JP2007086926A - Character-display method, character-display system, central device, terminal device, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character-display method which gives the new elation, by using a central device such as a web server computer, a portable-type communication unit such as cellular phone, and a terminal device which is installed, for example, in an amusement facility, and to provide a character-display system, a central device, a terminal device and a computer program. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal device 3 transmits received user identification information, to a central device 1. The central device 1 transmits character information and decoration information, which are correlated with the received user identification information, to the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 displays a virtual character, based on the character information and starts motion, such as dancing. The user operates an operation device 5 to select a decoration method for a moving virtual character from a plurality of decoration methods, and the terminal device 3 changes a decoration method for the moving virtual character, in accordance with the selected decoration method. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user specifying information for specifying a user, and a virtual character defined by the character information recorded in the central device. A terminal device to be displayed on the terminal, a character display method using an operation device for operating a virtual character displayed on the terminal device, a character display system to which the character display method is applied, a central device used in the character display system, and More particularly, the present invention relates to a character display method, a character display system, a central device, a terminal device, and a computer program that are used for entertainment using virtual characters.

Multiple users can connect their personal computers to a central device via a communication network, and in a virtual space shared by multiple users, users can act by acting as virtual characters called avatars that are users A service for exchanging information is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-120375

  However, as a universal demand of the market, a system that provides a new sense of excitement is awaited.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, decorating a virtual character with a decoration method such as clothes, starting a motion such as a dance, when the virtual character is performing a motion, A character display method capable of providing a new sense of exaltation to the user by providing a service for changing the decoration method according to the user's operation, a character display system to which the character display method is applied, and the character An object of the present invention is to provide a central device and a terminal device used in a display system, and a computer program for realizing the central device.

  The character display method according to the first invention is defined by a central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user specifying information for specifying a user, and character information recorded in the central device. In the character display method using the terminal device for displaying the virtual character displayed on the display unit and the operation device required for the operation related to the virtual character displayed by the terminal device, the central device is associated with the user specifying information, Decoration information defining a decoration method for decorating a virtual character is recorded, and the terminal device displays a virtual character, operates the displayed virtual character based on an operation by the operation device, and Based on the operation, the decoration method of the operating virtual character is changed.

  In the present invention, a virtual character is displayed as an avatar serving as a user's alternation in the virtual space, the virtual character is decorated with a decoration method selected from the decoration methods associated with the user identification information, and an operation such as dance When the virtual character is moving, changing the decoration method according to the user's operation changes the decoration method of the avatar that is operating to the user. It is possible to provide a new exhilaration of providing an excellent effect.

  The character display system according to the second invention is defined by a central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user specifying information for specifying a user, and character information recorded in the central device. In a character display system comprising a terminal device for displaying a virtual character displayed on the display unit and an operation device required for an operation related to the virtual character displayed by the terminal device, the central device associates the character with user specifying information, A user identification information database that records a plurality of decoration information defining a decoration method for decorating information and a virtual character defined by the character information, and the terminal device has received means for receiving input of user identification information, Means for transmitting user-specific information to the central device, Further includes means for extracting character information and decoration information associated with the received user identification information from the user identification information database, and means for transmitting the extracted character information and decoration information to the terminal device. The terminal device further receives from the operating device virtual character display means for receiving character information and decoration information and displaying a virtual character based on the character information, and an operation for operating the displayed virtual character. A means for operating the displayed virtual character based on the operation received from the operation device; a means for receiving from the operation device an operation for selecting decoration information of the virtual character being operated; The decoration method of the moving virtual character is changed based on the decorated decoration information. Characterized in that it comprises means for.

  In the present invention, a virtual character is displayed as an avatar serving as a user's alternation in the virtual space, the virtual character is decorated with a decoration method selected from the decoration methods associated with the user identification information, and an operation such as dance When the virtual character is performing an action, changing the decoration method according to the user's operation allows the user to change the avatar's decoration method according to the action. It is possible to provide a new feeling of uplifting.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a character display system according to the second aspect, further comprising a music output device for outputting music, wherein the operation means is configured to operate in accordance with music output from the music output device. It is characterized by being.

  In the present invention, it is possible to give a new sense of excitement to the user when the virtual character performs an action such as dancing in accordance with music output from a music output device such as a karaoke device.

  In a character display system according to a fourth invention, in the third invention, the central device records score information indicating a score in association with the user identification information in the user identification information database, the decoration information and the decoration information The price information indicated by the price information corresponding to the decoration information is subtracted from the score indicated by the price information recorded in association with the user-specific information and the price information indicated by the price information recorded in the decoration information database. And a means for recording the decoration information being recorded in a user-specific information database.

  In the present invention, for example, a point is given according to the user's system usage frequency, and the given point is used as a price to produce a pseudo-shopping for purchasing clothes defined by the decoration information. A new uplifting feeling can be given, and further motivation for using the system can be given.

  A character display system according to a fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, the virtual character display means is configured to display a plurality of virtual characters.

  In the present invention, it is possible to provide new entertainment such as a plurality of users competing for a decoration method, thereby providing the user with a new uplifting feeling.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the terminal device further includes an arrangement position determining unit that determines an arrangement position of the plurality of virtual characters based on information related to the user specifying information. Features.

  In the present invention, by determining the arrangement position of the virtual character according to the user, it is possible to provide new entertainment such as competing for the arrangement position, thereby providing the user with a new uplifting feeling.

