452. You can change the area. In other words, processor 40 may cause ranking screen 2020 to scroll. Hereinafter, an operation for scrolling will be referred to as a "scrolling operation".

In this modified example, the user information 2023A is user information of user 3A, and the user information 2023B is user information of user 3B.

The icon 2024 is, for example, an image preset by each user 3 . The user name 2025 is information indicating each user 3 who has participated in the game and is stored in the “user” column in the user list 234 . A ranking 2026 indicates the ranking of each user 3 . The charged amount 2027 indicates the amount charged by each user 3 for the game executed by the system 1 . In addition, in this modification, the higher the amount indicated by the billing amount 2027 is, the higher the rank indicated by the rank 2026 is. Also, in this modification, the higher the ranking indicated by the ranking 2026 is, the higher the user information 2023 is arranged on the ranking screen 2020 . In other words, the ranking screen 2020 is a screen in which the user information 2023 is arranged in the order indicated by the ranking 2026 .

The transmission count 2028 indicates the number of times the action instruction data has been transmitted to the user 3 in the past. For example, since the number of transmissions 2028A is "2", it indicates that the player 4 has transmitted the action instruction data for playing the thank you video twice in the past to the user terminal 100A of the user 3A. . On the other hand, since the number of times of transmission 2028B is "0", it indicates that player 4 has never transmitted action instruction data to user terminal 100B of user 3B in the past.

The sent notification 2029 is displayed when the action instruction data has already been sent to the user terminal 100 of the user 3 after the current game play. In the example of FIG. 32(B), since the user information 2023A includes the transmitted notification 2029, the player 4 has transmitted the action instruction data to the user terminal 100A of the user 3A after playing the game this time. showing. On the other hand, since the user terminal 100B of the user 3B has never transmitted the operation instruction data, the user information 2023B does not include the transmitted notification 2029. FIG.

The previous transmission date 2030 indicates the most recent transmission date of transmission of the action instruction data. Since no action instruction data has been transmitted to the user terminal 100B of the user 3B, the previous transmission date 2030 is not included in the user information 2023B.

The user information 2023 also functions as a UI image that receives player 4's operation. The operation may be a tap operation on the user information 2023, for example. As an example, when receiving a tap operation on the user information 2023, the processor 40 causes the display unit 452 to display a detailed screen showing details of the user information 2023 that has received the tap operation. The detail screen may be, for example, the detail screen 2040 shown in FIG. 32(C).

Details screen 2040 includes, for example, title image 2021 and user information 2041 described above. When receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2022 on the details screen 2040, the processor 40 may cause the display unit 452 to display the home screen 2010 again, or may cause the display unit 452 to display the ranking screen 2020 again. .

The user information 2041 shown in FIG. 32(C) is an image showing the user information of the user 3A. That is, processor 40 displays user information 2041 shown in FIG.

User information 2041 includes, as an example, icon 2024A, user name 2025A, rank 2026A, billing amount 2027A, number of transmissions 2028A, and date of last transmission 2030 described above. Since these have already been explained, the explanation will not be repeated. Furthermore, the user information 2041 includes UI images 2031 to 2034, 2037, 2038, a detailed display area 2035, and a scroll bar 2036 as an example.

The UI image 2031 receives an operation for displaying a history screen (not shown) showing a history of action instruction data transmitted in the past to the user terminal 100A of the user 3A. The operation may be a tap operation on the UI image 2031, for example. The history screen may be, for example, a screen in which UI images indicating each of the action instruction data transmitted in the past are arranged in descending order from the present. When processor 40 receives a tap operation on the UI image, processor 40 may reproduce a video (thank you video) using action instruction data corresponding to the UI image.

UI images 2032 to 2034 receive an operation for displaying various information in detail display area 2035 . The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on each of the UI images 2032-2034. The detailed display area 2035 is an area for displaying detailed information about user 3A's participation in the game.

In the example of FIG. 32C, the display mode of the UI image 2034 is different from that of the UI images 2032 and 2033 . That is, the example of FIG. 32(C) shows the detail screen 2040 after receiving the tap operation on the UI image 2034 . The UI image 2034 receives a tap operation for displaying tags associated with the user 3A in the user list 234 in the detail display area 2035 . Therefore, in the example of FIG. 32(C), the tag associated with the user 3A in the user list 234 is displayed in the detail display area 2035 .

