JP2021117593A - Content distribution system, content distribution method and content distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

To further enhance visual effects of a content image by appropriately controlling visibility of a specific avatar, the object of attention for a user, in a virtual space.SOLUTION: A content distribution system 1, the system of distributing a content reflecting a virtual space in which avatars are set, includes: an acquisition unit of acquiring motion data of the respective avatars; a generation unit of generating content data representing the virtual space in which the respective avatars are set based on the motion data; an image generation unit 23 of generating a content image, the video visible from a prescribed viewpoint position set in the virtual space, based on the content data; and a display unit 24 causing a user terminal 20 to display the content image. The image generation unit 23 controls the visibility of a first avatar, the avatar as an object of attention for the user, out of a plurality of avatars in the content image, based on a prescribed attribute value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

One aspect of the disclosure relates to content distribution systems, content distribution methods and content distribution programs.

Content that reflects the virtual space in which the avatar is set is being distributed. The virtual space is a virtual three-dimensional space, and can be constructed based on a live-action image reflecting a real space. For example, in Patent Document 1, when generating a mixed reality image, an avatar and a CG model indicating a plurality of experiencers are arranged in a virtual space, and another experiencer is placed between the avatar of one experiencer and the CG model. Describes a technique for controlling the avatar of a co-experiencer, such as erasing and transparently displaying the avatar of the co-experiencer when the avatar of the co-experiencer exists.

JP-A-2018-106297

It is desired to further enhance the visual effect of the content image by appropriately controlling the visibility of a specific avatar that is the target of attention for the user in the virtual space.

The content distribution system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a content distribution system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space in which a plurality of avatars are set, and motion data indicating at least one of the positions and modes of each avatar. It can be seen from a predetermined viewpoint position set in the virtual space based on the content data and the acquisition unit that generates the content data representing the virtual space in which each avatar is set based on the motion data. The image generation unit includes an image generation unit that generates a content image that is a video and a display unit that displays the content image on the user terminal of the user, and the image generation unit has a plurality of avatars in the content image based on a predetermined attribute value. Controls the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest to the user.

According to such an aspect, since the visibility of the avatar of interest to the user is controlled based on a predetermined attribute value, the visibility of a specific avatar is enhanced or decreased by setting the attribute value. It becomes possible to make it.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to further enhance the visual effect of the content image by appropriately controlling the visibility of a specific avatar that is the target of attention for the user in the virtual space.

It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus configuration of the content distribution system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition about the content distribution system which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the content distribution server which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional structure of the user terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the user attribute information. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of an avatar in a content image. It is a figure which shows the example of the control | control of the visibility of a part of an avatar in a content image. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the content distribution system which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration of the content distribution system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system 1 of the present embodiment includes a content distribution server 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20. The content distribution server 10 and the plurality of user terminals 20 can communicate with each other via the network N. The user terminal 20 may include the user terminal 20B of the distributor who distributes the content and the user terminal 20A of the viewer who receives and views the content.

The content distribution system 1 according to the embodiment is a computer system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space in which a plurality of avatars are set to the user terminal 20 of the user.

Content is information provided by a computer or computer system that is human recognizable. Electronic data that indicates content is called content data. The representation format of the content is not limited, for example, the content may be represented by an image (eg, photo, video, etc.), a document, audio, music, or a combination of any two or more elements thereof. The purpose and usage of the content is not limited, for example, the content may be used for various purposes such as entertainment, news, education, medical care, games, chat, commerce, lectures, seminars, and training. Distribution refers to the process of transmitting information to a user via a communication network or a broadcasting network. In the present disclosure, distribution is a concept that may include broadcasting.

The content distribution system 1 provides the content to the user by transmitting the content data to the user terminal. In one example, the content is provided by the distributor. The distributor is a person who tries to convey information to a user who is a viewer, that is, a sender of the content.

In this embodiment, the content is represented using at least images. The content may be a moving image or a still image. The content composed of still images may constitute the home page of the website and can be scrolled by the scroll bar. Further, the content composed of still images may include a plurality of still images and be represented by a slide show.

The content distribution system 1 may be used for various purposes. For example, the content distribution system 1 may be used for a service in which one user distributes live content to another user. This service is also called live internet broadcasting. That is, the content distribution system 1 may be used to distribute the content video provided by the distributor to the viewer in real time. Therefore, the content image can be an image of live content delivered in real time. Alternatively, the content distribution system 1 may be used to distribute the content video shot in the past to the viewer, for example, a time shift capable of viewing the content in a given period after the real-time distribution. May be used for. The content distribution system 1 may be used to distribute a still image.