  In a character display system according to a seventh invention, in the sixth invention, an attribute is set in the decoration information, and the arrangement position determining means is an attribute set in the decoration information for decorating the operating virtual character. Based on the above, the arrangement position is determined.

  In the present invention, the users compete for the decoration method of the virtual character, and the result is reflected in the arrangement position of the virtual character. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a new sense of exaltation.

  In a character display system according to an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the terminal device further includes means for determining an attribute of music output from the music output device, and the arrangement position determining means includes the attribute of music and The arrangement position is determined based on the attribute set in the decoration information.

  In the present invention, users compete for the degree of matching between the music output from the music output device and the decoration of the virtual character, and the result is reflected in the placement position of the virtual character. It is possible to provide.

  A character display system according to a ninth invention further comprises a portable communication device capable of communicating with the central device according to any one of the second to eighth inventions, wherein the central device is the portable communication device. And means for assigning user identification information to the portable communication device based on the communication result.

  In the present invention, since the use of the system is started using a portable communication device such as a cellular phone, the user can easily enjoy the service.

  The character display system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the character display system according to any one of the second to ninth aspects, wherein the virtual character is a virtual person whose appearance is defined by character information, anthropomorphized creature or inanimate object, and the decoration information Is characterized in that a costume for decorating a virtual character is defined as a decoration method.

  In the present invention, a virtual character or anthropomorphic creature or inanimate object can wear a virtual character that is easy for a user to become his or herself by wearing a costume.

  A central device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user specifying information for specifying a user, and causes the display unit to display the virtual character defined by the character information. A means for communicating with the terminal device; a user identification information database for recording a plurality of decoration information defining character information and a decoration method for decorating a virtual character defined in the character information in association with the user identification information; Means for receiving user identification information from the terminal device; means for extracting character information and decoration information associated with the received user identification information from a user identification information database; and Means for transmitting to the terminal device.

  In the present invention, a virtual character is displayed on a terminal device serving as a communication partner as an avatar serving as a user's alternation in the virtual space, and the virtual character is selected by the decoration method selected from the decoration methods associated with the user identification information. By changing the decoration method according to the user's operation when the virtual character is performing the movement, the avatar decoration method can be given to the user according to the movement. It is possible to provide a new sense of excitement by providing a virtual fashion show that changes.

  A terminal device according to a twelfth invention communicates with a central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user specifying information for specifying a user, and is defined by character information recorded in the central device. In the terminal device for displaying the virtual character displayed on the display unit, means for receiving input of user specifying information, means for transmitting the received user specifying information to the central device, and the central device for the transmitted user specifying information Defined by the received decoration information and means for receiving a plurality of decoration information that defines character information and a decoration method for decorating a virtual character recorded in association with the character information in advance. Means for displaying a virtual character decorated with a decoration method, means for operating the displayed virtual character, A means for accepting an operation for selecting decoration information of the virtual character being operated from an external device, and a means for changing the decoration method of the operating virtual character based on the selected decoration information. And

  In the present invention, a virtual character is displayed as an avatar serving as a user's alternation in the virtual space, the virtual character is decorated with a decoration method selected from the decoration methods associated with the user identification information, and an operation such as dance When the virtual character is performing an action, changing the decoration method according to the user's operation allows the user to change the avatar's decoration method according to the action. It is possible to provide a new feeling of uplifting. Further, the character information defining the virtual character is communicated with the central device that records the character information in association with the user specifying information for specifying the user, and the virtual character defined by the character information recorded in the central device is displayed on the display unit. In the terminal device to be displayed, means for receiving input of user identification information, means for transmitting the received user identification information to the central apparatus, character information transmitted from the central apparatus for the transmitted user identification information, and Means for receiving a plurality of decoration information defining a decoration method for decorating a virtual character recorded in association with the character information in advance, and displaying a virtual character decorated with the decoration method defined by the received decoration information Means for moving the displayed virtual character, and the virtual character being operated The operation for selecting a decoration information, and means for accepting from an external apparatus, based on the selected decorative information, and means for changing the method of decoration virtual character running.

  A computer program according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention causes a computer comprising communication means to record character information defining a virtual character in association with user identifying information identifying a user, and display the virtual character defined by the character information In a computer program to be communicated with a terminal device displayed on a section, when the computer receives user specifying information from the terminal device, the character information and a virtual character defined by the character information are associated with the user specifying information. A procedure for accessing a user identification information database that records a plurality of decoration information defining a decoration method for decorating and extracting character information and decoration information associated with the user identification information received from the terminal device; Extracted character information and decoration information The characterized in that to execute a procedure for transmitting to the terminal device.

  In the present invention, when executed by a computer such as a server computer connected to a communication network, the computer operates as a central device, and a virtual character as an avatar serving as a user's alternation in a virtual space is provided to a terminal device as a communication partner The virtual character is decorated with a decoration method selected from among the decoration methods associated with the user-specific information, and a dance operation or the like is started. By changing the decoration method according to the above, it is possible to give the user a new sense of exaltation such as providing a virtual fashion show in which the avatar decoration method is changed according to the operation.