The UI image 2032 accepts a tap operation for displaying the comment sent by the user 3A to the avatar object 610 in the latest game in the detail display area 2035 . The UI image 2033 accepts a tap operation for displaying items given to the avatar object 610 by the user 3A in the most recent game in the detail display area 2035 . That is, when processor 40 accepts a tap operation on UI image 2032, processor 40 causes detailed display area 2035 to display a list of comments sent to avatar object 610 in the most recent game by user 3A. In addition, when receiving a tap operation on UI image 2033, processor 40 displays a list of items given to avatar object 610 by user 3A in the most recent game in detailed display area 2035. FIG.

When causing the display unit 452 to display the detail screen 2040 , the processor 40 may assume that one of the UI images 2032 to 2034 has been selected and cause the corresponding information to be displayed in the detail display area 2035 . That is, the detail screen 2040 may be a screen in which information corresponding to any one of the UI images 2032 to 2034 is displayed in the detail display area 2035 by default.

A scroll bar 2036 is a UI image that receives a scroll operation. Upon receiving the scroll operation, processor 40 scrolls detail display area 2035 to display information that was hidden before scrolling. The scroll operation may be input at a position different from the position where scroll bar 2036 is displayed.

The UI image 2037 receives an operation for generating action instruction data. UI image 2038 receives an operation for hiding detailed screen 2040 and redisplaying home screen 2010 or ranking screen 2020 . These operations may be tap operations on the UI images 2037 and 2038, for example.

Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2037, the processor 40 causes the display unit 452 to display, as an example, a preparation screen 2050 shown in FIG. 33(A). Preparation screen 2050 includes avatar object 610, UI image 2051, text 2052, and selection image 2053, as an example. The UI image 2051 receives an operation for canceling generation of action instruction data. The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image 2051 . The text 2052 is, for example, text indicating the destination of the action instruction data and that the current screen is the screen for generating the action instruction data.

The selection image 2053 is, for example, an image that causes the player 4 to select the playback time of the moving image based on the action instruction data. The selection image 2053 includes, for example, options 2054A to 2054C which are UI images. Upon receiving an operation to select option 2054A, processor 40 determines the video playback time to be 10 seconds. Upon receiving an operation to select option 2054B, processor 40 determines the video playback time to be 20 seconds. Upon receiving an operation to select option 2054C, processor 40 determines the video playback time to be 30 seconds. The operation to select may be, for example, a tap operation on any of options 2054A-2054C. It should be noted that, in this modified example, it is assumed that an operation of selecting option 2054C has been accepted. Also, the types and number of options are not limited to the example in FIG. 33(A).

Upon receiving a tap operation on any of the options 2054A to 2054C, the processor 40 causes the display unit 452 to display a preparation screen 2060 shown in FIG. 33B, for example. Preparation screen 2060 includes avatar object 610, UI image 2051, text 2052, and selection image 2061, as an example.

The selection image 2061 is, for example, an image that causes the player 4 to select motion data included in the action instruction data. The selection image 2061 includes options 2062A to 2062F, which are UI images, and a UI image 2063, for example. Options 2062A to 2062F are respectively associated with different motion data, and when an operation to select one of options 2062A to 2062F (for example, a tap operation to any one of options 2062A to 2062F) is received, processor 40 , to identify the motion data corresponding to the selected option. Each of options 2062A-2062F includes, by way of example, text indicative of emotion. The text indicates that the motion in the motion data corresponding to each of the options 2062A-2062F is motion corresponding to the emotion indicated by the text. For example, the motion in the motion data corresponding to option 2062A is a motion corresponding to the feeling of "happy". In other words, the motion is a motion in which the avatar object 610 expresses the feeling of being happy.

When processor 40 accepts a tap operation on any of options 2062A to 2062F, processor 40 may change the display mode of the option for which the tap operation was input from the display mode of other options. In the example of FIG. 33(B), the display mode of option 2062A is different from the display mode of other options. That is, the example of FIG. 33B shows the preparation screen 2060 after the tap operation is input to the option 2062. In the example of FIG.