The virtual space is a virtual two-dimensional or three-dimensional space represented by an image displayed on a computer. The virtual space may be defined and provided by the distributor, may be virtually generated by the server, or may be generated based on a real space image. A three-dimensional coordinate system for indicating a position may be defined in the defined and generated virtual space. The content image is an image showing a landscape seen from a virtual camera set as a viewpoint position in the virtual space. The virtual camera is set in the virtual space so as to correspond to the line of sight of the user who sees the content image, for example. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera may be set at the viewpoint position of the avatar corresponding to the user of the user terminal 20.

Multiple avatars can be set in the virtual space. The content image may represent an avatar, which is the alter ego of the user set and represented in the virtual space. Avatar is an example of a virtual object. The avatar set in the virtual space is not limited, and for example, the avatar may correspond to the distributor, or may correspond to the viewer who participates in the content together with the distributor and who is the user who views the content. good.

Avatar is represented by two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics (CG) using image material. The expression method of the avatar is not limited. For example, the avatar may be represented using an animation material, or may be represented as close to the real thing based on a live-action image.

The content distribution server 10 is a computer that distributes content data to at least one user terminal 20. Although FIG. 1 shows four user terminals 20, the number of user terminals 20 is not limited. The configuration of the communication network N is not limited. For example, the communication network N may be configured to include the Internet or may be configured to include an intranet.

The user terminal 20 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a high-performance mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal (for example, a head-mounted display (HMD), a smart glass, etc.), a laptop personal computer, or a mobile phone. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may be a stationary terminal such as a desktop personal computer.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration related to the content distribution system 1. FIG. 2 shows a server computer 100 that functions as a content distribution server 10 and a terminal computer 200 that functions as a user terminal 20.

As an example, the server computer 100 includes a processor 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, and a communication unit 104 as hardware components.

The processor 101 is an arithmetic unit that executes an operating system and an application program. Examples of the processor include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but the type of the processor 101 is not limited thereto. For example, the processor 101 may be a combination of a sensor and a dedicated circuit. The dedicated circuit may be a programmable circuit such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or may be another type of circuit.

The main storage unit 102 is a device that stores a program for realizing the content distribution server 10, a calculation result output from the processor 101, and the like. The main storage unit 102 is composed of, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage unit 103 is a device capable of storing a larger amount of data than the main storage unit 102 in general. The auxiliary storage unit 103 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores the server program P1 for causing the server computer 100 to function as the content distribution server 10 and various data. In this embodiment, the content distribution program is implemented as the server program P1.

The communication unit 104 is a device that executes data communication with another computer via the communication network N. The communication unit 104 is composed of, for example, a network card or a wireless communication module.

Each functional element of the server is realized by loading the corresponding server program P1 on the processor 101 or the main storage unit 102 and causing the processor 101 to execute the program. The server program P1 includes a code for realizing each functional element of the corresponding server. The processor 101 operates the communication unit 104 according to the server program P1 to read and write data in the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103. By such processing, each functional element of the corresponding server is realized.

Each server may consist of one or more computers. When a plurality of computers are used for one server, one server is logically configured by connecting these computers to each other via a communication network.

As an example, the terminal computer 200 includes a processor 201, a main storage unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203 and a communication unit 204, an input interface 205, an output interface 206, and an imaging unit 207 as hardware components.

Processor 201 is an arithmetic unit that executes operating systems and application programs. The processor 201 can be, for example, a CPU or GPU, but the type of processor 201 is not limited to these.

The main storage unit 202 is a device that stores a program for realizing the user terminal 20, a calculation result output from the processor 201, and the like. The main storage unit 202 is composed of, for example, at least one of ROM and RAM.

The auxiliary storage unit 203 is a device capable of storing a larger amount of data than the main storage unit 202 in general. The auxiliary storage unit 203 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores the terminal program P2 for making the terminal computer 200 function as the user terminal 20 and various data. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 203 may store data relating to at least one of a virtual object such as an avatar and a virtual space.

The communication unit 204 is a device that executes data communication with another computer via the communication network N. The communication unit 204 is composed of, for example, a network card or a wireless communication module.