  A character display method, a character display system, a central device, a terminal device, and a computer program according to the present invention use a central device using a computer such as a server computer and a terminal device capable of communicating with the central device. The terminal device is installed in a store such as a karaoke box in which a music output device is installed. The central device is associated with user identification information for identifying a user, and includes a decoration method such as a virtual person defined by character information, character information of anthropomorphic creatures, anthropomorphic inanimate objects, and clothes for decorating virtual characters. A plurality of defined decoration information, and a user specifying information database for recording point information indicating points. For example, the user specifying information is assigned based on the result of communication with a portable communication device such as a mobile phone. And a terminal device receives the input of user specific information, for example via an operating device, and transmits the received user specific information to a central apparatus. The central device extracts character information and decoration information associated with the received user identification information from the user identification information database, and transmits the extracted character information and decoration information to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the character information and the decoration information, displays a virtual character based on the character information, and causes the displayed virtual character to start an operation such as a dance according to the music output from the music output device. Then, the user operates the operation device to select a decoration method for the operating virtual character from a plurality of decoration methods defined by the decoration information, and the terminal device operates according to the selected decoration method. The decoration method of the virtual character is changed.

  With this configuration, when a virtual character displayed as an avatar serving as a user's alternation in the virtual space is performing an action such as dancing, the decoration method recorded in association with the user, that is, from the virtual closet Since the selected clothes can be changed, it is possible to provide a virtual fashion show and to give a new sense of excitement.

  In the character display system or the like of the present invention, decoration information is recorded instead of subtracting the score indicated by the score information recorded in the user specifying information database.

  With this configuration, in the present invention, for example, by assigning points according to the degree of system use of the user, by directing the given points as a price, directing pseudo shopping to purchase clothes defined by decoration information, It is possible to give a new feeling of uplifting to the user, and to provide motivation for using the system.

  Furthermore, in the character display system or the like of the present invention, by simultaneously displaying a plurality of virtual characters, a plurality of users can provide new entertainment such as competing decoration methods, thereby providing a new sense of uplifting to the user. It is possible to achieve an excellent effect.

  Moreover, in the character display system or the like of the present invention, attributes are set in the decoration information, and the arrangement positions of the plurality of virtual characters are arranged based on the attributes set in the decoration information that decorates the operating virtual character. To decide.

  With this configuration, in the present invention, users compete for a decoration method for virtual characters, and the result is reflected in the placement position of the virtual character, so that it is possible to provide a new sense of exaltation to the user. Has an effect.

  Further, in the character display system or the like of the present invention, the attribute of music output from the music output device is determined, and the arrangement position of the plurality of virtual characters is determined based on the attribute set in the music attribute and the decoration information. decide.

  With this configuration, in the present invention, users compete for the degree of matching between the music output from the music output device and the decoration of the virtual character, and the result is reflected in the placement position of the virtual character. It is possible to provide an excellent feeling of exhilaration and the like, and there are excellent effects.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a configuration example of a character display system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a central apparatus of the present invention using a computer such as a web server computer, and the central apparatus 1 is connected to a communication network 100 such as the Internet or a wireless communication network. The central device 1 can communicate with the portable communication devices 2, 2,... Using a mobile phone via the communication network 100, and the terminal device 3 that controls devices related to karaoke. The central device 1 and the terminal device 3 may be connected by a communication network other than the communication network 100 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network). The portable communication device 2 is possessed by a user who enjoys a service using the character display system of the present invention. The terminal devices 3, 3,... Are installed in entertainment facilities such as karaoke boxes and game centers, respectively. The entertainment facility further includes a music output device 4 that outputs music for karaoke, and an operation device 5 such as a remote controller that operates the terminal device 3 and the music output device 4. Note that the terminal device 3, the music output device 4, and the operation device 5 may be one or two devices in which the functions of a plurality of devices are integrated. Specifically, the terminal device 3 and the music output device 4 may be a single device, and the terminal device 3, the music output device 4 and the operation device 5 may be a single device.

  2 and 3 are block diagrams showing configuration examples of various devices used in the character display system of the present invention. FIG. 2 mainly shows the central device 1 and the portable communication device 2, and FIG. The terminal device 3, the music output device 4, and the operation device 5 are shown. The central device 1 is a control means 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire device, a computer program 200 of the present invention, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) that records various information such as data. Auxiliary storage means 12 such as a CD-ROM drive for reading various information from a medium, a recording means 13 such as a hard disk for recording various information read by the auxiliary storage means 12, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing information And the like, and a communication unit 15 connected to the communication network 100. Various information such as the computer program 200 and data of the present invention recorded in the recording means 13 is stored in the storage means 14, and various procedures of the computer program 200 are executed by the control means 11, so that the web server computer or the like The computer operates as the central device 1 of the present invention.

  The recording device 13 included in the central device 1 includes C-HTML (Compact Hyper-Text Markup Language), MML (Mobile Markup Language), and HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language) for configuring a web page for providing services to the user. Various information described in a page description language such as the above is recorded.

  Further, a part of the recording area of the recording means 13 provided in the central apparatus 1 is a user specifying information database (user specifying information DB) 13a for recording information about a user who enjoys a service provided using the character display system of the present invention. It is used as various databases such as a decoration information database (decoration information DB) 13b for recording information on a decoration method for decorating a virtual character such as a virtual person, anthropomorphized creature, anthropomorphic inanimate, etc. Yes.

  In the user specifying information database 13a, character information defining a virtual character such as a virtual person, anthropomorphized creature, anthropomorphized inanimate person, or the like, which is a user's alternation, is associated with user specifying information for specifying a user. One or a plurality of decoration information defining decoration methods to be decorated, and point information indicating points such as member points are recorded. Note that the database that records the user identification information and the decoration information in association with each other may be separated from the user identification information database 13a as a closet database. In addition, in the decoration information database 13b, price information indicating the price of the decoration information and decoration attribute information indicating the attribute of the decoration information are recorded in association with the decoration information. Note that the point information recorded in the user specifying information database 13a indicates points given to the user such as member points. That is, the user records the decoration information recorded in the decoration information database 13b in the user identification information database 13a by subtracting the score recorded in the user identification information database 13a as a price in association with the user identification information. Can do. In other words, it is possible to perform an act of purchasing pseudo decoration information using the point information as currency.