The UI image 2063 receives an operation for determining the selected motion data as the motion data to be included in the action instruction data. The operation may be a tap operation on the UI image 2063 . Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2063, the processor 40 determines motion data to be included in the action instruction data as the selected motion data. In the example of FIG. 33(B), when a tap operation on UI image 2063 is received, processor 40 determines motion data corresponding to option 2062A as motion data to be included in the action instruction data.

Note that the number and types of motion data, that is, the number and types of options in the selection image 2061 are not limited to the example in FIG. 33(B). If there are many options and some of the options cannot be displayed in the selection image 2061, the selection image 2061 may include a scroll bar. When the scroll operation is received, the processor 40 scrolls the selection image 2061 to display options that were hidden before scrolling. A scroll operation may be input at a position different from the position where the scroll bar is displayed.

Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2063, the processor 40 causes the display unit 452 to display, as an example, a speech input screen 2070 shown in FIG. 33(C). Voice input screen 2070 includes avatar object 610, UI image 2051, text 2052, time bar 2071, and UI images 2072 and 2073, as an example.

A time bar 2071 is a UI image indicating the remaining time of the action instruction data. The time bar 2071 is entirely colored in the first color (white in the example of FIG. 33(C)), and includes text "0:00" at the left end and "0:30" at the right end. That is, the length of the time bar 2071 in the longitudinal direction indicates the passage of time for 30 seconds.

A UI image 2072 is a UI image that receives an operation for starting voice input. The operation may be a tap operation on the UI image 2072, for example. Player 4 starts speaking after inputting a tap operation on UI image 2072 . Upon accepting a tap operation on the UI image 2072, the processor 40 accepts the voice uttered by the player 4 and generates voice data from the voice. Also, the processor 40 changes the appearance of the time bar 2071 over time. As an example, the processor 40 changes the color of the time bar 2071 from the first color to the second color from the left end to the right end of the time bar 2071 over time. In this example, the time bar 2071 is entirely colored in the second color 30 seconds after accepting the tap operation on the UI image 2072 .

Further, when receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2072, the processor 40 may, for example, change the UI image 2072 to a UI image (not shown) that receives an operation for ending voice input. The operation may be, for example, a tap operation on the UI image. When the tap operation on the UI image is accepted or the time selected on the preparation screen 2050 elapses, the processor 40 terminates acceptance of voice and completes the generation of voice data. Processor 40 then generates action instruction data from the selected motion data and the voice data.

Subsequently, processor 40 generates a UI image for accepting an operation for terminating voice input, and a UI image for accepting an operation for reproducing a moving image based on the action instruction data instead of UI image 2073, the action instruction, and so on. Even if the display unit 452 displays a UI image for accepting an operation for transmitting the data to the user 3 (user 3A in this modification) who has selected the data and a UI image for accepting an operation for recapturing the audio data, good. These operations may be tap operations for each UI image.

Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image for accepting an operation for transmitting action instruction data to the selected user 3, the processor 40 transmits the action instruction data to the server 200, and issues an action instruction to the user terminal 100 of the selected user 3. send data. When receiving the tap operation, processor 40 may display a confirmation screen that prompts the user to reconfirm whether or not to transmit the action instruction data. The confirmation screen includes, for example, a UI image for accepting an operation for transmitting action instruction data and a UI image for accepting an operation for canceling transmission.

After transmitting the operation instruction data to the server 200, the processor 40 displays, as an example, a notification screen for notifying the user that the transmission has been completed. The notification screen includes, for example, a UI image that receives an operation for redisplaying the ranking screen 2020 . The processor 40 updates the transmission count 2028 and the last transmission date 2030 in the user information 2023 of the corresponding user 3 along with the most recent transmission of the action instruction data. If no action instruction data has been sent to the user 3 in question in the past, the user information 2023 will include a notification 2 of sent
029 is added.

A UI image 2073 is a UI image that receives an operation for displaying a tag on the voice input screen 2070 . The operation may be a tap operation on the UI image 2073, for example. Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2073, the processor 40 superimposes and displays a tag image 2074 on the voice input screen 2070 as shown in FIG. 33(D).

The tag image 2074 includes tags associated with the corresponding user 3 (user 3A in this modification) in the user list 234 . By displaying the tag image 2074, the player 4 can input the voice while confirming the content of the tag, that is, the support provided by the user 3A in the game. As a result, the player 4 can generate appropriate voice data in line with the content of the assistance provided by the user 3A.