The input interface 205 is a device that receives data based on a user's operation or operation. For example, the input interface 205 is composed of at least one of a keyboard, operation buttons, a pointing device, a microphone, a sensor, and a camera. The keyboard and operation buttons may be displayed on the touch panel. Corresponding to the fact that the type of the input interface 205 is not limited, the data to be input is not limited. For example, the input interface 205 may accept data input or selected by a keyboard, operating buttons, or pointing device. Alternatively, the input interface 205 may accept voice data input by the microphone. Alternatively, the input interface 205 may accept image data (eg, video data or still image data) captured by the camera.

The output interface 206 is a device that outputs data processed by the terminal computer 200. For example, the output interface 206 is composed of at least one of a monitor, a touch panel, an HMD and a speaker. Display devices such as monitors, touch panels, and HMDs display the processed data on the screen. The speaker outputs the voice indicated by the processed voice data.

The imaging unit 207 is a device that captures an image of the real world, and is specifically a camera. The imaging unit 207 may capture a moving image (video) or a still image (photograph). When shooting a moving image, the imaging unit 207 processes a video signal based on a given frame rate to acquire a series of frame images arranged in time series as a moving image. The imaging unit 207 can also function as an input interface 205.

Each functional element of the user terminal 20 is realized by reading the terminal program P2 on the processor 201 or the main storage unit 202 and executing the program. The terminal program P2 includes a code for realizing each functional element of the user terminal 20. The processor 201 operates the communication unit 204, the input interface 205, or the output interface 206 according to the terminal program P2, and reads and writes data in the main storage unit 202 or the auxiliary storage unit 203. By this process, each functional element of the user terminal 20 is realized.

At least one of the server program P1 and the terminal program P2 may be provided after being fixedly recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, at least one of these programs may be provided via a communication network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave. These programs may be provided separately or together.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the content distribution server 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution server 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a generation unit 12, and a transmission unit 13. Each of these functional units 11 to 13 is realized by reading the server program P1 into the processor 101 and executing the program. A description of each functional unit will be described later.

Each functional unit 11 to 13 of the content distribution server 10 is configured to be accessible to the virtual space data storage unit 15. The virtual space data storage unit 15 is a storage means for storing virtual space data, and is configured in, for example, a main storage unit 102 or an auxiliary storage unit 103. In the present embodiment, the virtual space data storage unit 15 is configured in the content distribution server 10, but may be configured in another device accessible from the content distribution server 10.

As described above, the virtual space data is data for representing a virtual two-dimensional or three-dimensional space represented by an image displayed on a computer. The virtual space data may be defined and provided by the distributor, may be virtually generated by the content distribution server 10, or may be generated based on the real space image.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 has a function of receiving and displaying the content distributed from the content distribution server 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 20 includes a transmission unit 21, a reception unit 22, an image generation unit 23, and a display unit 24. Each of these functional units 21 to 24 is realized by reading the terminal program P2 into the processor 201 and executing the program. A description of each functional unit will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of user attribute information. The user attribute information is stored in, for example, the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103 of the content distribution server 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the user attribute information is stored in association with billing information and the like for each user ID that identifies the user. The billing information is an example of a user's attribute, and includes a billing amount as an example of an attribute value. In the present embodiment, the content distribution server 10 stores the charge amount of each user for the content provided by the distributor as a user attribute.

Each functional unit of the content distribution server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 again. The acquisition unit 11 acquires motion data indicating at least one of the positions and modes of the avatar set in the virtual space. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the motion data of the avatar corresponding to each user of the user terminal 20 from each of the user terminals 20.

Further, the distributor who is the provider of the content may provide the virtual space data defining the virtual space constituting the content from the user terminal 20B to the content distribution server 10. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 receives and acquires virtual space data from the distributor's user terminal 20B. The acquisition unit 11 stores the acquired virtual space data in the virtual space data storage unit 15.

The generation unit 12 generates content data representing a virtual space in which each avatar is set based on the motion data. Specifically, the generation unit 12 generates content data by setting an avatar whose position and mode are defined by motion data in the virtual space defined by the virtual space data.

The transmission unit 13 transmits the content data generated by the generation unit 12 to the user terminal 20. In addition, the transmission unit 13 may transmit the content and attribute values related to the user to the user terminal 20. For example, the transmission unit 13 may transmit billing information indicating a user's billing amount as shown in FIG. 5 to the user terminal 20A of the user as a user's attribute value.