  Further, the recording means 13 provided in the central apparatus 1 stores a code string / sound conversion program (code string / sound conversion PRG) 13c for converting a code string into sound according to a predetermined conversion rule. A process of converting sound information that can be used as a melody into sound information to be output can be executed. As the conversion based on a predetermined conversion rule executed by the code string / sound conversion program 13c, for example, when all the identification code strings used as the user specifying information for specifying the user are numerals, 2 is adopted in the push phone. There is a method of converting a number into sound using a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) system that expresses a number by combining sounds of various wavelengths. However, various conversion rules such as assigning a melody to numbers and symbols and generating an identification sound that is also used as an incoming melody can be adopted.

  The portable communication device 2 includes a control means 21 such as a CPU for controlling various processes such as various communication processes, voice input / output processes, and image display processes, and a ROM (recording information such as computer programs and data necessary for various processes). Read only memory) and recording means 22 such as RAM are provided. Further, the control unit 21 controls a communication control unit 23 that controls data communication and telephone communication. The communication control unit 23 stores information such as digital voice information for telephone communication and various digital data described in a page description language. The communication means 24 such as an antenna for transmitting and receiving and its attached circuit is controlled. The control unit 21 also controls a voice processing unit 27 that performs a conversion process between the voice output from the voice output unit 25 such as a speaker and the voice input from the voice input unit 26 such as a microphone. The conversion process by the audio processing unit 27 is a process of converting a digital signal into an analog audio signal to be output from the audio output unit 25, and an analog audio signal based on the audio input from the audio input unit 26 is converted into a digital signal. It is processing. The portable communication device 2 receives input from the key input means 28 such as a push button that accepts key inputs such as alphanumeric characters and various commands under the control of the control means 21, such as information inputted by the key and information to be transmitted / received. Necessary information is displayed on the display means 29 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying various information.

  The recording means 22 included in the portable communication device 2 includes a browsing software program (hereinafter referred to as a browser) for displaying various information described in a page description language as a web page, and an e-mail for sending and receiving e-mails. Various programs such as a transmission / reception software program (hereinafter referred to as mailer) are recorded.

  The terminal device 3 includes a control unit 31 for controlling the entire device, a recording unit 32 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk for recording various information, a voice input unit 33, a display unit 34 such as a liquid crystal display, and a central device via a communication network. 1 is provided with a communication means 35 connected to 1, a connection means 36 connected to the music output device 4, and a reception means 37 that receives an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the operation device 5 as an operation signal.

  Various information recorded in the terminal device 3 includes various information such as a character program (character PRG) 32a for performing display and operation of a virtual character, and a code string / sound conversion program (code string / sound conversion PRG) 32b. It is recorded. In the terminal device 3, the code string / sound conversion program 32b performs a process of performing a reverse conversion of a predetermined conversion rule to convert a sound into a code string.

  The music output device 4 includes a control means 41 for controlling the entire apparatus, a recording means 42, an audio input means 43 for receiving an audio input by connecting an external microphone, a music output means 44 such as a speaker for outputting music, a liquid crystal monitor Etc., and a connection means 46 for connecting to the terminal device 4. The recording means 42 stores a karaoke database (karaoke DB) 42a for recording karaoke music data, image data and character data, and various programs for executing processing relating to karaoke.

  The operation device 5 includes a control unit 51, a recording unit 52, an operation unit 53 such as a push button, and an output unit 54 that outputs an operation received by the operation unit 53 as an operation signal.

  Next, processing of various devices used in the character display system of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing member registration processing of the central device 1 and the portable communication device 2 used in the character display system of the present invention. A user who desires to enjoy the service provided by the character display system of the present invention operates the portable communication device 2 to perform membership registration, and stores user identification information (identification code string) used as a membership number. Perform the operation that requests the assignment. The portable communication device 2 receives an operation from the key input unit 28 under the control of the control unit 21, and assigns an identification code string from the communication unit 24 via the communication network 100 in the mailer process based on the received operation. Is sent to the central apparatus 1 as an allocation request for requesting (S101). An e-mail used as an allocation request is a so-called blank e-mail in which only an e-mail address indicating the central apparatus 1 as a destination is input, and no title and text are input.

  The central apparatus 1 receives the allocation request from the communication network 100 by the communication unit 15 under the control of the control unit 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage unit 14 (S102), and the mobile device that is the transmission source of the allocation request. User identification information (identification code string) used as a membership number is assigned to the type communication device 2 (S103), a virtual character associated with the assigned user identification information is generated (S104), and decoration for decorating the generated virtual character The method is set (S105), the score is set (S106), the character information defining the virtual character, the decoration information defining the decoration method, the point information indicating the score, and the user's The e-mail address is recorded in the user specifying information database 13a (S107).