Note that the tag image 2074 may include information other than the tag, such as the billing amount of the user, the last transmission date of the action instruction data, a list of posted comments, a column of items inserted, and the like. Alternatively, when an operation to the UI image (not shown) included in the tag image 2074 is accepted, the processor 40 may cause the display unit 452 (for example, inside the tag image 2074) to display the information other than the tag. .

Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2073, the processor 40 may change the UI image 2073 to a UI image 2075 as shown in FIG. 33(D). A UI image 2075 is a UI image that receives an operation for hiding the tag image 2074 . The operation may be a tap operation on the UI image 2075, for example. Upon receiving a tap operation on the UI image 2075, the processor 40 hides the tag image 2074. FIG. That is, voice input screen 2070 returns to voice input screen 2070 shown in FIG. 33(C).

Home screen 2010 may include a plurality of UI images that accept operations for displaying different ranking screens. The different ranking screens include, for example, a weekly ranking ranking screen that ranks according to the billing amount for the most recent week, a monthly ranking ranking screen that ranks according to the billing amount for the most recent month, and a ranking screen that ranks according to the billed amount for the most recent month. Examples include, but are not limited to, a ranking screen for cumulative ranking, which is a ranking according to the cumulative billing amount.

Also, the ranking is not limited to one in which the order is determined only by the size of the billing amount. For example, the ranking may be determined based on the size of the billing amount and the value of points earned in the game. In this example, the ranking may be in descending order of the sum of the charge amount and the point value, or the charge amount and point values may be weighted and then totaled. may

<Appendix>
The items described in each of the above embodiments will be added below.

(Appendix 1):
According to an aspect of an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, an event in a virtual space in which a plurality of users including a first user participate is executed on a first computer (user terminal 100A) used by the first user. The program includes a step of displaying a character (avatar object 610) appearing in the event in the virtual space (S87), and a step of causing the character to act based on first data received from the outside (S87). ) and the first computer, wherein the first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays the character, and a plurality of data used by the plurality of users from the outside. data commonly transmitted to a computer, and in the step of displaying, the character appearing in the event executed by the first computer is executed by at least one of the plurality of computers other than the first computer. The character can be displayed in a display mode different from that of the character appearing in the event.

(Appendix 2):
In (Appendix 1), the first computer includes a memory (memory 11) for storing display data (object data) for displaying the character in one of a plurality of display modes, and the The step displays the character in a display mode using the display data corresponding to the first user out of the display data stored in the memory.

(Appendix 3):
In (Appendix 2), the event is a game played in the virtual space, and the step of specifying game history information (ranking) about the first user that is updated according to the progress of the game by the first user. is executed by the first computer, and the step of displaying is a display mode using display data corresponding to the game history information specified by the specifying step, out of the display data stored in the memory to display the character.

(Appendix 4):
In (Appendix 3), the game history information is information for specifying the rank of the first user among the plurality of users.

(Appendix 5):
In (Supplementary Note 3) or (Supplementary Note 4), the step of performing update processing for updating the game history information according to the progress of the game in which the character operated by the distributor is arranged in the virtual space is let the computer do it.

(Appendix 6):
In (Appendix 5), the step of causing the first computer to execute the step of granting a privilege to the distributor by the first user, and performing the updating process updates the game history information by granting a privilege. Perform processing for

(Appendix 7):
In (Appendix 6), the privilege is associated with a predetermined amount of points, and the step of performing the updating process updates the game history information according to the amount of points associated with the granted privilege. process.

(Appendix 8):
In any one of (Supplementary note 3) to (Supplementary note 7), the step (S84) of making it possible to update the display mode that can be used to display the character in response to updating of the game history information. causing the first computer to execute;

(Appendix 9):
In any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 8), in the step of displaying, the specific part of the character differs depending on the user, and the part different from the specific part of the character is common regardless of the user. The character is displayed in a display mode.