Further, when the attribute value indicating the state of the virtual space is associated with the time series of the content composed of the moving image, the transmission unit 13 sets the corresponding predetermined attribute value at each time to each user terminal. It may be transmitted to 20A. The attribute value indicating the state of the virtual space is acquired by various modes. For example, the attribute value indicating the state of the virtual space may be associated with each time in advance along the story of the content.

Further, the attribute value indicating the state of the virtual space may be a value that fluctuates in real time. The attribute value that fluctuates in real time may be, for example, a value indicating the degree of excitement of the content. Such attribute values that fluctuate in real time are posted to, for example, the magnitude of the movement of the avatar of the user who is the viewer, the number of users who are viewing the content, and the content via the user terminal 20A. It may be acquired based on the number of comments of the user.

Each functional unit of the user terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The transmission unit 21 transmits the motion data of the avatar, which is the alter ego of the user of the user terminal 20, to the content distribution server 10.

Further, in the user terminal 20B of the distributor, the transmission unit 21 may transmit the virtual space data defining the virtual space to the content distribution server 10. Further, the transmission unit 21 of the user terminal 20B transmits the motion data of the distributor's avatar as the content to the content distribution server 10.

Further, in the user terminal 20A of the viewer, the transmission unit 21 transmits the motion data of the avatar as the viewer who views the content to the content distribution server 10.

The receiving unit 22 receives the content data generated and transmitted by the content distribution server 10. The content data is data representing a virtual space in which each avatar is set.

The image generation unit 23 generates a content image that is an image that can be seen from a predetermined viewpoint position set in the virtual space based on the content data. That is, the content image is an image showing a landscape seen from a virtual camera set as a viewpoint position in the virtual space. The virtual camera is set in the virtual space so as to correspond to the line of sight of the user who sees the content image, for example. In the present embodiment, the virtual camera may be set at the viewpoint position of the avatar corresponding to the user of the user terminal 20. Further, the virtual camera is not limited to the viewpoint position of the viewer's avatar, and may be set at a predetermined position set in the virtual space.

The display unit 24 causes the user terminal 20 to display the content image generated by the image generation unit 23. Specifically, the display unit 24 displays the content image on a display (display device) which is an example of the output interface 206.

Controlling the visibility of the avatar in the content image will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12. The image generation unit 23 controls the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest to the user among the plurality of avatars, in the content image based on a predetermined attribute value.

As described above, the predetermined attribute value can be an attribute value associated with each user, an attribute value indicating the state of the virtual space, or the like. The first avatar, which is the avatar of interest, may be, for example, the avatar of the distributor in the user who is the viewer.

Further, the first avatar may be an avatar designated by one of a plurality of users including a distributor and a viewer. For example, the avatar specified by the distributor may be the first avatar. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 of the content distribution server 10 acquires the designated information for designating the avatar to be focused on from the user terminal 20B of the distributor. The transmission unit 13 of the content distribution server 10 transmits the designated information to each user terminal 20. The receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 20A receives the designated information. Then, the image generation unit 23 of the user terminal 20 sets the avatar designated by the designated information as the first avatar. The designation of the first avatar to be focused on is not limited to the distributor, and may be performed by another user (viewer). In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the designated information from the user terminal 20A of another user.

In this way, by making it possible to set the avatar of interest based on the specified information, for example, it is possible to produce a situation in which the avatar of a specific viewer who has a characteristic operation in the virtual space is conspicuous. .. That is, the content displayed on the user terminals 20 of other viewers and distributors by the content distributor transmitting the designated information for designating the avatar of a specific viewer from the user terminal 20B to the content distribution server 10. It is possible to improve the visibility of the avatar of a specific viewer in the image.

Regarding the control of the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest, the image generation unit 23 uses the second avatar, which is one or more avatars located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar, to position the viewpoint position. In the case where the first avatar cannot be visually recognized, the first avatar and the second avatar can be visually recognized when the predetermined attribute value corresponds to the predetermined condition. At least one of the position and the display mode in the virtual space of at least one of them may be changed.

As described above, the predetermined attribute value may be, for example, a billing amount which is one of the attribute values of the user. In this case, the image generation unit 23 sets at least one of the position and display mode in the virtual space of at least one of the first avatar and the second avatar when the billing amount is equal to or more than a predetermined value. By changing it, it may be controlled so that the first avatar becomes visible.