  Further, the central device 1 executes the code string / sound conversion program 13c under the control of the control means 11, converts the identification code string into the identification sound according to a predetermined conversion rule (S108), and the identification sound information indicating the identification sound Is recorded in the user specifying information database 13a (S109). At this time, instruction information such as a URL (Universal Resource Locator) is set so that the user can browse various information recorded in the user identification information database 13a. The set instruction information is transmitted from the central apparatus 1 to the portable communication device 2 in the form of an e-mail. In this way, the member registration process is performed. Note that the operation that the user performs when executing the member registration process is only an easy operation of sending an empty mail.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing clothes purchase processing of the central device 1 and the portable communication device 2 used in the character display system of the present invention. The points recorded in the user specifying information database 13a are member points that are increased by receiving a service at an amusement facility using the system, for example. The member points are used for processing imitating purchase of clothes of the virtual character. A user who desires a new outfit such as a costume or accessory for decorating a virtual character, for example, operates the portable communication device 2 and accesses the central device 1 based on the instruction information to purchase the outfit. I do. The portable communication device 2 receives an operation from the key input unit 28 under the control of the control unit 21, and sends a decoration method list request for requesting a list of decoration methods from the communication unit 24 through browser processing based on the received operation. It transmits to the central apparatus 1 via the communication network 100 (S201). The decoration method list request is an access to the central apparatus 1 that requests transmission of information for displaying a web page on which a list of decoration methods is displayed.

  The central apparatus 1 receives the decoration method list request by the communication means 15 under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14 (S202), and based on the received decoration list request, A list of decoration information and price information indicating the decoration method recorded in the decoration information database 13b is extracted (S203), and the extracted list of decoration information and price information is portable from the communication means 15 via the communication network 100. The data is transmitted to the communication device 2 (S204). The list of decoration information and price information transmitted in step S204 is transmitted as information for displaying a web page described in a page description language such as C-HTML, MML, or HDML.

  The portable communication device 2 receives a list of decoration information and price information by the communication means 24 under the control of the control means 21 (S205), and displays a list of decoration information and price information as a web page by the browser. (S206). The web page displaying a list of decoration information and price information is displayed as a virtual store where clothes are purchased, the decoration information indicates clothes, and the price information indicates the price of clothes. In addition, decorative attribute information indicating attributes related to clothes, such as the type of clothes such as yukata, dress, pants (hip hop), and decorative parts such as outerwear, head decoration, skin decoration (body painting), etc. Anyway. Further, the score information recorded in association with the user identification information on the web page, that is, the member points of the user may be displayed.

  Then, the user confirms the displayed clothes information and price information, and inputs the clothes information that can be purchased at his / her member points, that is, the clothes information whose price indicated by the price information is smaller than the member points. . The portable communication device 2 receives an operation from the key input unit 28 under the control of the control unit 21, and selects selected decoration information indicating the selected decoration information from the communication unit 24 through the communication network by a browser process based on the received operation. It transmits to the central apparatus 1 via 100 (S207).

  The central apparatus 1 receives the selected decoration information by the communication means 15 under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14 (S208), and the decoration information indicated by the received selected decoration information. Is selected (S209). The determination of whether or not selection is possible is whether or not purchase is possible, and is performed by comparing the price information associated with the selected decoration information and the point information associated with the user specifying information. And it determines with selection being possible, when the score which the score information matched with the user specific information is more than the score shown by price information.

  If it is determined in step S209 that selection is possible (S209: YES), the central apparatus 1 accesses the user specifying information database 13a under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14. Then, from the point indicated by the point information recorded in association with the user information, the point indicated by the price information associated with the decoration information is subtracted as a price (S210), and the decoration recorded in the decoration information database. The information is recorded in the user specifying information database 13a (S211), and this is notified to the portable communication device 2.

  If it is determined in step S209 that selection is not possible (S209: NO), the central apparatus 1 purchases the selected decoration information under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14. The abnormal process which notifies that it is impossible is performed (S212). In this way, clothing purchase processing is performed. The decoration information is not only purchased by the user, but may be transferred and exchanged between the users.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a decoration method changing process of the central device 1 and the portable communication device 2 used in the character display system of the present invention. A user who desires to change the decoration method of the virtual character, for example, to change clothes, operates the portable communication device 2 and accesses the central device 1 based on the instruction information to change the clothes. The portable communication device 2 receives an operation from the key input unit 28 under the control of the control unit 21, and communicates a modified decoration list request for requesting a list of decoration methods that can be changed by browser processing based on the received operation. The data is transmitted from the means 24 to the central apparatus 1 via the communication network 100 (S301). The change decoration list request is an access to the central apparatus 1 that requests transmission of information for displaying a web page showing a list of changeable decoration methods.

  The central device 1 receives the change decoration list request at the communication means 15 under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14 (S302), and based on the received change decoration list request. Then, a list of decoration information recorded in the user identification information database 13a in association with the user identification information for identifying the user is extracted (S303), and the extracted decoration information list is extracted from the communication unit 15 to the communication network 100. Is transmitted to the portable communication device 2 via (step S304).

  The portable communication device 2 receives a list of decoration information by the communication means 24 under the control of the control means 21 (S305), and displays the list of decoration information as a web page on the display means 29 by the browser (S306). . A web page displaying a list of decoration information is displayed as a virtual closet of the user.

  Then, the user confirms the displayed list of decoration information, and performs an operation of selecting decoration information indicating a decoration method desired to be changed. The portable communication device 2 receives an operation from the key input unit 28 under the control of the control unit 21, and selects / changes decoration information indicating the selected decoration information from the communication unit 24 by a browser process based on the received operation. It transmits to the central apparatus 1 via the communication network 100 (S307).