(Appendix 10):
According to an aspect of an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a first computer ( A method executed by the user terminal 100A) comprising a step of displaying a character (avatar object 610) appearing in the event in the virtual space (S87); and a step (S87), wherein the first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays the character, and is transmitted from the outside to a plurality of computers used by the plurality of users. The data is commonly transmitted, and in the step of displaying, the character appearing in the event executed by the first computer is executed by at least one of the plurality of computers other than the first computer. It can be displayed in a display mode different from that of the character appearing in the event.

(Appendix 11):
According to an aspect of an embodiment shown in the present disclosure, a first computer (user terminal 100A) used by a first user that executes an event in a virtual space in which multiple users including the first user participate The first computer includes a storage unit (storage unit 120) that stores a program for causing the first computer to execute the event, and the operation of the first computer by executing the program. a control unit (control unit 110) for controlling, the control unit displaying a character (avatar object 610) appearing in the event in the virtual space (S87); and a step (S87) of moving the character based on the above, wherein the first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays the character, and the plurality of The data is commonly transmitted to a plurality of computers used by a user, and in the displaying step, the character appearing in the event executed by the first computer is displayed on the plurality of computers other than the first computer. can be displayed in a display manner different from that of the character appearing in the event executed in at least one of

[Example of realization by software]
The user terminal 100, the server 200, the game play terminal 300 (the HMD set 1000), and the control blocks (especially the control units 110, 210, 310, and 410) of the distribution terminal 400 are logic circuits formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like. It may be implemented by a circuit (hardware) or by software.

In the latter case, the user terminal 100, the server 200, the game play terminal 300 (the HMD set 1000), and the distribution terminal 400 are equipped with computers that execute program instructions, which are software for realizing each function. This computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. In the computer, the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the object of the present invention. As the processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the recording medium, a "non-temporary tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. In addition, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for developing the above program may be further provided. Also, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention can also be implemented in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 system, 2 network, 3, 3A, 3B user (first user), 4 player (performer), 10, 20, 30, 40 processor, 11, 21, 31, 41 memory, 12, 22, 32, 42 storage , 13, 23, 33, 43 communication IF, 14, 24, 34, 44 input/output IF, 15, 45 touch screen, 17 camera, 18 ranging sensor, 51 monitor, 52 gaze sensor, 53 first camera, 54 second 2 camera, 55 microphone, 56 speaker, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C user terminal (computer, first computer, first information processing device), 110, 210, 310, 410 control section (first control section, second control part), 111,311,413 operation reception part, 112,312,412 display control part, 113,313 UI control part, 114,314 animation generation part, 115,315 game progression part, 116,316 virtual space control part, 117 moving image reproducing unit 120, 220, 320, 420 storage unit (first storage unit, second storage unit) 131, 231, 331 game program (program, first program) 132, 232, 332 game information 133 , 233, 333 user information, 151, 451 input section, 152, 452 display section (display), 200 server, 211 communication mediation section, 212 log generation section, 213 list generation section, 234, 421 user list, 300 game play terminal (external device, second external device), 317 reaction processing unit, 400 distribution terminal (external, first external device, computer, second information processing device), 411 communication control unit, 414 voice reception unit, 415 motion identification unit, 416 motion instruction data generator, 422 motion list, 423 distribution program (program, second program), 540, 1020, 1021 controller, 500 HMD, 510 HMD sensor, 520 motion sensor, 530 display, 600A, 600B virtual space, 610 Avatar object (character), 620A, 620B Virtual camera, 631, 632, 633, 634 Object, 640A, 640B View area, 650, 660 View image, 671 Enemy object, 672 , 673 obstacle object, 674 performance object, 691, 692 speech, 701, 702, 703A, 70B, 704A, 704B, 705, 706, 711, 711A, 711B, 711C, 711D, 722, 723, 745, 745A, 745B , 745C, 752, 762, 763, 930, 2011, 2022, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2037, 2038, 2051, 2063, 2072, 2073, 2075 UI image (message UI, UI), 721 Download screen, 731 User list screen (list), 732, 732A, 732B, 732C, 742, 742A, 742B, 742C Record image, 733, 733A, 733B, 733C User name, 734, 734A, 734B, 734C Tag information, 735, 735A, 735B , 735C icon, 741 motion list screen (choice), 743, 743A, 743B, 743C motion name, 744, 744A, 744B, 744C, 753 motion image, 751 distribution screen, 761 distribution completion screen, 810A, 810B motion video, 820A , 820B speech sound, 910A, 910B video, 920A, 920B sound, 1000 HMD set, 1010 object, 1030 storage medium, 2010 home screen, 2020 ranking screen, 2021 title image, 2026, 2026A, 2026B ranking, 2027, 2027A, 2027B Billing amount, 2028, 2028A, 2028B Number of transmissions, 2029 Sent notification, 2030 Last transmission date, 2035 Detail display area, 2036 Scroll bar, 2040 Detail screen, 2050, 2060 Preparation screen, 2052 Text, 2053, 2061 Selected image, 2054A , 2054B, 2054C, 2062A, 2062B, 2062C, 2062D, 2062E, 2062F option, 2070 voice input screen, 2074 tag image