6 to 12 are diagrams showing an example of controlling the visibility of the avatar in the content image, and is a diagram showing an example of the content image which is an image seen from the viewpoint position in the virtual space represented by the content data. be.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the content image C11 before the execution of control, the first avatar A1 which is the avatar of interest is the second avatar A2 located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. Therefore, it cannot be visually recognized from the viewpoint position. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 displays an object other than the first avatar A1 in the area including at least a part of the first avatar A1 as shown in the content image C12 after the control execution. It may be set as a visual field area R which is not allowed to occur. Since no object other than the first avatar A1 is displayed in the visual field area R, the first avatar A1 can be made visible from the viewpoint position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the content image C21 before the control execution, the first avatar A1 is set to the viewpoint position by the second avatar A2 located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. Cannot be seen from. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 sets the position of the second avatar A2 to a position other than the position between the viewpoint position and the position of the first avatar A1, as shown in the content image C22 after the control is executed. May be changed to. As a result, the field of view of the first avatar A1 from the viewpoint position is not blocked by the second avatar A2, so that the first avatar A1 can be made visible from the viewpoint position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the content image C31 before the control execution, the first avatar A1 is set to the viewpoint position by the second avatar A2 located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. Cannot be seen from. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 changes the position of the first avatar A1 between the viewpoint position and the position of the second avatar A2 as shown in the content image C32 after the control is executed. You may. As a result, the field of view of the first avatar A1 from the viewpoint position is not blocked by the second avatar A2, so that the first avatar A1 can be made visible from the viewpoint position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the content image C41 before the control execution, the first avatar A1 is set to the viewpoint position by the second avatar A2 located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. Cannot be seen from. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 may reduce the size of the second avatar A2 as shown in the content image C42 after the control execution. As a result, the field of view of the first avatar A1 from the viewpoint position is not blocked by the second avatar A2, so that the first avatar A1 can be made visible from the viewpoint position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in the content image C51 before the control execution, the first avatar A1 is set to the viewpoint position by the second avatar A2 located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. Cannot be seen from. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 may delete the second avatar A2 as shown in the content image C52 after the control execution. As a result, the second avatar A2 that has blocked the view of the first avatar A1 from the viewpoint position does not exist, so that the first avatar A1 can be made visible from the viewpoint position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the content image C61 before the control execution, the first avatar A1 is set to the viewpoint position by the second avatar A2 located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. Cannot be seen from. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 may transparently display the second avatar A2 as shown in the content image C62 after the control is executed. By transparently displaying the second avatar A2 in this way, the object behind the second avatar A2 becomes visible, so that the first avatar A1 can be made visible from the viewpoint position.

Further, regarding the control of the visibility of the first avatar which is the avatar of interest, the image generation unit 23 and the first avatar among the plurality of avatars when the predetermined attribute value corresponds to the predetermined condition. May place at least one of different other avatars and predetermined virtual objects between the viewpoint position and the first avatar.

As described above, the predetermined attribute value can be an attribute value related to the state of the virtual space. The attribute value related to the state of the virtual space may be, for example, a value indicating the degree of excitement of the content. In this case, the image generation unit 23 has another avatar or a predetermined avatar between the viewpoint position and the first avatar when the attribute value indicates that the degree of excitement of the content is equal to or higher than a predetermined degree. The visibility of the first avatar may be reduced as an example of the visual effect by arranging the virtual object or the like. As described above, the attribute value indicating the degree of excitement of the content may be a value that fluctuates in real time, for example, the magnitude of the movement of the avatar of the user who is the viewer, and the number of users who are viewing the content. , And, it may be acquired based on the number of comments of the user posted on the content via the user terminal 20A and the like.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of control for reducing the visibility of the first avatar in the content image. As shown in FIG. 12, in the content image C71 before the execution of control, the first avatar A1 is visible from the viewpoint position without being obstructed by the other avatars A3. In such a case, the image generation unit 23 determines that a predetermined attribute value (for example, a parameter indicating the degree of excitement of the content) corresponds to a predetermined condition (for example, the degree of excitement is equal to or greater than the predetermined degree). As shown in the content image C72 after the control is executed, another avatar A3 may be arranged between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1. By controlling the visibility of the first avatar A1 in this way, it is possible to produce a situation in which the avatar of the viewer is flooded with the avatar of the distributor according to the excitement of the content.