  The central apparatus 1 receives the selection change decoration information by the communication means 15 under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14 (S308), and the decoration information indicated by the received selection change information. Is recorded in the user specific information database 13a as the decoration information during mounting (S309). As described above, one or a plurality of decoration information in the decoration information recorded in association with the user identification information in the user identification information database 13a is assumed to be the decoration information currently being worn by the virtual character. To be recorded. Then, the mobile communication device 2 is notified that the decoration information has been changed. As a notification method at this time, an image showing a virtual character decorated with the modified decoration information may be transmitted from the central apparatus 1 to the portable communication device 2. A single virtual character can perform a plurality of decoration methods at the same time. Specifically, a plurality of decoration methods such as hats, jackets, pants, body painting, accessories, and the like having different decoration parts can be attached at the same time. In this way, the decoration method changing process is performed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing character output processing of the central device 1 and the terminal device 3 used in the character display system of the present invention. A user who desires a game using his / her own virtual character at the terminal device 3 installed in the amusement facility performs an operation of inputting user identification information to the terminal device 3 using the operation device 5, for example. In addition, as a method for inputting user specifying information to the terminal device 3, it is also possible to use voice. Specifically, the central device 1 previously converts the identification code string, which is the user identification information, into the identification sound by the code string / sound conversion program 13c, and the identification sound information indicating the converted identification sound is converted into the central device 1. To the portable communication device 2 and recorded in the portable communication device 2. Then, the portable communication device 2 outputs an identification sound based on the identification sound information. The terminal device 3 that has received the input of the output identification sound by the voice input means 33 reversely converts the received identification sound into an identification code string by the code string / sound conversion program 32b. In this way, the terminal device 3 can also accept an input of an identification code string.

  The terminal device 3 receives input of user identification information (identification code string) under the control of the control unit 31 (S401), and transmits the received user identification information from the communication unit 35 to the central device 1 via the communication network 100. (S402).

  The central apparatus 1 receives the user specifying information from the communication network 100 by the communication unit 15 under the control of the control unit 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage unit 14 (S403), and the received user specifying information is included in the received user specifying information. Character information recorded in association and decoration information recorded as wearing decoration information are extracted from the user identification information database 13a (S404), and the extracted character information and decoration information are extracted from the communication means 15 to the communication network 100. Is transmitted to the terminal device 3 via (step S405). If there is no character information recorded in association with the received user identification information in step S404, information indicating authentication failure is transmitted from the central apparatus 1 to the terminal apparatus 3 and output from the terminal apparatus 3.

  The terminal device 3 receives character information and decoration information from the communication network 100 through the communication unit 35 under the control of the control unit 31 (S406), and is defined by the received character information by the processing of the character program 32a. The character is decorated by the decoration method indicated by the decoration information (S407), and the decorated virtual character is displayed on the display means 34 (S408). In this way, character output processing is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the character arrangement process of the terminal device 3 used in the character display system of the present invention. When a plurality of users perform the character output process shown in FIG. 7, the terminal device 3 causes the display unit 34 to display a plurality of virtual characters. The terminal device 3 determines the arrangement position of the virtual character to be displayed based on information related to the user specifying information under the control of the control means 31 (S501), and a plurality of virtual characters arranged based on the determined arrangement position Is displayed on the display means 34 (S502).

  The information related to the user specifying information in step S501 is, for example, point information recorded in the user specifying information database 13a in association with the user specifying information. The terminal device 3 accesses the central device 1, Score information corresponding to each virtual character is acquired. A priority is assigned to each virtual character in descending order of the score indicated by the score information, and an arrangement position is determined according to the assigned priority. For example, when there are three virtual characters to be displayed, the virtual character with the highest priority is placed in the center of the screen, the virtual character with the next highest priority is placed on the right side behind the virtual character with the highest priority, A virtual character with a low priority is placed behind the virtual character with the highest priority. That is, virtual characters are arranged at positions that stand out in descending order of priority.

  Moreover, the decoration attribute information set to the decoration information which decorates a virtual character can be used as information relevant to user specific information. Specifically, the priority is determined by scoring and totaling the decoration attribute information related to all decoration information worn by the virtual character. Furthermore, a compatibility (coordinate point) is set for each of the plurality of decoration attribute information, and a high score is given if the compatibility of the plurality of decoration information is high, and a low score is given if the compatibility is low. To do. Specifically, if the virtual character is wearing a soccer uniform and body painting showing a national flag, the score is high, and if the virtual character is wearing a yukata and sneakers, the score is low. To do. Such compatibility can be easily realized, for example, by recording a table indicating the mutual relationship between the decoration attribute information on the central device 1 or the terminal device 3. In this way, the character placement process is performed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the character action process of the terminal device 3 used in the character display system of the present invention. The user who has displayed the virtual character on the display unit 34 can move the virtual character by operating the operation device 5. The terminal device 3 receives an operation by the operation device 5 under the control of the control means 31 (S601), and operates the displayed virtual character by the processing of the character program 32a based on the received operation (S602). The action of the virtual character performed in step S602 is an action corresponding to the music output from the music output device 4, specifically a dance according to the music. The music output device 4 outputs information (digital data) indicating the genre and rhythm of the music being output from the connection means 46 to the terminal device 3 when the music is output, whereby the terminal device 3 is output. A virtual character can be operated according to music. In the terminal device 3, the music output from the music output device 4 may be detected as sound waves transmitted through the air by the sound input means 33, and the rhythm may be detected from the detected sound waves. In this way, character action processing is performed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the music-compatible character placement processing of the terminal device 3 used in the character display system of the present invention. In the character action processing described with reference to FIG. 9, when music output from the music output device 4 is detected, the arrangement of virtual characters may be determined based on the music. The terminal device 3 determines the attribute of the music output from the music output device 4 under the control of the control means 31 (S701), and selects the information related to the user identification information, here the decoration method in which the virtual character is attached. The placement position of the virtual character is determined based on the relationship between the decoration attribute information set in the decoration information to be shown and the music attribute (S702), and a plurality of virtual characters placed based on the determined placement position are displayed. (S703).