Claims (13)

A program for causing a first computer used by a first user to perform live distribution in real time in a virtual space in which a plurality of users including a first user participate,
a step of displaying a character appearing in the live distribution in the virtual space;
causing the first computer to perform a step of moving the character in real time based on first data received from the outside;
The first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays the character, and is data commonly transmitted from the outside to a plurality of computers used by the plurality of users,
In the displaying step, an object worn by the character appearing in the live distribution performed by the first computer is displayed in the live distribution performed by at least one of the plurality of computers other than the first computer. It can be displayed in a display mode different from the object worn by the character appearing in the distribution,
In the displaying step, the display mode selected by the first user is set to the character by the first user selecting the display mode during the live distribution, and the display mode is set. The character can be displayed in the live distribution in real time in the state of
program. The object worn by the character is an object related to the costume or accessories of the character,
In the displaying step, the first user selects an object from among objects related to costumes or accessories of the character during the live distribution, and the object selected by the first user is set to the character. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein said character can be displayed in said live distribution in real time with said object set. The first computer has a memory for storing display data for displaying an object worn by the character in one of a plurality of display modes,
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein said displaying step displays said character in a display mode using display data corresponding to said first user among display data stored in said memory. The first computer has a memory for storing display data for displaying an object worn by the character in one of a plurality of display modes,
The live distribution is a distribution including a game played in the virtual space,
causing the first computer to specify game history information about the first user that is updated according to the progress of the game by the first user;
The displaying step displays the object worn by the character in a display mode using display data corresponding to the game history information specified by the specifying step, out of the display data stored in the memory. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein said game history information is information for identifying said first user's rank among said plurality of users. Claim 4 or Claim 4, wherein the first computer is caused to perform an update process for updating the game history information in accordance with the progress of a game in which a character operated by a distributor is placed in a virtual space. 5. The program according to 5. causing the first computer to execute a step of granting a privilege to a distributor by the first user;
7. The program according to claim 6, wherein said updating step performs processing for updating said game history information by providing a privilege. a predetermined amount of points is associated with the award;
8. The program according to claim 7, wherein said step of performing update processing performs processing for updating said game history information according to the amount of points associated with a given privilege. 7. The program according to claim 6, causing said first computer to execute a step of making it possible to update a display mode that can be used for displaying said character in response to said game history information being updated. In the step of displaying, a specific part corresponding to an object worn by the character differs depending on the user, and a part different from the specific part of the character is displayed in a common display mode regardless of the user. 2. The program according to claim 1, which displays the . 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying enables the first user to select the display mode during the live distribution by using items obtained by the first user. The number of display modes that can be selected by the first user differs according to the ranking among the plurality of users in the live distribution of the first user.
6. A program according to claim 5. A method in which a first computer used by a first user executes a program for executing live distribution in real time in a virtual space in which a plurality of users including the first user participate,
a step of displaying a character appearing in the live distribution in the virtual space;
a step of moving the character in real time based on first data received from the outside;
The first data is data including motion data and voice data input by an actor who plays the character, and is data commonly transmitted from the outside to a plurality of computers used by the plurality of users,
In the displaying step, an object worn by the character appearing in the live distribution performed by the first computer is displayed in the live distribution performed by at least one of the plurality of computers other than the first computer. It can be displayed in a display mode different from the object worn by the character appearing in the distribution,
In the displaying step, the display mode selected by the first user is set to the character by the first user selecting the display mode during the live distribution, and the display mode is set. said character can be displayed in said live distribution in real time.

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