Further, by arranging a predetermined virtual object between the viewpoint position and the first avatar A1 instead of the other avatar A3, control for reducing the visibility of the first avatar A1 may be realized. In this case, for example, at the time of scene change in the content, the scenario of the content is set in advance so that the predetermined attribute value related to the state of the virtual space satisfies the predetermined condition, so that the first avatar A1 at the time of scene change Can produce a situation that makes it invisible due to the blackout curtain.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, another example of controlling the visibility of the avatar in the content image will be described. In the content distribution system 1 of the present embodiment, the visibility of a part of the avatar in the content image can be controlled. For such control, the generation unit 12 of the content distribution server 10 is for displaying at least a part of the first avatar A1 when the attribute value associated with the user does not satisfy a predetermined condition set in advance. The data may not be included in the content data.

Specifically, for example, the generation unit 12 generates content data that does not include data (image material data) for displaying the body portion of the first avatar when the user's billing amount is less than a predetermined amount. Generate. FIG. 13 shows an example of a content image generated based on the content data that does not include the image material data of the body portion of the first avatar A1. As shown in FIG. 13, the image generation unit 23 generates a content image representing the first avatar A1 that does not include the body portion B.

Further, in order to control the visibility of a part of the avatar in the content image, the image generation unit 23 replaces the generation unit 12 with generating the content data not including the data for displaying the avatar part. When the attribute value associated with the user does not satisfy a predetermined condition set in advance, at least a part of the first avatar may not be displayed in the content image. Also in this case, the image generation unit 23 generates a content image representing the first avatar A1 that does not include the body portion B as shown in FIG.

In this way, by controlling the visibility of a part of the avatar in the content image, for example, a part of the body under the costume of the avatar wearing the costume cannot be seen according to the charge amount. Is possible. Further, such an effect can enhance the visual effect of the content image and give the user a motivation to make the attribute value satisfy a predetermined condition.

Next, the operation of the content distribution system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the content distribution system 1. In the distribution of the content composed of moving images, the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is repeatedly executed. Although the flowchart of FIG. 14 shows the operation of the user terminals 20A of the two viewers, the number of the user terminals 20A is not limited.

In step S1, the transmission unit 21 of the distributor's user terminal 20B transmits the virtual space data constituting the content and the motion data of the avatar representing the distributor to the content distribution server 10. In step S2, the transmission unit 21 of the viewer's user terminal 20A transmits the motion data of the avatar representing the viewer to the content distribution server 10.

In step S3, the acquisition unit 11 of the content distribution server 10 acquires virtual space data and motion data of avatars of each user (distributor and viewer). In step S4, content data representing the virtual space in which each avatar is set is generated. In step S5, the transmission unit 13 of the content distribution server 10 transmits the generated content data to each user terminal 20.

In step S6, the receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 20B receives the content data generated and transmitted by the content distribution server 10. Further, in step S7, the receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 20A receives the content data generated and transmitted by the content distribution server 10.

In step S8, the image generation unit 23 of the user terminal 20B generates a content image in which the visibility of the avatar of interest is controlled based on the content data. Then, in step S9, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20B displays the generated content image on the display of the user terminal 20B.

Further, in step S10, the image generation unit 23 of the user terminal 20A generates a content image in which the visibility of the avatar of interest is controlled based on the content data. Then, in step S11, the display unit 24 of the user terminal 20A displays the generated content image on the display of the user terminal 20A.

According to the content distribution system 1, the content distribution method, and the content distribution program (server program P1, terminal program P2) of the present embodiment described above, the visibility of the avatar of interest to the user is based on a predetermined attribute value. Since it is controlled, it is possible to increase the visibility or decrease the visibility of a specific avatar by setting the attribute value. Then, by appropriately controlling the visibility of the specific avatar, it is possible to further enhance the visual effect of the content image.

The content distribution method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a content distribution method in a content distribution system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space in which a plurality of avatars are set, and is at least one of the positions and modes of each avatar. An acquisition step for acquiring motion data indicating It has an image generation step of generating a content image that is an image that can be seen from the viewpoint position, and a display step of displaying the content image on the user terminal of the user. In the image generation step, the content image is based on a predetermined attribute value. Controls the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest to the user among the plurality of avatars.