  The music attributes determined in step S701 are the genre and rhythm of music as described in the character action process, and are determined from digital data or sound waves output from the music output device 4. The determination of the arrangement position based on the decoration attribute information and the music attribute is such that a high score is given if the compatibility is high, a low score is given if the compatibility is low, and a priority order is determined based on the given score. Can be realized. For example, when the musical attribute is enka, a high score is given to a virtual character wearing a kimono. Such compatibility can be easily realized, for example, by recording a table indicating the interrelationship between the decoration attribute information and the music attribute in the central device 1 or the terminal device 3. In this way, the music-compatible character placement process is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a decoration method change process during operation of the central device 1 and the terminal device 3 used in the character display system of the present invention. The virtual character decoration method can be changed by the user operating the operation device 5 on the virtual character displayed on the display unit 34 by the execution of the character action process described with reference to FIG. Under the control of the control means 31, the terminal device 3 receives an operation for requesting a change in the decoration method of the virtual character being operated from the operation device 5 by the reception means 37 (S801), and displays a list of decoration methods that can be changed. The requested change decoration list request is transmitted from the communication means 35 to the central apparatus 1 via the communication network 100 (S802). The change decoration list request transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the central device 1 includes information indicating user specifying information.

  The central apparatus 1 receives the change decoration list request at the communication means 15 under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14 (S803), and based on the received change decoration list request. Then, a list of decoration information recorded in the user identification information database 13a in association with the user identification information identifying the user is extracted (S804), and the extracted decoration information list is extracted from the communication unit 15 to the communication network 100. Is transmitted to the terminal device 3 via (step S805).

  Under the control of the control unit 31, the terminal device 3 receives the list of decoration information by the communication unit 35 (S806), and displays the list of decoration information on the display unit 34 (S807).

  Then, the user confirms the displayed list of decoration information, operates the operation device 5, and performs an operation of selecting decoration information indicating a decoration method desired to be changed. Under the control of the control means 31, the terminal device 3 accepts an operation requesting a change in the decoration method of the virtual character being operated from the operation device 5 by the receiving means 37 (S808), and is selected based on the accepted operation. The selected change decoration information indicating the decoration information is transmitted from the communication means 15 to the central apparatus 1 (S809).

  The central apparatus 1 receives the selection change decoration information by the communication means 15 under the control of the control means 11 that executes the computer program 200 stored in the storage means 14 (S810), and the decoration information indicated by the received selection change information. Is extracted from the user identification information database 13a (S811), and the extracted decoration information is transmitted from the communication means 15 to the terminal device 3 via the communication network 100 (S812).

  The terminal device 3 receives the decoration information by the communication means 35 under the control of the control means 31 (S813), and changes the decoration method of the operating virtual character based on the received decoration information (S814). At this time, the changed decoration method of the virtual character is recorded in the central device 1 as being the decoration information currently being worn by the virtual character. The terminal device 3 transmits the user specifying information received from the portable communication device 2 to the central device 1 in advance, and the central device 1 extracts decoration information based on the received user specifying information and transmits it to the terminal device 3. In the terminal device 3, the decoration information is recorded in the recording means 32, thereby omitting communication between the central device 1 and the terminal device 3 during the operating decoration method change process and shortening the processing time. Can do. In this way, the decoration method change process is performed during operation.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display means 34 of the terminal device 3 used in the character display system of the present invention. In FIG. 12, three dancers, which are virtual characters based on three character information, are displayed using an image depicting an intersection as a background, and perform an operation of dancing along with music such as karaoke. Then, when the user operates the operation device 5, the decoration method of the virtual character being operated is changed. Further, each time the decoration method of the virtual character is changed, processing such as character placement processing and music-compatible character placement processing is performed to determine the placement position of the virtual character.

  Note that the placement position of the virtual character is determined based on the mutual relationship with the background and the compatibility of each of the plurality of decorative attribute information, in addition to the mutual relationship between the decorative attribute information and the music attribute. As described above, the placement position of the virtual character is determined by the level of the score based on the correlation between the decoration attribute information and the music attribute. However, when the placement method is changed by changing the decoration method, the score is A virtual character placed at a high position may smile, and a virtual character placed at a low position may make a crying face. Further, the expression of the virtual character may be changed every time the score increases or decreases without changing the arrangement position.

It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the structural example of the character display system of invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the various apparatuses used with the character display system of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the various apparatuses used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the member registration process of the central apparatus and portable communication apparatus which are used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the clothing purchasing process of the central apparatus and portable communication apparatus which are used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the decoration method change process of the center apparatus and portable communication device which are used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the character output process of the center apparatus and terminal device which are used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the character arrangement | positioning process of the terminal device used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the character operation | movement process of the terminal device used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the music corresponding | compatible character arrangement | positioning process of the terminal device used with the character display system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the decoration method change process during operation | movement of the center apparatus and terminal device which are used with the character display system of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image displayed on the display means of the terminal device used with the character display system of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central apparatus 11 Control means 12 Auxiliary storage means 13 Recording means 13a User specific information database 13b Decoration information database 13c Code sequence / sound conversion program 14 Storage means 15 Communication means 2 Portable communication apparatus 21 Control means 22 Recording means 23 Communication control means 24 communication means 25 audio output means 26 audio input means 27 audio processing means 28 key input means 29 display means 3 terminal device 31 control means 32 recording means 32a character program 32b code string / sound conversion program 33 audio input means 34 display means 35 communication Means 36 Connection means 37 Reception means 4 Music output device 41 Control means 42 Recording means 42a Karaoke database 43 Voice input means 44 Music output means 45 Display means 46 Connection means 5 Operating device 51 Control means 52 Recording means 3 operation means 54 output unit 100 communication network 200 computer program

Claims (13)

A central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user identification information that identifies a user, and a terminal that displays a virtual character defined by the character information recorded in the central device on a display unit In a character display method using a device and an operation device required for an operation related to a virtual character displayed by the terminal device,
The central device is
In association with the user-specific information, decoration information defining a decoration method for decorating the virtual character is recorded,
The terminal device
Display a virtual character,
Based on the operation by the operation device, the displayed virtual character is moved,
A character display method, comprising: changing a decoration method of a moving virtual character based on an operation by the operation device. A central device that records character information defining a virtual character in association with user identification information that identifies a user, and a terminal that displays a virtual character defined by the character information recorded in the central device on a display unit In a character display system comprising a device and an operation device required for an operation related to a virtual character displayed by the terminal device,
The central device is
A user identification information database that records character information and a plurality of decoration information that defines a decoration method for decorating a virtual character defined in the character information in association with the user identification information;
The terminal device
Means for receiving input of user specific information;
Means for transmitting the received user identification information to the central device,
The central device further comprises:
Means for extracting character information and decoration information associated with the received user identification information from the user identification information database;
Means for transmitting the extracted character information and decoration information to the terminal device,
The terminal device further includes:
Virtual character display means for receiving character information and decoration information and displaying a virtual character based on the character information;
Means for accepting an operation for operating the displayed virtual character from the operating device;
An operation means for operating the displayed virtual character based on an operation received from the operation device;
Means for receiving an operation for selecting decoration information of the virtual character being operated from the operation device;
A character display system comprising: means for changing a decoration method of a virtual character that is operating based on selected decoration information. A music output device for outputting music;
The operating means includes
The character display system according to claim 2, wherein the character display system is configured to operate in accordance with music output from the music output device. The central device is
In the user identification information database, score information indicating the score in association with the user identification information is recorded,
Decoration information database that records decoration information and price information indicating the price of the decoration information;
Means for subtracting the price indicated by the price information corresponding to the decoration information from the score indicated by the score information recorded in association with the user identification information, and recording the decoration information recorded in the decoration information database in the user identification information database The character display system according to claim 3, further comprising: The virtual character display means includes
The character display system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a plurality of virtual characters are displayed. The terminal device
The character display system according to claim 5, further comprising an arrangement position determining unit that determines an arrangement position of the plurality of virtual characters based on information related to the user specifying information. Attributes are set in the decoration information,
The character according to claim 6, wherein the arrangement position determining means is configured to determine an arrangement position based on an attribute set in decoration information for decorating a moving virtual character. Display system. The terminal device
Means for determining an attribute of music output from the music output device;
The character display system according to claim 7, wherein the arrangement position determination unit is configured to determine an arrangement position based on a music attribute and an attribute set in decoration information. A portable communication device capable of communicating with the central device;
The central device is
The character display system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising means for assigning user-specific information to the portable communication device based on a communication result with the portable communication device. The virtual character is
A virtual person or anthropomorphic or inanimate object whose appearance is defined by character information,
The decoration information is
The character display system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein a costume for decorating the virtual character is defined as a decoration method. In the central device for recording the character information defining the virtual character in association with the user specifying information for specifying the user,
Means for communicating with a terminal device for displaying a virtual character defined in the character information on the display unit;
A user identification information database that records character information and a plurality of decoration information that defines a decoration method for decorating a virtual character defined in the character information in association with the user identification information;
Means for receiving user identification information from the terminal device;
Means for extracting character information and decoration information associated with the received user identification information from the user identification information database;
Means for transmitting the extracted character information and decoration information to the terminal device. The character information defining the virtual character communicates with the central device that records the character information in association with the user identification information that identifies the user, and the virtual character defined by the character information recorded in the central device is displayed on the display unit. In the terminal device to be
Means for receiving input of user specific information;
Means for transmitting the received user identification information to the central device;
Means for receiving character information transmitted from the central device in response to the transmitted user identification information and a plurality of decoration information defining a decoration method for decorating a virtual character recorded in association with the character information in advance. When,
Means for displaying a virtual character decorated with a decoration method defined by the received decoration information;
Means for operating the displayed virtual character;
Means for accepting an operation for selecting decoration information of the virtual character being operated from an external device;
A terminal device comprising: means for changing a decoration method of the operating virtual character based on the selected decoration information. A computer having a communication unit causes character information defining a virtual character to be recorded in association with user specifying information specifying a user, and communicates with a terminal device that displays the virtual character defined by the character information on the display unit. In a computer program,
A plurality of decoration information defining a character information and a decoration method for decorating a virtual character defined by the character information in association with the user identification information when user identification information is received from the terminal device. A procedure for accessing the user identification information database to be recorded and extracting character information and decoration information associated with the user identification information received from the terminal device;
A computer program for executing the procedure of transmitting the extracted character information and decoration information to the terminal device.

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