The content distribution program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a content distribution program for causing a computer to function as a content distribution system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space in which a plurality of avatars are set. Based on the content data, the acquisition step of acquiring the motion data indicating at least one of the positions and modes of, and the generation step of generating the content data representing the virtual space in which each avatar is set based on the motion data. , An image generation step of generating a content image which is an image that can be seen from a predetermined viewpoint position set in a virtual space and a display step of displaying the content image on the user terminal of the user are executed, and in the image generation step, Based on a predetermined attribute value, the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest for the user among the plurality of avatars, is controlled in the content image.

According to such an aspect, since the visibility of the avatar of interest to the user is controlled based on a predetermined attribute value, the visibility of a specific avatar is enhanced or decreased by setting the attribute value. It becomes possible to make it.

In the content distribution system related to the other aspect, the image generation unit cannot visually recognize the first avatar from the viewpoint position by the second avatar which is one or more avatars located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar. In the state, the position and position in at least one of the first avatar and the second avatar in the virtual space so that the first avatar becomes visible when the attribute value meets a predetermined condition. At least one of the display modes may be changed.

According to such aspects, when the first avatar is invisible due to the second avatar located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar, the first and second avatars Since the position and display mode are changed, the first avatar of interest can be made visible.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit may set an area including at least a part of the first avatar as a visual field area in which objects other than the first avatar are not displayed.

According to such an aspect, in the content image, a visual field area in which objects other than the first avatar are not displayed is set in the content image, so that the first avatar can be made visible.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit may change the position of the second avatar to a position other than between the viewpoint position and the position of the first avatar.

According to such an aspect, in the content image, the position of the second avatar is changed to a position other than between the viewpoint position and the first avatar, so that the first avatar can be made visible. can.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit may change the position of the first avatar between the viewpoint position and the position of the second avatar.

According to such an aspect, in the content image, the position of the first avatar is changed between the second avatar and the viewpoint position that obstructed the view to the first avatar, so that the first avatar is used. It can be made visible.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit may reduce the size of the second avatar.

According to such an aspect, in the content image, the size of the second avatar that obstructs the field of view of the first avatar is reduced, so that the first avatar can be made visible.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit may delete the second avatar.

According to such an aspect, in the content image, the second avatar that obstructs the field of view of the first avatar is erased, so that the first avatar can be made visible.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit may transparently display the second avatar.

According to such an aspect, in the content image, the second avatar that obstructs the field of view of the first avatar is transparently displayed, so that the first avatar can be made visible.

In the content distribution system related to the other aspect, the image generation unit is among other avatars different from the first avatar among the plurality of avatars and the predetermined virtual object when the attribute value corresponds to the predetermined condition. At least one of the above may be placed between the viewpoint position and the first avatar.

According to such an aspect, when a predetermined attribute value corresponds to a predetermined condition, another avatar, a virtual object, or the like is arranged so as to block the view of the first avatar, so that the first avatar becomes It is made invisible. As a result, the visual effect of the content image can be further enhanced.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the attribute value may include the attribute value associated with each user.

According to such an aspect, the visibility of the first avatar in the content image can be controlled for each user terminal of each user.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the attribute value may include the attribute value related to the state of the virtual space.

According to such an aspect, the visibility of the first avatar in the content image can be controlled according to the state of the virtual space.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the generation unit displays data for displaying at least a part of the first avatar when the attribute value associated with the user does not satisfy a predetermined predetermined condition. It may not be included in the content data.

According to such an aspect, the part of the first avatar cannot be displayed in the content image on the user terminal of the user related to the attribute value. As a result, the visual effect of the content image can be enhanced, and the user can be motivated to make the attribute value satisfy a predetermined condition.

In the content distribution system according to the other aspect, the image generation unit does not display at least a part of the first avatar in the content image when the attribute value associated with the user does not satisfy a predetermined condition set in advance. May be.

According to such an aspect, the visual effect of the content image can be enhanced because the portion of the first avatar is not displayed in the content image on the user terminal of the user related to the attribute value. In addition, the user can be motivated to make the attribute value satisfy a predetermined condition.

In the content distribution system related to the other aspect, the acquisition unit acquires the designated information for designating the avatar to be focused on from one of the plurality of user terminals, and the image generation unit is the avatar designated by the designated information. May be set as the first avatar.

According to such an aspect, any avatar can be set as the avatar of interest according to the designated information from the user terminal.

The present invention has been described in detail above based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof.

The internal configuration of the content distribution system is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be designed according to an arbitrary policy. For example, the devices (servers and terminals) in which the functional units 11 to 13 and the functional units 21 to 24 are configured are not limited to the examples of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the functional unit configured in the content distribution server 10 may be configured in the user terminal 20, or the functional unit configured in the user terminal 20 may be configured in the content distribution server 10. May be good. Further, the main body (that is, the processor) that realizes each of the functional units 11 to 13 and the functional units 21 to 24 is not limited to the example of the present disclosure, and may be different for each functional unit.

The processing procedure of the method executed by at least one processor is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, some of the steps (processes) described above may be omitted, or each step may be executed in a different order. Further, any two or more steps among the above-mentioned steps may be combined, or a part of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be performed in addition to each of the above steps.

1 ... Content distribution system, 10 ... Content distribution server, 11 ... Acquisition unit, 12 ... Generation unit, 13 ... Transmission unit, 15 ... Virtual space data storage unit, 20, 20A, 20B ... User terminal, 21 ... Transmission unit, 22 ... Receiver, 23 ... Image generator, 24 ... Display, P1 ... Server program, P2 ... Terminal program, A1 ... First avatar, A2 ... Second avatar.

Claims (12)

It is a content distribution system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space with multiple avatars set.
An acquisition unit that acquires motion data indicating at least one of the positions and modes of each avatar, and
A generation unit that generates content data representing the virtual space in which each avatar is set based on the motion data, and a generation unit.
An image generation unit that generates a content image that is an image that can be seen from a predetermined viewpoint position set in the virtual space based on the content data.
A display unit for displaying the content image on the user terminal of the user is provided.
The image generation unit controls the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest to the user among the plurality of avatars, in the content image based on a predetermined attribute value.
Content distribution system. When the image generation unit is in a state where the first avatar cannot be visually recognized from the viewpoint position by the second avatar which is one or more avatars located between the viewpoint position and the first avatar. , The position and display in at least one of the first avatar and the second avatar so that the first avatar becomes visible when the attribute value corresponds to a predetermined condition. Change at least one of the aspects,
The content distribution system according to claim 1. The image generation unit sets an area including at least a part of the first avatar as a visual field area in which objects other than the first avatar are not displayed.
The content distribution system according to claim 2. The image generation unit
The position of the second avatar is changed to a position other than between the viewpoint position and the position of the first avatar, or
The position of the first avatar is changed between the viewpoint position and the position of the second avatar.
The content distribution system according to claim 2. The image generation unit
Reduce the size of the second avatar
Erase the second avatar or
The second avatar is transparently displayed.
The content distribution system according to claim 2. When the attribute value corresponds to a predetermined condition, the image generation unit selects at least one of the other avatars different from the first avatar and the predetermined virtual object among the plurality of avatars. Placed between the viewpoint position and the first avatar,
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The attribute value includes at least one of an attribute value associated with each user and an attribute value related to the state of the virtual space.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The generation unit does not include data for displaying at least a part of the first avatar in the content data when the attribute value associated with the user does not satisfy a predetermined condition set in advance.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The image generation unit does not display at least a part of the first avatar in the content image when the attribute value associated with the user does not satisfy a predetermined condition set in advance.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The acquisition unit acquires designated information for designating the avatar to be focused on from one of the plurality of user terminals.
The image generation unit sets the avatar specified by the designated information as the first avatar.
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. It is a content distribution method in a content distribution system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space in which multiple avatars are set.
An acquisition step to acquire motion data indicating at least one of the positions and modes of each avatar, and
A generation step of generating content data representing the virtual space in which each avatar is set based on the motion data, and a generation step.
An image generation step of generating a content image that is an image that can be seen from a predetermined viewpoint position set in the virtual space based on the content data.
It has a display step of displaying the content image on the user terminal of the user.
In the image generation step, the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest to the user among the plurality of avatars, in the content image is controlled based on a predetermined attribute value.
Content delivery method. A content distribution program that allows a computer to function as a content distribution system that distributes content that reflects a virtual space in which multiple avatars are set.
On the computer
An acquisition step to acquire motion data indicating at least one of the positions and modes of each avatar, and
A generation step of generating content data representing the virtual space in which each avatar is set based on the motion data, and a generation step.
An image generation step of generating a content image that is an image that can be seen from a predetermined viewpoint position set in the virtual space based on the content data.
A display step of displaying the content image on the user terminal of the user is executed.
In the image generation step, the visibility of the first avatar, which is the avatar of interest to the user among the plurality of avatars, in the content image is controlled based on a predetermined attribute value.
Content distribution program.

Images